From the Guidelines
Bupropion (Wellbutrin) taken twice daily should be administered with the second dose given before 3 p.m. to minimize the risk of insomnia. When considering the dosing schedule, it's essential to balance the need for therapeutic blood levels throughout the day with the potential for sleep disturbances due to bupropion's activating properties. According to the guidelines for managing Alzheimer's disease, which include recommendations for antidepressant use 1, bupropion is initiated at 37.5 mg every morning and can be increased by 37.5 mg every 3 days, with a maximum dosage of 150 mg twice daily.
- Key considerations for dosing include:
- The first dose is typically given in the morning.
- The second dose should be spaced approximately 8 hours after the first dose but no later than early evening to prevent insomnia.
- Consistency in dosing timing is crucial for maintaining therapeutic effects and minimizing side effects.
- It's also worth noting that bupropion can be taken with or without food, although taking it with food may help reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
- The recommendation to give the second dose before 3 p.m. is specifically aimed at reducing the risk of insomnia, a common side effect of bupropion due to its stimulating properties, as highlighted in the study 1.
From the Research
Dosing Times for Twice Daily Bupropion
The recommended dosing times for twice daily bupropion (Wellbutrin) are not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, the studies do provide information on the pharmacokinetics and dosing of bupropion.
- The study 2 mentions that bupropion SR is recommended to be taken at a dosage of 150mg twice daily, but it does not specify the exact timing of the doses.
- The study 3 mentions that bupropion sustained release (SR) is administered twice daily, but it does not provide information on the specific timing of the doses.
- The study 4 provides information on the pharmacokinetics of bupropion, including its peak plasma concentrations and half-life, but it does not provide guidance on dosing times.
- The study 5 examines the steady-state clinical pharmacokinetics of bupropion extended-release in youths, but it does not provide information on the specific timing of twice daily doses.
General Guidance on Dosing Times
While the studies do not provide explicit guidance on dosing times, it is generally recommended to take twice daily medications at evenly spaced intervals, such as morning and evening, to maintain consistent drug levels in the body 3, 2. However, the exact timing of the doses may depend on individual factors, such as the patient's schedule and lifestyle, and should be determined in consultation with a healthcare provider.