Indication

INDICATION

WELLBUTRIN XL® (bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a certain type of depression called major depressive disorder, and for the prevention of autumn-winter seasonal depression (seasonal affective disorder).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: CHANGES IN THINKING AND BEHAVIOR, DEPRESSION, AND SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR ACTIONS

Suicidal Thoughts or Actions and Antidepressant Drugs

Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, or young adults within the first few months of treatment. Depression or other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts and actions. People who have (or have a family history of) bipolar illness or suicidal thoughts or actions may have a particularly high risk. Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, impulsivity, trouble sleeping, aggressive behavior or suicidal thoughts are new, worse or worry you. WELLBUTRIN XL has not been evaluated for use in patients under the age of 18.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you or your family member has any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you:

  • thoughts about suicide or dying
  • attempts to commit suicide
  • new or worse depression
  • new or worse anxiety
  • feeling very agitated or restless
  • panic attacks
  • trouble sleeping (insomnia)
  • new or worse irritability
  • acting aggressive, being angry, or violent
  • acting on dangerous impulses
  • an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania)
  • other unusual changes in behavior or mood

Although WELLBUTRIN XL is not a treatment for quitting smoking, it contains the same active ingredient (bupropion) as ZYBAN, which is used to help patients quit smoking.

Some people have had serious side effects while taking bupropion to help them quit smoking, including:

New or worse mental health problems, such as changes in behavior or thinking, aggression, hostility, agitation, depression, or suicidal thoughts or actions. Some people had these symptoms when they began taking bupropion, and others developed them after several weeks of treatment, or after stopping bupropion. These symptoms happened more often in people who had a history of mental health problems before taking bupropion than in people without a history of mental health problems.

Stop taking WELLBUTRIN XL and call your healthcare provider right away if you, your family, or caregiver notice any of these symptoms. Work with your healthcare provider to decide whether you should continue to take WELLBUTRIN XL. In many people, these symptoms went away after stopping WELLBUTRIN XL, but in some people, symptoms continued after stopping WELLBUTRIN XL. It is important for you to follow-up with your healthcare provider until your symptoms go away.

Before taking WELLBUTRIN XL, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had depression or other mental health problems. You should also tell your healthcare provider about any symptoms you had during other times you tried to quit smoking, with or without bupropion.

What Other Important Information Should I Know About WELLBUTRIN XL?

  • Seizures: There is a chance of having a seizure (convulsion, fit) with WELLBUTRIN XL, especially in people with certain medical problems or who take certain medicines. Do not take any other medicines while you are taking WELLBUTRIN XL unless your healthcare provider has said it is okay to take them. If you have a seizure while taking WELLBUTRIN XL, stop taking the tablets and call your healthcare provider right away.
  • High blood pressure (hypertension): Some people get high blood pressure that can be severe while taking WELLBUTRIN XL.
  • Manic episodes: Some people may have periods of mania while taking WELLBUTRIN XL. If you have any of the following symptoms of mania, call your healthcare provider:
    • greatly increased energy
    • severe trouble sleeping
    • racing thoughts
    • reckless behavior
    • unusually grand ideas
    • excessive happiness or irritability
    • talking more or faster than usual
  • Unusual thoughts or behaviors: Some patients may have unusual thoughts or behaviors while taking WELLBUTRIN XL, including delusions (e.g., believe you are someone else), hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), paranoia (feeling that people are against you), or feeling confused. If this happens to you, call your healthcare provider.
  • Visual problems: Some people are at risk of glaucoma which can present as: eye pain, changes in vision, or swelling and redness around the eye if they take WELLBUTRIN XL. You should see an eye doctor to determine whether you are at risk prior to starting therapy.
  • Severe allergic reactions: Some patients have severe allergic reactions to WELLBUTRIN XL. Stop taking WELLBUTRIN XL and call your healthcare provider right away if you get a rash, itching, hives, fever, swollen lymph glands, painful sores in the mouth or around the eyes, swelling of the lips or tongue, chest pain, or have trouble breathing. These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Do not take WELLBUTRIN XL if you:

  • have or had a seizure disorder or epilepsy
  • have or had an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
  • are taking any other medicines that contain bupropion, including WELLBUTRIN or WELLBUTRIN SR, APLENZIN®, ZYBAN, or FORFIVO XL. Bupropion is the same active ingredient that is in WELLBUTRIN XL
  • drink a lot of alcohol and abruptly stop drinking, or use medicines called sedatives (these make you sleepy), benzodiazepines, or anti-seizure medicines, and you stop using them all of a sudden
  • take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if you take an MAOI, including the antibiotic linezolid
    • do not take an MAOI within 2 weeks of stopping WELLBUTRIN XL unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider
    • do not start WELLBUTRIN XL if you stopped taking an MAOI in the last 2 weeks unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider
  • are allergic to the active ingredient in WELLBUTRIN XL, bupropion, or to any of the inactive ingredients

Although WELLBUTRIN XL is not a treatment for quitting smoking, it contains the same active ingredient (bupropion) as ZYBAN, which is used to help patients quit smoking. Before taking WELLBUTRIN XL, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, or other mental health problems or any symptoms you had during other times you tried to quit smoking with or without bupropion. Also, tell your healthcare provider about your other medical conditions, including if you:

  • have liver problems, especially cirrhosis of the liver
  • have kidney problems
  • have, or have had, an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
  • have had a head injury
  • have had a seizure (convulsion, fit)
  • have a tumor in your nervous system (brain or spine)
  • have had a heart attack, heart problems, or high blood pressure
  • are a diabetic taking insulin or other medicines to control your blood sugar
  • drink alcohol
  • abuse prescription medicines or street drugs
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risk to your unborn baby if you take WELLBUTRIN XL during pregnancy, and about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-844-405-6185
  • are breastfeeding. WELLBUTRIN XL passes into your milk in small amounts

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal 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.

The most common side effects of WELLBUTRIN XL include: trouble sleeping, stuffy nose, dry mouth, dizziness, feeling anxious, nausea, constipation, and joint aches.

Read the Medication Guide carefully before you start using WELLBUTRIN XL. If you have any questions about WELLBUTRIN XL, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Click here for full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide and Boxed Warning regarding suicidal thoughts and actions.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also contact Bausch Health Customer Service at 1-800-321-4576.

WELLBUTRIN XL is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline LLC used under license.
All other product/brand names and/or logos are the trademarks of the respective owners.
© 2024 Bausch Health Companies Inc. or its affiliates.

See Less

INDICATION

WELLBUTRIN XL® (bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a certain type of depression called major depressive disorder, and for the prevention of autumn-winter seasonal depression (seasonal affective disorder).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: CHANGES IN THINKING AND BEHAVIOR, DEPRESSION, AND SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR ACTIONS

Suicidal Thoughts or Actions and Antidepressant Drugs

Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, or young adults within the first few months of treatment. Depression or other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts and actions. People who have (or have a family history of) bipolar illness or suicidal thoughts or actions may have a particularly high risk. Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, impulsivity, trouble sleeping, aggressive behavior or suicidal thoughts are new, worse or worry you. WELLBUTRIN XL has not been evaluated for use in patients under the age of 18.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you or your family member has any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you:

  • thoughts about suicide or dying
  • attempts to commit suicide
  • new or worse depression
  • new or worse anxiety
  • feeling very agitated or restless
  • panic attacks
  • trouble sleeping (insomnia)
  • new or worse irritability
  • acting aggressive, being angry, or violent
  • acting on dangerous impulses
  • an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania)
  • other unusual changes in behavior or mood

Although WELLBUTRIN XL is not a treatment for quitting smoking, it contains the same active ingredient (bupropion) as ZYBAN, which is used to help patients quit smoking.

Some people have had serious side effects while taking bupropion to help them quit smoking, including:

New or worse mental health problems, such as changes in behavior or thinking, aggression, hostility, agitation, depression, or suicidal thoughts or actions. Some people had these symptoms when they began taking bupropion, and others developed them after several weeks of treatment, or after stopping bupropion. These symptoms happened more often in people who had a history of mental health problems before taking bupropion than in people without a history of mental health problems.

Stop taking WELLBUTRIN XL and call your healthcare provider right away if you, your family, or caregiver notice any of these symptoms. Work with your healthcare provider to decide whether you should continue to take WELLBUTRIN XL. In many people, these symptoms went away after stopping WELLBUTRIN XL, but in some people, symptoms continued after stopping WELLBUTRIN XL. It is important for you to follow-up with your healthcare provider until your symptoms go away.

Before taking WELLBUTRIN XL, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had depression or other mental health problems. You should also tell your healthcare provider about any symptoms you had during other times you tried to quit smoking, with or without bupropion.

What Other Important Information Should I Know About WELLBUTRIN XL?

  • Seizures: There is a chance of having a seizure (convulsion, fit) with WELLBUTRIN XL, especially in people with certain medical problems or who take certain medicines. Do not take any other medicines while you are taking WELLBUTRIN XL unless your healthcare provider has said it is okay to take them. If you have a seizure while taking WELLBUTRIN XL, stop taking the tablets and call your healthcare provider right away.
  • High blood pressure (hypertension): Some people get high blood pressure that can be severe while taking WELLBUTRIN XL.
  • Manic episodes: Some people may have periods of mania while taking WELLBUTRIN XL. If you have any of the following symptoms of mania, call your healthcare provider:
    • greatly increased energy
    • severe trouble sleeping
    • racing thoughts
    • reckless behavior
    • unusually grand ideas
    • excessive happiness or irritability
    • talking more or faster than usual
  • Unusual thoughts or behaviors: Some patients may have unusual thoughts or behaviors while taking WELLBUTRIN XL, including delusions (e.g., believe you are someone else), hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), paranoia (feeling that people are against you), or feeling confused. If this happens to you, call your healthcare provider.
  • Visual problems: Some people are at risk of glaucoma which can present as: eye pain, changes in vision, or swelling and redness around the eye if they take WELLBUTRIN XL. You should see an eye doctor to determine whether you are at risk prior to starting therapy.
  • Severe allergic reactions: Some patients have severe allergic reactions to WELLBUTRIN XL. Stop taking WELLBUTRIN XL and call your healthcare provider right away if you get a rash, itching, hives, fever, swollen lymph glands, painful sores in the mouth or around the eyes, swelling of the lips or tongue, chest pain, or have trouble breathing. These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Do not take WELLBUTRIN XL if you:

  • have or had a seizure disorder or epilepsy
  • have or had an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
  • are taking any other medicines that contain bupropion, including WELLBUTRIN or WELLBUTRIN SR, APLENZIN®, ZYBAN, or FORFIVO XL. Bupropion is the same active ingredient that is in WELLBUTRIN XL
  • drink a lot of alcohol and abruptly stop drinking, or use medicines called sedatives (these make you sleepy), benzodiazepines, or anti-seizure medicines, and you stop using them all of a sudden
  • take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if you take an MAOI, including the antibiotic linezolid
    • do not take an MAOI within 2 weeks of stopping WELLBUTRIN XL unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider
    • do not start WELLBUTRIN XL if you stopped taking an MAOI in the last 2 weeks unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider
  • are allergic to the active ingredient in WELLBUTRIN XL, bupropion, or to any of the inactive ingredients

Although WELLBUTRIN XL is not a treatment for quitting smoking, it contains the same active ingredient (bupropion) as ZYBAN, which is used to help patients quit smoking. Before taking WELLBUTRIN XL, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, or other mental health problems or any symptoms you had during other times you tried to quit smoking with or without bupropion. Also, tell your healthcare provider about your other medical conditions, including if you:

  • have liver problems, especially cirrhosis of the liver
  • have kidney problems
  • have, or have had, an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
  • have had a head injury
  • have had a seizure (convulsion, fit)
  • have a tumor in your nervous system (brain or spine)
  • have had a heart attack, heart problems, or high blood pressure
  • are a diabetic taking insulin or other medicines to control your blood sugar
  • drink alcohol
  • abuse prescription medicines or street drugs
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risk to your unborn baby if you take WELLBUTRIN XL during pregnancy, and about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-844-405-6185
  • are breastfeeding. WELLBUTRIN XL passes into your milk in small amounts

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal 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.

The most common side effects of WELLBUTRIN XL include: trouble sleeping, stuffy nose, dry mouth, dizziness, feeling anxious, nausea, constipation, and joint aches.

Read the Medication Guide carefully before you start using WELLBUTRIN XL. If you have any questions about WELLBUTRIN XL, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Click here for full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide and Boxed Warning regarding suicidal thoughts and actions.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also contact Bausch Health Customer Service at 1-800-321-4576.

WELLBUTRIN XL is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline LLC used under license.
All other product/brand names and/or logos are the trademarks of the respective owners.
© 2024 Bausch Health Companies Inc. or its affiliates.

Photo of a woman holding a coffee cup, with illustrations.Photo of a woman holding a coffee cup, with illustrations.

See where WELLBUTRIN XL can take you

Dealing with depression can be tough. Take the next step in your journey and find support with WELLBUTRIN XL.

Start your journey

Find answers to frequently asked questions 


Ask for brand-name WELLBUTRIN XL

With over 20 years of brand-name legacy, WELLBUTRIN XL has been prescribed1-5:

Stethoscope

By >440,000
healthcare providers

Million Patients

To >7 million
patients

RX Icon

With >51 million
total prescriptions filled

Savings Card in a carton hand

Ways to save and access your medication

Pay as little as $0* for a 30-day supply with the Copay Savings Card and get insurance coverage support with our WELLBUTRIN XL Savings & Access Program.

Pay as little as $0* with the Copay Savings Card, and access free prescription delivery and insurance coverage support with our WELLBUTRIN XL Savings & Access Program.

*This offer is not valid for patients covered by Medicare, Medicaid or any other federal or state funded healthcare program or where prohibited by law. Please see Savings & Access tab above for full eligibility criteria, terms and conditions.

Check your symptoms

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?

Answer these questions to better understand your MDD symptoms and prepare you for your next conversation with your healthcare provider. If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact your healthcare provider immediately or contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

Little interest or pleasure in doing things

Next right-image

Please check one of the options to continue.

1 of 9

Check your symptoms

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?

Answer these questions to better understand your MDD symptoms and prepare you for your next conversation with your healthcare provider. If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact your healthcare provider immediately or contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless

Next right-image

Please check one of the options to continue.

2 of 9

Check your symptoms

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?

Answer these questions to better understand your MDD symptoms and prepare you for your next conversation with your healthcare provider. If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact your healthcare provider immediately or contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much

Next right-image

Please check one of the options to continue.

3 of 9

Check your symptoms

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?

Answer these questions to better understand your MDD symptoms and prepare you for your next conversation with your healthcare provider. If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact your healthcare provider immediately or contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

Feeling tired or having little energy

Next right-image

Please check one of the options to continue.

4 of 9

Check your symptoms

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?

Answer these questions to better understand your MDD symptoms and prepare you for your next conversation with your healthcare provider. If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact your healthcare provider immediately or contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

Poor appetite or overeating

Next right-image

Please check one of the options to continue.

5 of 9

Check your symptoms

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?

Answer these questions to better understand your MDD symptoms and prepare you for your next conversation with your healthcare provider. If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact your healthcare provider immediately or contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

Feeling bad about yourself – or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down

Next right-image

Please check one of the options to continue.

6 of 9

Check your symptoms

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?

Answer these questions to better understand your MDD symptoms and prepare you for your next conversation with your healthcare provider. If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact your healthcare provider immediately or contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television

Next right-image

Please check one of the options to continue.

7 of 9

Check your symptoms

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?

Answer these questions to better understand your MDD symptoms and prepare you for your next conversation with your healthcare provider. If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact your healthcare provider immediately or contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed? Or the opposite – being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual

Next right-image

Please check one of the options to continue.

8 of 9

Check your symptoms

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?

Answer these questions to better understand your MDD symptoms and prepare you for your next conversation with your healthcare provider. If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact your healthcare provider immediately or contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

Thoughts that you would be better off dead or hurting yourself in some way

Next right-image

Please check one of the options to continue.

9 of 9

Check your symptoms

Thank you for completing the survey.

You can use your results to help guide your next conversation with your healthcare provider.

The information submitted by you will not be saved by Bausch Health and is for your own use only.

Drawing of two people on a sidewalk walking, one on the phone

Drawing of two people on a sidewalk walking, one on the phone

Helpful resources for you

Find the help and information you need to better understand and manage your depression.

REFERENCES:

  1. WELLBUTRIN XL (bupropion hydrochloride extended-release) Prescribing Information. Bausch Health Companies Inc.
  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Approval letter, NDA 21-515. Published August 28, 2003. https://
    www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/
    appletter/2003/21515ltr.pdf
    . 

    Accessed September 25, 2024.
  3. Data on file. IQVIA: Unique prescribers. 2022.
  4. Data on file. IQVIA: Total patients. 2022.
  5. Data on file. IQVIA: Total prescriptions. 2022.