Wellbutrin: Should you take it in the morning or at night?

Key takeaways

• Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an antidepressant approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It works by preventing the reabsorption of norepinephrine and dopamine, brain messengers involved in mood regulation.
• You can take Wellbutrin at any time of day if you take it once daily, but taking it in the morning may help minimize sleep problems like insomnia, a reported side effect. If you take it twice daily, space doses at least 8 hours apart.
• You may start feeling the effects of Wellbutrin within 1 to 2 weeks, but it could take 6 to 8 weeks of consistent use to experience the full benefits. If you miss a dose, take your next dose at the usual time — don’t double up.

Overview

Wellbutrin (bupropion) is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating major depressive disorder (MDD), commonly known as depression. Depending on the version of Wellbutrin you take, it may also help treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Wellbutrin comes in two versions, both of which release the drug slowly into your body over time:

• Wellbutrin SR, a sustained-release tablet
• Wellbutrin XL, an extended-release tablet

You typically take Wellbutrin once or twice daily, depending on the form your doctor has prescribed. The specific time of the day and frequency may vary according to your needs.

Need a refill for bupropion HCl (Wellbutrin XL)? You may be able to get an online prescription through Optum Perks in as little as 15 minutes. Learn more here.

When to take Wellbutrin

The best time to take Wellbutrin may vary depending on medical recommendations and the specific form of Wellbutrin your doctor prescribes.

If you take Wellbutrin once per day, you can take it at any time of the day. However, some people may find it helpful to take Wellbutrin in the morning to minimize difficulties with sleep. Sleep problems, such as insomnia, are a reported side effect of Wellbutrin.

If you take Wellbutrin twice per day, you’ll take your second dose at least 8 hours after your first dose. For bupropion immediate-release tablets, you may take three doses per day with at least 6 hours between each dose.

You can take Wellbutrin with or without food, but taking it with food may help reduce the likelihood of nausea.

The dosage of Wellbutrin and its generic varies depending on your symptoms and the form you take. The starting dosage may range from 150 milligrams (mg) to 200 mg per day. Eventually, your doctor will likely increase your dosage to 300 mg or more per day.

What to do if you miss a dose

Don’t worry if you miss a dose of Wellbutrin. Just take Wellbutrin at the time you would usually take your next dose.

Do not take two Wellbutrin doses to make up for the missed dose. It’s important to be consistent in your medication schedule. Taking your doses at the same time(s) each day helps ensure the drug is as effective as possible. 

Does Wellbutrin make you sleepy?

Wellbutrin is a stimulant and is less likely to make you sleepy than other similar drugs. If you take it too close to bedtime, it may keep you alert and awake at night.

Wellbutrin may lead to other side effects, including: 

• headaches
• dry mouth
• nausea or vomiting
• increased sweating
• increased heart rate or palpitations
• changes in appetite or weight

Not everyone experiences these side effects, and their severity can differ from person to person.

Boxed warning

Note: Wellbutrin and its generic version, bupropion, have a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more information, see this article or talk with your doctor.

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

• Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
• Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
• Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
• Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.

How long does Wellbutrin take to work?

You may not feel an immediate change in your symptoms after taking Wellbutrin for the first time.

Signs Wellbutrin is working may include changes in your mood, appetite, and energy levels.

The exact timeframe for symptom relief can vary from person to person. Some people might start feeling the effects of Wellbutrin within 1 to 2 weeks. For others, it could take 6 to 8 weeks of consistent use to experience the full effects of the medication.

Alternative meds to Wellbutrin

If Wellbutrin isn’t working for you or you cannot tolerate its side effects, your healthcare professional may recommend a different medication, depending on your condition.

Note: Currently, only Wellbutrin XL is FDA approved specifically for SAD. However, SAD is a type of depression. As an alternative to Wellbutrin XL, doctors may prescribe a depression medication to treat SAD.

Depression

Commonly prescribed medications for depression include:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs):
  • fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • sertraline (Zoloft)
  • escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs):
  • venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
  • duloxetine (Cymbalta)
  • desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs):
  • amitriptyline
  • nortriptyline (Pamelor)
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs):
  • phenelzine (Nardil)
  • tranylcypromine (Parnate)

Smoking cessation

Treatment options for smoking cessation may include:

• Varenicline (Chantix): This smoking cessation medication reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
• Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT):
  • nicotine gum (Nicorette)
  • nicotine patches (NicoDerm CQ)
  • nicotine lozenges (Commit)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Possible medications for ADHD include:

• Methylphenidate-based medications:
  • methylphenidate (Ritalin)
  • dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)
• Amphetamine-based medications:
  • amphetamine dextroamphetamine (Adderall)
  • lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
• Non-stimulant medications:
  • atomoxetine (Strattera)
  • guanfacine (Intuniv)

Summary

When to take Wellbutrin may depend on the condition you’re taking it to treat, the form your doctor prescribes, and your tolerance to the drug’s side effects.

While individual preferences and needs may vary, maintaining a regular schedule and following a healthcare professional’s instructions is essential. Consistency when taking Wellbutrin can help the drug work as effectively as possible.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.