Is it Safe to Substitute Wellbutrin SR for Wellbutrin XL Temporarily?
Hello everyone, I’m a 24-year-old FtM individual weighing 123 lbs and standing at 5'3". In the past, I was prescribed Wellbutrin SR at 100 mg, but later transitioned to Wellbutrin XL. Presently, my dosage of Wellbutrin XL is 300 mg. Unfortunately, I've run out of my medication and have been without it for three days now. I had been anticipating a notification from my pharmacy indicating that my prescription was ready to be picked up, but that message has yet to arrive. I had intended to contact the pharmacy once they opened to request a refill, but I've been keeping odd hours lately. Just today, I finally figured out the process to request my refill online, all while they remain closed. I realize it wasn’t smart to let the situation linger; it’s just a combination of my nocturnal habits and my ADHD playing tricks on me. I’m hopeful I’ll have my medication soon. In the meantime, however, I'm experiencing some withdrawal symptoms, particularly hand tremors. This leads me to contemplate whether I might be able to take the Wellbutrin SR as a temporary measure to alleviate these symptoms. I am a bit hesitant because it’s a different formulation, but I’m weighing my options. I usually get my Wellbutrin XL from Rising Pharmacy, while my old supply of Wellbutrin SR came from Solco Healthcare. I’ve noticed that the SR tablets have become a bit tacky, possibly due to the humidity in my environment. Would it be advisable to take the SR in order to ease the withdrawal symptoms, or should I just try to tolerate the tremors and wait for my physician’s approval on the refill request? Thank you for your advice!
Answers (1)
2/14/2026, 9:00:55 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about managing your Wellbutrin dosage, especially when experiencing withdrawal symptoms like hand tremors. While both Wellbutrin SR (sustained release) and Wellbutrin XL (extended release) contain the same active ingredient (bupropion), there are important differences.
Key Points:
- Substituting Wellbutrin SR for Wellbutrin XL temporarily is not generally recommended without medical advice.
- The two formulations release the medication into your system at different rates, which can affect how well your symptoms are managed.
Explanation: Wellbutrin XL is designed to provide a steady release of bupropion over 24 hours, whereas Wellbutrin SR is released over 12 hours. Switching from one to the other can lead to fluctuations in medication levels in your body, potentially exacerbating withdrawal symptoms or causing side effects. Since you've been on a higher dose of Wellbutrin XL (300 mg), taking Wellbutrin SR may not adequately substitute for the XL dose and could lead to unpredictable effects.
In your case, since you've already been without the medication for three days, here are prioritized next steps:
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Contact Your Pharmacy: Reach out to your pharmacy as soon as they open to expedite the refill process. Mention any issues you have experienced that might affect the timing of your prescription.
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Choose Not to Substitute: Avoid taking the Wellbutrin SR unless you have clear guidance from a healthcare provider. The potential risks of an inadequate dose may outweigh the temporary relief from withdrawal symptoms.
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Manage Symptoms: As you wait for your medication, focus on self-care strategies. Stay hydrated, practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness, and try to engage in light physical activity (if possible) to help reduce tremors.
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Prepare for Doctor Communication: Once you're in touch with the pharmacy, consider asking for options regarding your situation, such as whether they can expedite your script or whether your doctor could provide emergency refills.
It’s important to address your concerns with a healthcare professional when you can, especially if your symptoms worsen or if you have other health considerations. You're doing the right thing by staying proactive in seeking your medication. If you have additional symptoms or concerns, please feel free to share.
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