From the Guidelines
The starting dose of Wellbutrin (Bupropion) for appetite suppression is 150 mg/d.
Key Points
- The dose is based on the sustained release (SR) formulation, as indicated in the study 1.
- Bupropion activates proopiomelanocortin neurons in the hypothalamus, which helps with appetite suppression.
- The maximum dose of Bupropion is 450 mg/d, but the starting dose is 150 mg/d to minimize side effects such as insomnia and dry mouth.
- It's essential to monitor patients for potential side effects, including seizure disorder, suicidal ideation, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and to adjust the dose accordingly.
- The study 1 provides the most recent and relevant guidance on the use of Bupropion for appetite suppression, and its recommendations should be followed in clinical practice.
Important Considerations
- Bupropion should not be used within 14 days of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) use, as indicated in the study 1.
- Patients with a history of seizure disorder, suicidal ideation, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder should be closely monitored while taking Bupropion.
- The study 1 provides additional context on the use of Bupropion for weight loss, but its recommendations are less relevant to the specific question of starting dose for appetite suppression.
From the Research
Bupropion Dosage for Appetite Suppression
The starting dose of Bupropion (Wellbutrin) for appetite suppression is not explicitly stated in the provided studies as a primary indication. However, based on the studies related to weight loss, the following information can be gathered:
- The study 2 used a dose of 300 mg/d for 8 weeks in overweight and obese women with binge-eating disorder.
- The study 3 started with a dose of 300 mg/d and increased to 400 mg/d if weight loss was less than 5% at week 12.
- The study 4 started with a dose of 100 mg/d and gradually increased to a maximum of 200 mg twice daily.
Key Findings
- Bupropion was found to be effective in facilitating weight loss in obese adults with depressive symptoms 3.
- Bupropion was more effective than placebo in achieving weight loss at 8 weeks in overweight and obese adult women 4.
- The most common side effect of bupropion is dry mouth, and it is generally well-tolerated 5, 6.
Dosage Considerations
- The dosage of bupropion for weight loss or appetite suppression may vary depending on the individual and the specific formulation used (IR, SR, or XR) 6.
- It is essential to follow the recommended dosage and administration schedule to minimize the risk of side effects and ensure optimal efficacy.