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Indication

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.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you or your family member has any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you:

  • thoughts about suicide or dying
  • attempts to commit suicide
  • new or worse depression
  • new or worse anxiety
  • feeling very agitated or restless
  • panic attacks
  • trouble sleeping (insomnia)
  • new or worse irritability
  • acting aggressive, being angry, or violent
  • acting on dangerous impulses
  • an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania)
  • other unusual changes in behavior or mood

Although WELLBUTRIN XL is not a treatment for quitting smoking, it contains the same active ingredient (bupropion) as ZYBAN, which is used to help patients quit smoking.

Some people have had serious side effects while taking bupropion to help them quit smoking, including:

New or worse mental health problems, such as changes in behavior or thinking, aggression, hostility, agitation, depression, or suicidal thoughts or actions. Some people had these symptoms when they began taking bupropion, and others developed them after several weeks of treatment, or after stopping bupropion. These symptoms happened more often in people who had a history of mental health problems before taking bupropion than in people without a history of mental health problems.

Stop taking WELLBUTRIN XL and call your healthcare provider right away if you, your family, or caregiver notice any of these symptoms. Work with your healthcare provider to decide whether you should continue to take WELLBUTRIN XL. In many people, these symptoms went away after stopping WELLBUTRIN XL, but in some people, symptoms continued after stopping WELLBUTRIN XL. It is important for you to follow-up with your healthcare provider until your symptoms go away.

Before taking WELLBUTRIN XL, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had depression or other mental health problems. You should also tell your healthcare provider about any symptoms you had during other times you tried to quit smoking, with or without bupropion.

What Other Important Information Should I Know About WELLBUTRIN XL?

  • Seizures: There is a chance of having a seizure (convulsion, fit) with WELLBUTRIN XL, especially in people with certain medical problems or who take certain medicines. Do not take any other medicines while you are taking WELLBUTRIN XL unless your healthcare provider has said it is okay to take them. If you have a seizure while taking WELLBUTRIN XL, stop taking the tablets and call your healthcare provider right away.
  • High blood pressure (hypertension): Some people get high blood pressure that can be severe while taking WELLBUTRIN XL.
  • Manic episodes: Some people may have periods of mania while taking WELLBUTRIN XL. If you have any of the following symptoms of mania, call your healthcare provider:
    • greatly increased energy
    • severe trouble sleeping
    • racing thoughts
    • reckless behavior
    • unusually grand ideas
    • excessive happiness or irritability
    • talking more or faster than usual
  • Unusual thoughts or behaviors: Some patients may have unusual thoughts or behaviors while taking WELLBUTRIN XL, including delusions (e.g., believe you are someone else), hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), paranoia (feeling that people are against you), or feeling confused. If this happens to you, call your healthcare provider.
  • Visual problems: Some people are at risk of glaucoma which can present as: eye pain, changes in vision, or swelling and redness around the eye if they take WELLBUTRIN XL. You should see an eye doctor to determine whether you are at risk prior to starting therapy.
  • Severe allergic reactions: Some patients have severe allergic reactions to WELLBUTRIN XL. Stop taking WELLBUTRIN XL and call your healthcare provider right away if you get a rash, itching, hives, fever, swollen lymph glands, painful sores in the mouth or around the eyes, swelling of the lips or tongue, chest pain, or have trouble breathing. These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Do not take WELLBUTRIN XL if you:

  • have or had a seizure disorder or epilepsy
  • have or had an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
  • are taking any other medicines that contain bupropion, including WELLBUTRIN or WELLBUTRIN SR, APLENZIN®, ZYBAN, or FORFIVO XL. Bupropion is the same active ingredient that is in WELLBUTRIN XL
  • drink a lot of alcohol and abruptly stop drinking, or use medicines called sedatives (these make you sleepy), benzodiazepines, or anti-seizure medicines, and you stop using them all of a sudden
  • take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if you take an MAOI, including the antibiotic linezolid
    • do not take an MAOI within 2 weeks of stopping WELLBUTRIN XL unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider
    • do not start WELLBUTRIN XL if you stopped taking an MAOI in the last 2 weeks unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider
  • are allergic to the active ingredient in WELLBUTRIN XL, bupropion, or to any of the inactive ingredients

Although WELLBUTRIN XL is not a treatment for quitting smoking, it contains the same active ingredient (bupropion) as ZYBAN, which is used to help patients quit smoking. Before taking WELLBUTRIN XL, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, or other mental health problems or any symptoms you had during other times you tried to quit smoking with or without bupropion. Also, tell your healthcare provider about your other medical conditions, including if you:

  • have liver problems, especially cirrhosis of the liver
  • have kidney problems
  • have, or have had, an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
  • have had a head injury
  • have had a seizure (convulsion, fit)
  • have a tumor in your nervous system (brain or spine)
  • have had a heart attack, heart problems, or high blood pressure
  • are a diabetic taking insulin or other medicines to control your blood sugar
  • drink alcohol
  • abuse prescription medicines or street drugs
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risk to your unborn baby if you take WELLBUTRIN XL during pregnancy, and about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-844-405-6185
  • are breastfeeding. WELLBUTRIN XL passes into your milk in small amounts

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Many medicines increase your chances of having seizures or cause other serious side effects if you take them while you are using WELLBUTRIN XL.

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

Read the Medication Guide carefully before you start using WELLBUTRIN XL. If you have any questions about WELLBUTRIN XL, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Click here for full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide and Boxed Warning regarding suicidal thoughts and actions.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also contact Bausch Health Customer Service at 1-800-321-4576.

WELLBUTRIN XL is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline LLC used under license.
All other product/brand names and/or logos are the trademarks of the respective owners.
© 2024 Bausch Health Companies Inc. or its affiliates.

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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.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you or your family member has any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you:

  • thoughts about suicide or dying
  • attempts to commit suicide
  • new or worse depression
  • new or worse anxiety
  • feeling very agitated or restless
  • panic attacks
  • trouble sleeping (insomnia)
  • new or worse irritability
  • acting aggressive, being angry, or violent
  • acting on dangerous impulses
  • an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania)
  • other unusual changes in behavior or mood

Although WELLBUTRIN XL is not a treatment for quitting smoking, it contains the same active ingredient (bupropion) as ZYBAN, which is used to help patients quit smoking.

Some people have had serious side effects while taking bupropion to help them quit smoking, including:

New or worse mental health problems, such as changes in behavior or thinking, aggression, hostility, agitation, depression, or suicidal thoughts or actions. Some people had these symptoms when they began taking bupropion, and others developed them after several weeks of treatment, or after stopping bupropion. These symptoms happened more often in people who had a history of mental health problems before taking bupropion than in people without a history of mental health problems.

Stop taking WELLBUTRIN XL and call your healthcare provider right away if you, your family, or caregiver notice any of these symptoms. Work with your healthcare provider to decide whether you should continue to take WELLBUTRIN XL. In many people, these symptoms went away after stopping WELLBUTRIN XL, but in some people, symptoms continued after stopping WELLBUTRIN XL. It is important for you to follow-up with your healthcare provider until your symptoms go away.

Before taking WELLBUTRIN XL, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had depression or other mental health problems. You should also tell your healthcare provider about any symptoms you had during other times you tried to quit smoking, with or without bupropion.

What Other Important Information Should I Know About WELLBUTRIN XL?

  • Seizures: There is a chance of having a seizure (convulsion, fit) with WELLBUTRIN XL, especially in people with certain medical problems or who take certain medicines. Do not take any other medicines while you are taking WELLBUTRIN XL unless your healthcare provider has said it is okay to take them. If you have a seizure while taking WELLBUTRIN XL, stop taking the tablets and call your healthcare provider right away.
  • High blood pressure (hypertension): Some people get high blood pressure that can be severe while taking WELLBUTRIN XL.
  • Manic episodes: Some people may have periods of mania while taking WELLBUTRIN XL. If you have any of the following symptoms of mania, call your healthcare provider:
    • greatly increased energy
    • severe trouble sleeping
    • racing thoughts
    • reckless behavior
    • unusually grand ideas
    • excessive happiness or irritability
    • talking more or faster than usual
  • Unusual thoughts or behaviors: Some patients may have unusual thoughts or behaviors while taking WELLBUTRIN XL, including delusions (e.g., believe you are someone else), hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), paranoia (feeling that people are against you), or feeling confused. If this happens to you, call your healthcare provider.
  • Visual problems: Some people are at risk of glaucoma which can present as: eye pain, changes in vision, or swelling and redness around the eye if they take WELLBUTRIN XL. You should see an eye doctor to determine whether you are at risk prior to starting therapy.
  • Severe allergic reactions: Some patients have severe allergic reactions to WELLBUTRIN XL. Stop taking WELLBUTRIN XL and call your healthcare provider right away if you get a rash, itching, hives, fever, swollen lymph glands, painful sores in the mouth or around the eyes, swelling of the lips or tongue, chest pain, or have trouble breathing. These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Do not take WELLBUTRIN XL if you:

  • have or had a seizure disorder or epilepsy
  • have or had an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
  • are taking any other medicines that contain bupropion, including WELLBUTRIN or WELLBUTRIN SR, APLENZIN®, ZYBAN, or FORFIVO XL. Bupropion is the same active ingredient that is in WELLBUTRIN XL
  • drink a lot of alcohol and abruptly stop drinking, or use medicines called sedatives (these make you sleepy), benzodiazepines, or anti-seizure medicines, and you stop using them all of a sudden
  • take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if you take an MAOI, including the antibiotic linezolid
    • do not take an MAOI within 2 weeks of stopping WELLBUTRIN XL unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider
    • do not start WELLBUTRIN XL if you stopped taking an MAOI in the last 2 weeks unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider
  • are allergic to the active ingredient in WELLBUTRIN XL, bupropion, or to any of the inactive ingredients

Although WELLBUTRIN XL is not a treatment for quitting smoking, it contains the same active ingredient (bupropion) as ZYBAN, which is used to help patients quit smoking. Before taking WELLBUTRIN XL, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, or other mental health problems or any symptoms you had during other times you tried to quit smoking with or without bupropion. Also, tell your healthcare provider about your other medical conditions, including if you:

  • have liver problems, especially cirrhosis of the liver
  • have kidney problems
  • have, or have had, an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
  • have had a head injury
  • have had a seizure (convulsion, fit)
  • have a tumor in your nervous system (brain or spine)
  • have had a heart attack, heart problems, or high blood pressure
  • are a diabetic taking insulin or other medicines to control your blood sugar
  • drink alcohol
  • abuse prescription medicines or street drugs
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risk to your unborn baby if you take WELLBUTRIN XL during pregnancy, and about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-844-405-6185
  • are breastfeeding. WELLBUTRIN XL passes into your milk in small amounts

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Many medicines increase your chances of having seizures or cause other serious side effects if you take them while you are using WELLBUTRIN XL.

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

Read the Medication Guide carefully before you start using WELLBUTRIN XL. If you have any questions about WELLBUTRIN XL, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Click here for full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide and Boxed Warning regarding suicidal thoughts and actions.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also contact Bausch Health Customer Service at 1-800-321-4576.

WELLBUTRIN XL is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline LLC used under license.
All other product/brand names and/or logos are the trademarks of the respective owners.
© 2024 Bausch Health Companies Inc. or its affiliates.

About WELLBUTRIN XL

Photo of a Man holding a white pill bottle
You are here: Understanding WELLBUTRIN XL/About WELLBUTRIN XL

About Wellbutrin XL

Wellbutrin XL Pill close up

What is WELLBUTRIN XL?

WELLBUTRIN XL is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with major depressive disorder and for the prevention of seasonal affective disorder.1

Only brand-name WELLBUTRIN XL offers SmartCoatTM technology with steady 24-hour coverage2-4

WELLBUTRIN XL’s patented SmartCoat technology ensures a steady release of medication throughout the day, providing consistent coverage for 24 hours.

Outer coating protects against moisture

Inner coating provides a steady release of WELLBUTRIN XL over 24 hours

Inner coating provides a steady release of WELLBUTRIN XL over 24 hours

See how SmartCoat technology works

Watch the video

WELLBUTRIN XL tablets come in 2 dosage strengths to support your needs1

Icon of 150mg Pill

150 mg

Icon of 300mg Pill

300 mg

Graphic representation of WELLBUTRIN XL. Not actual size.

How to take WELLBUTRIN XL

WELLBUTRIN XL is taken once daily in the morning, with or without food1

Photo of Man hin his kitchen holding a white pill bottle looking at it

Dosing
guidelines1

Swallow tablets whole. Do not chew, cut, or crush them.

Do not change your dose or stop taking WELLBUTRIN XL without talking with your healthcare provider first.

Do not take an extra tablet to make up for a missed dose. Wait until the next day to take your dose at the regular time. This is important. Too much WELLBUTRIN XL can increase your chance of having a seizure.

It's important to take WELLBUTRIN XL exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

WELLBUTRIN XL side effects

WELLBUTRIN XL has a well-established safety profile

In clinical trials, about 90% of study participants stayed on treatment.1,5*

Common side effects of WELLBUTRIN XL include1:

  • Trouble sleeping
  • Stuffy nose
  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Feeling anxious
  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Joint aches

*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.1,5

Please see additional Important Safety Information on right side bar.

Low incidence of weight gain with WELLBUTRIN XL*

Weight gain is a frequent concern for patients prescribed an antidepressant. This was not a common side effect in clinical trials with WELLBUTRIN XL.1,6-10

Weight gain (≥5 lbs) observed in MDD trials of up to 6 weeks1

Patients on 300 mg daily

3%
gained ≥5 lbs

Based on 339 patients compared to
4% of 347 patients on placebo.†

Patients on 400 mg daily

2%
gained ≥5 lbs

Based on 112 patients compared to
4% of 347 patients on placebo.†

Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

*WELLBUTRIN XL is not indicated for weight loss. 

†Patients in the clinical trials received the sustained-release formulation of buproprion hydrochloride. 

Please see additional Important Safety Information on right side bar.

Low incidence of sexual side effects with WELLBUTRIN XL*

Orgasm dysfunction is a frequent concern for patients prescribed an antidepressant. This was not a common side effect in clinical trials with WELLBUTRIN XL.6-11

Percentage of patients with orgasm dysfunction in
MDD clinical trials after 8 weeks of treatment11

30%

Escitalopram

VS.

15%

WELLBUTRIN XL

Data combined from 2 MDD clinical studies of 397 patients receiving escitalopram and 388 patients receiving WELLBUTRIN XL.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

Please see additional Important Safety Information on right side bar.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

MDD, major depressive disorder; SAD, seasonal affective disorder.

WELLBUTRIN XL side effects

WELLBUTRIN XL has a well-established safety profile

In clinical trials, about 90% of study participants stayed on treatment.1,5*

Common side effects of WELLBUTRIN XL include1:

  • Trouble sleeping
  • Stuffy nose
  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Feeling anxious
  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Joint aches

*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.1,5

Please see additional Important Safety Information below.

Low incidence of weight gain with WELLBUTRIN XL*

Weight gain is a frequent concern for patients prescribed an antidepressant. This was not a common side effect in clinical trials with WELLBUTRIN XL.1,6-10

Weight gain (≥5 lbs) observed in MDD trials of up to 6 weeks1

Patients on 300 mg daily

3%
gained ≥5 lbs

Based on 339 patients compared to
4% of 347 patients on placebo.†

Patients on 400 mg daily

2%
gained ≥5 lbs

Based on 112 patients compared to
4% of 347 patients on placebo.†

*WELLBUTRIN XL is not indicated for weight loss. 

†Patients in the clinical trials received the sustained-release formulation of buproprion hydrochloride. 

Please see additional Important Safety Information below.

Low incidence of sexual side effects with WELLBUTRIN XL*

Orgasm dysfunction is a frequent concern for patients prescribed an antidepressant. This was not a common side effect in clinical trials with WELLBUTRIN XL.6-11

Percentage of patients with orgasm dysfunction in
MDD clinical trials after 8 weeks of treatment11

30%

Escitalopram

VS.

15%

WELLBUTRIN XL

Data combined from 2 MDD clinical studies of 397 patients receiving escitalopram and 388 patients receiving WELLBUTRIN XL.

Please see additional Important Safety Information below.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

MDD, major depressive disorder; SAD, seasonal affective disorder.

REFERENCES:

  1. WELLBUTRIN XL (bupropion hydrochloride extended-release) Prescribing Information. Bausch Health Companies Inc.
  2. 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.
  3. US Patent 6096341.
  4. US Patent 6143327.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Kelly K, Posternak M, Alpert JE. Toward achieving optimal response: understanding and managing antidepressant side effects. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2008;10(4):409-418.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.