Suggest Best Way To Switch Effexor XL To Wellbutrin

Posted on Mon, 23 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 23 Jun 2014 Answered on

Wed, 16 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : What is the best way to transition from Effexor XL 75 mg daily to Wellbutrin?

Answered by Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Schedule suggested.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

A dose of 75 mg of Effexor XL (Venlafaxine) would be clinically equivalent to 150 mg of Wellbutrin (Bupropion). Since you have been taking Effexor for 8 years, it would be better to do the cross-tapering in a very gradual manner. I would suggest the following schedule to switch over from Effexor XL (Venlafaxine) to Wellbutrin (Bupropion):

Effexor XL 75 mg + Wellbutrin 75mg (once in the night) - FOR 2 WEEKS

Effexor XR 37.5mg + Wellbutrin 75mg (twice a day) - FOR 2 WEEKS

Wellbutrin 75mg (twice a day) - TO CONTINUE

The reason why I have suggested to take Wellbutrin along with Effexor for the first few weeks is that it may take some time for the full effects of Wellbutrin to kick in. During this transition period, if Effexor is cut down suddenly, then there is a chance that you may experience withdrawal symptoms.

Regards,

Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.)
Consultant Psychiatrist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar