Bupropion SR
WELLBUTRIN SR
Pronunciation: byoo-PROE-pee-on (WEL-byoo-trin)
“Boop ropin’ Well booty”
Strong CYP2D6 inHibitor
Skinny → weight loss possible
What it isBupropion sustained-release (WELLBUTRIN SR, 1996) inhibits norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake; depression.
Why this oneSlower delivery reduces peak burden while retaining an activating, sexually sparing profile; BID dosing; space doses >=8 h apart.
What limits itDo not crush; high peaks increase seizure risk. Avoid in eating or seizure disorders, and expect CYP2D6 interactions.
Bupropion SR prescription history
Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Antidepressants (1957–2026). Bupropion SR enters in 1989 (estimated).
FDA-approved for
- depression (1996)
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryC
Defining liabilityDose-related seizures and delayed cardiotoxicity are prominent in overdose, especially with extended-release products.
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major depressive disorder | Adults | 150 mg QAM | 150 mg BID (300 mg/day) | 200 mg BID (400 mg/day) |
Titration After 3 days may increase to 300 mg/day; wait several weeks before 400 mg/day; ≥8 h between doses
Renal Reduce dose and/or frequency (GFR <90 mL/min)
Hepatic Moderate–severe (Child-Pugh 7–15): max 100 mg/day or 150 mg every other day; mild: reduce dose/frequency
Do not exceed 400 mg/day (seizure risk)
Instructions
- Swallow whole; do not crush, divide, or chew
- Take with or without food
- Do not exceed 200 mg in any single dose
- Increase dose gradually to reduce seizure risk
Available strengths
- ER tab 100, 150, 200 mg
Contraindications
- Seizure disorder
- Current or prior diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa
- Patients undergoing abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and antiepileptic drugs
- Use of MAOIs (intended to treat psychiatric disorders) concomitantly with WELLBUTRIN SR or within 14 days of discontinuing treatment; starting WELLBUTRIN SR in a patient treated with reversible MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue is contraindicated
Cautions
- Seizure (dose-related)
- Hypertension/elevated blood pressure
- Activation of mania/hypomania
- Psychosis and other neuropsychiatric reactions
- Angle-closure glaucoma
- Neuropsychiatric adverse events in smoking-cessation use
- Hypersensitivity reactions
Adverse reactions
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Pharyngitis
- Constipation
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Tremor
- Sweating
- Weight loss
Pregnancy First-trimester epidemiologic data show no increased risk of congenital malformations overall
Lactation Bupropion and metabolites present in human milk; seizures reported in breastfed infants
Cost
| Strength | #/mo | generic $/mo | CostPlus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 mg | ER tab | 30 qd | $2.04 | offered |
| 150 mg | ER tab | 30 qd | $2.40 | offered |
| 200 mg | ER tab | 30 qd | $3.11 | offered |
Other forms: Bupropion (WELLBUTRIN) · Bupropion hydrobromide ER (APLENZIN) · Bupropion XL (WELLBUTRIN XL) · Bupropion XL 450 mg (FORFIVO XL)
Available combined with: dextromethorphan / bupropion · naltrexone / bupropion
Active metabolites
Open Bupropion SR in the interactive console ↗
Memory aids: interaction avatars
Open Bupropion SR in the interactive console ↗
Self-check
- How far apart should Wellbutrin SR doses be spaced?
At least 8 hours. - Why must Wellbutrin SR not be crushed?
High peaks increase seizure risk.