Wellbutrin XL

Wellbutrin XL^® (bupropion hydrochloride extended-release) is a prescription medication used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in adults. It is also sometimes used off-label to help with smoking cessation, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), weight loss, or as an adjunct in bipolar disorder. 

Wellbutrin XL belongs to a class of medications called norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). It works by increasing the available levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which are chemicals involved in mood regulation.

It is generally well tolerated and is less likely than many other antidepressants to cause weight gain or sexual side effects. Common side effects include dry mouth, insomnia, headache, nausea, anxiety, and dizziness. However, one of the more serious risks is seizures, particularly at higher doses or in people with a history of seizures, eating disorders, or abrupt alcohol or sedative withdrawal.

Wellbutrin XL (bupropion hydrochloride) is indicated for:

• Treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD)

• Prevention of seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Aminoketone antidepressant

Most common adverse reactions are (incidence ≥5%; ≥2× placebo rate):

• Dry mouth

• Nausea

• Insomnia

• Dizziness

• Inflammation of the throat

• Abdominal pain

• Agitation

• Anxiety

• Tremor

• Fluttering heartbeat

• Sweating

• Tinnitus

• Muscle pain

• Anorexia

• Urinary frequency

• Rash

The cost of Wellbutrin XL varies depending on your insurance plan, which pharmacy you use, the dosage, and quantity. Without insurance, Wellbutrin XL may cost about $2,600 for a month’s supply of 150-milligram (mg) tablets, but coupons are available to bring down the price as low as about $1,775. Insurance plans may cover all or some of the cost of the medication.

The generic form of Wellbutrin XL, bupropion XL, costs about $28 for the same amount of the medication, and coupons may also be available to help bring down the price. 

• 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 XL

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

• Drug-laboratory test interactions: Wellbutrin XL 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 XL^®. 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.