Experience
WELLBUTRIN XL
WELLBUTRIN XL and Generics
There are different generic versions of WELLBUTRIN XL. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires generic medicines to be bioequivalent to their brand name counterpart. This generally means that they work the same way. But there are some things that can be different.1,2
It is important to know the differences and how they can impact your treatment experience.
WELLBUTRIN XL
Generic Versions of WELLBUTRIN XL
Graphic representation of WELLBUTRIN XL and generic versions of WELLBUTRIN XL. Not actual size.
- The generic version of WELLBUTRIN XL may smell, look, and taste different1,2
- Being given a different generic version of WELLBUTRIN XL that is different in appearance from month to month could become confusing1,2
- With brand name WELLBUTRIN XL, you will have the comfort of knowing you are getting the same tablet each month
- Generic versions of WELLBUTRIN XL may contain different inactive ingredients2
- Inactive ingredients do not affect how well a medicine works but may cause different side effects2,3
- If you are taking a generic version of WELLBUTRIN XL, you may be given a different generic each month
- Each generic could have different inactive ingredients2,3
Only the Brand Has SmartCoatTM Technology
When you are suffering from depression, it can be reassuring to know that your antidepressant is providing you with coverage 24 hours a day. That’s why brand name WELLBUTRIN XL uses patented SmartCoat technology, allowing for a steady release over a 24-hour period.4-6
This means a consistent level of the active ingredient is available in the body over the course of each day.
Ask for the Brand From Your Pharmacy
There are steps you can take to make sure your pharmacist fills your prescription with brand name WELLBUTRIN XL and not a generic.
Tell your doctor you want brand name WELLBUTRIN XL. Ask your doctor to write DAW1 or “brand medically necessary” on the prescription. DAW1 means “dispense as written.”
Let your pharmacy know that you and your doctor want the prescription to be filled for brand name WELLBUTRIN XL.
Check your prescription before leaving the pharmacy. Brand name WELLBUTRIN XL is a creamy white to pale yellow round tablet that has “WELLBUTRIN XL” on it followed by the dose.7
Questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist
- Who from your office can help me find out if my insurance company will cover brand name WELLBUTRIN XL?
- Will you write my prescription for WELLBUTRIN XL so that it specifically asks for the brand name product?
- Am I set up in your system to automatically receive generics?
- Will you ask me before substituting a brand name with a generic medicine?
If you find you have been given a generic, speak to your doctor to confirm he or she authorized this substitution.
Find out about a simple (and fast!) way to get brand name WELLBUTRIN XL filled at the pharmacy and delivered to your home for free!
How to Take WELLBUTRIN XL
150 mg
300 mg
Graphic representation of WELLBUTRIN XL. Not actual size.
It is important to take WELLBUTRIN XL exactly as prescribed by your doctor.7
- Swallow WELLBUTRIN XL tablets whole. Do not crush, divide, or chew them
- Do not change the dose or stop taking WELLBUTRIN XL unless advised by the prescribing doctor
- Do not take an extra tablet to make up for a missed dose. Wait to take the next tablet at the regularly scheduled time (the next day). This is important. Too much WELLBUTRIN XL can increase your chance of having a seizure
WELLBUTRIN XL is taken once daily in the morning, with or without food.7 Here are some tips to help you remember to take your daily dose of WELLBUTRIN XL:
- Make taking WELLBUTRIN XL part of your daily morning routine (ie, with breakfast or after brushing your teeth) and try to take it at the same time each morning
- Set a reminder on your phone or other electronic device
- Use a weekly pillbox
WELLBUTRIN XL Side Effects
WELLBUTRIN XL had a well-established safety profile
In clinical trials, WELLBUTRIN XL was generally well-tolerated. >90% of study participants stayed on treatment.7,8*
*Based on 376 patients taking 300 mg/day of bupropion hydrochloride sustained-release in MDD and 537 patients on bupropion hydrochloride extended-release in SAD; compared with 96% of 385 patients on placebo in MDD trials and 95% of 511 patients on placebo in SAD trials.7,8
Common side effects that may be experienced during treatment with WELLBUTRIN XL include7:
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling anxious
- Stuffy nose
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
Often some of the common side effects of antidepressants may go away after the first few weeks of treatment.9,10
Talk to your doctor if you experience any side effects. Your doctor may be able to help manage them.9,10
WELLBUTRIN XL had a low frequency of causing weight gain*
Weight gain is a common side effect of commonly prescribed antidepressants but was not common in clinical trials with WELLBUTRIN XL.7,11-15
Weight gain and loss during clinical trials in MDD7
Patients on 300 mg daily
gained 5 lbs or more
lost 5 lbs or more
Patients on 400 mg daily
gained 5 lbs or more
lost 5 lbs or more
The sustained-release formulation (bupropion hydrochloride) was used during clinical trials.
*WELLBUTRIN XL is not indicated for weight loss.
MDD, major depressive disorder; SAD, seasonal affective disorder.
References:
- Peters JR. From our perspective: the importance of the physical characteristics of generic drugs. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/newsevents/ucm471446.htm. Accessed November 12, 2020.
- Straka RJ, Keohane DJ, Liu LZ. Potential clinical and economic impact of switching branded medications to generics. Am J Ther. 2017;24(3):e278-e289.
- Brown T. Inactive ingredients in medications cause trouble for some. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/910411. Accessed November 12, 2020.
- Fava M, Rush AJ, Thase ME, et al. 15 years of clinical experience with bupropion HCl: from bupropion to bupropion SR to bupropion XL. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2005;7(3):106-113.
- US Patent 6096341.
- US Patent 6143327.
- WELLBUTRIN XL (bupropion hydrochloride extended-release) Prescribing Information. Bausch Health Companies Inc.
- Modell JG, Rosenthal NE, Harriett AE, et al. Seasonal affective disorder and its prevention by anticipatory treatment with bupropion XL. Biol Psychiatry. 2005;58(8):658-667.
- Mayo Clinic. Bupropion (oral route). https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/bupropion-oral-route/description/drg-20062478. Accessed November 12, 2020.
- InformedHealth.org. Depression: how effective are antidepressants? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK361016/?report=printable. Accessed November 12, 2020.
- Ashton AK, Jamerson BD, Weinstein WL, Wagoner C. Antidepressant-related adverse effects impacting treatment compliance: results of a patient survey. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2005;66(2):96-106.
- Kelly K, Posternak M, Alpert JE. Toward achieving optimal response: understanding and managing antidepressant side effects. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2008;10(4):409-418.
- Fortney JC, Pyne JM, Edlund MJ, et al. Reasons for antidepressant nonadherence among veterans treated in primary care clinics. J Clin Psychiatry. 2011;72(6):827-834.
- Hu XH, Bull SA, Hunkeler EM, et al. Incidence and duration of side effects and those rated as bothersome with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment for depression: patient report versus physician estimate. J Clin Psychiatry. 2004;65(7):959-965.
- Gelenberg AJ, Freeman MP, Markowitz JC, et al. Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder (revision). American Psychiatric Association. Am J Psychiatry. 2000;157(4 suppl):1-45.
- Clayton AH, Croft HA, Horrigan JP, et al. Bupropion extended release compared with escitalopram: effects on sexual functioning and antidepressant efficacy in 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. J Clin Psychiatry. 2006;67(5):736-746.