Suggest Dosage For Wellbutrin

Posted on Fri, 15 Jan 2016

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

Fri, 15 Jan 2016 Answered on

Wed, 10 Feb 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello. I am cross tapering off of Effexor and onto Wellbutrin (for anxiety and depression). I have removed beads in multiples of 5 to taper off Effexor within a month (14 days in). I have been taking 150mg of Wellbutrin for 2 weeks. Today I am to take 2x Wellbutrin. Does it matter when I take the second dose? I took 150mg at 11am and then spit the 2nd pill and took at 3pm. I was nervous to take the whole thing since I wasnt sure about dosing. I have read that the optimum dose is 300mg so Im getting the impression that it doesnt matter when you take the 2nd dose. But since it is instant release I am unsure. Can you please let me know what is the soonest time I can take the 2nd dose safely? I typically do not fall asleep until 2am so I dont want to be overly stimulated by taking the 2nd dose too late. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
wellbutrin dosing

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

You are switching to Wellbutrin for depression and today you are going to start the second dose of the day. Of all the antidepressants on the market this one, wellbutrin, requires that you take the second dose before 3pm. The reason is that wellbutrin has stimulating effects and if you take it late in the day it may interfere with sleep. I usually recommend people to take the second dose between 1-3 pm to avoid the night time stimulation and sleep effects.

I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions

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

Follow up: Dr. Ronald Schubert (23 minutes later)

Thank you. What is the benefit of starting out taking 2 doses a day? Is it easier on the system than jumping right into XR? Will it be more beneficial for me to start on XR after the month of 2x a day? In your opinion and experience?

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No sure why the IR vs the XR

Detailed Answer:
I am not sure why your doctor started you on the IR instead of the XR. SOmetimes insurance companies require a trial of a medication before the more expensive XR can be approved. That is usually the reason behind the difference. Otherwise XR would have been the first choice and less confusion with the IR.

I hope that answers your question

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