Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an antidepressant medication. Taking a very high dose of Wellbutrin alone or in combination with other drugs can have toxic effects.
The standard dosage of Wellbutrin is 150‒300 milligrams (mg) daily for adults. Taking a higher dose of Wellbutrin than prescribed, or misusing it, can cause negative side effects, including overdose.
Learn more about the lethal doses of commonly abused drugs.
Determining The Lethal Dose Of Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin is a non-addictive drug that is rarely fatal on its own. Survival has been reported following the ingestion of as much as 13.5 grams—or 45 times the maximum daily dose.
Overdose and seizures can occur after taking a higher-than-prescribed dosage of Wellbutrin. One case report described a fatal Wellbutrin overdose after a man ingested 23,000 mg of the medication.
Risk Factors For Wellbutrin Overdose
Wellbutrin overdose is uncommon, but it can occur. This may be a sign of drug abuse, stimulant drug addiction, or suicidal ideation.
Potential risk factors for Wellbutrin overdose include:
- history of substance abuse
- having a mental health disorder
- polysubstance abuse (abuse of multiple drugs)
- history of stimulant addiction
- impaired kidney or liver function
What Are The Signs Of A Wellbutrin Overdose?
Wellbutrin overdose can be identified by a number of physical signs and symptoms. Symptoms may be mild to severe in nature and may require medical attention.
Symptoms of a Wellbutrin overdose might include:
- seizures
- dilated pupils
- agitation
- hallucinations
- rapid heartbeat
- loss of consciousness
In severe cases, overdose can cause cardiac arrest and stopped breathing. If someone has collapsed or stopped breathing after taking Wellbutrin, call 911 right away.
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- U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus—Bupropion
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695033.html - U.S. National Library of Medicine: PubMed—Atypical Findings in Massive Bupropion Overdose: A Case Report and Discussion of Psychopharmacologic Issues
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27648505/ - U.S. National Library of Medicine: PubMed—Bupropion abuse and overdose
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4162783/ - U.S. National Library of Medicine: PubMed—Fatal bupropion overdose
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9140330/
