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Wellbutrin Dosage

The recommended starting Wellbutrin dose for treating depression is 100 mg twice a day. Your healthcare provider may increase your Wellbutrin dosage after three days to 100 mg three times a day. In order to prevent seizures while taking this medication, individual Wellbutrin dosages should not exceed 150 mg, and the maximum daily dosage of Wellbutrin should not exceed 450 mg total per day. It usually takes at least four weeks to feel the full effects of the medication.

 

Wellbutrin Dosage: An Introduction

The dose of Wellbutrin® (bupropion hydrochloride) your healthcare provider prescribes will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your Wellbutrin dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Wellbutrin Dosing for Depression

The recommended starting Wellbutrin dosage for treating depression is Wellbutrin 100 mg twice daily. After three days, your healthcare provider may increase your dose to Wellbutrin 100 mg three times daily. To help avoid Wellbutrin seizures, each individual dose should not exceed 150 mg, and you should not take more than 450 mg total per day. Also, your healthcare provider should increase your dose slowly.
 
For people with liver problems (such as liver failure or cirrhosis), the maximum Wellbutrin dose is Wellbutrin 75 mg once daily.
 

General Wellbutrin Dosing Information

Some considerations for people taking Wellbutrin include:
 
  • It usually takes four weeks (or longer) to feel the full, beneficial effects of Wellbutrin. Try not to be discouraged if Wellbutrin does not work right away for you.
     
  • It does not matter if you take Wellbutrin with or without food. If Wellbutrin bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Taking the last dose of the day at bedtime may increase your chance of insomnia. If you are having trouble sleeping, ask your healthcare provider about taking your last Wellbutrin dose earlier in the evening.
     
  • Wellbutrin should be taken at the same times each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
     
  • For Wellbutrin to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Wellbutrin will not work if you take it in a way other than how your healthcare provider prescribed it.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to your dosage or Wellbutrin dosing in general, please talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking Wellbutrin without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;