Prescription medicine
Bupropion Brand names: Wellbutrin, Aplenzin, Forfivo
Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is a prescription medicine with an FDA approval on record since 1985. FDA's NDC Directory lists it from 69 generic labelers, and pharmacies paid $0.0785 per bupropion HCl xl 150 mg tablet in the October 7, 2026 NADAC survey.
- Generic listed
- Boxed warning
Check it at the source: the bupropion FDA label on DailyMed (effective June 21, 2024); the NDA 18644 record on Drugs@FDA; every bupropion label on DailyMed.
Highlights of the record
FDA label of June 21, 2024; NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA and Orange Book, October 8, 2026; NADAC October 7, 2026
SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS SUICIDALITY AND ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS.
Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term trials. These trials did not show an increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior with antidepressant use in subjects over age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressant use in subjects aged 65 and older [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. In patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy, monitor closely for worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Advise families and caregivers of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.
Increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents and young adults taking antidepressants. ( 5.1 )
Monitor for worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Used for
From the label: indications and usageBupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR) are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM).
Forms and strengths
- 75 mg
- 100 mg
- 150 mg
- 174 mg
- 200 mg
- 300 mg
- 348 mg
- 450 mg
- 522 mg
Extended-release tablet; film-coated extended-release tablet; film-coated tablet; tablet.
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- December 30, 1985 Wellbutrin, Glaxosmithkline; Drugs@FDA’s file, where older or withdrawn approvals can be missing
- Generic approvals
- 64 first November 29, 1999; 38 with a marketed status in Drugs@FDA
- Labelers listed (NDC)
- 75 of which 69 under generic applications, 5 under brand applications, repackagers included
- Last listed patent
- August 23, 2028 Forfivo XL tablets; not a generic launch date
Supply and safety
- Pharmacy cost (NADAC)
- $0.0785 per tablet Bupropion HCl xl 150 mg tablet
- Shortage (FDA)
- No current entry
- Recalls by its makers (FDA)
- 35 since 2012 0 Class I among all firms' recalls; latest September 15, 2025; 3 more by firms not listed as its makers
- FAERS reports
- 140,269 through July 30, 2026
What is bupropion used for?
From the label: indications and usageBupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR) are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). The efficacy of bupropion in the treatment of a major depressive episode was established in two 4-week controlled inpatient trials and one 6-week controlled outpatient trial of adult subjects with MDD [see Clinical Studies (14)]. The efficacy of bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR) in maintaining an antidepressant response for up to 44 weeks following 8 weeks of acute treatment was demonstrated in a placebo-controlled trial [see Clinical Studies (14)]. […]
Conditions named in the indications of bupropion's FDA labels, with every medicine labeled for each:
From other bupropion labelsDepression: Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR) are an aminoketone antidepressant, indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).
Quitting smoking: Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP (SR) are indicated as an aid to smoking cessation treatment.
FDA pharmacologic class: Aminoketone.
Source: FDA drug label (BUPROPION HYDROCHLORIDE), Epic Pharma LLC, effective June 21, 2024 (SPL set 9fb44e96-6160-4a4a-90cb-91764c0dcd89), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the patient leaflet for bupropion say first?
The FDA-approved Medication Guide or Patient Information that comes with the medicine, in its own words.
From the patient leaflet: What should I avoid while taking bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR)?Limit or avoid using alcohol during treatment with bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR). If you usually drink a lot of alcohol, talk with your healthcare provider before suddenly stopping. If you suddenly stop drinking alcohol, you may increase your chance of having seizures. • Do not drive a car or use heavy machinery until you know how bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR) affects you. Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR) can affect your ability to do these things safely.
From the patient leaflet: How should I store bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR)?Store bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR) at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C). • Keep bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR) dry and out of the light. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN .
Source: FDA drug label (BUPROPION HYDROCHLORIDE), Epic Pharma LLC, effective June 21, 2024 (SPL set 9fb44e96-6160-4a4a-90cb-91764c0dcd89), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
Is there a generic for bupropion (Wellbutrin)?
The FDA approved the first generic bupropion on November 29, 1999. 64 generic applications are approved; 38 of them carry a current (not discontinued) marketing status in Drugs@FDA; that status is not evidence that the generic is on sale. Drugs@FDA also holds 1 tentative approval: the FDA found the generic approvable, but patents or exclusivity keep it from final approval for now.
FDA's NDC Directory lists bupropion from 69 labelers under a generic (ANDA) application and from 5 brand labelers. A listing means the company has registered the product for sale; it does not show that every pharmacy stocks it.
The Orange Book lists no patent for Wellbutrin SR tablets; a patent listed only for Forfivo XL tablets runs to August 23, 2028. A patent or exclusivity date is not the date a generic goes on sale: court cases and settlements move it either way.
- 1985 earliest approval on file
- 1999 first generic approved
- 2028 last listed patent
- red ticks recalls
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory and the Orange Book (openFDA bulk files, October 8, 2026)
What do pharmacies pay for bupropion (Wellbutrin)?
In CMS's NADAC survey of October 7, 2026, pharmacies paid $0.0785 per Bupropion HCl xl 150 mg tablet, down 21% from $0.0996 on October 8, 2025. Prices per unit in the table differ many-fold by strength, form and brand, so compare like with like. The chart's scale runs from the lowest to the highest price shown, not from zero. NADAC is what retail pharmacies paid their wholesalers, per unit, in CMS's monthly survey; what a patient pays depends on insurance and the pharmacy.
- Bupropion HCl xl 150 mg tablet (generic)
- Wellbutrin SR 100 mg tablet (brand)
| Strength and form | Brand or generic | Pharmacy cost | 30 tablets, or one pen or vial | 12-month change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bupropion HCl 100 mg tablet | Generic | $0.113 per tablet | $3.39 | -9% |
| Bupropion HCl 75 mg tablet | Generic | $0.0928 per tablet | $2.78 | -5% |
| Bupropion HCl SR 100 mg tablet | Generic | $0.0679 per tablet | $2.04 | -9% |
| Bupropion HCl SR 150 mg tablet | Generic | $0.0799 per tablet | $2.40 | -2% |
| Bupropion HCl SR 200 mg tablet | Generic | $0.104 per tablet | $3.11 | -14% |
| Bupropion HCl xl 150 mg tablet | Generic | $0.0785 per tablet | $2.35 | -21% |
| Bupropion HCl xl 300 mg tablet | Generic | $0.100 per tablet | $3.01 | -31% |
| Bupropion HCl xl 450 mg tablet | Generic | $8.00 per tablet many times the lowest per-tablet cost; NADAC records the price, not why | $239.87 | +12% |
| Wellbutrin SR 100 mg tablet | Brand | $7.06 per tablet many times the lowest per-tablet cost; NADAC records the price, not why | $211.87 | +0.1% |
| Wellbutrin SR 150 mg tablet | Brand | $7.52 per tablet many times the lowest per-tablet cost; NADAC records the price, not why | $225.48 | -0.1% |
| Wellbutrin SR 200 mg tablet | Brand | $13.98 per tablet many times the lowest per-tablet cost; NADAC records the price, not why | $419.29 | -0.1% |
Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) survey, October 7, 2026: what retail pharmacies paid per unit; not a counter price
Has bupropion been recalled?
The FDA's Enforcement Report lists 38 recalls naming bupropion since 2012: 0 Class I (the most serious), 8 Class II, 30 Class III; 3 still ongoing. 3 of them are by firms that FDA's NDC Directory does not list as a maker of bupropion and that hold no application for it in Drugs@FDA, such as compounding pharmacies or bulk-ingredient suppliers; the recall notice names the product recalled. A recall names products and lots, not every product of the medicine.
| Started | Class | Company | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 15, 2025 | Class II | Graviti Pharmaceuticals Private Limited | Failed Tablet/Capsule Specifications |
| June 24, 2024 | Class II | Amerisource Health Services LLC | Failed Dissolution Specifications; the product is dissolving faster than the specified limits. |
| December 29, 2023 | Class II | Rising Pharma Holding, Inc. | Presence of Foreign Tablets/Capsules |
| November 22, 2023 | Class III | SUN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES INC | Failed Dissolution Specifications |
| October 4, 2023 | Class III | SUN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES INC | Failed Dissolution Specifications |
| May 9, 2023 | Class II | SUN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES INC | Failed Dissolution Specifications; during stability testing |
| December 27, 2022 | Class II | Amerisource Health Services LLC | Failed Impurities/Degradation Specifications |
| April 29, 2022 | Class III | SUN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES INC | Presence Of Foreign Substance: Customer complaint for the presence of dark, gritty substance found within the bottle which was determined to be activated … |
Source: FDA Enforcement Report (drug recalls) via openFDA, through October 8, 2026
What does the bupropion label say about other medicines?
The bupropion label names 29 other medicines in its interaction, contraindication or warning sections. The labels of 43 other medicines name bupropion. The sentences are the labels' own; a label lists what its studies and reports found, not every interaction.
| Medicine named | Section | What the label says |
|---|---|---|
| Amantadine | drug interactions | Dopaminergic drugs (levodopa and amantadine): CNS toxicity can occur when used concomitantly with bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR). |
| Carbamazepine | drug interactions | CYP2B6 inducers: Dose increase may be necessary if coadministered with CYP2B6 inducers (e.g., ritonavir, lopinavir, efavirenz, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin) based on clinical response, but should not exceed the maximum recommended dose. |
| Clopidogrel | drug interactions | Inhibitors of CYP2B6 Ticlopidine and Clopidogrel Concomitant treatment with these drugs can increase bupropion exposure but decrease hydroxybupropion exposure. |
| Cocaine | warnings and precautions | … disorders (e.g., hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, severe hepatic impairment, and hypoxia); use of illicit drugs (e.g., cocaine); or abuse or misuse of prescription drugs such as CNS stimulants. |
| Desipramine | drug interactions | Drugs metabolized by CYP2D6: Bupropion inhibits CYP2D6 and can increase concentrations of: antidepressants (e.g., venlafaxine, nortriptyline, imipramine, desipramine, paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline), antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, risperidone, thioridazine), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), and Type 1C … |
| Digoxin | drug interactions | Digoxin Coadministration of bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR) with digoxin may decrease plasma digoxin levels. |
| Efavirenz | drug interactions | CYP2B6 inducers: Dose increase may be necessary if coadministered with CYP2B6 inducers (e.g., ritonavir, lopinavir, efavirenz, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin) based on clinical response, but should not exceed the maximum recommended dose. |
| Flecainide | drug interactions | … risperidone, thioridazine), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), and Type 1C antiarrhythmics (e.g., propafenone, flecainide). |
| Fluoxetine | drug interactions | Drugs metabolized by CYP2D6: Bupropion inhibits CYP2D6 and can increase concentrations of: antidepressants (e.g., venlafaxine, nortriptyline, imipramine, desipramine, paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline), antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, risperidone, thioridazine), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), and Type 1C … |
| Haloperidol | drug interactions | Drugs metabolized by CYP2D6: Bupropion inhibits CYP2D6 and can increase concentrations of: antidepressants (e.g., venlafaxine, nortriptyline, imipramine, desipramine, paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline), antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, risperidone, thioridazine), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), and Type 1C … |
| Imipramine | drug interactions | Drugs metabolized by CYP2D6: Bupropion inhibits CYP2D6 and can increase concentrations of: antidepressants (e.g., venlafaxine, nortriptyline, imipramine, desipramine, paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline), antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, risperidone, thioridazine), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), and Type 1C … |
| Levodopa | drug interactions | Dopaminergic drugs (levodopa and amantadine): CNS toxicity can occur when used concomitantly with bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR). |
| Linezolid | contraindications | Starting bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR) in a patient treated with reversible MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue is contraindicated [see Dosage and Administration (2.4 , 2.5 ), Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Drug Interactions (7.6) ]. |
| Methylene blue | contraindications | Starting bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR) in a patient treated with reversible MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue is contraindicated [see Dosage and Administration (2.4 , 2.5 ), Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Drug Interactions (7.6) ]. |
Every other medicine the bupropion label names
| Medicine named | Section | What the label says |
|---|---|---|
| Metoprolol | drug interactions | … (e.g., haloperidol, risperidone, thioridazine), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), and Type 1C antiarrhythmics (e.g., propafenone, flecainide). |
| Nicotine | warnings and precautions | Some patients who stopped smoking may have been experiencing symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, including depressed mood. |
| Nortriptyline | drug interactions | Drugs metabolized by CYP2D6: Bupropion inhibits CYP2D6 and can increase concentrations of: antidepressants (e.g., venlafaxine, nortriptyline, imipramine, desipramine, paroxetine, fluoxetine … |
| Paroxetine | drug interactions | … antidepressants (e.g., venlafaxine, nortriptyline, imipramine, desipramine, paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline), antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, risperidone, thioridazine), beta-blockers (e.g. … |
| Phenelzine | drug interactions | Studies in animals demonstrate that the acute toxicity of bupropion is enhanced by the MAO inhibitor phenelzine. |
| Phenobarbital | drug interactions | CYP2B6 inducers: Dose increase may be necessary if coadministered with CYP2B6 inducers (e.g., ritonavir, lopinavir, efavirenz, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin) based on clinical response … |
| Phenytoin | drug interactions | … ritonavir, lopinavir, efavirenz, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin) based on clinical response, but should not exceed the maximum recommended dose. |
| Propafenone | drug interactions | … beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), and Type 1C antiarrhythmics (e.g., propafenone, flecainide). |
| Risperidone | drug interactions | … paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline), antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, risperidone, thioridazine), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), and Type 1C antiarrhythmics (e.g., propafenone, flecainide). |
| Ritonavir | drug interactions | CYP2B6 inducers: Dose increase may be necessary if coadministered with CYP2B6 inducers (e.g., ritonavir, lopinavir, efavirenz, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin) based on clinical response … |
| Sertraline | drug interactions | … venlafaxine, nortriptyline, imipramine, desipramine, paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline), antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, risperidone, thioridazine), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), and Type 1C … |
| Tamoxifen | drug interactions | Drugs that require metabolic activation by CYP2D6 to be effective (e.g., tamoxifen) theoretically could have reduced efficacy when administered concomitantly with inhibitors of CYP2D6 such as … |
| Theophylline | drug interactions | … (e.g., other bupropion products, antipsychotics, antidepressants, theophylline, or systemic corticosteroids). |
| Thioridazine | drug interactions | … fluoxetine, sertraline), antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, risperidone, thioridazine), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), and Type 1C antiarrhythmics (e.g., propafenone, flecainide). |
| Venlafaxine | drug interactions | Drugs metabolized by CYP2D6: Bupropion inhibits CYP2D6 and can increase concentrations of: antidepressants (e.g., venlafaxine, nortriptyline, imipramine, desipramine, paroxetine, fluoxetine … |
Other labels that name bupropion
- Clozapine
- Cobicistat, elvitegravir, emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide
- Cobicistat, elvitegravir, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil
- Codeine
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Deutetrabenazine
- Fenfluramine
- Histrelin
- Isavuconazonium
- Isocarboxazid
- Lemborexant
- Leuprolide
- Metoclopramide
- Mifepristone
- Nafarelin
- Oliceridine
- Propranolol
- Telotristat
- Tramadol
- Tranylcypromine
- Triptorelin
- Vortioxetine
Source: FDA drug label (BUPROPION HYDROCHLORIDE), Epic Pharma LLC, effective June 21, 2024 (SPL set 9fb44e96-6160-4a4a-90cb-91764c0dcd89), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What do FAERS reports show for bupropion?
The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System holds 140,269 reports that list bupropion among the medicines taken, through July 30, 2026, each a report of something that happened, not proof the medicine caused it; 13,386 are coded as a death and 33,199 as a hospital stay. Counts follow how widely a medicine is used and watched, and they are not a measure of how risky it is.
Reports received each year
The most reported reactions
Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) via openFDA, reports through July 30, 2026
What else is labeled for the same conditions as bupropion?
29 other medicines are given the same way (oral) and in the same FDA class as bupropion or labeled mainly for the same use (depression), the same class first. Depression lists all 37 medicines labeled for it, by any route. The first 8 are below. They are listed as records, not as substitutes: whether one can replace another is a prescriber's decision.
| Medicine | Shared indication | Generic labelers (oral) | Pharmacy cost | Shortage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venlafaxine | Depression | 62 labelers | $0.0799 per capsule 75 mg capsule | No current entry |
| Aripiprazole | Depression | 47 labelers | $0.110 per tablet 5 mg tablet | No current entry |
| Fluoxetine | Depression | 59 labelers | $0.0519 per capsule 40 mg capsule | No current entry |
| Sertraline | Depression | 48 labelers | $0.0507 per tablet 100 mg tablet | No current entry |
| Amitriptyline | Depression | 36 labelers | $0.03 per tablet 10 mg tablet | No current entry |
| Duloxetine | Depression | 45 labelers | $0.102 per capsule 30 mg capsule | No current entry |
| Doxepin | Depression | 48 labelers | $0.0779 per capsule 10 mg capsule | No current entry |
| Paroxetine | Depression | 45 labelers | $0.0611 per tablet 20 mg tablet | No current entry |
Source: FDA drug labels (indications), NDC Directory, NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages (October 8, 2026)
How does bupropion compare with medicines for the same use?
13 side-by-side pages set bupropion beside a medicine whose label shares a use: approvals, generics, pharmacy cost, warnings and supply.
What next?
- Alternatives to bupropion
- 29 medicines for the same use
- Other aminoketones
- the pharmacologic class, with prices and generics
- Bupropion side effects
- the label's list beside FAERS reports
- Check an interaction
- what two or more labels say about each other