Can you cut or split Wellbutrin XL?
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
Can you cut or split Wellbutrin XL?
No, you can neither cut nor split Wellbutrin XL tablets. This is because Wellbutrin XL is the extended-release version of Wellbutrin. ER tablets are designed differently to maintain the gradual release of the active drug. (1)
Modified-release dosage forms, of any kind, should be swallowed whole. They can not be cut, split, or crushed without completely destroying the drug release mechanism. This is why it’s crucial to take Wellbutrin XL just as directed by your doctor and the instruction label (2).
Potential risks of splitting Wellbutrin XL
Splitting Wellbutrin XL or any extended-release medication can pose potential risks due to the specific formulation of the drug, including (3):
- Inconsistent dosage: Splitting the tablet may result in uneven distribution of the active ingredient, leading to inconsistent dosing. This can cause fluctuations in medication levels in your body, affecting its effectiveness.
- Reduced effectiveness: Breaking the tablet can cause the medication to be released too quickly, causing it to lose its extended-release properties. This can result in the medication being less effective in managing your condition.
- Increased side effects: Altered release of the medication might increase the risk of side effects or worsen their severity. It can lead to an overdose if the entire dose is released at once and cause side effects like heartburn, headaches, dizziness, constipation, etc.
- Safety concerns: Splitting tablets can lead to accidental ingestion of too much medication, which can be dangerous and potentially harmful (3).
- Loss of protective coating: Wellbutrin XL has a special coating that helps with its extended-release properties and protects your stomach from the drug’s direct effects. Splitting the tablet can damage this coating and expose your stomach to the medication’s full strength.
- Potential for medication errors: Splitting tablets can be challenging, and there’s a risk of breaking them unevenly, resulting in varying doses. It is also important to avoid crushing these tablets unless your doctor approves of this.
Splitting the tablets may also result in accidental double-dosing, as it can be difficult to keep track of your doses that way. It is important to make sure that you’re taking your medication in the right way and that your antidepressant is fully potent.
Alternatives to splitting Wellbutrin XL
If you need a different dosage strength of Wellbutrin XL or if splitting the tablets is not recommended, there are alternative options you can discuss with your healthcare provider:
Different dosage strengths
Wellbutrin XL is available in various dosage strengths. Your doctor can prescribe the strength that best suits your needs without the need for splitting tablets.
Immediate-release formulation
Instead of Wellbutrin XL, your doctor may consider prescribing the immediate-release formulation of Bupropion. It requires more frequent dosing throughout the day but doesn’t have the extended-release mechanism that could be disrupted by splitting.
Other antidepressants
There are several other antidepressant medications available that work through different mechanisms. Your doctor may suggest an alternative medication that doesn’t have an extended-release formulation and is available in appropriate dosages.
Combination therapy
In some cases, your healthcare provider might recommend combining different antidepressant medications to achieve the desired effects without the need for splitting tablets.
Remember, it’s crucial to talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns or difficulties you may have with your medication. They can help determine the best approach to manage your condition effectively and safely.
References
- Andrade C. Sustained-release, extended-release, and other time-release formulations in neuropsychiatry. J Clin Psychiatry. 2015 Aug;76(8):e995-9. doi: 10.4088/JCP.15f10219. PMID: 26335096. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26335096/
- LABEL: WELLBUTRIN XL- bupropion hydrochloride tablet, extended-release. DailyMed [Internet]. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/getFile.cfm?setid=a435da9d-f6e8-4ddc-897d-8cd2bf777b21&type=pdf
- Quinzler R, Haefeli WE. Tabletten teilen [Tablet splitting]. Ther Umsch. 2006 Jun;63(6):441-7. German. doi: 10.1024/0040-5930.63.6.441. PMID: 16841582. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16841582/
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