Bupropion XL

WELLBUTRIN XL

Open Bupropion XL in the interactive console ↗

Pronunciation: byoo-PROE-pee-on (WEL-byoo-trin)

Bupropion XL ballicule: receptor binding, kinetics and half-life diagram — Mechanism of action: Bupropion XL ballicule

Bupropion XL WELLBUTRIN mascot mnemonic cartoon — Visual mnemonic: Bupropion XL mascot
**“Boop ropin’ Well booty”**
Strong CYP2D6 inHibitor
Skinny → weight loss possible

What it isBupropion extended-release (WELLBUTRIN XL, 2003) inhibits norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake; depression and seasonal affective disorder.

Why this oneOnce-daily bupropion XL is labeled to prevent seasonal depressive episodes in SAD (2006), as is bupropion HBr (APLENZIN); it keeps an activating, sexually sparing profile.

What limits itSeizure risk and insomnia limit it; avoid in eating or seizure disorders. Strong CYP2D6 inhibition drives interactions.

Bupropion XL molecular structure (skeletal formula) — Molecular structure: Bupropion XL

Bupropion XL prescription history

Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Antidepressants (1957–2026). Bupropion XL enters in 1989 (estimated).

FDA-approved for

depression (2003)
seasonal affective disorder (2006)

Classes and tags

Clinical profile

Therapeutic safety burden2 / 4

Overdose danger4 / 4

Weight-gain liability0 / 4

Sedation liability0 / 4

QT / Torsades0 / 4

Direct muscarinic antagonism0 / 4

Embryofetal risk1 / 4

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 ↗

BOXED WARNING Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults

FDA dosing	Population	Start	Target	Max
Major depressive disorder	Adults	150 mg QAM	300 mg QD	300 mg QD
Prevention of seasonal affective disorder	Adults	150 mg QAM	300 mg QD	300 mg QD

Titration MDD: after 4 days may increase to 300 mg QD; SAD: after 7 days may increase to 300 mg QD

Renal Reduce dose and/or frequency (GFR <90 mL/min)

Hepatic Moderate–severe (Child-Pugh 7–15): max 150 mg every other day; mild: reduce dose/frequency

Instructions

Swallow whole; do not crush, divide, or chew
Take once daily in the morning, with or without food
On discontinuation taper 300 mg to 150 mg QD before stopping
For SAD, initiate in autumn and taper/discontinue in early spring

Available strengths

ER tab 150, 300 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 XL or within 14 days of discontinuing treatment; starting Wellbutrin XL in a patient treated with reversible MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue is contraindicated