Bupropion SR
WELLBUTRIN SR
What it isBupropion sustained-release (WELLBUTRIN SR, 1996) inhibits norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake; depression.
Why this oneSlower delivery reduces peak burden while retaining an activating, sexually sparing profile; BID dosing; space doses >=8 h apart.
What limits itDo not crush; high peaks increase seizure risk. Avoid in eating or seizure disorders, and expect CYP2D6 interactions.
FDA-approved for
- depression (1996)
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major depressive disorder | Adults | 150 mg QAM | 150 mg BID (300 mg/day) | 200 mg BID (400 mg/day) |
Titration After 3 days may increase to 300 mg/day; wait several weeks before 400 mg/day; ≥8 h between doses
Renal Reduce dose and/or frequency (GFR <90 mL/min)
Hepatic Moderate–severe (Child-Pugh 7–15): max 100 mg/day or 150 mg every other day; mild: reduce dose/frequency
Do not exceed 400 mg/day (seizure risk)
Instructions
- Swallow whole; do not crush, divide, or chew
- Take with or without food
- Do not exceed 200 mg in any single dose
- Increase dose gradually to reduce seizure risk
Contraindications
- Seizure disorder
- Current or prior diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa
- Patients undergoing abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and antiepileptic drugs
- Use of MAOIs (intended to treat psychiatric disorders) concomitantly with WELLBUTRIN SR or within 14 days of discontinuing treatment; starting WELLBUTRIN SR in a patient treated with reversible MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue is contraindicated
Cautions
- Seizure (dose-related)
- Hypertension/elevated blood pressure
- Activation of mania/hypomania
- Psychosis and other neuropsychiatric reactions
- Angle-closure glaucoma
- Neuropsychiatric adverse events in smoking-cessation use
- Hypersensitivity reactions
Adverse reactions
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Pharyngitis
- Constipation
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Tremor
- Sweating
- Weight loss
Pregnancy First-trimester epidemiologic data show no increased risk of congenital malformations overall
Lactation Bupropion and metabolites present in human milk; seizures reported in breastfed infants
⚠ BOXED WARNING
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in patients under 25
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Active metabolites
Mechanism of action: Bupropion SR ballicule
Open Bupropion SR in the interactive console ↗
Memory aids: mascots and interaction avatars
Strong CYP2D6 inHibitor
Skinny → weight loss possible
