Bupropion (Aplenzin, Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL) is used to treat depression. Bupropion (Aplenzin, Wellbutrin XL) is also used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD; episodes of depression that occur at the same time each year [usually in the fall and winter but rarely may occur in the spring or summer months]). Bupropion (Zyban) is used to help people stop smoking. Bupropion is in a class of medications called antidepressants. It works by increasing certain types of activity in the brain. Bupropion XL (Generic) is available for purchase. 

Bupropion comes as a tablet and a sustained-release or extended-release (long-acting) tablet to take by mouth. The regular tablet (Wellbutrin) is usually taken three times a day, with doses at least 6 hours apart, or four times a day, with doses at least 4 hours apart. The sustained-release tablet (Wellbutrin SR, Zyban) is usually taken twice a day, with doses at least 8 hours apart. The extended-release tablet (Aplenzin, Wellbutrin XL) is usually taken once daily in the morning; doses of the extended-release tablet should be taken at least 24 hours apart. 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 2 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. Take bupropion at around the same time(s) every day. 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. Swallow the sustained-release and extended-release tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of bupropion and gradually increase your dose. It may take 4 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of bupropion. Continue to take bupropion even if you feel well. Do not stop taking bupropion without talking to your doctor. Your doctor may decrease your dose gradually.

Bupropion may cause side effects including:

• drowsiness
• anxiety
• excitement
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• dry mouth
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea
• vomiting
• stomach pain
• uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• constipation
• excessive sweating
• ringing in the ears
• changes in your sense of taste
• frequent urination
• sore throat

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away

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
• muscle or joint pain
• rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat

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
• chest pain

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

Q: Why is Wellbutrin XL prescribed?

A: Wellbutrin XL is an antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). 

Q: Does Wellbutrin XLhave a generic alternative?

A: Bupropion XL (Generic) is available for purchase at a lower cost than the brand name.

Q: What if I miss a dose of Wellbutrin XL?

A: 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.

Q: How should I store this medication?

A: 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).