Wellbutrin (bupropion) typically stays in your system for about 4 to 5 days after your last dose, but its active metabolites may remain detectable for up to 10 days, depending on factors like dosage, metabolism, and duration of use.
In this post, Avenues Recovery breaks down the whats, whens and whys of how long it takes for Wellbutrin to leave your system. Whether you're managing depression or simply planning for an upcoming drug test, understanding the timeline of Wellbutrin's effects and clearance is crucial.
Wellbutrin in Your System
Wellbutrin, also known by its generic name bupropion, is an antidepressant that works differently from most others. While many medications in its class target serotonin, Wellbutrin focuses on increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This unique mechanism makes it useful not only for major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) but also for smoking cessation and, occasionally, attention issues.
Unlike SSRIs, it doesn’t mess with your serotonin levels, which is why many people taking wellbutrin tolerate it better or use it when other antidepressants haven't worked. While bupropion is not highly addictive, it does have the potential for abuse and misuse.
How Long Does It Take for Wellbutrin to Work?
Wellbutrin (bupropion) typically begins to show noticeable effects within 1 to 2 weeks, but it may take 4 to 6 weeks to feel the full therapeutic benefits. Bupropion sustained release (SR) dispenses the drug faster than extended release (XL) but doesn’t speed up how quickly the medication’s effects begin.
Early improvements might include better energy, focus, or motivation, especially if it's being used to treat depression or seasonal affective disorder. However, mood-related changes often take longer to stabilize and everyone responds differently to the medication.
Does Wellbutrin Build Up in Your System?
Yes, Wellbutrin levels build up gradually in your system with regular dosing. It usually reaches a steady state after one to two weeks, which helps maintain its therapeutic effects over time.
If the drug is stopped abruptly, mild Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms such as irritability or headaches can happen, so tapering under a doctor’s guidance is usually recommended.
What Is the Half-Life of Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin’s (bupropion) half-life is approximately 21 hours, meaning it takes about that long for half of the drug to be eliminated from your system.
To fully clear out of your system, a drug usually takes about five half-lives. That puts Wellbutrin’s average clearance time around 4.5 days. However, this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. In reality, Wellbutrin and its active metabolites can leave your system up to 10 days later, depending on your metabolism, dosage, duration of use, and overall health.
Which Factors Influence How Long Wellbutrin Stays in Your System?
Not everyone clears Wellbutrin at the same rate. Here’s what can speed things up, or slow things down:
- Metabolism: If your body processes substances quickly, you’ll eliminate Wellbutrin faster.
- Age: Older adults often metabolize drugs more slowly.
- Liver and kidney function: These organs filter out medications. If they’re not working optimally, it will take longer for Wellbutrin to leave your system.
- Body fat and weight: Wellbutrin tends to be stored in fatty tissues, so individuals with more body fat may take longer to eliminate it.
- Genetics: Your DNA plays a role in how you metabolize medication.
- Drug interactions: Some drugs can either speed up or slow down the way Wellbutrin is broken down.
How Long Does Wellbutrin Stay In the Body?
Wellbutrin (bupropion) typically stays in the body for about 1 to 3 days, but the exact duration depends on where in the body it's measured—blood, urine, or tissues—as its metabolites can linger longer in some areas.
Does Wellbutrin Show Up on a Drug Test?
Wellbutrin isn’t a controlled substance and doesn’t typically show up on routine drug screens. That said, its chemical structure can sometimes lead to false positives for amphetamines. If you're taking a drug test, always disclose your prescription to avoid any confusion.
How Long Does Wellbutrin Stay In the Blood?
Wellbutrin can show up for around 4 to 9 days in a blood test, but testing for this drug is rare, usually in the case of Wellbutrin overdose or for forensic reasons.
How Long Does Wellbutrin Stay in Urine?
Wellbutrin is detectable in urine for about 4–5 days, though it's not usually included in standard panels unless specifically ordered.
Other Methods of Testing
- Hair follicle testing for Wellbutrin is only done in rare cases.
- Saliva tests rarely test for Wellbutrin itself, but it can cause false positives, especially for amphetamines.
Final Thoughts on Wellbutrin and Drug Testing
Understanding how long Wellbutrin stays in your system is important for managing your treatment and avoiding surprises during drug screenings. If you’re taking Wellbutrin for major depressive disorder or other reasons, working closely with your healthcare provider is key, especially when stopping or changing doses.
Avenues Recovery has a wealth of experience working with people who are taking Wellbutrin, whether they are concerned about their dependence on the drug or require medically-assisted withdrawal. Contact Avenues Recovery to discover a staff who actually care, a supportive environment, and individualized treatment. We are here to help you every step of the way; don’t be afraid to start your journey to lasting healing.
FAQs About Wellbutrin Duration
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Does Wellbutrin show up on a urine drug test?
Wellbutrin (bupropion) is not typically included in standard urine drug screens, but it can sometimes trigger a false positive for amphetamines. If you're taking Wellbutrin, let the testing provider know to avoid misinterpretation.
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How long does Wellbutrin XL stay in your body?
Wellbutrin XL (extended-release) can stay in your system for 4 to 5 days after your last dose. Its long half-life and slow-release formula mean it may remain detectable slightly longer than other forms.
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How long does Wellbutrin SR stay in your system?
Wellbutrin SR (sustained-release) is usually cleared from the body within 3 to 4 days, but this may vary depending on factors like liver function and duration of use.
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How long does Wellbutrin 150mg stay in your system?
A 150mg dose of Wellbutrin typically stays in the body for about 2 to 5 days, depending on individual metabolism, frequency of use, and the specific release type (SR or XL).
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How long does Wellbutrin 300mg stay in your system?
Wellbutrin 300mg, especially in extended-release form, can remain in your system for up to 5 days. The drug’s active metabolites may persist slightly longer depending on your body’s ability to process them.