Bupropion (generic for Wellbutrin®)

Bupropion is the generic equivalent of Wellbutrin®. Bupropion sustained-release (SR) and bupropion extended-release (XL) are the generic equivalents of Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL, respectively.

A specific formulation of bupropion (Zyban®) can also be used for smoking cessation. This formulation is NOT interchangeable with bupropion (Wellbutrin®).

By law, a generic drug must be the same as its brand name counterpart in terms of active ingredient, dosage, safety, effectiveness, strength, stability, and quality. A generic may, however, differ in its inactive ingredients (i.e. flavoring, fillers, and preservatives).

Bupropion (Wellbutrin®) does come with serious warnings. These include:

• Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions and unusual changes in mood*

• Seizures—people with a history of anorexia nervosa (eating disorder) or bulimia seen to be more likely to get seizures when taking this drug

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

• Manic episodes or hypomania in patients with bipolar disorder

• Angle-closure glaucoma, eye pain

• Psychosis and other neuropsychiatric reactions

If any of the above concern you, speak with your healthcare professional about your perceived risk and other treatment options that exist.

*This warning is a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious type of medication warning assigned by the FDA.

Bupropion is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). How it works isn’t fully understood. It may work by blocking the brain’s absorption of norepinephrine and dopamine, “feed good” chemicals in your brain. The end result? An increased level of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain, which is thought to improve mood.

The most common side effects of bupropion include:

• Agitation or restlessness

• Dry mouth

• Constipation

• Headache, migraine

• Nausea/vomiting

• Dizziness

• Sweating

• Tremor

• Trouble sleeping or insomnia

• Blurred vision

• Increased heart rate (tachycardia)

Side effects may improve over time as your body adjusts to the medicine.

This list doesn’t represent all possible side effects (or serious side effects) of bupropion. If you’re experiencing any ongoing, bothersome side effect(s), tell your healthcare provider right away.

If you’d like to learn more, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also has a helpful medication guide for bupropion here.

Bupropion is FDA approved for the treatment of:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD) or depression

Bupropion may be used off-label for:

• Anti-depressant-induced sexual dysfunction

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

• Obesity, weight loss

• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Bupropion can interact with some medicines and supplements. It’s always recommended to give both your doctor and pharmacy an updated list of everything you’re taking, so drug interactions can be identified. If you’re unsure whether a certain drug or supplement can be taken with bupropion, seek medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist. The FDA also has a helpful medication guide for bupropion here.

If you accidentally miss your dose of bupropion, skip the missed dose dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Don't take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses, as too much bupropion can raise the risk of seizures.

Bupropion may be taken with or without food.

During pregnancy: The safety of bupropion-use during pregnancy isn’t well established. Some research suggests bupropion may affect the unborn baby’s heart.

While breastfeeding: Bupropion can pass into breastmilk in small amounts.

It’s important to treat mental health-related conditions when pregnant or nursing, as untreated depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses can harm both you and baby. Always let your provider know if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, so you can discuss the risks and benefits of starting or continuing bupropion.

It’s recommended to avoid or limit the use of alcohol when taking bupropion. Regular drinking can raise your risk of seizures