Optimal Timing for Wellbutrin (Bupropion) Administration
Take Wellbutrin in the morning, with the second dose (if using SR formulation) administered before 3 PM to minimize insomnia risk. 1, 2
Formulation-Specific Timing
Extended-Release (XL) Formulation
- Administer 300 mg once daily in the morning 3
- This once-daily dosing provides steady drug levels throughout the day while avoiding evening administration that could disrupt sleep 4
Sustained-Release (SR) Formulation
- First dose: Take in the morning 1, 2
- Second dose: Must be taken before 3 PM to prevent insomnia 1, 2
- The typical dosing is 150 mg twice daily (morning and early afternoon) 1, 3
Immediate-Release (IR) Formulation
- Requires three-times-daily dosing with the last dose in the early afternoon 4, 5
- This formulation is less commonly used due to the inconvenience of multiple daily doses 4
Clinical Rationale for Morning Dosing
Bupropion has activating properties that can improve energy levels and reduce apathy, making morning administration ideal 1, 2. The drug's norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibition creates a stimulating effect that is beneficial during waking hours but problematic if taken late in the day 6, 4.
The risk of insomnia is the primary concern with late-day dosing 1, 2, 3. Clinical guidelines consistently emphasize that the second dose of SR formulations must be completed by mid-afternoon to avoid sleep disruption 1, 2.
Special Considerations
Combination Therapy (Naltrexone-Bupropion)
- When used as naltrexone-bupropion ER for weight management, the maintenance dose is 2 tablets twice daily 1
- The second dose should not be taken late in the day to minimize insomnia risk 1
Older Adults
- Start with 37.5 mg every morning, increasing by 37.5 mg every 3 days 1, 2
- Administer the second dose before 3 PM to prevent sleep disturbances 1, 2
- Maximum dose remains 150 mg twice daily 1, 2
Patients with Hepatic or Renal Impairment
- Reduced dosing frequency may be required, but morning administration remains the standard 3
- For moderate to severe hepatic impairment, maximum dose is 150 mg every other day, still taken in the morning 3
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not take bupropion at bedtime or in the evening - this significantly increases insomnia risk 1, 2, 3
- Do not crush, divide, or chew extended-release formulations - this destroys the controlled-release mechanism and increases seizure risk 3
- Do not confuse SR and XL formulations - SR requires twice-daily dosing while XL is once daily 2, 3, 4
- Do not administer the second SR dose after 3 PM - this is a specific cutoff time to prevent sleep disruption 1, 2
Food Considerations
Bupropion may be taken with or without food 3. The absorption is not significantly affected by meals, allowing flexibility in administration timing relative to breakfast 3.