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Wellbutrin XL (bupropion hydrochloride) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating adults with major depressive disorder (MDD).
Wellbutrin XL is a type of antidepressant. It works in the brain, but its exact way of working is not fully known. It is thought to affect two brain chemicals called norepinephrine and dopamine, which are linked to mood.
Doctors prescribe Wellbutrin XL to adults with major depressive disorder (MDD).
Wellbutrin XL is given as a tablet taken by mouth, typically once daily in the morning. It may be taken with or without food. Wellbutrin XL is an extended-release form of bupropion.
Tablets should be swallowed whole. Avoid crushing, dividing, or chewing Wellbutrin XL tablets.
The recommended starting dose of Wellbutrin XL for depression is 150 milligrams once daily in the morning. After four days, the dose may be increased to the recommended maintenance dose of 300 milligrams once daily in the morning. Doses may be lower for people with certain medical conditions or those taking medicines that may affect blood levels of Wellbutrin XL.
This information is based on the prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
In studies of adults taking Wellbutrin XL for MDD, the more common side effects occurred in 5 percent to 17 percent of people. They include:
Wellbutrin XL can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
Bausch Health, the manufacturer of Wellbutrin XL, offers the Wellbutrin XL Savings & Access Program. Most eligible commercially insured people may pay as little as $0. This offer is not valid for people covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or any other federal or state health care program, or where prohibited by law.
To learn more, visit the Wellbutrin XL Savings & Access Program or call 855-859-2966.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to bupropion hydrochloride or any ingredients in Wellbutrin XL. Do not take Wellbutrin XL if you have had a serious allergic reaction to bupropion.
Do not take Wellbutrin XL if you:
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and 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. Do not take any other medicines while taking Wellbutrin XL unless your healthcare provider has told you it is OK.
Tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:
Limit or avoid using alcohol during treatment with Wellbutrin XL.
Do not drive a car or use heavy machinery until you know how Wellbutrin XL affects you.
If you miss a dose, do not take an extra dose to make up for the dose you missed. Wait and take your next dose at the regular time. Too much Wellbutrin XL can increase your chance of having a seizure.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Wellbutrin XL, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. If you become pregnant during treatment with Wellbutrin XL, there is a pregnancy exposure registry for antidepressants you can enroll in by calling 844-405-6185 or visiting the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants.
Wellbutrin XL passes into your breast milk in small amounts. The association between Wellbutrin XL in breast milk and possible adverse effects in infants is not clear. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during treatment with Wellbutrin XL.
Wellbutrin XL is also FDA approved to prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in adults.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Wellbutrin XL?
In studies of adults with MDD, people taking bupropion, the active ingredient in Wellbutrin XL, did better than those taking a placebo (an inactive treatment). The studies lasted about four to six weeks. Improvement was measured on standard depression rating scales, including the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale.
In a longer study, people who got better on bupropion and kept taking 300 milligrams each day were less likely to have their depression come back. This study lasted up to 44 weeks and compared people who stayed on the medicine with those who switched to a placebo.
How long does Wellbutrin XL take to work for depression?
Wellbutrin XL does not work right away for depression. However, it is unknown exactly when a person will start to feel better. In studies, doctors measured how well it worked over about four to six weeks.
Can Wellbutrin XL cause weight loss or appetite changes when used for depression?
Wellbutrin XL may affect weight and appetite. In studies of adults with depression, some people lost weight, and weight loss was more likely at higher doses. Fourteen percent to 19 percent of people lost 5 pounds or more.
Some people, 3 percent to 5 percent, also had anorexia (loss of appetite).
Can Wellbutrin XL cause anxiety or trouble sleeping when used for depression?
Wellbutrin XL can cause anxiety, agitation, and insomnia. These side effects have been reported in people taking the medicine. It is important to watch for new or worse anxiety, panic attacks, feeling very restless, or trouble sleeping, especially when starting the medicine or when the dose changes.
If these symptoms are severe, start suddenly, or feel unusual for you, contact your healthcare provider right away.
On MyDepressionTeam, people share their experiences with depression, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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