the dosage is 75mg and i only take pill as needed... it works for me, mainly for anxiety. trying to have the least amount of symtoms... zoning out. thanks
Wellbutrin - can you safely divide a pill, take half the dosage?
Question posted by oahu41 on 11 Sep 2012
Last updated on 10 December 2018
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
19 Answers
PeterBelelius
18 Jan 2018
I started Wellbutrin for a second time, again on 150 mg, I must say I heart palpitations and lowered to 75 mg and yes, that works better for now. Once I get used to it I might go up to 150 mg. I think 150 mg for me worked too strongly for the first days, didn't feel so alert and active for a long time, so I'd advice it's probably a good idea to start on 75 mg first and then go up. I'll see from here. Thanks.
Nirraj Bhatt
27 Nov 2014
Yes you can try half dose in such medicine... every human body is different. It also reacts differently to every drug time to time.
You can surely try h whatever suits you.
Jim Pearce
28 Sep 2014
Yes .It becomes an immediate-release tablet. For those IR tabs the initial recommended dose is100 mg. Max dose at any one time should not exceed 150 mg and they need to be at least 6 hrs. apart. If you break a 150 mg sustained-release, SR or XL tab in half it will become 2 immediate release tabs of 75 mg each. I'd stay away from benzodiazipines. Personally, my experience with S.A.D. has been that on a 150 SR dose 3X/day in the winter was too much. I began too see a pattern of hypomania. I lowered the dose to 150 SR 2X/day with desired results ultimately after about a week of being squirrely a week after the change. In the summer I went to 150 SR in the am with good results. Of course I had to time the changes so that the dose level was in place at the proper time: Raising it too late in the fall predisposed me to depression and dropping it too late in the summer predisposed me to hypomania, the reverse of those being true.
I recently have added to the 150 mg bupropion (actual Wellbutrin, I have read that generics offer mixed results) 250 mg of modafinil (Provigil). That is working great for me. I use 150 mg when I wake--along with everything else--and 2 espressos. The other 150 modafinil I take at 1:00 or so. At 3 or later it interferes with my sleep, which btw I encourage with trazadone, up to 150 mg at bedtime. This regimen has been terrific so far, best ever after 10 years of pretty serious study. My doc is just another info source--with the power of the pen! I do my own prescribing and have never been refused a desired option. Good sites are crazymeds and for the modafinil in particular try The Bulletproof Executive. The stuff is promoted as a "wakefulness-promoting agent" for narcolepsy and shift work sleep disorder. It is a tool for improving one's focus as well and when I take it I know I will not be likely to experience any depression. It is not "speed". Very low abuse potential profile. IR, short half-life, rapid onset of action. Wellburin's asset is that associated with it's use is virtually no sexual dysfunction. In fact it can restore libido and is used for that as an off-label use for post-menopausal women. When I was taking too much, um... there were problems in that regard. My quick go-to site is Wikipedia but for scholarly research data I use Google Scholar. You need a good vocab there.
erikinmoncton
3 Aug 2014
I have been taking Wellbutrin for 4 months now. I started on 150mg XL. Took that for the first three months and I was seeing desired effects; but I had a lot of dizziness and vertigo. My doctor them prescribed 100mg SR. The only issue that she neglected to mention is the half life, so when I went to fill it at the pharmacy they let me know that they would not fill it until they spoke to my doctor and the manufacturer to make sure that cutting the pill in half would be ok. The answer is simply yes. You can cut it in half, but I would never do so without first confirming all the details with a doctor. We like to self administer things, sometimes we get lucky and find that perfect cocktail that works for us, but know the risks that you are taking and if ever you are in doubt; ask the doctor!
moseseffect
18 June 2014
I am taking Wellbutrin xr. I was told by the clinic doctors prescribing nurse to take half for two weeks and then take the whole pill after. She said it doesn't cause problems unless you are chewing it or smashing it. She said to make sure I cut it clean and swallow it.
I would also like to comment on the discussion about taking medication as needed, even antidepressants. I believe that learning to know your own body is just as important to being healthy as anything else associated with your health. Most instructions given by practitioners are based on studies in which it is determined what dose and regiment works best for the majority. When you read a study conducted on a medication, you may notice that the findings are based on the way the majority of participants responded. It is for this majority that reccomendatios are based.
However, they will also mention any significant results that the medication had on a minority of participants as well. These were those who reacted differently than the majority. A good practitioner will consider the recommendations concluded from the studies and then reccomended by the manufacturer and of course, any warnings. They will also listen to you and encourage you to pay close attention to your body and any reactions or results, positive or negative that you have and then adjust your medications accordingly. Humans are all individually unique in many ways and a good doctor understands this. I recommend that you continue to stay intuned with your body. I would also recommend that you keep a journal or log of your dosages and any reactions or results, good or bad, that you may have. This will make it easier for your doctor to prescribe a regiment that is tailored specifically for you. Good luck and God bless!
kmcghee1863
31 Dec 2016
So, is anyone else having with Wellbutrin causing profound fatigue??? I'm wondering if it's because of the dopamine and norepinephrine jacking my adrenals up... I just have the regular pills, not timed release. I'm wondering if I should take it before bedtime...
Menlymo
29 May 2014
Hi :)
I've had many issues staying on wellbutrin, it was prescribed by pdoc cause my ADD, I used it by one year 150mgs per day, but I started to feel so angry and inconfortable on it cause my sexual life was out of control and I had homicide thoughts but when I told to my pdoc she did't believe me and arise my dose to 300 mgs I get mania for several months even when Stop use it. That was 3 years ago and now I tried Stimulants they don't work properly and my new doctor want me on wellbutrin again I'm thinking use only 100 mg or 75 per day... Cause I'm afraid of side effects :( any suggestions??? I think I'm so allergic too or the meds makes me paradoxical effects :(
Sandman 81
9 Nov 2014
How was you sexual life out of control? I'm on 300mgs of wellbutrin and it puts me to sleep... what kind of stimulant would help if I'm always getting sleepy and tired? What are paradoxical effects... Wellbutrin is supposedly have the best side effects of the other meds.
Sheelqhdog
3 Aug 2017
Well apparently this drug works differently for different people. I took it for seasonal affective disorder and anxiety... I was so tired and it perked me right up. I had so much more energy and was happier and lost some weight... but I did have some issues with anger outbursts... had to have my doc lower the dose from 100 xr to 75 and now I want to cut my 75 down for the same reason. My doctor told me it would give me more energy and it definitely did.
Little Ole Me
10 Dec 2018
I have been on 150 XL for 4 days, have trouble sleeping and lots of profuse sweating. Tried prozac first and it broke out my skin and caused insomnia. Being highly sensitive to meds is no fun. Can't believe it makes people tired, just the opposite for me.
Little Ole Me
10 Dec 2018
I have been on 150 XL for 4 days, have trouble sleeping and lots of profuse sweating. Tried prozac first and it broke out my skin and caused insomnia. Being highly sensitive to meds is no fun. Can't believe it makes people tired, just the opposite for me.
rmbr343
2 Dec 2013
I discovered I only had one Buproprion XL 300 this weekend and my insurance has changed so I couldn't get a refill without my doctor's ok. So, I split it in half, taking one half on Saturday, skipped Sunday, and now took the other half this morning (Monday). Saturday I did OK. Today, not so good. My esophagus is burning and I have a headache. I also feel really crappy in general, the same as if I miss a couple of doses. I'm afraid to take any Tylenol for the aches and pains because I don't want to risk anymore GI upset. I will NOT be splitting this medicine again.
faith1968
1 Oct 2013
Thanks to all of you that care!! I have been on every pill for depression and anxiety, and just the other day I was feeling like I would never recover my active life, (I was a very active person, I could cut 1-2 acres of grass and still clean,cook,iron, wash,work,and still wash my truck in the evening before going to bed)but its been several yrs since I had throat cancer and my thyroid was removed that I have had to slow down, gained weight , now lost weight and could not figured what was wrong, and even with depression (Effexor 300 a day) it was still like life was not worth a peanut for me, but the other day I went to my counselor and she added bupropion, and just went along welllllllll it has been 2 days since I have been on hcl 150 mg and I fill like singing, and don't want to stop doing things, before I could not leave my bed, and I am married to a man 12 yrs younger than me...
I told him the other day I wanted a divorced because I wanted to be by myself,,, he just laugh and told me I probably was looking to have an affair (jaja) but I will tell you all you take what makes your body and mind feel good, if it means 1/2 a pill or 2 pills nobody knows your body and feelings but u. I had a neuro doctor giving me pills that I wanted to commit suicide, and she told me ("I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE YOU STAY MAYBE 2 MORE WEEKS ON THE MEDICINE, TO SEE THE RESULTS) I TOLD HER DO U WANT ME TO KILL MYSELF. and this was a neuro doctor ... so take care of yourself but lets keep in touch and support each other... HAVE A BLESS DAY AND SPEED RECOVERY
dnvreldrdg
22 Sep 2013
hmm, I was curious about the same thing. but knowing how extended release pills work, the basics at least, I would think that cutting one in half would cause the key ingredients to release faster. but, is the outer coating part of the slow release process or is it the ingredients? I started out with 150 mg which helped a lot but I was still experiencing some depression. I ask my doc to up my dose to 300 mg which turned out to be way too much. After a couple nights of being awake all night with my heart beating like a bass drum I realized it was the wellbutrin. I still have 150 mg's left over so went back to them and I feel fine. Depression has gone too. So I thought I might be able to cut the 300 mg's in half instead of wasting them but was afraid of getting and instant release of bupropion if I cut the pill. Still debating but may just forget the idea. But I was reading where you might notice the outer pill capsule, shell, what ever, in your stool.
If that is the case then it seems once it is consumed and the outer coating softens enough to release the ingredients. They are then slowly released so it would seem cutting would make no difference. I find myself thinking about these things often, lol How does the medicine work, how can it slowly dissolve or release over a 24 hour period? What part of the body is actually being effected? Does each pill work by it's affect on individual areas of your brain? I'm beginning to believe that they all work by the affect on the brain. I had ask my doc one day about mixing my pills and he said they each do they're own thing so basically taking them together doesn't matter although I have read where they said some pills shouldn't be taken at the same time. There is something for everyone to consider for a while. lol
robertski
13 July 2013
Hey, new here, glad you are all out there! I have just gotten bupronion 150 XL, and both my doctor and two different pharmacists have said that I can cut it in half to start. I have also seen on other message boards that the manufacturer says one can do so (does affect meds performance slightly)--I have started for a week scoring it, and so far I am fine with it--doctor said I could build up to 150, or simply stay at 75 mg. But some seem to be saying something different about cutting it. There seems to be some divergent opinions, appreciate everyone's input.
Lynda1960
10 March 2013
Hi, I'm new here also so I will just give you my experience with Wellbutrin . It worked very well for me, but can't imagine taking as needed seeing how getting through the side effects to get to the correct dose isn't fun and I went up real slow. But once it kicked in for the 1st time in my life I felt " normal " the only reason I stopped was b/c our ins was cut off. But was on it for years after years of trying other drugs that did give me some relief . Anyway lots of good advice here ( to your question ) also. Good luck, Linda
4N Substances
10 March 2013
Hello Oahu and welcome. Wellbutrin is well known (and was initially controversial) for lowering the brain's seizure threshold. I took it for years and my MD always stressed that it should be taken carefully as prescribed (despite the fact that I have no history of seizures.) The half life for the regular dose (not XL or XR) I believe is 20 hrs. (I know one of the site gurus will correct me if I'm wrong.) I cannot imagine ANY licensed Dr approving of you fooling around, trying out dosages of a psychiatric drug to suit yourself. There would be huge liability attached to that-i can't imagine any Dr prescribing this med "as needed." That is absurd. In addition, you're not getting any benefit whatsoever from 1/2 of this med. it's meant to be taken as a full dose.
If you are indeed truly "allergic" to certain meds, compounds or ingredients, your Dr should have this noted all over your chart and not be prescribing anything at all to put you at risk. I think you better talk to the Dr right away and clarify your allergies and your dosage. If you elect on your own to discontinue this drug, It should absolutely be under médical supervision. As previously stated, you could be subject to seizures by not following the dosage of stopping without tapering. Sometimes the seizures go away, sometimes they remain for life. I assume we are all addressing an adult here. Hope you'll consider seriously all the comments from concerned people on this site and begin to take your meds responsibly.
4N Substances
razzkitty73
9 March 2013
I am not a doctor, but I have been on many different brands of antidepressants over the last 25 years and I have gained some knowledge along the way. I was really concerned after reading this thread... a lot of misguided ideas in there. First off, all medications have side effects, especially as your body is adjusting to the new medication. This is a process which can take anywhere from a few days to a few months. Some of the more sensitive or anxious types of people (and I tend to be one) may not be able to withstand the side effects long enough to get the positive effects of the medication to outweigh the negative. They convince themselves that they can't tolerate the medication or that they are having an "allergic" reaction.
Buproprian HCL is just the generic name for Wellbutrin SR or XL. SR refers to the sustained release of hydrochloride salt, dosed twice a day with a max dose of 400 mg. and XL refers to the extended release of hydrochloride salt, dosed once every 24 hours with a max dose of 450 mg. I would not cut any SR or XL medication in half. Instead, get the proper dosage or a different medication prescribed for you.
Sensitive/anxious people should probably have their doctors stay them on the lowest dose of a new medication. Do not take Wellbutrin SR or XL (same thing as buproprian HCL) "as needed". At just 75mg, (300mg. is usually the target dose.) it probably won't kill you... but it probably isn't doing you any good, either. With Wellbutrin, you are lucky you haven't caused yourself a seizure! If your doctor is letting you take the medication "as needed", she is probably throwing up her hands in frustration. I don't think it is wise to assume a female doctor to be more compassionate, and therefore weaker and easier to manipulate.
Antidepressant medications do have a half-life, but it can still take days and weeks for it to build up in your system enough to relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety. For example, some allergy medicines work that way, also. Not all medicines are therapeutic the instant you take them! I just want to close this by saying it can be just as dangerous to experiment with prescription medications as it is with any other kind of drug or herb.
fayfaith
22 Oct 2013
Thank you,for your sharing & commenting! I too have been taking such medications for a tat over 25 years.
MacIntosh12
12 Sep 2012
Hi oahu and everyone else, just want to add my two cents here.
I've NEVER heard of anyone being prescribed Wellbutrin "as needed".
Is this a common practice for doctors to prescribe it as needed?
Thanks guys,
Mac
oahu41
12 Sep 2012
mac
i don't know about other doctors, but she does not prescribe it 'as needed' i am the one who prescribed it that way for me... she okayed it when i told her it works for me... i have been doing this... learning how the meds work for me, for years. i look for drs, usually women who listen and help me find the best way to deal with meds. (i have a list of unususal 'allergetic to' meds.) learned alot in the past years! i do not look for drs who are not safe, to get what i want. take their suggestions and work from there.
pickles503
12 Sep 2012
Hi oahu41. I'm Anna. I ran across the same question regarding some of the meds I'm taking. The answer was always the same. Call the manufacturer. I was told that the chemicals in the meds aren't distributed evenly. So, by cutting them in half, you may be getting more, or less, medication. I do it. But we're not talking about me. We're talking about your safety, too. I think I'd call my pharmacist. Their pretty acquainted with meds. (Duh! That's their job.) Yes, I do remember being sleepy a lot, and wanting to eat more, and not wanting to go anywhere or do anything, just set on the chair or couch. Yup! Just veg out. I kept my place spotless, though, for some reason or another. And I don't know why I said that, for some reason or another.(I hope your alright with a dry sense of humor.) Yeah, I was taking 75 mg. of Wellbutrin, also. It was prescribed to me to stop smoking, and it did the job.
Lately, I've been cutting meds in half with my Drs. agreement. Then, I decided to ask for the pill to be in the lower dose because the pill cutting was taking too much time, and a great deal of it ended up as powder on the bottom of the bottle. Hey, I may benefit from it and you don't, and you might benefit from it and I don't. It's a coin toss. One thing for sure. It's not a strong med for me. It's strange. The people who make Nicorettes told me to absolutely not to cut them in half, too. Go figure.
Blah blah blah!
Your going to get tons of answers from our friends, so that means lots of wisdom. How bout that!
God bless you with strength and wisdom,
Anna
tejas129
12 Sep 2012
If you get the right type of scorer you won't have a problem with powder in a bottle. The one I use is thin and long,and the scoring blade is super sharp.It scores the pill right down the middle.It has a space inside where you are supposed to leave the other half of the med,to be taken the next day.I think I got it at Walgreens and it did'nt cost more than 5.00.
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- Wellbutrin uses and safety info
- Wellbutrin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Wellbutrin (detailed)
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