Can You Cut Or Split Wellbutrin XL?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not Wellbutrin XL can be cut or split in half.
I have been taking Wellbutrin XL (bupropion extended-release) 300 mg for years. Recently I started taking a whole pill one day and a half pill every other day. I have been experiencing anxiety, trembling hands, and sweating so I am hoping a lower dosage might help. I’ve read conflicting opinions on whether it is safe to split the pills in half. Please give me your opinion and tell me if I should keep up with my practice of about two months, go back to 300mg every day or something else? I haven’t noticed much difference so far and I’d hate to take more than I need plus getting rid of the annoyances would be great. Please advise. Thank you
May 18, 2022- Wellbutrin XL tablets have a special coating that releases the medication slowly over time and must be swallowed whole because cutting or splitting them destroys this coating and can cause the entire dose to be released at once. If you are experiencing side effects from Wellbutrin XL, talk to your doctor about adjusting your treatment rather than splitting the tablet yourself. Your doctor can prescribe a lower dose tablet or switch you to a different medication if needed.
Thanks for reaching out! Wellbutrin XL tablets are designed to slowly release the active ingredient (bupropion) over an extended period of time and are indicated for once-daily dosing.
According to the package insert for Wellbutrin XL, you should not crush, chew, cut or split the tablets. They should be swallowed whole as altering the medication will destroy the controlled-release properties of the medication.
Why You Shouldn't Split Wellbutrin XL Tablets
Wellbutrin XL tablets contain both a moisture-barrier coating and a controlled-release coating around a core that contains the actual drug (bupropion).
The integrity of the tablet is essential for the extended-release mechanism and any alteration (e.g. chewing, cutting, or crushing) to the tablets would disrupt the delivery mechanism.
This could potentially result in the entire dose being released at once (i.e. "dose dumping"), increasing the risk of significant side effects.
In addition, bupropion is reported to have an extremely bitter taste and can produce a local anesthetic effect in the mouth and throat.
Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion)
Wellbutrin XL (bupropion XL) is an extended-release medication available in 150 mg or 300 mg tablets. It is most commonly used to treat:
- Major depressive disorder
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Seasonal affective disorder
Common adverse reactions include:
- Tremor
- Blurred Vision
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Dry mouth
- Abnormal Dreams
- Weight loss
- Headache
As you can see, the adverse reactions that you are describing are common for patients taking Wellbutrin XL.
There is a dose-related central nervous system stimulant effect caused by bupropion in animals. Meaning that in theory, if you decrease the dose of bupropion that you are taking, the risk of the CNS side effects that you have described will be decreased.
If you are experiencing any side effects from taking a medication it is important to tell your doctor. Your doctor can then report the event and change your treatment accordingly. It is especially important to report the following symptoms when taking bupropion.
- Thoughts of suicide
- New or worse depression
- New or worse anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Trouble sleeping
- Aggression or irritability
- Unusual changes in behavior
Never stop taking an antidepressant medication without first talking to your doctor as this may cause other symptoms.
Final Words
I would recommend that you speak with your doctor about the adverse reactions (anxiety, tremors, and sweating) that you are experiencing.
Do not decrease the dose yourself or cut the 300 mg tablet for the reasons discussed above.
If your doctor does decide to decrease your bupropion dose, it would be better to prescribe the 150 mg tablet that is available.
Your doctor may decide to change your medication altogether because of the side effects of bupropion XL that you are experiencing.
References & sources
- Wellbutrin XL Prescribing Information — AccessFDA
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Extended-release
- A medication formulation designed to slowly release the drug into your body over many hours rather than all at once.
- Controlled-release
- A tablet coating system that regulates how fast the medication is released from the tablet.
- Dose dumping
- When an entire dose of medication is suddenly released into your body at one time instead of gradually.
- Bupropion
- The active chemical ingredient in Wellbutrin that works to treat depression and other conditions.
- Adverse reactions
- Unwanted side effects or harmful responses that occur when taking a medication.
- Antidepressant
- A medication prescribed to treat depression and related mood disorders.
- Central nervous system stimulant
- A substance that increases activity and alertness in the brain and spinal cord.
- Seasonal affective disorder
- A type of depression that occurs at certain times of year, typically during winter months when there is less sunlight.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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