bupropion-hcl

Medically Reviewed by HaVy Ngo, Pharm.D.

Last Reviewed: Jun 07, 2022

Drug Details


Generic Name:

Bupropion extended-release (bupropion XL)

Availability:

Prescription only

Therapeutic Class:

Atypical antidepressant; miscellaneous antidepressant; smoking cessation agent

Forms:

Wellbutrin SR (sustained-release formulation):

  • Sustained-release tablets: 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg
  • Wellbutrin XL (extended-release formulation):
  • Extended-release tablets: 150 mg, 300 mg

Bupropion hydrochloride: 

  • Immediate-release tablets: 75 mg, 100 mg
  • Sustained-release tablets: 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg
  • Extended-release tablets: 150 mg, 300 mg

Bupropion hydrobromide: 

  • Extended-release tablets: 174 mg, 348 mg, 522 mg
  • Zyban (bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablet): 150 mg
  • Forfivo XL (bupropion extended-release tablet): 450 mg
  • Aplenzin (bupropion hydrobromide extended-release tablet): 174 mg, 348 mg, 522 mg

Administration:

By mouth

Therapeutic Uses:

  • Major depressive disorder (MDD) or depression
  • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - bupropion HCl extended-release (Wellbutrin XL) only

Controlled Status:

Not a controlled substance


What is bupropion (Wellbutrin XL)?

Bupropion is an atypical antidepressant. Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release and its brand name Wellbutrin XL are approved to treat major depressive disorder (depression) and seasonal affective disorder (seasonal depression). 

Bupropion is also available under the brand Zyban. Zyban is a smoking cessation agent; it reduces cravings and other withdrawal effects from quitting smoking. 

There may be other uses of bupropion—your pharmacist or physician can give you further information and assistance.

Who can take bupropion (Wellbutrin XL)?

  • Adults
  • Children who are 6 and older: only as an off-label indication to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)