This article describes bupropion oral tablets’ dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take them. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for bupropion.
If you want to know more about bupropion oral tablets, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Bupropion oral tablets are generic versions of the brand-name drugs Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, and Forfivo XL. To learn more about these forms, talk with your doctor.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Bupropion has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the end of this article for more information about this warning.
Forms and strengths of bupropion
Bupropion comes in the following forms and strengths, shown in milligrams (mg):
| Form | How to take | Strength |
| oral tablet | take by swallowing | • 75 mg • 100 mg |
| XL* oral tablet | take by swallowing | • 150 mg • 300 mg |
| SR* oral tablet | take by swallowing | • 100 mg • 150 mg • 200 mg |
* The XL and SR oral tablets are extended-release (ER) tablets. This means they release the drug into your body slowly over a period of time. While both are ER forms, the XL form releases the drug more slowly and works longer than the SR form.
Dosage of bupropion
This article describes the recommended dosages for bupropion oral tablets. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Each form of the tablet is approved to treat specific conditions. Your doctor will prescribe the correct form and the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of bupropion oral tablets without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of bupropion in adults
Usually, doctors will prescribe the lowest dose of bupropion oral tablets as your starting dose. Then after 3–4 days, they may adjust it to the recommended maintenance dosage. That’s usually what you’ll take for the remainder of your treatment. Now and then, your doctor may adjust your dosage if needed to give the desired outcome.
Dosage for depression and other conditions
Bupropion oral tablets are approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The following table shows these conditions and the oral tablet form doctors prescribe to treat them. It also shows the recommended dosages in milligrams (mg).
| Condition | Form | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage | Maximum dosage |
| MDD | oral tablet | 100 mg twice per day | 100 mg 3 times per day | 150 mg 3 times per day |
| MDD | XL oral tablet | 150 mg once per day | 300 mg once per day | 300 mg once per day |
| MDD | SR oral tablet | 150 mg once per day | 150 mg twice per day | 200 mg twice per day |
| SAD | XL oral tablet | 150 mg once per day | 300 mg once per day | 300 mg once per day |
Dosage adjustments for bupropion
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of bupropion oral tablets based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
In some situations, your doctor may adjust the dose or frequency of your bupropion oral tablets. This might occur if you have certain conditions such as liver or kidney problems.
Missed dose of bupropion
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of bupropion oral tablets. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of bupropion oral tablets and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about bupropion oral tablets and their dosages.
Will my doctor increase my dose of bupropion from 150 mg to 300 mg?
It depends. Bupropion XL oral tablets and bupropion SR oral tablets have a starting dosage of 150 milligrams (mg) once per day. After 3–4 days, your doctor will adjust your dosage to a maintenance dosage of 300 mg per day. You’ll usually take this for the remainder of your treatment. If you take the XL oral tablet, you’ll take this once per day. If you take the SR oral tablet, you’ll likely take 150 mg twice per day.
Your doctor will prescribe the correct form and the dosage that best meets your needs. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage.
Can bupropion be taken for anxiety or weight loss? If so, what’s the dosage?
No, bupropion oral tablets aren’t approved to treat anxiety or to help with weight loss. But in some cases, doctors might prescribe bupropion off-label with the medication naltrexone to help with weight loss. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than its approved uses.
Bupropion oral tablets are approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Some people have anxiety as a symptom of these conditions. During treatment with bupropion oral tablets, their anxiety may ease.
But anxiety is also a common side effect of bupropion oral tablets. So if you have new or worsening anxiety during your treatment, discuss it with your doctor.
If you have questions or concerns about bupropion and its uses, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is bupropion taken long term?
The length of treatment with bupropion oral tablets depends on the condition being treated.
Doctors prescribe any form of bupropion oral tablets for major depressive disorder. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
Doctors also prescribe bupropion XL oral tablets for seasonal affective disorder. For this condition, doctors prescribe them to be taken for a short term.
If you have questions about how long you should take any form of bupropion oral tablets, ask your doctor.
How bupropion is taken
You’ll swallow bupropion oral tablets one or more times per day, with or without food. Your doctor will prescribe the right tablet and how many times each day you should take it. This will vary depending on the form you take and the treatment plan for your condition.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
You should swallow bupropion oral tablets whole. Do not break, crush, or chew any form of the oral tablets. If you find it hard to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Free prescription coupons
Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.
Get free cardBupropion coupon
Visit these pages to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for bupropion when you use the coupons:
These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Overdose of bupropion
It’s important that you do not take more bupropion oral tablets than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of bupropion overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- seizure
- hallucinations
- loss of consciousness
- unusual heart rhythm
- stiff, painful muscles
- low blood pressure
In extreme cases or if left untreated, overdose can lead to coma.
What to do if you take too much bupropion
If you think you’ve taken too much bupropion, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for bupropion oral tablets. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of bupropion oral tablets without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take bupropion oral tablets exactly as your doctor prescribes them. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How do dosages of bupropion oral tablets compare with dosages of the brand-name versions of the drug?
- Why do the three forms of bupropion oral tablets have different dosages?
- If I have high blood pressure, will my dosage of bupropion oral tablet change?
Boxed warning for bupropion
Bupropion has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Bupropion is an antidepressant drug. Like other antidepressants, treatment with bupropion may raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some people. These include children and young adults ages 24 years and younger.
Bupropion is not approved for use in children.
Depression is more likely to cause suicidal thoughts and behaviors than antidepressant medications such as bupropion.
Your doctor will want you to keep a close watch for specific changes during your treatment with bupropion. These include changes in your thoughts, behaviors, or moods. A family member or close friend who knows you’re taking bupropion also can watch for these changes.
During bupropion treatment, call your doctor or get emergency medical help right away if you have symptoms such as:
- depression or anxiety that’s new or worsened
- thoughts about dying or suicide
- extreme irritation, restlessness, or agitation
- other unusual changes in your mood or behavior
If you have thoughts of suicide during bupropion treatment, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Or tell your doctor right away. You can also refer to this article for ways to seek support.
For urgent help or if you’re hurt, call 911 or your local emergency number.
To learn more about this boxed warning, talk with your doctor.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks 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 another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein 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.