Wellbutrin SR

Wellbutrin SR^® (sustained-release bupropion hydrochloride) is a prescription medication approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder. It may also be used off label in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), smoking cessation, obesity, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. 

Wellbutrin SR belongs to the class of antidepressants known as norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). Unlike many other antidepressants, Wellbutrin SR does not significantly affect available serotonin levels, which may reduce the risk of certain side effects such as sexual dysfunction or weight gain. It works by increasing the available levels in the brain of norepinephrine and dopamine, which play a role in mood regulation, motivation, attention, and energy levels. 

As a sustained-release formulation, it is taken twice daily, allowing for a more consistent effect throughout the day. Side effects are generally mild. Rare but serious adverse effects can include lowered seizure threshold and worsening suicidal ideations.

Consult with a healthcare provider before starting or stopping Wellbutrin SR, as dosage adjustments and monitoring may be necessary.

Wellbutrin SR (bupropion hydrochloride) is indicated:

• For the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD)

Aminoketone antidepressant

Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5% and ≥2% more than placebo rate) are:

• Headache

• Dry mouth

• Nausea

• Insomnia

• Dizziness

• Inflammation of the throat

• Constipation

• Agitation

• Anxiety

• Abdominal pain

• Ringing in the ears

• Tremor

• Fluttering heartbeat

• Muscle pain

• Sweating

• Rash

• Anorexia

The cost of Wellbutrin SR varies depending on your insurance plan, which pharmacy you use, the dosage, and quantity. Without insurance, Wellbutrin SR costs about $560 for a month’s supply of 150-milligram (mg) tablets, but coupons are available to bring down the price. Generic bupropion SR costs about $30 for the same amount, but coupons can bring down the price as low as about $5. Insurance plans may cover all or some of the cost of these medications.

• Seizure disorder

• Current or prior diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa

• Abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, antiepileptic drugs

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

• Known hypersensitivity to bupropion or other ingredients of Wellbutrin SR.

• Drug interactions: CYP2B6 inducers, drugs metabolized by CYP2D6, digoxin, drugs that lower seizure threshold, dopaminergic drugs (levodopa and amantadine), MAOIs

• Drug-laboratory test interactions: Wellbutrin SR can cause false-positive urine test results for amphetamines

• Neuropsychiatric adverse events during smoking cessation

• Seizure risk

• High blood pressure

• Activation of mania/hypomania

• Psychosis and other neuropsychiatric reactions

• Angle-closure glaucoma

WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS

Increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents and young adults taking antidepressants.

Monitor for worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

*This information is from the label for brand name Wellbutrin SR^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Bupropion, the active ingredient in Wellbutrin XL, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient bupropion.