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Forfivo XL (bupropion hydrochloride) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating adults with major depressive disorder.
Forfivo XL is a type of medication called an antidepressant that works by changing brain chemicals called norepinephrine and dopamine. The exact way it works is not fully known, but these changes may help improve mood in adults with major depressive disorder.
Doctors prescribe Forfivo XL when an adult needs treatment for major depressive disorder. It may also be used longer term if the doctor decides it continues to be helpful.
Forfivo XL is given as a tablet by mouth, typically once daily. It can be taken with or without food.
Typical Dosing for Major Depressive Disorder
The recommended dose of Forfivo XL for major depressive disorder is one 450-milligram tablet taken once daily.
Doctors do not start treatment with Forfivo XL because this tablet comes in only one strength. It may be used after a person has taken 300 milligrams per day of another bupropion form for at least two weeks and needs 450 milligrams per day, or when switching from another bupropion product taken at 450 milligrams per day. For stopping treatment, doctors use another bupropion form to taper the dose before discontinuation.
This information is based on the prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
In clinical studies of adults taking bupropion, the active ingredient in Forfivo XL, for major depressive disorder, the most common side effects occurred in between 5 percent and 24 percent of people. These side effects were also reported at least twice as often as with placebo (an inactive treatment).
Forfivo XL can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include:
Forfivo XL may also exacerbate mania or hypomania (unusually high energy, racing thoughts, risky behavior, or needing less sleep) in people with bipolar disorder.
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
The Upsher-Smith website provides prescribing information and a Medication Guide for Forfivo XL. A manufacturer copay savings card could not be confirmed on the current official product page. Some prescription-discount websites may offer coupons, but these are not the same as a manufacturer copay card.
Before starting Forfivo XL, your doctor will check your blood pressure.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to bupropion hydrochloride or any ingredients in Forfivo XL.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements.
Do not take Forfivo XL if you:
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Forfivo XL, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. There is a pregnancy exposure registry for antidepressants. To learn more, call 844-405-6185 or visit the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Forfivo XL?
In studies of bupropion for major depressive disorder, benefit was shown in two four-week inpatient trials and one six-week outpatient trial. In one study, doses of 300 to 600 milligrams per day improved depression rating scores, and 78 percent of participants took 300 to 450 milligrams per day. In another study, only the 450-milligram dose showed benefit over placebo, while a six-week outpatient study at 300 milligrams per day also improved depression scores.
In a longer maintenance study, people who responded after eight weeks of treatment and stayed on bupropion 300 milligrams per day for up to 44 weeks had lower relapse rates than those switched to placebo.
How long does Forfivo XL take to work for major depressive disorder?
The studies used to establish benefit in major depressive disorder lasted four weeks and six weeks for acute treatment. A longer study looked at maintenance treatment after people had already responded during an eight-week open-label phase. The study information does not give an exact time when an individual person will start to feel better.
What tests or monitoring are needed with Forfivo XL for major depressive disorder?
Blood pressure should be checked before starting treatment and monitored from time to time during treatment, because Forfivo XL can raise blood pressure. People starting an antidepressant should also be watched closely for worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, and unusual changes in behavior, especially during the first few months or when the dose changes. If you need a urine drug screen, this medicine can cause a false-positive result for amphetamines on some screening tests.
On MyDepressionTeam, people share their experiences with major depressive disorder, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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