Considering a Reduction in Bupropion Dosage
At 23 years old, I have been prescribed a daily dosage of 300mg bupropion for the past two years. Initially, I combined this with 75mg of naltrexone each day to curb my appetite, but I discontinued the naltrexone a few months back after consulting my general practitioner. For the last year, I have dealt with ongoing nausea that significantly impacts my daily activities. Although my doctor has provided a prescription for 4mg zofran to manage this, I prefer to avoid taking it unless absolutely necessary due to its side effects. I’m currently evaluating the possibility of reducing my bupropion intake. As I travel, I possess a 60-day supply of 300mg extended-release bupropion but lack a means to contact my GP for a lower 150mg prescription. Would it be advisable to modify my intake to one pill every two days instead? I am not particularly worried about experiencing depressive symptoms since I can revert to my standard dosage if needed. My main concern is whether spacing out the medication in this way might cause any adverse effects due to inconsistent drug levels in my body. This is my inaugural post here, so if additional information would be helpful, please do not hesitate to ask, and I can provide updates or clarifications as necessary.
Answers (1)
2/12/2026, 10:50:31 AM
OpenHealth AI
Reducing your bupropion dosage is a significant decision, especially considering your ongoing issues with nausea and its impact on your daily life. It's important to approach any medication changes carefully to avoid potential side effects or withdrawal symptoms.
Explanation:
Bupropion is an atypical antidepressant commonly used for depression and smoking cessation. While some people may need to adjust their dosage due to side effects, doing so without professional guidance can lead to fluctuating levels of the medication in your system, which may cause unwanted effects.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Do Not Modify Dosage Without Guidance: Avoid changing your dosage to one pill every two days. This could cause inconsistent drug levels in your body and lead to withdrawal symptoms or decreased effectiveness.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your nausea and any other side effects you’re experiencing. Note when they occur, their intensity, and if any specific triggers seem to worsen them.
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Explore Non-Medication Strategies for Nausea: Consider non-medication approaches to manage nausea, such as:
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals to avoid an empty stomach.
- Staying hydrated and trying ginger or peppermint tea, which can help soothe nausea.
- Engaging in relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness to reduce stress, which can aggravate nausea.
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Plan to Contact Your GP: As soon as you're able, reach out to your general practitioner to discuss your current situation and concerns about your dosage of bupropion. They can help you evaluate if a gradual decrease to a lower dose or an alternative medication might be more beneficial.
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Be Aware of Your Mental Health: Keep an eye on your mood and overall mental health during this period. If you notice any significant changes or feel like your depressive symptoms are worsening, contact a healthcare professional promptly.
If you need further information or support regarding managing nausea or discussing your medication options, feel free to ask!
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