From the Guidelines
The starting dose of Wellbutrin (Bupropion) for appetite suppression is 150 mg/d.
Key Points
- The medication is used for appetite suppression and weight loss, and its mechanism of action involves activating proopiomelanocortin neurons in the hypothalamus 1.
- The maximum dose of Bupropion is 450 mg/d, and it is available in a sustained release (SR) formulation 1.
- Bupropion can be used in combination with other medications, such as naltrexone, for weight loss, and the combination is known as Contrave 1.
- The medication has several potential side effects, including insomnia, dry mouth, and rash, and it is contraindicated in patients with a history of seizure disorder, suicidal ideation, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder 1.
- Bupropion should be used with caution in patients with certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, and it should not be used within 14 days of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) use 1.
Dosage and Administration
The starting dose of Bupropion for appetite suppression is 150 mg/d, and it can be increased to a maximum dose of 450 mg/d as needed and tolerated 1. The medication should be taken orally, and it is available in a sustained release (SR) formulation.
Safety and Efficacy
Bupropion has been shown to be effective for weight loss and appetite suppression in several clinical trials, and it is generally well-tolerated 1. However, the medication can have several potential side effects, and it should be used with caution in patients with certain medical conditions.
Comparison to Other Medications
Bupropion is one of several medications available for appetite suppression and weight loss, and it has a unique mechanism of action and side effect profile compared to other medications 1. The choice of medication will depend on the individual patient's needs and medical history.
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.