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 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 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 (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.