About WELLBUTRIN XL

WELLBUTRIN XL 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 [SAD]).1

Although the mechanism of action (how a medication works) is not fully understood, WELLBUTRIN XL belongs to a class of medications called NDRI, which is also known as norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors. It is thought to work on chemicals in the brain that affect mood.1-3

Generic versions of WELLBUTRIN XL may contain different inactive ingredients. While inactive ingredients do not affect how well a medicine works, they may cause different side effects.4,5

Also, due to the variety of different WELLBUTRIN XL generics, you could get a pill one month that appears different than the pill from the month before.4,6

Another difference is SmartCoatTM technology. WELLBUTRIN XL uses this patented technology, allowing steady release of each dose. This means a consistent level of the active ingredient is available in the body over the course of each day.7-9

The most common side effects of WELLBUTRIN XL include trouble sleeping, stuffy nose, dry mouth, dizziness, feeling anxious, nausea, constipation, and joint aches.1

Talk to your healthcare professional about any side effects you have. Your healthcare professional may be able to help manage them.10,11

Pharmacy/Access Support

First, ask your healthcare professional if brand name WELLBUTRIN XL is right for you. Your pharmacist then has to fill the specific prescription when it states DAW1 or “brand medically necessary.” DAW1 means “dispense as written.”

When you go to pick up your prescription, check it 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.1

If you find that your prescription has been substituted for a generic, ask to speak to the pharmacist so that they can confirm that your healthcare professional authorized the substitution.

Your healthcare professional may need to fill out what is called a prior authorization form in order for your insurance to cover the brand name. Your healthcare professional can use the tools here to help with any prior authorization requests.

You can also ask your healthcare professional to send your prescription to PhilRx. They can work with your insurance to get prior authorization approval and coordinate delivery of your prescription to your home, for free! Download Delivery Request Form. Find out more about PhilRx.

Yes! Most eligible* commercially insured patients can enroll for copay savings and may pay as low as $5 for each 30-day supply. Learn more about Copay Savings.

*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.

References:
  1. WELLBUTRIN XL (bupropion hydrochloride extended-release) Prescribing Information. Bausch Health Companies Inc.
  2. National Institute of Mental Health. Depression. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml. Accessed May 10, 2023.
  3. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Depression: FDA-approved medications may help. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/depression-fda-approved-medications-may-help. Accessed May 10, 2023.
  4. 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.
  5. Brown T. Inactive ingredients in medications cause trouble for some. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/910411. Accessed May 10, 2023.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. US Patent 6096341.
  9. US Patent 6143327.
  10. Mayo Clinic. Bupropion (oral route). https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/bupropion-oral-route/description/drg-20062478. Accessed May 10, 2023.
  11. InformedHealth.org. Depression: how effective are antidepressants? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK361016/?report=printable. Accessed May 10, 2023.