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Medication

Bupropion (wellbutrin)

Bupropion is a psychiatric medication available by prescription only. It belongs to a class of medications called norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). Unlike SSRIs or SNRIs, which primarily target serotonin, bupropion works by influencing norepinephrine and dopamine activity in the brain.

Learn About Wellbutrin Treatment

Connect with a psychiatric clinician online or in person for a comprehensive evaluation. If appropriate, they may discuss whether Bupropion could be considered as part of your treatment plan.

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What Conditions Does Bupropion Treat?

FDA-Approved Uses:

Common Non-FDA Uses:

How Psychiatric Medication Prescription Decisions Are Made

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Step 1: Find a psychiatric clinician who meets your needs

Option 1

You can start by searching our psychiatrist directory to find a qualified provider who is accepting patients.

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Option 2

You may also choose to locate a nearby clinic and schedule your first appointment in person.

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Step 2: Meet one-on-one for a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation

During your first session, a psychiatric clinician will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. If appropriate, they may discuss whether a medication such as bupropion could be included in your care plan. Treatment decisions always prioritize safety, clinical best practices, and your individual needs.

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Step 3: Begin treatment and ongoing monitoring

After a personalized treatment plan is created, your provider will monitor your progress and adjust the plan as needed. If medication is part of your care, then, if clinically appropriate, your provider may handle prescription renewals online during or after regular follow-ups as clinically appropriate in accordance with LifeStance treatment protocols.

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Struggling with Depression or ADHD?

Struggling with Depression or ADHD?

Everyone’s experience with depression or ADHD is different. A psychiatrist may help you find the right treatment path—whether that includes Bupropion (wellbutrin) or another option that fits your needs. Discuss medication options with your treating provider.

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FAQs About Bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Aplenzin, Forfivo XL)

Wellbutrin (bupropion) is FDA-approved for major depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and smoking cessation. It is also used off-label for ADHD and to reduce sexual side effects caused by SSRIs.

No. Wellbutrin is not an SSRI. It is classified as an NDRI, or norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor, which targets dopamine and norepinephrine instead of serotonin.

No. Wellbutrin is not a stimulant. However, because it increases dopamine and norepinephrine activity, many people experience improved energy and focus, which can feel similar to stimulant effects. Unlike stimulant medications, it is not a controlled substance.

Wellbutrin works by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, two neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation, focus, and motivation. By increasing their availability in the brain, Wellbutrin may improve depressive symptoms and support smoking cessation.

Side effects may include dry mouth, insomnia, headache, nausea, restlessness, worsening anxiety, and increased sweating. Unlike many antidepressants, Wellbutrin is less likely to cause sexual dysfunction or weight gain. At higher doses, seizure risk increases.

Weight gain is not a common side effect of Wellbutrin and is reported less often compared to SSRIs or SNRIs.

Weight loss is reported in some patients, particularly early in treatment. Wellbutrin is sometimes used off-label or combined with other medications as part of weight management approaches.

Some people notice improvements in energy or concentration within 1-2 weeks. Full antidepressant effects usually appear in 4-6 weeks.

Wellbutrin is generally not prescribed as a first-line treatment for anxiety. While it may help if anxiety is tied to depression, it can also worsen anxiety symptoms in some individuals.

Although not FDA-approved, Wellbutrin is sometimes used off-label for ADHD. It may help improve concentration and focus, especially in individuals who cannot take stimulant medications.

Try to avoid alcohol while on Wellbutrin. Alcohol can increase the risk of seizures in people taking Wellbutrin and may worsen mood symptoms.

Wellbutrin may be prescribed during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh potential risks. Some studies suggest a possible association with congenital heart defects, though findings are mixed. It may also be considered to support smoking cessation during pregnancy.

Wellbutrin passes into breast milk in small amounts. Rare cases of seizures in breast-fed infants have been reported. A healthcare provider will weigh risks and benefits before prescribing during breastfeeding.

Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL both contain bupropion as the active ingredient. The difference is in how the medication is released in the body. Wellbutrin SR is a sustained-release formulation that is usually taken twice daily, while Wellbutrin XL is an extended-release formulation taken once daily. Both are commonly used for major depressive disorder, but the once-daily dosing of Wellbutrin XL may be more convenient, may reduce the likelihood of missed doses, and is less likely to worsen sleep.

The cost of bupropion/Wellbutrin depends on whether it is filled as a generic or under a brand name.

As of publication date, generic bupropion extended-release tablets generally range from about $6 to $37 for 30 tablets, depending on dose and pharmacy.

As of publication date, approximate pricing for brand-name versions include:

Actual costs vary based on dosage, pharmacy, location, diagnosis, and insurance coverage. If you have insurance, your out-of-pocket cost will depend on your supporting diagnosis and plan type (e.g., commercial, Medicare, Medicaid) and may include a copay or coinsurance.

Only stop Wellbutrin treatment when recommended by your psychiatric clinician. Stopping suddenly is not known to be dangerous and is unlikely to cause withdrawal symptoms, but some people can experience irritability, mood swings, or difficulty sleeping for a short period. Always follow your psychiatric provider’s directions on when to stop taking medications or change dosages.

Always follow your psychiatric provider’s directions on when to take prescribed medications. If a dose is missed, ask your prescribing clinician for instructions.

Wellbutrin is an NDRI, while Lexapro (escitalopram) is an SSRI. Lexapro is FDA-approved for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. While Wellbutrin is less likely to cause sexual side effects or weight gain, it is not approved for anxiety and may worsen it in some individuals. Wellbutrin may be prescribed for individuals experiencing depression, low energy, or sexual side effects from SSRIs.

Zoloft (sertraline) is an SSRI approved for depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). While Wellbutrin is less likely to cause sexual side effects or weight gain, it is not approved for anxiety and may worsen it in some patients. It may be considered for individuals experiencing depression, low energy or sexual side effects from SSRIs.

Prozac (fluoxetine) is an SSRI approved for depression, OCD, panic disorder, PMDD, and bulimia nervosa. Wellbutrin is FDA-approved for depression, seasonal affective disorder, and smoking cessation. While Wellbutrin is less likely to cause sexual side effects or weight gain, Wellbutrin is not approved for anxiety and may worsen it in some individuals. It may be considered for individuals experiencing depression, low energy or sexual side effects from SSRIs.

In some cases, Wellbutrin and Zoloft are prescribed together. Zoloft provides serotonin-based treatment, while Wellbutrin targets norepinephrine and dopamine. This combination may be used when one medication alone does not provide sufficient benefit or if Zoloft causes sexual side effects, but it requires careful medical supervision.

Aplenzin and Wellbutrin are both brand-name versions of the active ingredient bupropion, an atypical antidepressant. The main difference is the chemical formulation. Wellbutrin contains bupropion hydrochloride and is available in generic forms, making it widely prescribed and more cost-effective. Aplenzin contains bupropion hydrobromide, and is only available as a brand-name product. Both medications work the same way in the brain by affecting norepinephrine and dopamine.

Forfivo XL and Wellbutrin are both brand-name versions of bupropion hydrochloride. The difference is in dosing and availability. Forfivo XL comes in a single 450 mg extended-release tablet taken once daily, typically for patients who require a higher dose in one pill. Wellbutrin is available in sustained-release and extended-release forms, with multiple dosage options and widely available generic versions.

photo of LifeStance provider Joshua Nathan, MD

Medically Reviewed By:

Joshua Nathan, MD
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Dr. Joshua Nathan, a Board-Certified Psychiatrist, and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, sees stigma – from others and from ourselves - as the biggest challenge in mental illness treatment. He encourages people to not judge themselves on whatever problems they are facing, and he helps them feel safe to open up and allow for healing. Dr. Nathan takes joy in helping people with mental health concerns and values the trust patients place in him. Dr. Nathan treats adults struggling with mood and bipolar disorders, depression, ADHD, anxiety challenges such as panic disorder, agoraphobia, OCD, PTSD, and more. He listens to each person’s story, observes how they are faring, and shares his understanding of what is happening, so there is a basis for starting or continuing treatment. He considers medications as one tool among many for healing and recovery in mental health. During treatment, Dr. Nathan uses an eclectic framework for understanding mental illness and coping. Trained in psychoanalysis, he finds that existential understanding helps many people reduce suffering, but cognitive-behavioral techniques are more practical in helping people move forward. Thus, he typically employs a combination of theories and techniques, guided by the patient's problems, needs, and experiences. He is also an Official ADHD Evaluator for the National Football League. Dr. Nathan earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a medical doctorate from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and completed postgraduate residency training at Brown University. He works with adults of all ages, but has a special fondness for working with young and middle-age adults.

References

  1. Alwan, S., Reefhuis, J., Botto, L. D., Rasmussen, S. A., Correa, A., & Friedman, J. M. (2010). Maternal use of bupropion and risk for congenital heart defects. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 203(1), 52.e1–52.e6. https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(10)00220-6/abstract

  2. Drugs.com. (n.d.). Aplenzin Prices, Coupons & Patient Assistance Programs. Retrieved November 9, 2025, from https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/aplenzin

  3. Drugs.com. (n.d.). Bupropion Prices, Coupons & Patient Assistance Programs. Retrieved November 9, 2025, from https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/bupropion

  4. Drugs.com. (n.d.). Bupropion Prices, Coupons & Patient Assistance Programs. Retrieved November 9, 2025, from https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/bupropion

  5. GoodRx. (n.d.). Forfivo XL Prices, Coupons & Savings Tips. Retrieved November 9, 2025, from https://www.goodrx.com/forfivo-xl

  6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Drugs@FDA. Retrieved November 12, 2025, from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm

In 2007, the FDA released a black box warning that antidepressants were correlated to the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18–24) during short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric conditions. Gibbons et. al (2007) also published a study that found no evidence of antidepressant treatment increasing the risk of suicide attempts among its patients (ages 18-65+). The main message is that there is an inherent relationship between depression and suicidality so close monitoring of antidepressant-treated patients (especially children, adolescents, and young adults) is always necessary. For a comprehensive overview of these medications’ uses and risks, see the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug label.