Wellbutrin XL® (Bupropion XL) Extended-Release Tablets

Bupropion XL is an extended-release antidepressant used in adults for major depressive disorder and to prevent seasonal affective disorder episodes. As the generic equivalent of Wellbutrin XL®, it provides steady 24-hour coverage in a single morning tablet. Available from Canada with US delivery, this once-daily option allows access to Canadian pricing while maintaining clinical continuity.

What Wellbutrin XL® Is and How It Works

Wellbutrin XL® (bupropion hydrochloride extended-release) is a norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor, or NDRI. It increases synaptic levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, neurotransmitters involved in energy, motivation, and reward processing. Unlike many antidepressants, it has minimal direct serotonergic activity. The extended-release matrix releases medicine gradually over the day, helping reduce peaks and troughs that can drive side effects. Because it can be activating, morning dosing is typical to reduce the chance of insomnia. It belongs to the broader Antidepressant category.

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Who Wellbutrin XL® Is For

Indications include treatment of major depressive disorder and prevention of recurrent seasonal affective disorder. It may be a consideration for people who prefer a once-daily schedule or who have experienced fatigue, low motivation, or sexual side effects on serotonergic agents. It is not approved for panic disorder or generalized anxiety, though clinicians sometimes pair it with other agents when anxiety is controlled.

Use is not appropriate for individuals with a seizure disorder, current or prior bulimia or anorexia nervosa, or those undergoing abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, or sedatives. Do not use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Caution is warranted with bipolar disorder due to risk of mood switching. For condition context, see Major Depressive Disorder and Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Dosage and Usage

General adult dosing often starts at 150 mg taken once each morning. If tolerated, many patients increase to 300 mg once daily. Some with major depressive disorder may require a higher total daily dose under prescriber guidance. For seasonal affective disorder, clinicians typically initiate therapy in the fall before symptom onset and taper in spring. Exact schedules vary; follow the plan provided in your prescription and medication guide.

• Swallow tablets whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew.
• Take in the morning to limit insomnia risk unless your clinician has advised otherwise.
• If sensitive to activation, avoid taking close to bedtime.
• If you miss several days, consult your clinician before restarting.

Hepatic or renal impairment may require dosing adjustments and/or longer intervals between dose increases. Always review other medicines and supplements with your prescriber, including over-the-counter products.

Strengths and Forms

Bupropion XL is supplied as extended-release oral tablets commonly available in 150 mg and 300 mg strengths. Availability can vary by manufacturer and pharmacy. The XL form is designed for once-daily dosing; other bupropion formulations (SR, IR) follow different schedules.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a morning dose, take it when remembered the same day if it is not near bedtime. If it is late in the day, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the usual time the following morning. Do not take extra tablets or double up to make up for a missed dose, as higher-than-directed amounts increase seizure risk. Keep doses roughly 24 hours apart.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in a dry place, away from excess heat and moisture. Keep in the original, labeled container with the child-resistant cap. For trips, pack enough medicine for the full stay plus a small buffer. Carry it in your hand luggage, keep it with the original pharmacy label, and bring a copy of your prescription if crossing borders. If routine shifts due to time zones, aim for a consistent morning schedule at your destination and discuss any needed adjustments with your clinician in advance.

Benefits

• Once-daily dosing supports adherence with steady 24-hour coverage.
• Activation profile can help with low energy and reduced motivation often seen in depression.
• Generally low rates of sexual side effects relative to many SSRIs.
• Weight-neutral tendency for many patients, though individual responses vary.
• Evidence-based option for major depressive disorder and prevention of seasonal affective disorder episodes.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: dry mouth, insomnia, headache, nausea, constipation, dizziness, tremor, sweating, anxiety or restlessness, and changes in appetite or weight.
• Less common: ringing in ears, rash, itching, visual changes, fast heartbeat, or blood pressure elevation.

Serious but rare risks include seizures (risk increases with higher doses or predispositions), severe hypertension, severe allergic reactions, mood switching in bipolar disorder, and angle-closure glaucoma in susceptible individuals. Antidepressants carry a boxed warning for increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults; close monitoring is important when starting or changing dose. Seek urgent care for signs of severe reaction, sudden mood or behavior changes, chest pain, fainting, or seizure.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

• Do not take with MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI.
• Bupropion is a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor; it can increase levels of medicines such as certain SSRIs, SNRIs, antipsychotics, beta-blockers, and tamoxifen.
• Avoid combining with other medicines that lower the seizure threshold unless your prescriber determines the benefit outweighs risk.
• Using nicotine patches concurrently may increase blood pressure; monitor if recommended together.
• Limit or avoid alcohol; abrupt changes in alcohol intake can raise seizure risk.
• Do not use more than one bupropion-containing product at a time, which includes some weight-management products such as Contrave 8mg 90mg 120 Tablets.

Tell your clinician about all prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. This helps them assess 2D6 interactions and seizure risk factors before prescribing.

What to Expect Over Time

Improvements in energy, concentration, and daily activity often appear before full mood change. Sleep and appetite patterns may shift early in treatment. Many people need a gradual titration to their effective dose, with continued evaluation over several weeks. If the initial response is partial, prescribers may adjust the dose or consider combination therapy. Ongoing follow-up helps tailor therapy and manage tolerability.

Compare With Alternatives

Other evidence-based antidepressants include SSRIs and SNRIs. A person who prioritizes calm or who has prominent anxiety may respond better to a serotonergic option. Two commonly prescribed choices are Escitalopram and Zoloft. People who have pain syndromes sometimes benefit from an SNRI such as duloxetine. Choice depends on your diagnosis, past responses, coexisting conditions, side-effect preferences, and potential interactions.

Pricing and Access

With Canadian pricing and prescription referral support, many patients see meaningful out-of-pocket savings compared with typical US cash costs. You can review live availability and compare generic and brand options before you proceed to checkout. US delivery from Canada uses prompt, express, cold-chain shipping. Checkout and customer data are protected by encrypted transfer. If you are looking for periodic savings, see our promotions page.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by strength and manufacturer. If the exact item requested is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a clinically appropriate alternative, such as the brand Wellbutrin XL or the sustained-release formulation when suitable. Any substitution should be reviewed with your clinician for dosing and schedule alignment.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates include adults with major depressive disorder or those seeking seasonal affective disorder prevention who do not have seizure risk factors and who prefer a once-daily regimen. People with a history of seizures, eating disorders, uncontrolled hypertension, or recent alcohol or sedative withdrawal are generally not candidates. If bipolar disorder is suspected, careful evaluation is needed before starting an antidepressant.

• Ask your prescriber whether a 90-day supply is appropriate; fewer refills can lower per-tablet costs.
• Set refill reminders so therapy stays uninterrupted.
• Keep your medication list updated to avoid interacting drugs that might force a switch.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is bupropion XL appropriate for my depression history and current symptoms?
• How should we monitor for activation, blood pressure changes, or insomnia?
• What is my plan if I miss a dose, or if side effects appear in the first weeks?
• Could bupropion XL interact with any of my current medicines or supplements?
• If I have partial response, should we adjust the dose, add psychotherapy, or consider another agent?
• How long should I continue treatment after I feel better?

Authoritative Sources

• MedlinePlus: Bupropion
• FDA: Wellbutrin XL Label
• DailyMed

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Disclaimer: This information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow your clinician’s guidance and the approved labeling for your medicine.