Wellbutrin dosage for depression and anxiety are available in different forms, and the doses are dependent on the diagnosis. It is one of the most reliable medications you may have heard about. Depending on whether you’re mainly dealing with anxiety, depression, or both, a healthcare provider might adjust how they prescribe this medication to address your symptoms.

Wellbutrin is an FDA-approved antidepressant for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and comes in doses of 150 mg to 300 mg. The drug comes in sustained-release (SR) and extended-release (XL) tablets for swallowing.

This article describes the doses of Wellbutrin, its strengths, and how to take it. Read on!

What is Wellbutrin (Bupropion)?

Wellbutrin, a medication approved by the FDA in 1985, contains bupropion as the active ingredient. It is an antidepressant that belongs to a group of drugs called norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake blockers.

Wellbutrin dosage for depression and anxiety comes in two extended-release formulations:

Wellbutrin SR (sustained-release)
Wellbutrin XL (extended-release).

What Is Wellbutrin Used to Treat?

Wellbutrin is approved for depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and also smoking cessation. But off-label, it’s used to treat other conditions, including antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), bipolar-related depression, bipolar disorder, obesity, and anxiety.

Prescribing Wellbutrin depends on the medical provider’s judgment regarding the patient’s benefit. An example of off-label use is treating depressive episodes of bipolar disorder.

Wellbutrin Dosage for Depression and Anxiety and Strengths

Wellbutrin dosage for depression and anxiety varies depending on the diagnosis and is initially low to avoid adverse reactions. After about two months, if the doctor observes no improvement, he may gradually increase the dose of the medication as it takes time for it to take full effect. The delivery method is chosen based on your medical history and medication experiences.

Wellbutrin comes in extended-release and sustained-release tablets in various strengths:

Wellbutrin sustained-release:

100 mg
150 mg
200 mg

Wellbutrin extended-release:

150 mg
300 mg

Your healthcare provider determines the prescription doses based on your symptoms and condition. It is essential to follow the recommended Wellbutrin dosage for depression and anxiety and consult your doctor before adjusting. Setting a reminder can help you take your medication on time daily.

Wellbutrin Dosage for Different Age Groups

The medication is given in different doses to treat various disorders and age groups. Here is the guide for Wellbutrin dosage for depression and anxiety

Wellbutrin Dosage for Adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

For Wellbutrin SR:

Start with 150 mg once daily, then increase to 300 mg after three days, divided into two doses of 150 mg each, eight hours apart.
The maximum daily dose is 400 mg, split into two doses of 200 mg each.

For Wellbutrin XL:

Begin with 150 mg once daily, then increase to 300 mg after four days.
There is no specific maximum dose, but trials did not study doses above 300 mg once daily.

Wellbutrin Dosage for Adults with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Wellbutrin XL is FDA-approved for seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Start with 150 mg once daily, then increase to 300 mg after seven days.
There is no specific maximum dose, but no more than 300 mg of than once daily.

Wellbutrin Dosage for Older Adults and Those with Liver or Kidney Issues

Dosage adjustments may occur based on renal or hepatic functioning.
Maximum bupropion dosage for hepatic impairment: 100 mg or 150 mg every other day.
Patients with renal issues may have reduced doses given every other day.

Wellbutrin Dosage for Children & Adolescents

Adults aged 18 and older are generally prescribed Wellbutrin. In some instances, it is used off-label to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. A healthcare provider can determine its suitability for children and the appropriate dosage.

Wellbutrin Dosage for Non-FDA-Approved (Off-Label) Uses

Besides its FDA-approved uses, Wellbutrin may be prescribed off-label for:

Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Bipolar-related depression
Bipolar disorder
Obesity
Anxiety

Consult your healthcare provider if interested in off-label use. They can assess the safety and appropriate dosage.

Wellbutrin Dosing Considerations

Before prescribing Wellbutrin, your doctor will review your medical history and past experiences with medications. They’ll start you on a low dose and adjust it gradually if your condition doesn’t improve.

If you have health conditions that could lead to severe side effects, like kidney or liver issues, adjust your dose accordingly.

For Kidney Problems

Since older adults often have reduced kidney function, the medication might be given at a lower dose every other day.

For Liver Issues

High doses of Wellbutrin can cause severe side effects, so your doctor might lower the dose and give it every other day.

What to Expect When Increasing Wellbutrin Dosage

Wellbutrin is generally safe and effective, but patients should be mindful of potential health complications. As the Wellbutrin dosage for depression and anxiety increases, typical side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and weight loss.

Other potential side effects include:

Headache
Dry mouth
Insomnia
Dizziness
Tremors
Sweating
Increased heart rate
Changes in appetite
Anxiety or agitation

It’s important to discuss any side effects with your healthcare provider.

Can You Become Addicted to Wellbutrin?

Extended use of medication can lead to dependency. Regular consultations with your doctor and dose adjustments can mitigate this risk. Stopping Wellbutrin suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms like nausea, headache, and irregular vital signs. Never stop medication without consulting your doctor.

FAQs:

1. What if I Miss a Dose of Wellbutrin?

If you miss a dose of Wellbutrin, take it when you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Don’t double up on doses.

2. Can You Overdose on Wellbutrin?

If you overdose on Wellbutrin, seek medical help right away. Watch for symptoms like seizures, agitation, and a faster heart rate.

3. Is it safe to take Wellbutrin with my other medications?

Taking Wellbutrin with another antidepressant can increase the risk of seizures. Additionally, certain antidepressants interact with Wellbutrin in another manner. Always consult with your doctor in such cases.

4. What should I do if I want to stop taking Wellbutrin?

If you want to stop taking Wellbutrin, consult your healthcare provider for guidance on tapering off safely and monitoring any potential withdrawal symptoms. They may recommend any personalized treatment.

Conclusion:

Wellbutrin is effective in treating major depressive disorders and anxiety. Its dosage, including Wellbutrin dosage for depression and anxiety, is tailored to your condition under healthcare provider monitoring.

Combined with talk therapy, it can ease symptoms. To minimize risks like seizures, doses are gradually increased until maximum benefit. Seek treatment with talk therapy and remain resilient.