Find convenient, affordable depression treatment with bupropion for major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. This guide breaks down what bupropion does, how it works, who it’s for, and how to use it safely.

Why is bupropion XL prescribed?

Bupropion XL (Wellbutrin XL) is a medication used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It may also be used to help people stop smoking.¹

How does bupropion XL work for depression?

Bupropion is in a class of medications called atypical antidepressants. It works by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, two hormones that help regulate mood.²

Is bupropion XL an SSRI?

No. Bupropion is a norepinephrine and dopamine inhibitor (NDRI). It works by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain to help control mood.³

Is bupropion XL a controlled substance?

No. Bupropion is an FDA-approved medication that requires a prescription, but it is not categorized as a controlled substance.⁴

How should bupropion XL be used?

Bupropion XL comes as an extended-release tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once daily in the morning, or at the same time each day; doses of the extended-release tablet should be taken at least 24 hours apart. Swallow the extended-release tablets whole; do not split, chew or crush them.

When bupropion is used to treat seasonal affective disorder, it is usually taken once a day in the morning, beginning in the early fall, continuing through the winter and stopping in the early spring. Sometimes a lower dose of bupropion is taken for two weeks before the medication is stopped.

Take bupropion with food if the medication upsets your stomach. If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, do not take bupropion too close to bedtime. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

Take bupropion exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it, or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking bupropion without talking to your doctor.⁵

What dosages are prescribed for bupropion XL?

RedBox Rx prescribes 150 mg and 300 mg dosages for bupropion XL. Our U.S. licensed medical professionals can help determine the right dosing of bupropion XL if prescribed. Start an online consult for anxiety and depression to discuss your options.

What is the best time of day to take bupropion XL?

Because bupropion XL may cause difficulty falling or staying asleep, it is typically taken in the morning.⁶

How long does it take bupropion XL to start working for depression?

Physical symptoms of depression like sleep, energy or appetite generally start to show improvement within one to two weeks of taking bupropion. Other symptoms of depression, including depressed mood and lack of interest in activities, can take up to six to eight weeks to show improvement on bupropion.⁷

How long does bupropion XL stay in your system?

Bupropion XL will stay in your system approximately four to five days after your last dose.⁸

How much does bupropion XL cost without insurance?

Bupropion XL is $25 per month (with purchase of a three-month supply) without insurance through RedBox Rx. No membership fees. We’re able to offer low prices because we purchase bupropion directly from manufacturers and ship from our pharmacy in Iowa.

Our online consultation for anxiety and depression costs only $35.

Does bupropion XL expire?

Yes. Check the expiration date on your medication bottle and always properly dispose of medicine that is past its date.

Does bupropion XL cause weight gain or weight loss?

Bupropion XL does not cause weight gain, but it may cause some weight loss.⁹

Can I drink alcohol while taking bupropion XL?

Drinking alcohol while taking bupropion may worsen side effects such as dizziness, poor concentration, drowsiness, unusual dreams and trouble with sleeping.¹⁰

Can I take bupropion XL while pregnant?

More research is needed, but there may be some risk with taking bupropion XL while pregnant. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment, discuss the pros and cons with your healthcare provider.¹¹

What special precautions should I follow when taking bupropion XL?

Before taking bupropion (generic Wellbutrin®):¹²

• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this drug, any part of this drug, or any other drugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.

• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the following medications or have stopped taking them within the past two weeks: monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan^®), linezolid, methylene blue, phenelzine, selegiline and tranylcypromine.

• Some medications should not be taken with bupropion. Other medications may cause dosing changes or extra monitoring when taken with bupropion. Make sure you have discussed any medications you are currently taking or plan to take before starting bupropion with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping or changing any medications while taking bupropion, please get the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.

• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had seizures, anorexia nervosa (an eating disorder) or bulimia (an eating disorder). Also tell your doctor if you drink large amounts of alcohol but expect to suddenly stop drinking, or you take sedatives or medications for seizures but expect to suddenly stop taking them. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take bupropion.

• Tell your doctor if you drink large amounts of alcohol, use street drugs or overuse prescription medications and if you have ever had a heart attack; a head injury; a tumor in your brain or spine; high blood pressure; diabetes; or liver, kidney or heart disease.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking bupropion, call your doctor.

• You should know that bupropion may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

• Talk to your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking bupropion. Alcohol can make the side effects from bupropion worse.

• You should know that bupropion may cause an increase in your blood pressure. Your doctor may check your blood pressure before starting treatment. Check or have your blood pressure checked regularly while you are taking this medication, especially if you also are using nicotine replacement therapy.

• You should know that bupropion may cause angle-closure glaucoma (a condition where the fluid is suddenly blocked and unable to flow out of the eye, causing a quick, severe increase in eye pressure, which may lead to a loss of vision). Talk to your doctor about having an eye examination before you start taking this medication. If you have nausea, eye pain, changes in vision, such as seeing colored rings around lights, and swelling or redness in or around the eye, call your doctor or get emergency medical treatment right away.

What special dietary instructions should I follow when taking bupropion XL?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.¹³

What should I do if I forget a dose of bupropion XL?

Skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Always allow the full scheduled amount of time to pass between doses of bupropion. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.¹⁴

What are the side effects of bupropion XL?

Bupropion may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• Drowsiness

• Anxiety or agitation

• Dry mouth

• Nausea

• Abdominal pain

• Constipation

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Loss of appetite

• Excessive sweating

• Ringing in the ears

• Sore throat

• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

• Uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING or SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS sections, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• Seizures

• Confusion

• Hallucinating (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)

• Irrational fears

• Rapid, pounding or irregular heartbeat

• Greatly increased energy, severe trouble sleeping or racing thoughts

• Talking more or faster than usual

• Reckless behavior or unusually grand ideas

• Excessive happiness or irritability

If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking bupropion and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• Fever

• Rash or blisters

• Itching

• Hives

• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles or lower legs

• Hoarseness

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Bupropion may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).¹⁵

What should I know about storage and disposal of bupropion XL?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from light, excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children, as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location, out of their sight and reach. Learn more at https://www.upandaway.org.

Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.¹⁶

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose of bupropion XL?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include the following:

• Seizure

• Hallucinating (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)

• Loss of consciousness

• Rapid or pounding heartbeat¹⁷

What happens if I stop taking bupropion XL?

If you stop taking bupropion suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, dizziness, headaches, sleep changes, digestive issues or the return of anxiety and/or depression. Please consult your medical provider for advice on how to safely taper off bupropion.¹⁸

How long does bupropion XL withdrawal last?

Not everyone who takes bupropion XL will experience withdrawal symptoms. But for those who do, they are typically mild and can last a few days or up to a few weeks.¹⁹

What other information should I know about bupropion XL?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking bupropion.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

If you are taking the extended-release tablet, you may notice something that looks like a tablet in your stool. This is just the empty tablet shell and does not mean that you did not get your complete dose of medication.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.²⁰

What’s the difference between bupropion XL and bupropion SR?

Bupropion XL and bupropion SR release medications at different speeds and require a different frequency of doses. Bupropion XL is an extended-release tablet that is taken once a day. Bupropion SR releases faster and is often taken twice a day.

Both bupropion SR and bupropion XL are used to treat major depressive disorder (depression or MDD) and as a smoking cessation tool. Bupropion XL is also used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD).^21,22

What are the brand names for bupropion XL?

The brand names for bupropion XL are:

• Aplenzin®

• Budeprion® XL

• Forfivo® XL

• Wellbutrin® XL²³

Is bupropion XL the same as Wellbutrin XL^®?

Bupropion XL is the generic version of Wellbutrin XL®.²⁴

Important safety information for bupropion XL

Medications such as bupropion may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. This increase was found in children, teenagers and young adults (less than 24 years of age). The risk may be more likely with the first few months of treatment and when the dose is increased.

Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: new or worsening depression; thinking about harming or killing yourself, or planning or trying to do so; extreme worry; agitation; panic attacks; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; aggressive behavior; irritability; acting without thinking; severe restlessness; and frenzied abnormal excitement. Be sure that your family or caregiver knows which symptoms may be serious so they can call the doctor if you are unable to do so.

Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with bupropion and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You also can visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website: https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm or the manufacturer's website to obtain the Medication Guide.

Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking bupropion.²⁵

How RedBox Rx can help

Sometimes you need support to feel your best. RedBox Rx offers FDA-approved anxiety and depression treatment, with medications like bupropion XL shipped straight to your door.

Benefits of RedBox Rx include:

• $35 telehealth consult with licensed medical provider.

• Bupropion starting at $25 per month.

• No membership fees.

• FSA & HSA eligible.

• Free standard shipping or expedited/overnight available.

Take the first step toward feeling better with our online assessment.