Bitensky: Tapering off Wellbutrin SR 100mg after a week

[Bitensky]

Hey All,

 

Been on Wellbutrin for the past 6 days to deal with Lexapro withdrawals. It gives me energy, but the anxiety and brain fog are a bit much and I'd like to taper. I've been taking 100mg for the past 6 days. What should my taper look like? Can I be as drastic as 50mg tomorrow and then completely off?

Edited February 9, 2020 by manymoretodays
added name to title, moved from S and S

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA,, WBitensky.

 

I would do it a little more gradually, dropping by 25% of your dose tomorrow, 25% more the next day, 25% more the next day, then off.

 

 

[Bitensky]

@Gridley Thanks for the reply. To clarify, it's 100mg of SR. After reading the threads, I'm still a bit unsure if I can cut SR pills?

[Gridley]

@Bitensky

 

This except from the link "Tips for tapering off Wellbutrin" should clarify matters about cutting SR.  If you're taking a generic the excerpt says to talk to a pharmacist about cutting.

 

How to taper off bupropion SR (sustained release)
From FDA information: http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=b5d286ce-e23f-4dde-b400-cb4832172ece
- Available as brand-name or generic in 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg sustained-release tablets
- To be taken twice daily, "at least 8 hours between successive doses." (This is equivalent to 3-times daily immediate-release bupropion.)

According to Merck http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/print/lexicomp/bupropion.html
 

  Quote

"Data from the manufacturer states that dividing Wellbutrin SR® tablets resulted in an increased rate of release at 15 minutes: “However, the divided tablet retained its sustained-release characteristics with similar increases of released bupropion at each sampling point beyond 15 minutes when compared to the intact Wellbutrin SR® tablet...” Bupropion is hydroscopic and therefore should be stored in a dry place. Splitting of large quantities in advance of administration is not advised since loss of potency may result. If necessary, splitting should be done cleanly without crushing."

 
In the name-brand Wellbutrin SR, the sustained-release quality is in the binder, the glue that holds the tablet together. Generic versions (which would be called bupropion SR, not Wellbutrin SR) may be made differently. Contact the manufacturer to find out exactly how the tablet is formulated, or talk to a pharmacist specializing in psychopharmacology.
 
I personally found you CAN cut Wellbutrin SR (sustained release) tablets up -- the timed-release mechanism is mixed in with the drug. Put the pieces in a water-tight container and use them up within 24 hours because the time-release binder can absorb humidity and degrade.

For a short time, I cut up generic 100mg bupropion SR and took 50mg in the morning, Wellbutrin XL 150mg a couple of hours later, and another SR 50mg in the early evening for a total of 250mg/day. (I never tolerated Wellbutrin very well.)

To taper, convert your dosage to 100mg SR tablets, cut up the 100mg tablets, make reductions by 25mg or less, take 2 times a day.
 
(Note: If you cut an SR tablet in very small fragments or crush it, it won't to continue to be sustained-release -- the binder is extensively damaged. Take in divided doses as though it was immediate-release.)