Wellbutrin is a popular antidepressant that helps people manage depression, seasonal mood changes, and smoking cessation. However, many people have questions about how to take it safely and what to expect. Continue reading to learn how to begin, gradually increase your dose, and handle potential side effects to make Wellbutrin more effective for you and your mental health.

What is Wellbutrin (Bupropion)?

Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, and Wellbutrin XL are brand names for the generic drug bupropion hydrochloride. Bupropion is an antidepressant that belongs to a group of drugs called norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs).

Wellbutrin is an immediate-release oral tablet, while Wellbutrin sustained release (SR) and extended release (XL) are long-acting dosage forms.

It is commonly used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and to treat and prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In addition, bupropion is prescribed to help with smoking cessation.

Off-label uses of this drug include neuropathic pain, ADHD, and antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction.

Wellbutrin Dosage Forms and Strengths

Correct Wellbutrin dosing is important to ensure the drug’s effectiveness and safety and prevent serious adverse effects.

What Strengths Does Wellbutrin Come In?

Bupropion immediate release is taken two or three times a day.
- It comes as 75 mg and 100 mg oral tablets.
Bupropion sustained release (SR) is taken once daily or twice daily.
- Wellbutrin SR tablets come in strengths of 100 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg.
Bupropion extended release (XL) is taken once daily.
- Wellbutrin XL tablets come in strengths of 150 mg and 300 mg.

Dosage For Major Depression

Bupropion can be used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), but the dosage varies with the formulation. The starting dose of Wellbutrin is as follows:

Formulation	Typical Dosing	Tablet Strengths
Immediate-release	2–3 times/day	75 mg, 100 mg
Sustained-release (SR)	1–2 times/day	100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg
Extended-release (XL)	Once daily	150 mg, 300 mg

Dosage For Seasonal Affective Disorder

Bupropion hydrochloride extended release (brand name Wellbutrin XL) is prescribed for preventive treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) at an initial dose of 150 mg once daily.

Treatment of SAD is started in the fall before depressive symptoms begin and continued throughout the winter until early spring.

The FDA has only approved Wellbutrin XL (24-hour extended-release) for the treatment of SAD. The other formulations (immediate release and SR) have not been approved for this purpose but may be prescribed off-label in some cases.)

Why Do Doctors Prescribe A Low Initial Dose of Wellbutrin?

Healthcare providers prescribe a lower dose of Wellbutrin when first starting treatment to reduce:

Seizure Risk: Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride) can cause seizures (convulsions). Starting at a lower Wellbutrin dosage is important to lower the risk of seizures. Take the medication exactly as prescribed and do not increase your dose until directed by your healthcare provider.
Side Effects: Starting with a low dose is recommended for all formulations of bupropion to minimize side effects like insomnia, restlessness, and agitation, which are common during the first few days of treatment.

How to Increase Wellbutrin Dosage From 150 to 300

Immediate-release Wellbutrin For Depression

Start at 100 mg every 12 hours (twice a day).
After 3 days, the dose may increase to 100 mg every 8 hours (three times a day).
If there is no improvement after several weeks, the dosage may be increased to a maximum of 150 mg every 8 hours (total daily dose: 450 mg).

Sustained-Release Wellbutrin For Depression

Start at 150 mg once daily.
After 3 days, the dose may be increased to 150 mg every 12 hours (twice daily).
If no improvement after several weeks, the dosage may increase to a maximum of 200 mg every 12 hours (twice a day) (total daily dose of 400 mg).

Extended-Release Wellbutrin (XL) For Depression

Start at 150 mg once daily.
After 3 to 7 days, the dose may increase to 300 mg every 24 hours (once daily).
If there is no improvement after 2 to 4 weeks, the dosage may be increased to a maximum of 450 mg per day after at least 2 to 4 weeks.

When Should You Increase Wellbutrin From 150 mg to 300 mg?

Your healthcare provider may recommend increasing Wellbutrin XL dosage from 150 to 300 mg if there is no clinical improvement in your symptoms on the lower dose.

Here are some precautions to keep in mind for Wellbutrin dosing:

Follow your provider’s dosing instructions carefully. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if the dose adjustments are not clear.
Doses of bupropion immediate release should be separated by at least 6 hours.
Doses of bupropion sustained release (SR) should be separated by at least 8 hours.
Doses of bupropion extended release (XL) should be separated by at least 24 hours.
Do not take double or extra doses to make up for a missed dose. If you miss a dose and it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Do not cut, crush, or chew Wellbutrin tablets.

Side Effects of Higher Doses

Common Side Effects

The most common side effects of Wellbutrin treatment include:

Drowsiness
Dizziness or vertigo
Insomnia
Anxiety
Excitement
Headache
Dry mouth
Gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, and weight loss
Excessive sweating
Uncontrolled shaking
Changes in taste
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Sore throat
Frequent urination

These side effects usually get better in a week or two. Tell your healthcare provider if they are severe or persistent.

Serious Side Effects

Seek immediate medical care if you develop the following signs and symptoms:

Seizures
Fever
Muscle pain or joint pain
Confusion
Paranoia (irrational fears)
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
Mania (abnormal excitement) in people with undiagnosed bipolar disorder
Skin rash, hives, itching, peeling, blisters (signs of an allergic reaction)
Swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet, or lower legs
Fast, pounding, or rapid heartbeat
Chest pain
Trouble breathing or swallowing
Hoarseness
Allergic reactions
Worsening depression or suicidal thoughts

Factors Affecting Wellbutrin Dosage Decisions

Kidney and Liver Function

Mild to moderate liver impairment: Use with caution. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a lower dose of Wellbutrin or less frequent dosing. Some dosage forms of bupropion, such as Fortivo XL, are not recommended in people with liver problems.
Moderate to severe liver disease: Maximum recommended dose is Wellbutrin XL 150 mg every other day, or Wellbutrin SR 100 mg once daily, or bupropion (immediate release) 75 mg once daily.

Age

Older adults may be prescribed a lower dose of Wellbutrin or less frequent dosing, especially if they have decreased kidney function.

Drug Interactions

Interactions between bupropion (Wellbutrin) and other medications can affect how well it works and may increase the risk of severe adverse effects. Give your healthcare provider a full list of all medications and supplements you are taking.

Tips For Managing Wellbutrin Side Effects

Your healthcare provider may recommend the following steps to help manage and reduce side effects:

Temporary dose reduction if unwanted effects are severe
Adjust the timing of dosing. For example, you can take Wellbutrin in the morning to reduce or prevent insomnia, or at night to avoid daytime drowsiness.
Prescribe additional medications in the first week of Wellbutrin treatment to manage side effects such as restlessness and agitation if needed.
Lifestyle changes like getting enough sleep, stress reduction, eating a healthy diet, staying well-hydrated, getting regular exercise, going to therapy, and limiting caffeine and alcohol can promote better mental health.

Call your healthcare provider if you have any unusual, severe, or persistent side effects from Wellbutrin. Seek emergency medical attention for signs and symptoms listed under serious side effects above.

FAQs on Wellbutrin Dosages

Is Wellbutrin An Upper or Downer?

Wellbutrin is generally considered an “upper” as it tends to elevate mood and energy levels.

How Long Does It Take To Feel The Effects of Wellbutrin After A Dose Increase?

Most patients report that Wellbutrin starts working in about 2 to 4 weeks. Some patients may notice an improvement in their depressive symptoms as early as 1 to 2 weeks, while others may take up to 8 weeks to get the full benefits.

Can Higher Doses Cause Anxiety?

Wellbutrin is not typically prescribed for anxiety. Wellbutrin dosage adjustments can cause increased anxiety in some patients. Your healthcare provider may choose a different medicine if you have anxiety disorders. Tell your provider if you notice worsening anxiety symptoms after starting Wellbutrin therapy or after dosage adjustments.

Is 300 mg of Wellbutrin A Lot?

300 mg of Wellbutrin is a commonly prescribed maintenance dosage. But it’s important to work up to this higher dose of Wellbutrin gradually to prevent side effects.

Is 450 mg of Wellbutrin A Lot?

Yes, 450 mg of Wellbutrin a day is the maximum dosage that can be prescribed. Do not exceed this maximum daily dosage. Doing so can cause severe side effects, including seizures.

Does Wellbutrin Give You Energy or Make You Tired?

Treatment of depression with Wellbutrin can lead to increased energy and motivation and less fatigue.

Is Wellbutrin Safe During Pregnancy?

Wellbutrin is a Pregnancy Category C drug, which means there isn’t enough data in pregnant women to say if this drug is safe. However, animal studies indicate a potential risk to the fetus (unborn baby). If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, talk with your healthcare provider to discuss other options for treating depression.