What are the proper administration guidelines for taking Wellbutrin (bupropion) in the morning, including timing, food intake, and exercise precautions?

How to Take Wellbutrin in the Morning

Take Wellbutrin XL once daily in the morning, with or without food, and swallow the tablet whole without crushing, dividing, or chewing. 1

Timing Requirements

• Take your dose at the same time each morning to maintain steady drug levels and minimize side effects 1
• The extended-release (XL) formulation is designed for once-daily dosing specifically in the morning 1
• If you're on the SR (sustained-release) formulation instead, take the first dose in the morning and the second dose before 3 PM to prevent insomnia 2

Food Intake

• You can take Wellbutrin with or without food - there is no requirement either way 1
• The absorption and effectiveness are not significantly affected by food intake 3

Exercise Considerations

• There are no specific restrictions on exercise while taking Wellbutrin 1
• However, be aware that Wellbutrin may impair your ability to perform tasks requiring motor and cognitive skills, particularly when first starting treatment 1
• Monitor yourself during initial exercise sessions to ensure you don't experience dizziness or other side effects that could affect safety 4, 5

Critical Administration Rules

Never crush, divide, or chew the tablet - this alters the extended-release mechanism and increases seizure risk 1

If you miss a dose, do not double up - skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular scheduled time, as taking extra tablets increases seizure risk 1

Common Side Effects to Anticipate

The most frequent side effects you may experience include 4, 5:

• Insomnia (most common - this is why morning dosing is essential)
• Dry mouth (usually transient and resolves without intervention)
• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness

These side effects are generally mild and often resolve within the first few weeks without requiring dose adjustment 4

Important Safety Monitoring

Watch for mood changes, especially in the first few weeks - contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience new or worsening depression, anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, or suicidal thoughts 1

Avoid alcohol while taking Wellbutrin, as the medication can decrease alcohol tolerance 1

Do not combine with other bupropion-containing products (like Zyban for smoking cessation or other Wellbutrin formulations) 1

When to Expect Results

• You may notice some improvement in energy levels within the first few weeks 2
• Full antidepressant effect typically takes 6-8 weeks at an adequate dose 2
• Your healthcare provider should monitor your response within 1-2 weeks of starting treatment and reassess at 6-8 weeks 2