How to Switch from Wellbutrin 300mg Daily to Extended Release
To switch from Wellbutrin (bupropion) 300mg daily to the extended release formulation, you should start directly with bupropion XL 300mg once daily in the morning. 1
Detailed Switching Process
Understanding the Formulations
- Bupropion comes in three formulations:
- Immediate Release (IR): Taken three times daily
- Sustained Release (SR): Taken twice daily
- Extended Release (XL): Taken once daily
Step-by-Step Switching Instructions
Direct Switch Approach:
- When switching from standard Wellbutrin to extended release (XL), you can maintain the same total daily dose 1
- If you're currently taking 300mg daily of regular Wellbutrin, switch to 300mg XL taken once daily in the morning
Administration Guidelines:
Important Considerations
Benefits of Extended Release
- Improved adherence with once-daily dosing 2
- Potentially fewer side effects due to more stable blood levels 3
- Reduced risk of insomnia compared to multiple daily dosing 4
Potential Side Effects to Monitor
- Common side effects include dry mouth, insomnia, headache, and nausea
- To minimize insomnia risk, always take the extended release formulation in the morning 4
Special Precautions
- If you have moderate to severe hepatic impairment, the maximum dose should be reduced to 150mg daily 1
- If you have renal impairment, dose reduction may be necessary 1
- Avoid taking the medication late in the day to minimize insomnia risk 4
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
- If you experience any unusual or severe side effects after switching formulations
- If you have a history of seizures (bupropion may lower seizure threshold) 4
- If you're not experiencing the expected therapeutic benefit after switching
The extended release formulation offers the convenience of once-daily dosing while maintaining the same therapeutic effect as multiple daily doses of immediate-release bupropion 2, 3.