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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 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.
- Generic versions of brand name medications 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 Offers SmartCoatTM Technology With Steady 24-Hour Coverage
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.
Patented SmartCoat technology
See how SmartCoat technology works
Ask for “WELLBUTRIN XL” by Name at the Pharmacy
There are steps you can take to make sure your pharmacist fills your prescription with brand name WELLBUTRIN XL and not a generic.
You have the right to ask your healthcare professional for a brand name medication, and your pharmacist has to fill the specific prescription when it states to “dispense as written.”
See Savings & Access tab above to find out if you are eligible* for a Copay Savings Card, and bring it with you to the pharmacy.
Check that you received WELLBUTRIN XL, a creamy white to pale yellow round tablet with “WELLBUTRIN XL” and the dose strength shown on the tablet.
*This offer is not valid for patients covered by Medicare, Medicaid or any other federal or state funded healthcare program or where prohibited by law. Please see Savings & Access tab above for full eligibility criteria, terms and conditions.
Questions to ask your healthcare professional 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 healthcare professional to confirm they 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 healthcare professional.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 healthcare professional
- 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 WELLBUTRIN XL part of your daily morning routine and try to take it at the same time each morning (ie, with breakfast or after brushing your teeth)
- Set a reminder on your phone or other electronic device
- Use a weekly pillbox
WELLBUTRIN XL Side Effects
WELLBUTRIN XL has a well-established tolerability profile
In clinical trials, about 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
- Stuffy nose
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Feeling anxious
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Joint aches
Talk to your healthcare professional if you experience any side effects. Your healthcare professional may be able to help manage them.9,10
Low frequency of weight gain with WELLBUTRIN XL*
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 (≥5 lbs) during clinical trials of up to 6 weeks in MDD7
Patients on 300 mg daily
gained 5 lbs
or more
Based on 339 patients; compared
with 4% of 347 patients on placebo.
Patients on 400 mg daily
gained 5 lbs
or more
Based on 112 patients; compared
with 4% of 347 patients on placebo.
The sustained-release formulation of 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 May 10, 2023.
- 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 May 10, 2023.
- 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 May 10, 2023.
- InformedHealth.org. Depression: how effective are antidepressants? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK361016/?report=printable. Accessed May 10, 2023.
- 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. 3rd ed. American Psychiatric Association; 2010.
- 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.
INDICATION
WELLBUTRIN XL® (bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a certain type of depression called major depressive disorder, and for the prevention of autumn-winter seasonal depression (seasonal affective disorder).
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING: CHANGES IN THINKING AND BEHAVIOR, DEPRESSION, AND SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR ACTIONS
Suicidal Thoughts or Actions and Antidepressant Drugs
Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, or young adults within the first few months of treatment. Depression or other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts and actions. People who have (or have a family history of) bipolar illness or suicidal thoughts or actions may have a particularly high risk. Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, impulsivity, trouble sleeping, aggressive behavior or suicidal thoughts are new, worse or worry you. WELLBUTRIN XL has not been evaluated for use in patients under the age of 18.