Bupropion — uses, dosing, side effects & the brands that sell it · pharmaranks
Bupropion: uses, dosing, side effects & brands
Bupropion is an aminoketone sold in the U.S. under 7 brand and generic names, for attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity, depressive disorder and tobacco use disorder. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.
By the pharmaranks editorial team·Reviewed against the FDA (openFDA label, NDC Directory & Enforcement) sources·How we research
Key facts
Drug class
Aminoketone
Treats
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Depressive Disorder and Tobacco Use Disorder
Available as
Tablet · Tablet, extended release
Sold as
7 products — Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR and Zyban, and others
From the FDA label for Wellbutrin (application NDA018644). Other bupropion products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.
General: • Increase dose gradually to reduce seizure risk. ( 2.1 , 5.3 ) • Periodically reassess the dose and need for maintenance treatment. ( 2.2 ) Major Depressive Disorder • Starting dose: 150 mg once daily. Usual target dose: 300 mg once daily ( 2.2 ) • After 4 days, may increase the dose to 300 mg once daily. ( 2.2 ) Seasonal Affective Disorder • Initiate treatment in the autumn prior to onset of seasonal depressive symptoms. ( 2.3 ) • Starting dose: 150 mg once daily. Usual target dose: 300 mg once daily. ( 2.3 ) • After one week, may increase the dose to 300 mg once daily. ( 2.3 ) • Continue treatment through the winter season. ( 2.3 ) Hepatic Impairment • Moderate to severe hepatic impairment: 150 mg every other day ( 2.6 ) • Mild hepatic impairment: Consider reducing the dose and/or frequency of dosing. ( 2.6 , 8.7 ) Renal Impairment • Consider reducing the dose and/or frequency of dosing. ( 2.7 , 8.6 ) 2.1 General Instructions for Use To minimize the risk of seizure, increase the dose gradually [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) should be swallowed whole and not crushed, divided, or chewed. Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) should be administered in the morning and may be taken with or without food. 2.2 Dosage for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) The recommended starting dose for MDD is 150…
Bupropion side effects
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Neuropsychiatric adverse events and suicide risk in smoking cessation treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Seizure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Activation of mania or hypomania [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Psychosis and other neuropsychiatric events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Angle-Closure Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Most common adverse reactions are (incidence ≥5%; ≥2× placebo rate): dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, dizziness, pharyngitis, abdominal pain, agitation, anxiety, tremor, palpitation, sweating, tinnitus, myalgia, anorexia, urinary frequency, rash. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Inc., at 1-888-375-3784 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.…
Every bupropion product we track (7)
Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.
The elimination half-life of bupropion is about 21 hours on average (±9 hours). This is the half-life of bupropion itself; it has three active metabolites that build up to higher and longer-lasting levels in the blood (hydroxybupropion about 20 hours, erythrohydrobupropion about 33 hours, threohydrobupropion about 37 hours), so the drug's overall effect lasts longer. The half-life varies between people and is longer in those with liver problems.
Half-life is how long the body takes to clear half a dose. It is not the same as how long a drug test can detect it, and it varies with age, kidney and liver function.
Frequently asked questions
What is bupropion?
Bupropion hydrochloride, an antidepressant of the aminoketone class, is chemically unrelated to tricyclic, tetracyclic, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, or other known antidepressant agents. Its structure closely resembles that of diethylpropion; it is related to phenylethylamines. It is designated as (±)-1-(3-chorophenyl)-2- [(1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]-1-propanone hydrochloride. The molecular weight is 276.2. The molecular formula is C 13 H 18 ClNO•HCl. Bupropion hydrochloride powder is white, soluble in 0.1N HCl, alcohol 96% and in water. It has a bitter taste and produces the sensation of local anesthesia on the oral mucosa. The structural formula is : Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP (XL) are supplied for oral administration as 150 mg and 300 mg, white to pale yellow extended-release tablets. Each tablet contains the labeled amount of bupropion hydrochloride and the inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, copovidone, hydrochloric acid, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid copolymer dispersion, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, polyvinyl alcohol, silicon dioxide, talc, and triethyl citrate. This product meets the requirements of USP Dissolution Test 4 . bupropion-hydrochloride-structure
What kind of drug is bupropion?
The FDA classifies bupropion as an aminoketone. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.
How long does bupropion stay in your system?
The elimination half-life of bupropion is about 21 hours on average (±9 hours) — that is how long the body takes to clear half of a dose. This is the half-life of bupropion itself; it has three active metabolites that build up to higher and longer-lasting levels in the blood (hydroxybupropion about 20 hours, erythrohydrobupropion about 33 hours, threohydrobupropion about 37 hours), so the drug's overall effect lasts longer. The half-life varies between people and is longer in those with liver problems. Half-life is not the same as how long a drug test can detect the drug, and it varies with age, kidney and liver function.
Can you take bupropion with other medicines?
It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run bupropion against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.
Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.
Who shouldn’t take bupropion
Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) are contraindicated in patients with seizure disorder. Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) are contraindicated in patients with a current or prior diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa as a higher incidence of seizures was observed in such patients treated with bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) are contraindicated in patients undergoing abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and antiepileptic drugs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Drug Interactions (7.3) ]. The use of MAOIs (intended to treat psychiatric disorders) concomitantly with bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) or within 14 days of discontinuing treatment with bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) is contraindicated. There is an increased risk of hypertensive reactions when bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) are used concomitantly with MAOIs. The use of bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) within 14 days of discontinuing treatment with an MAOI is also contraindicated. Starting bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) in a patient treated with reversible MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue is…
Bupropion drug interactions
CYP2B6 inducers: Dose increase may be necessary if coadministered with CYP2B6 inducers (e.g., ritonavir, lopinavir, efavirenz, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin) based on clinical exposure, but should not exceed the maximum recommended dose. ( 7.1 ) Drugs metabolized by CYP2D6: Bupropion inhibits CYP2D6 and can increase concentrations of: antidepressants (e.g., venlafaxine, nortriptyline, imipramine, desipramine, paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline), antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, risperidone, thioridazine), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), and Type 1C antiarrhythmics (e.g., propafenone, flecainide). Consider dose reduction when using with bupropion. ( 7.2 ) Drugs that lower seizure threshold: Dose bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) with caution. ( 5.3 , 7.3 ) Dopaminergic Drugs (levodopa and amantadine): CNS toxicity can occur when used concomitantly with bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL). ( 7.4 ) MAOIs: Increased risk of hypertensive reactions can occur when used concomitantly with bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL). ( 7.6 ) Drug-laboratory test interactions: Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) can cause false-positive urine test results for amphetamines. ( 7.7 ) 7.1 Potential for Other Drugs to Affect Bupropion Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets, (XL) Bupropion…
We track 7 bupropion-containing products in the U.S.: Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Zyban, Aplenzin, Bupropion Hydrochloride, Forfivo XL and Wellbutrin XL. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.
What forms does bupropion come in?
Across the brands we track, bupropion is currently marketed as tablet and tablet, extended release, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.
Is there a generic bupropion?
Yes. Our catalog lists 1 generic bupropion product alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.
Has bupropion been recalled?
The FDA's Enforcement database lists 2 recall records whose product description mentions bupropion. The most recent: Bupropion Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets USP (XL) (Sep 15, 2025). A recall applies to specific lots, not to the drug as a whole — check the record for the affected lot numbers.