Normal dosage of wellbutrin

Side Effects, Dosage, Uses and More

Highlights for bupropion

Bupropion oral tablet is available as brand-name drugs and as generic drugs. Brand names: Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Aplenzin, and Forfivo XL.
Bupropion comes only as an immediate-release tablet or an extended-release tablet. Both forms are taken by mouth.
Bupropion is used to treat depression and prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It’s also used to help people stop smoking.

Other warnings

Seizures warning: This drug may cause seizures. The risk of seizures increases with higher doses of this drug. Before you take this drug, talk with your doctor about all of your medical conditions and all medications you take. Certain medical problems and medications can increase your risk for seizures with this drug. To reduce the risk of seizures, your doctor may increase your dosage slowly.

High blood pressure warning: This drug can cause severe high blood pressure. Your doctor may monitor your blood pressure during treatment with this drug.
Manic episodes warning: This drug can cause periods of mania. Symptoms can include greatly increased energy, severe trouble sleeping, racing thoughts, or reckless behavior. They can also include having unusually exciting ideas, feeling extremely happy or irritable, or talking more or faster than usual.

Bupropion is a prescription drug. It comes in the form of an immediate-release tablet or an extended-release tablet. Both forms are taken by mouth. An extended-release drug is released into your system slowly over time. An immediate-release drug works more quickly.

Bupropion is available as the brand-name drugs Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Aplenzin, and Forfivo XL. It’s also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name drug.

Why it’s used

Bupropion is used to treat depression and prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD). With SAD, people have episodes of depression that occur in the fall and winter.

Bupropion is also used to help people stop smoking.

How it works

Bupropion belongs to a class of drugs called antidepressant. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.

Bupropion works by increasing the activity of natural chemicals in your brain. Your nerves use these chemicals to send messages to each other. These chemicals include dopamine and norepinephrine.

Bupropion oral tablet doesn’t cause drowsiness, but it can cause other side effects.

More common side effects

The more common side effects of bupropion can include:

agitation
dry mouth
constipation
headache
nausea
vomiting
dizziness
sweating
shakiness
trouble sleeping
blurred vision
fast heartbeat

confusion
rash
increased anger
abnormal heart rhythms
changes in hearing, such as ringing in the ears or hearing noises that aren’t real

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

Mental health effects. Symptoms can include:
- thoughts about suicide or dying
- attempts to die by suicide
- new or worsened depression
- new or worsened anxiety
- feeling very agitated or restless
- panic attacks
- trouble sleeping
- new or worsened irritability
- acting aggressive, angry, or violent
- acting on dangerous impulses
- an extreme increase in activity and talking
- other unusual changes in behavior or mood
Eye problems. Symptoms can include:
- eye pain
- swelling or redness in or around the eye
- vision changes, such as blurred vision or double vision
Seizures. Symptoms can include:
- confusion
- staring spells
- jerking movements of your arms and legs that you can’t control
- loss of consciousness

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare provider who knows your medical history.

Bupropion oral tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.

To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with bupropion are listed below.

Drugs you should not use with bupropion

Do not take these drugs with bupropion. Doing so can cause dangerous effects in your body. Examples of these drugs include:

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as phenelzine or selegiline. Using these drugs with bupropion can result in severe high blood pressure. At least 14 days should pass between your use of an MAOI and use of bupropion.

Interactions that increase your risk for side effects

Taking bupropion with certain medications raises your risk for side effects from these drugs. Examples of these drugs include:

Antidepressants, such as venlafaxine, nortriptyline, imipramine, desipramine, paroxetine, fluoxetine, or sertraline. Increased side effects can include seizures. If these drugs are needed, your doctor may start you on a low dosage and increase it slowly.
Antipsychotics, such as haloperidol, risperidone, or thioridazine. Increased side effects can include seizures. If these drugs are needed, your doctor may start you on a low dosage and increase it slowly.
Beta-blockers, such as metoprolol. Increased side effects can include low blood pressure. Your doctor may lower your dosage of these medications if they’re taken with bupropion.
Anti-arrhythmics, such as propafenone or flecainide. Increased side effects can include fainting and changes in your heartbeat (too fast or too slow). Your doctor may lower your dosage of these medications if they’re taken with bupropion.
Theophylline. Increased side effects can include seizures. If this drug is needed, your doctor may start you on a low dosage and increase it gradually.
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone or methylprednisolone. Use of these drugs with bupropion may result in seizures. If these drugs are needed, your doctor may start you on a low dosage and increase it gradually.
Levodopa and amantadine. Increased side effects can include restlessness, agitation, shakiness, loss of body movements, dizziness, loss of balance, or trouble walking.
Blood thinner drugs, such as ticlopidine or clopidogrel. If you use one of these drugs with bupropion, your doctor may adjust your bupropion dosage to keep the levels of bupropion in your body from getting too high.
Benzodiazepines, such alprazolam or clonazepam. Using these drugs with bupropion can increase the risk of seizures. It’s also increased if you’re taking these drugs and suddenly stop. Talk with your doctor to see if you have a greater chance of seizures.

Interactions that can make your drugs less effective

When bupropion is used with certain drugs, it may not work as well to treat your condition. This is because the amount of bupropion in your body may be decreased. Examples of these drugs include:

HIV drugs, such as ritonavir, lopinavir, or efavirenz. If you use one of these drugs with bupropion, your doctor may increase your bupropion dosage.
Anti-seizure drugs, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin. If you use one of these drugs with bupropion, your doctor may increase your bupropion dosage.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.

This drug comes with several warnings.

Allergy warning

This drug can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:

rash
swelling of your lips or tongue
itching
hives
fever
swollen lymph glands
painful sores in your mouth or around your eyes
trouble breathing

If you develop these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death).

Alcohol interaction warning

When taking bupropion, your risk for seizures increases if you have too many drinks that contain alcohol. It’s also increased if you drink alcohol but suddenly stop. If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether this drug is safe for you.

Warnings for people with certain health conditions

For people with a seizure disorder: This drug raises the risk of seizures. You should not take this drug if you have a seizure disorder.

For people with eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia: This drug raises your risk for seizures. You should not take this drug if you have an eating disorder.

For people with bipolar disorder: This drug may make your condition worse. You should not take this drug if you have bipolar disorder.

For people with kidney problems: If you have kidney problems or a history of kidney disease, you may not be able to clear this drug from your body well. This may increase the levels of this drug in your body and cause more side effects. Your doctor may reduce your dosage of this drug, or how often you are given this drug.

For people with liver disease: Your doctor may reduce your dosage of this drug, or how often you are given this drug.

For people with angle-closure glaucoma: This drug can make your condition worse.

Warnings for other groups

For pregnant women: This drug is a category C pregnancy drug. That means two things:

Research in animals has shown adverse effects to the fetus when the mother takes the drug.
There haven’t been enough studies done in humans to be certain how the drug might affect the fetus.

Talk with your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This drug should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.

If you become pregnant while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.

For women who are breastfeeding: This drug passes into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk to your doctor if you breastfeed your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.

For seniors: The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk for side effects.

For children: It hasn’t been established that this drug is safe and effective for use in children.

All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:

your age
the condition being treated
how severe your condition is
other medical conditions you have
how you react to the first dose

Dosage for depression

Generic: Bupropion

Form: oral immediate-release tablet
Strengths: 75 mg, 100 mg

Form: oral extended-release tablet
Strengths: 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg

Brand: Wellbutrin XL

Form: oral extended-release tablet
Strengths: 150 mg, 300 mg

Brand: Wellbutrin SR

Form: oral sustained-release tablet
Strengths: 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg

Brand: Aplenzin

Form: oral extended-release tablet
Strengths: 174 mg, 348 mg, 522 mg

Brand: Forfivo XL

Form: oral extended-release tablet
Strength: 450 mg

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

Generic immediate-release:

Typical starting dosage: 200 mg per day, taken as 100 mg twice daily.
Dosage increases: After 3 days, the dosage may be increased to 300 mg per day, taken as 100 mg, 3 times daily. Wait at least 6 hours between doses.
Maximum dosage: 450 mg per day, taken in divided doses of no more than 150 mg each. Your doctor may prescribe this dosage for you if you don’t respond to several weeks of treatment.

Generic extended-release:

Typical starting dosage: 150 mg once daily in the morning.
Dosage increases: After 4 days, the dosage may be increased to 300 mg, taken once daily in the morning.

Wellbutrin XL:

Typical starting dosage: 150 mg once daily in the morning.
Dosage increases: After 4 days, the dosage may be increased to 300 mg, taken once daily in the morning.

Wellbutrin SR:

Typical starting dosage: 150 mg per day, taken as a single dose in the morning.
Dosage increases: After 3 days, the dosage may be increased to 300 mg per day, taken as 150 mg twice daily. Wait at least eight hours between doses.
Maximum dosage: 400 mg per day, taken as 200 mg twice daily. Your doctor may prescribe this dosage for you if you don’t respond to several weeks of treatment at a dosage of 300 mg per day.

Aplenzin:

Typical starting dosage: 174 mg once daily in the morning.
Dosage increases: After 4 days, the dosage may be increased to 348 mg, taken once daily in the morning.

Forfivo XL:

Typical starting dosage: 450 mg once per day.
Usage: This brand can be used if:
- you’ve been receiving 300 mg per day of another bupropion product for at least 2 weeks, and
- you require a higher dosage of bupropion, at least 450 mg per day.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

It has not been confirmed that this drug is safe and effective for use in people younger than 18 years.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, a higher amount of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk for side effects.

Dosage for seasonal affective disorder

Generic: Bupropion

Form: oral extended-release tablet
Strengths: 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg

Form: oral extended-release tablet
Strengths: 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg

Brand: Aplenzin

Form: oral extended-release tablet
Strengths: 174 mg, 348 mg, 522 mg

Brand: Wellbutrin XL

Form: oral extended-release tablet
Strengths: 150 mg, 300 mg

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

Generic extended-release

Typical starting dosage: 150 mg once daily.
Dosage increases: After 7 days, the dosage may be increased to 300 mg, taken once daily in the morning.

Aplenzin:

Typical starting dosage: 174 mg once daily.
Dosage increases: After 7 days, the dosage may be increased to 348 mg, taken once daily.

Wellbutrin XL:

Typical starting dosage: 150 mg once daily.
Dosage increases: After 7 days, the dosage may be increased to 300 mg, taken once daily in the morning.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

It has not been confirmed that this drug is safe and effective for use in people younger than 18 years.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

Dosage for smoking cessation

Generic: Bupropion

Form: oral extended-release tablet
Strengths: 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

Generic extended-release tablet:

Treatment with this drug should start before you plan to quit smoking. You should set a target quit date within the first 2 weeks of treatment with this drug. Treatment should be continued for 7–12 weeks.

Typical starting dosage: One 150-mg tablet per day for 3 days.
Dosage increases: On the fourth day, this is increased to 300 mg per day, taken as one 150-mg tablet twice daily. Wait at least 8 hours between each dose.
Maximum dosage: 300 mg per day.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you.

Bupropion oral tablet is used for long-term treatment of depression or SAD. It’s used for short-term treatment when used to quit smoking.

This drug comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.

If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don’t take it at all: Your symptoms of depression or SAD may get worse. Or you may not be able to quit smoking.

If you miss doses or don’t take the drug on schedule: Your medication may not work as well or may stop working completely. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times.

If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include:

seizures
hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)
loss of consciousness
abnormal heart rhythms

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or local poison control center. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

What to do if you miss a dose: Take your dose as soon as you remember. But if you remember just a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose. Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could result in dangerous side effects.

How to tell if the drug is working: Your symptoms of depression or SAD should decrease. Or you may be able to quit smoking.

Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes bupropion for you.

General

You can take this drug with or without food.
Take this drug at the time(s) recommended by your doctor.
You cannot cut or crush the tablet.

Storage

Store this drug at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).
Keep bupropion away from light.
Don’t store this medication in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms.

Refills

A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.

Travel

When traveling with your medication:

Always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on bag.
Don’t worry about airport X-ray machines. They can’t harm your medication.
You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled container with you.
Don’t put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold.

Clinical monitoring

You and your doctor should monitor certain health issues. This can help make sure you stay safe while you take this drug. These issues include:

Kidney function: Blood tests can check how well your kidneys are working. If your kidneys aren’t working well, your doctor may lower your dosage of this drug.
Liver function. Blood tests can check how well your liver is working. If your liver isn’t working well, your doctor may lower your dosage of this drug.
Mental health and behavioral problems: You and your doctor should watch for any unusual changes in your behavior and mood. This drug can cause new mental health and behavior problems, or make problems you already have worse.
Blood pressure: This drug may increase your blood pressure. Your doctor may check your blood pressure during treatment with this drug.

Hidden costs

You may need to have blood tests during your treatment with this drug. The cost of these tests will depend on your insurance coverage.

Prior authorization

Many insurance companies require a prior authorization for certain brands of this drug. This means your doctor may need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription.

There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk with your doctor about other drug options that may work for you.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained here in is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) Dosage Guide

Bupropion is an antidepressant. It’s sold under a variety of brand names, including Wellbutrin® as a medication for treating depression and as Zyban® for smokers that need help resisting nicotine cravings while quitting.

If you’re prescribed bupropion, it’s important to take your medication as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Below, we’ve listed the common dosages for bupropion, with information on dosing for use as an antidepressant and as a smoking cessation aid. We’ve also provided answers to a range of frequently asked questions about bupropion use and dosages.

Wellbutrin Dosages

Wellbutrin is a medication that’s commonly prescribed to treat major depressive disorder (MDD, or simply depression). An extended-release version of Wellbutrin, marketed as Wellbutrin XL®, is also approved by the FDA to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin comes in tablet form, with each tablet containing either 75mg or 100mg of bupropion. If you’re prescribed Wellbutrin, make sure to check your medication’s packaging to ensure you’re aware of the strength before using this medication.

The recommended starting dosage for Wellbutrin is 200mg per day, taken as 100mg twice per day. After three days, your healthcare provider may increase your dosage to 300mg of bupropion per day, given as 100mg three times daily with at least six hours between each dose.

Treating depression is often a process. Your healthcare provider may adjust your dosage of Wellbutrin over the course of treatment based on your response to the medication and the severity of your symptoms.

The maximum dosage of Wellbutrin is 450mg per day. This dosage is typically used for people who don’t experience any improvement after using Wellbutrin at a standard dosage for several weeks.

If you’re prescribed Wellbutrin and don’t experience any improvement, don’t make any changes to your dosage on your own. Instead, talk to your healthcare provider. If appropriate, they may change your dosage or recommend a different type of treatment.

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Wellbutrin XL

Wellbutrin XL also comes in tablet form. Each tablet of Wellbutrin XL contains either 150mg or 300mg of bupropion. If you’re prescribed Wellbutrin XL, it’s important to check the label of your medication to make sure you take the correct dosage.

The recommended starting dosage of Wellbutrin XL for depression is 150mg per day, taken in the morning. After four days, your doctor may increase your dosage to 300mg each day, also taken in the morning.

Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin XL can take several months to treat depression. Your doctor may adjust your Wellbutrin XL dosage over the course of several weeks or months to make sure you experience the best results from the medication.

For treating seasonal affective disorder (SAD), the recommended starting dosage of Wellbutrin XL is 150mg per day. After seven days, your healthcare provider may increase your dosage to 300mg per day, taken once daily in the morning.

If you have seasonal affective disorder, your healthcare provider may recommend that you begin treatment with Wellbutrin XL before your depressive symptoms appear. It’s typical to use Wellbutrin XL from autumn until early spring as a treatment for seasonal affective disorder.

Wellbutrin Dosage for Depression and Anxiety

Bupropion is available in several doses, and for depression treatment, there’s a fairly standard understanding of how much medication should be taken.

First, there are immediate-release bupropion tablets, which are available in strengths of 75mg and 100mg.

Extended/sustained-release versions of bupropion can contain 100mg, 150mg, 200mg, 300mg or 450mg of bupropion in a single dose per tablet. This may also vary based on the brand of medication you’re using — make sure to consult the label before taking any medication.

Typically, a starting dose of bupropion for depression starts around 150mg per day, and might go up to three times that. Doses may be adjusted after a few days or weeks at the discretion of your healthcare provider.

For anxiety, the dosage will likely be much smaller.

There’s not ample discussion on the appropriate daily dose for anxiety treatment, and it could be considered experimental at this point, given that anxiety treatment is off-label.

But some healthcare professionals suggest going with the “low and slow” approach, using about half the recommended depression doses as a starting point.

Based on your symptoms, health history, response to the medication and several other factors, your healthcare provider may adjust your dosage of bupropion over time.

Stopping Wellbutrin or Wellbutrin XL

If you no longer want to take Wellbutrin or Wellbutrin XL, or your healthcare provider believes that you don’t need to use your medication anymore, they’ll recommend that you gradually taper your dosage in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions closely and lower your dosage gradually as recommended. Do not make any changes to your dosage of Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin XL or any other antidepressant without first talking to your healthcare provider.

Zyban Dosages

Zyban is a smoking cessation medication. It’s designed to help smokers deal with the effects of nicotine withdrawal and stay smoke-free after making the decision to quit cigarettes and/or other tobacco products.

Like other medications that contain bupropion, Zyban comes in tablet form. Each tablet contains 150mg of bupropion.

If you’re prescribed Zyban, your healthcare provider will typically instruct you to start taking your medication at least one week before your planned quit date. This helps to allow the medication to reach a steady state in your bloodstream by the time you stop smoking.

The recommended starting dosage for Zyban is 150mg per day for three days. After three days, the recommended dosage increases to 300mg per day, taken as one 150mg tablet at a time, at least eight hours apart. You should not take more than 300mg of Zyban per day.

Treatment with Zyban usually lasts for seven to 12 weeks. If you haven’t quit after using Zyban for seven weeks or longer, talk to your healthcare provider. They may suggest making changes to your treatment plan to help you quit successfully.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban)

What Time of Day Should You Take Bupropion?

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and take bupropion as recommended. If you’re prescribed an extended-release form of bupropion, such as Wellbutrin XL, you should use your medication in the morning, as recommended on the medication’s label.

Taking bupropion in the morning and avoiding late night use may help to reduce the severity of insomnia — a common side effect of bupropion.

Can You Take Bupropion With or Without Food?

All medications that contain bupropion, including Wellbutrin and Zyban, can be safely taken with or without food. Research indicates that food doesn’t have a significant impact on the absorption of bupropion, meaning your medication will work effectively even if it’s taken after a meal.

If you experience nauseous after taking bupropion, taking your medication with food may help to reduce the severity of your symptoms.

Swallow your Wellbutrin or Zyban tablets whole and do not crush, divide or chew them. To make taking your medication easier, you can swallow the tablet(s) with a glass of water.

How Should You Store Bupropion?

The FDA recommends storing Wellbutrin or Zyban at room temperature in a dry location, away from natural light. Keep this medication stored between 59 and 86°F (15 and 30°C). Make sure to keep Wellbutrin, Zyban or other bupropion medications out of reach of children.

I Missed a Dose of Bupropion. What Should I Do?

If you miss a dose of Wellbutrin, Zyban or other bupropion medication, don’t take an extra tablet to make up for the missed dose. Taking an extra bupropion tablet may increase your risk of side effects, including seizures.

Instead, continue taking your medication as normal from the next dose. If you frequently forget to take bupropion as prescribed, consider setting a reminder or using a pill organizer to make it easier to take your medication on time.

If you have leftover medication after you finish using bupropion, talk to your healthcare provider about disposing of it safely.

Bupropion Doesn’t Work For Me. Should I Increase the Dosage?

If you don’t notice any effects from bupropion, don’t increase your dosage on your own. Sudden increases in your dosage of bupropion can elevate your risk of experiencing severe side effects, such as seizures.

If you don’t think bupropion online is working for you, talk to your healthcare provider. They may recommend adjusting your dosage or trying a different type of treatment.

For another commonly asked question, read our blog on Wellbutrin and pregnancy: is it safe?

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Bupropion and Your Mental Health

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is like any other medication: used correctly, it has the potential to help reduce or eliminate the symptoms of the medical condition(s) it treats. And like any other medication, following the directions of your healthcare provider is key.

That’s why dosage is so important: an improper dose may have serious side effects, or cause major issues with the effectiveness of your treatment.

Ultimately, Wellbutrin may just be one of the elements of effective treatment for your mood disorders.

Others may include lifestyle changes or therapy — a healthcare provider will likely make recommendations for your individual needs, and it may include some or all of the options available for treatment.

You can’t and should never change a prescription on your own, but there are things you can do without a healthcare professional’s input to work on your mental health — like reading.

If you’re just learning about depression, we suggest learning about the types of therapy. If you’d like to continue exploring, you might want to check out our mental health resources guide.

Ready to talk to someone? Consider scheduling an online psychiatry evaluation today.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.

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Adult Medication

This document, provided by Lexicomp ^® , contains all the information you need to know about this medicine, including indications, directions for use, side effects, and when your healthcare provider should be contacted.

Trade names: USA

Aplenzin; Forfivo XL; Wellbutrin SR; Wellbutrin XL; Zyban [DSC]

Trade names: Canada

MYLAN-BuPROPion XL [DSC]; ODAN Bupropion SR; TARO-Bupropion XL; TEVA-Bupropion XL; Wellbutrin SR; Wellbutrin XL; Zyban

Warning

Medicines like this have been shown to increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts or actions in children and young people. This risk may be higher in people who have tried or had suicidal thoughts in the past. All people taking this drug must be closely monitored. Call your doctor right away if you have signs such as depressed mood (depression), nervousness, anxiety, grouchiness or panic attacks, or if other mood or behavior changes occur or worsen. Contact your doctor immediately if you have suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts.

What is this drug used for?

Used to treat depression.
Used to prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Used for smoking cessation.
This drug may be used for other indications. Consult your doctor.

What should I tell my doctor BEFORE taking this drug?

If you are allergic to this drug, any of its ingredients, other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about your allergies and how they have manifested.
If you have ever had a seizure.
If you abuse alcohol and stop drinking it abruptly.
If you are taking certain other drugs, such as anticonvulsants or tranquilizers, and you stop taking them abruptly.
If you have ever had an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia.
If you have any of the following health conditions: kidney disease or liver disease.
If you have taken drugs for depression or Parkinson's disease in the past 14 days. These include isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline. An episode of very high blood pressure may occur.
If you are taking any of the following: linezolid or methylene blue.
If you are taking another drug that contains the same drug.

This list of drugs and conditions that may interfere with this drug is not exhaustive.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines you take (both prescription and over-the-counter, natural products and vitamins) and any health problems you have. You need to make sure that this drug is safe for your conditions and in combination with other drugs you are already taking. Do not start or stop taking any drug or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.

What do I need to know or do while taking this drug?

For all patients taking this drug:

Tell all your health care workers that you are taking this drug. These are doctors, nurses, pharmacists and dentists.
Avoid driving or doing other tasks or jobs that require alertness or keen eyesight until you know how this drug affects you.
This drug may affect the results of some lab tests. Tell all your health care workers and laboratory staff that you are taking this drug.
Do not stop this drug abruptly without talking to your doctor. This can increase the risk of side effects. If necessary, taking this drug should be stopped gradually, in accordance with the recommendations of the doctor.
High blood pressure has happened with this drug. Monitor your blood pressure as directed by your doctor.
This drug may increase the risk of seizures. The risk may be increased in people who take higher doses of the drug, who have certain health problems, or who use certain other drugs. People who abruptly stop drinking large amounts of alcohol or abruptly stop taking certain medications (such as drugs used for anxiety, insomnia, or seizures) are also at higher risk. Talk to your doctor to find out if you have an increased risk of seizures.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this drug.
Talk to your doctor before using marijuana, other forms of cannabis, or prescription or over-the-counter drugs that can slow you down.
It may take several weeks to achieve full effect.
This drug is not approved for use in children. Consult your doctor.
If you are 65 years of age or older, use this drug with caution. You may experience more side effects.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. The benefits and risks for you and your child will need to be discussed.

If you smoke:

Not all drugs are approved to help you stop smoking. Check with your doctor to make sure you get the right drug.
When using bupropion for smoking cessation, the emergence of new or aggravation of existing disorders of the psyche, mood or behavior was noted. These disturbances include suicidal or homicidal thoughts, depression, violent acts, rage, anxiety and anger. These disorders have been observed in people with and without mental and mood disorders in the past. Consult your doctor.

What side effects should I report to my doctor immediately?

WARNING. In rare cases, this drug can cause serious and sometimes deadly side effects in some patients. Call your doctor right away or get medical help if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be associated with serious side effects:

Signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, hives, itching, red and swollen skin with blisters or flaking, possibly associated with fever, wheezing or wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking, unusual hoarseness, swelling in the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of high blood pressure such as very severe headache or dizziness or loss of consciousness or blurred vision.
Feeling of confusion, inability to concentrate or changes in behavior.
Hallucinations (a person sees or hears something that is not in reality).
If, after starting the medicine, convulsions become more frequent or more severe.
Chest pain, angina pectoris, tachycardia or abnormal heart rhythm.
Inflammation.
Shortness of breath.
Change in hearing.
Ringing in the ears.
Frequent urination.
Gland swelling.
Violation of motor functions.
There may be an increased risk of eye problems when using this drug in some patients. Your doctor may order an eye examination to see if you are at increased risk for these eye problems. Call your doctor right away if you have eye pain, vision changes, swelling or redness around the eye.
Possible severe skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis). This can lead to severe health problems, which can be permanent, and sometimes death. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as redness, swelling of the skin with blistering or peeling (with or without fever), redness or irritation of the eyes, and sores in the mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

Any medicine can have side effects. However, for many people, side effects are either minor or non-existent. Contact your doctor or seek medical attention if these or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

All formulations:

Dizziness or headache.
Constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or decreased appetite.
Trembling.
Nervous tension and agitation.
Strange or unusual dreams.
Gas formation.
Dry mouth.
Sleep disorders.
Pain in joints or muscles.
Irritation of the nose or throat.
Excessive sweating.
Unexplained fluctuations in weight.

Extended release tablets:

The tablet shell of some brand drugs can sometimes be seen in the stool. For drugs of these brands, this is normal and does not cause concern. If you have any questions, please consult your doctor.

This list of possible side effects is not exhaustive. If you have any questions about side effects, please contact your doctor. Talk to your doctor about side effects.

You can report side effects to the National Health Board.

You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You can also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

What is the best way to take this drug?

Use this drug as directed by your doctor. Read all the information provided to you. Strictly follow all instructions.

For all uses of this drug:

Do not take more often than directed. This may increase your risk of developing seizures. Make sure you know at what intervals you need to use the drug.
Take in the morning if you are taking this drug once a day.
Take this drug with or without food.
If you cannot sleep, do not take this drug at bedtime. Consult your doctor.
Swallow whole. Do not chew, break or crush.
Keep taking this drug as your doctor or other health care professional tells you to, even if you feel well.
If you have difficulty swallowing, talk to your doctor.

Smoking cessation:

You can take this drug for 1 week before you stop smoking.
Nicotine replacement and psychological help can be done at the same time for best results.
If you have not been able to stop smoking after 12 weeks of taking this drug, talk with your doctor.
When you try to quit smoking, you may experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms even if you use quit smoking drugs like this drug. There are many signs of nicotine withdrawal. People who are trying to quit smoking have occasionally experienced depression and suicidal thoughts. Consult with your physician.

What if I miss a dose of a drug?

Skip the forgotten dose and return to your regular schedule.
Do not take 2 doses or an additional dose at the same time.

How do I store and/or discard this drug?

Store at room temperature, protected from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep all medicines in a safe place. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.
Dispose of unused or expired drugs. Do not empty into a toilet or sewer unless instructed to do so. If you have any questions about disposing of medicines, ask your pharmacist. Drug disposal programs may be in place in your area.

General information about drugs

If your health does not improve or even worsens, call your doctor.
Do not give your medicine to anyone or take other people's medicine.
Some medicines may come with other patient information sheets. If you have questions about this drug, talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
A separate patient leaflet is included with this product. Please read this information carefully. Reread it each time you refill your supply. If you have any questions about this drug, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
If you think you have overdosed, call a poison control center or get medical attention right away. Be prepared to tell or show what drug you took, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Use of Information and Limitation of Liability

This summary information includes a summary of the diagnosis, treatment, and/or drug product. It is not intended to be a comprehensive source of data and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or evaluate potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a particular patient. It should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a physician based on a medical examination and assessment of the patient's specific and unique circumstances. Patients should consult with their physician for full information about their health, medical issues, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding the use of medications. This information is not a guarantee that a treatment or drug is safe, effective, or approved for a particular patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its subsidiaries disclaim any warranties or liabilities related to this information or its use. The use of this information is subject to the Terms of Use found at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Copyright

Date last updated

Thursday, October 13, 2022

Bupropion: Pediatric Medication | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Pediatric Medicine

This document provided by Lexicomp ^® , contains all the information you need about the drug, including indications, how to use it, side effects, and when you should contact your healthcare provider.

Trade names: USA

Aplenzin; Forfivo XL; Wellbutrin SR; Wellbutrin XL; Zyban [DSC]

Trade names: Canada

MYLAN-BuPROPion XL [DSC]; ODAN Bupropion SR; TARO-Bupropion XL; TEVA-Bupropion XL; Wellbutrin SR; Wellbutrin XL; Zyban

Warning

Drugs like this have been shown to increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts or actions in children and young people. This risk may be higher in people who have tried or had suicidal thoughts in the past. All people taking this drug must be closely monitored. Call your doctor right away if you have signs such as depressed mood (depression), nervousness, anxiety, grouchiness or panic attacks, or if other mood or behavior changes occur or worsen. Contact your doctor immediately if you have suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts.

What is this drug used for?

Used to treat depression.
Used to prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
This drug may be given to children for other indications. Consult your doctor.

Smoking cessation:

If your child has taken this form of this drug, ask your doctor about the benefits and risks. Talk to your doctor if you have questions or concerns about the use of this drug in your child.

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

If your child has an allergy to this drug, any of its ingredients, other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and how it manifested itself in the child.
If your child has ever had a seizure.
If your child is an alcohol abuser and has suddenly stopped drinking alcohol.
If your child is taking certain other drugs or natural drugs that slow down the rate of reaction (such as anticonvulsants or tranquilizers) and your child stops taking them abruptly.
If your child has ever had an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia.
If your child has any of these health conditions: kidney disease or liver disease.
If your child has taken medication for depression or certain other conditions in the last 14 days. These include isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine. An episode of very high blood pressure may occur.
If the child is receiving any of the following: linezolid or methylene blue.
If the child is taking another drug that contains the same drug.

This list of drugs and conditions that may interfere with this drug is not exhaustive.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines your child is taking (prescription and over-the-counter, natural, and vitamins) and any health problems. You need to make sure that this drug is safe to use for your child's illnesses and in combination with other drugs he or she is already taking. Do not start, stop taking, or change the dosage of any drug your child is taking without the doctor's approval.

What do I need to know or do while my child is taking this drug?

For all patients taking this drug:

Tell all health care providers who care for your child that your child is taking this drug. These are your child's doctors, nurses, pharmacists and dentists.
Have your child avoid tasks or activities that require attention until you see how this drug works for your child. This includes cycling, playing sports, or using items such as scissors, lawn mowers, electric scooters, toy cars, or motorized vehicles.
This drug may affect the results of some lab tests. Tell all health care workers and laboratory workers who provide your child's health care that your child is taking this drug.
Do not stop giving this drug to your child abruptly without talking to the doctor. This can increase your child's risk of side effects. If needed, this drug should be stopped gradually for your child as directed by the doctor.
High blood pressure has happened with this drug. Monitor your child's blood pressure as directed by your doctor.
This drug may increase the risk of seizures. The risk may be increased in people who take higher doses of the drug, who have certain health problems, or who use certain other drugs. People who abruptly stop drinking large amounts of alcohol or abruptly stop taking certain medications (such as drugs used for anxiety, insomnia, or seizures) are also at higher risk. Check with your doctor to find out if your child is at increased risk for seizures.
Alcohol may interact with this drug. Make sure your child does not drink alcohol.
Check with your child's doctor before using marijuana, other forms of cannabis, or prescription or over-the-counter drugs that may slow your child down.
It may take several weeks to achieve full effect.
This drug is not approved for use in children. Consult your doctor.

If your daughter is pregnant or breastfeeding:

Consult your doctor if your daughter is pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding. The benefits and risks for your daughter and her baby will need to be discussed.

If your child smokes:

Not all drugs are approved to help you stop smoking. Check with your doctor to make sure you get the right drug.
When using bupropion for smoking cessation, the emergence of new or aggravation of existing disorders of the psyche, mood or behavior was noted. These disturbances include suicidal or homicidal thoughts, depression, violent acts, rage, anxiety and anger. These disorders have been observed in people with and without mental and mood disorders in the past. Consult your doctor.

What side effects should I report to my child's doctor right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Although rare, some people may have very serious and sometimes deadly side effects of this drug. Call your child's doctor right away or get medical help if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that could be associated with a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, hives, itching, reddened and swollen skin with blisters or peeling, possibly associated with fever, wheezing or wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking, unusual hoarseness, swelling in the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat.
Signs of high blood pressure such as very severe headache or dizziness or loss of consciousness or blurred vision.
Feeling of confusion, inability to concentrate or changes in behavior.
Hallucinations (a person sees or hears something that is not in reality).
If, after starting the medicine, convulsions become more frequent or more severe.
Chest pain, angina pectoris, tachycardia or abnormal heart rhythm.
Inflammation.
Shortness of breath.
Change in hearing.
Ringing in the ears.
Frequent urination.
Gland swelling.
Violation of motor functions.
There may be an increased risk of eye problems when using this drug in some patients. Your child's doctor may order an eye examination to see if your child is at increased risk for these eye problems. Call the doctor right away if your child has eye pain, vision changes, swelling, or redness around the eye.
Possible severe skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis). This can lead to severe health problems, which can be permanent, and sometimes death. Seek immediate medical attention if your child has symptoms such as redness, swelling of the skin with blistering or peeling (with or without fever), redness or irritation of the eyes, painful sores in the mouth, throat, nose or eyes .

What are some other side effects of this drug?

Any drug can cause side effects. However, for many people, side effects are either minor or non-existent. Contact your child's doctor or seek medical attention if any of these or other side effects bother your child or if they persist:

All Formulations:

Dizziness or headache.
Constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or decreased appetite.
Trembling.
Nervous tension and agitation.
Strange or unusual dreams.
Gas formation.
Dry mouth.
Sleep disorders.
Pain in joints or muscles.
Irritation of the nose or throat.
Excessive sweating.
Unexplained fluctuations in weight.

Extended release tablets:

You or your child may notice a tablet shell in your child's stool when using some brand name drugs. For drugs of these brands, this is normal and does not cause concern. If you have questions, please consult your doctor.

This list of possible side effects is not exhaustive. If you have any questions about side effects, ask your child's doctor. Talk to your child's doctor about side effects.

You can report side effects to the National Health Board.

What is the best way to give this drug?

Give this drug to your child as directed by your doctor. Read all the information provided to you. Strictly follow all instructions.

Give this drug at the same time of day.
Do not give this drug more often than directed. This may increase your risk of developing seizures. Make sure you know how often you should give this drug to your child.
Give this drug in the morning if you use it once a day.
Give this drug with or without food.
If the child cannot sleep, do not give this drug shortly before bedtime. Consult your doctor.
Have the child swallow the tablet whole. Ask your child not to chew, break or crush the tablet.
Keep giving this drug as your child's doctor or other health care provider tells you to, even if your child is feeling well.
If your child has difficulty swallowing, talk to your doctor.

What if my child misses a dose of medication?

Your child should not take the missed dose, give him/her the next dose on time.
Do not give a double dose at the same time or additional doses.

How do I store and/or discard this drug?

Store at room temperature, protected from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep all medicines in a safe place. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.
Dispose of unused or expired drugs. Do not empty into a toilet or sewer unless instructed to do so. If you have any questions about disposing of medicines, ask your pharmacist. Drug disposal programs may be in place in your area.

General information about drugs

If your child's symptoms or health problems do not improve, or if they get worse, contact your child's doctor.
Do not share your child's medicine with others and do not give anyone else's medicine to your child.
Some medicines may come with other patient information sheets. If you have questions about this drug, talk with your child's doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
If you think you have overdosed, call a poison control center or get medical attention right away. Be prepared to tell or show what drug you took, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Use of Information and Limitation of Liability

Learn more