Bupropion SR (Wellbutrin® SR) for Major Depression

Bupropion SR is a sustained-release form of bupropion used to treat major depressive disorder in adults. This page explains how it works and helps you review Bupropion SR price details with Canadian pricing. From Canada, it ships to the US with US delivery from Canada. If you buy Bupropion SR without insurance, you can check cost and place an order online.

What Bupropion Is and How It Works

Wellbutrin® SR is the branded sustained-release version of bupropion. Bupropion is a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). It increases these neurotransmitters in key brain pathways involved in mood and motivation. It has minimal direct serotonergic activity, which helps explain a different side effect profile than many SSRIs. Bupropion also has nicotinic receptor effects, which is why a similar SR formulation is approved for smoking cessation under another brand name.

CanadianInsulin connects patients with licensed Canadian pharmacies. Prescriptions are verified with your clinic before dispensing.

Who Bupropion Is For

Bupropion SR is indicated for adults with major depressive disorder. It may be considered when daytime fatigue, low energy, or sexual side effects from other antidepressants are concerns. People with bipolar disorder need careful evaluation since antidepressants can trigger mania or hypomania without a mood stabilizer. Maintenance options for bipolar disorder may include agents like Lamictal, as directed by a clinician.

Bupropion SR is not appropriate for people with a seizure disorder, or with a current or prior diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa. It is also contraindicated with recent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Those with significant liver impairment, uncontrolled hypertension, or a history of substance misuse need individualized assessment. For seasonal depression prevention, once-daily XL formulations are typically used instead of SR. Smoking cessation uses a bupropion SR product under a different brand, not Wellbutrin SR. For broader mood resources, see our Depression category.

Some people explore new research on quitting smoking. For a wider view of emerging options, see Semaglutide Smoking Cessation.

Dosage and Usage

The typical adult schedule for major depressive disorder starts at 150 mg once daily for 3 days. If tolerated, increase to 150 mg twice daily, taken at least 8 hours apart. Many patients remain at 300 mg per day in two divided doses. The maximum recommended SR dose is 200 mg twice daily. Avoid evening or bedtime dosing to reduce the risk of insomnia and minimize seizure risk.

Swallow tablets whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew sustained-release bupropion. The prescriber may adjust the schedule based on tolerability, liver function, and the presence of interacting medicines. If stopping therapy, clinicians may taper gradually.

Strengths and Forms

Bupropion SR is supplied as sustained-release oral tablets. Commonly published strengths include:

• 100 mg bupropion SR
• 150 mg bupropion SR
• 200 mg bupropion SR

Strength availability may vary by manufacturer and dispensing pharmacy. References to brand strengths, such as Wellbutrin SR 100 mg or Wellbutrin SR 200 mg, align with the same active ingredient and release profile. Many patients start with bupropion HCl SR 150 mg tablets.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, take the next dose at the regular time. Do not double up. Keep doses at least 8 hours apart. If a dose is too close to bedtime, skip it to avoid sleep disturbance and to reduce seizure risk.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store at room temperature, typically 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Keep tablets in a dry place, away from heat and moisture, and in the original child-resistant container. When you travel, carry your medicine in your hand luggage with the prescription label visible. Use a secure container and follow local regulations. Our checkout is encrypted.

Benefits

Bupropion SR offers twice-daily dosing with a sustained-release profile. It is generally non-sedating and may support daytime energy and concentration. Compared to SSRIs, it tends to have a lower risk of sexual side effects and may be weight neutral. These features can improve adherence for some patients. For those prioritizing morning-only dosing, an XL formulation may be considered.

Side Effects and Safety

• Insomnia or trouble sleeping
• Dry mouth and throat
• Nausea or constipation
• Headache or dizziness
• Increased sweating
• Tremor or restlessness
• Agitation or anxiety
• Changes in appetite

Serious risks are uncommon but include seizures, high blood pressure, severe allergic reactions, and mood or behavior changes such as suicidal thoughts in young adults. Antidepressant-induced mania or hypomania can occur in those with bipolar spectrum conditions. Sudden eye pain or vision changes can signal angle-closure glaucoma and need urgent care. Report chest pain, shortness of breath, or severe rash promptly. Alcohol can increase neuropsychiatric and seizure risks.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Do not use bupropion with MAOIs, or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI. Bupropion is a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor and can raise levels of certain medicines, including many SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics, antipsychotics, beta-blockers, and tamoxifen (may reduce tamoxifen activation). Examples include tricyclics such as Amitriptyline, and antipsychotics like Abilify®. Dose adjustments or monitoring may be needed.

Medicines that lower the seizure threshold, abrupt withdrawal of benzodiazepines or alcohol, stimulant overuse, and electrolyte disturbances raise seizure risk. Nicotine patches combined with bupropion may increase blood pressure; monitor cardiovascular status. Use caution in severe hepatic impairment. For background reading on antipsychotic therapy, see Abilify Uses.

What to Expect Over Time

Early benefits may appear within 1 to 2 weeks, such as improved energy and focus. Mood, enjoyment, and broader functioning often improve over 4 to 6 weeks. Some people experience initial insomnia or activation, which may settle after titration and dose timing adjustments. Ongoing follow-up helps align dose, tolerability, and goals. If response is inadequate, clinicians may consider dose changes or switching to another agent or formulation.

Compare With Alternatives

For patients who prefer once-daily dosing, an extended-release option like Wellbutrin® XL may be discussed. For those seeking a serotonergic option with a different mechanism, Viibryd® is another antidepressant used for major depression. Other alternatives include SSRIs and SNRIs, as well as augmentation strategies when appropriate. Choice depends on medical history, coexisting conditions, interactions, and tolerability.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pricing is shown on this page so you can compare bupropion SR cost with typical US cash prices. You can review Bupropion SR price details and Canadian pharmacy options online, then submit your order for prompt US delivery. If you need to buy bupropion SR 150 mg online, you can select the strength and quantity during checkout. You can also review Bupropion SR Canadian pricing before placing an order. Many patients who pay out of pocket appreciate transparent pricing information.

This service ships from Canada to the US. Your order is dispensed by licensed Canadian pharmacies after prescription verification with your clinic.

Availability and Substitutions

Availability can vary by strength and manufacturer. If a specific bupropion HCl SR 150 mg product is not in stock, a pharmacist may dispense an equivalent SR formulation after confirming with the prescriber. If the medicine is temporarily unavailable, your prescriber may recommend a different strength or an alternative antidepressant. Decisions about substitutions should follow local regulations and the prescriber’s directions.

Patient Suitability and Cost Saving Tips

Good candidates have major depressive disorder without seizure risk factors, significant eating disorders, or recent MAOI use. Those with bipolar disorder need careful screening. Patients with uncontrolled hypertension need monitoring. People with liver disease may require dose changes. Pregnancy and lactation decisions require shared decision-making and review of evolving data.

To save on costs, consider multi-month fills if appropriate, which can lower per-tablet pricing with Canadian suppliers. Align refills with clinical follow-up so you do not run out. You can enable reminders and choose a 90-day supply if your prescriber allows it. Consolidating refills reduces shipping costs and supports adherence.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is bupropion SR appropriate for my depression symptoms and history?
• What target dose should we aim for, and how will we titrate?
• Could bupropion affect my other medicines through CYP2D6 inhibition?
• How should we monitor sleep, blood pressure, and mood changes?
• What signs suggest dose timing changes or a switch to an XL option?
• How long should I try this medicine before reassessing response?
• What is the plan if I experience agitation or increased anxiety?

Authoritative Sources

• DailyMed: Bupropion HCl SR
• FDA Label: Wellbutrin SR
• Health Canada Drug Product Database

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