Provider Briefing: Bupropion Supply in 2026

Bupropion hydrochloride — one of the most widely prescribed antidepressants in the United States — has been subject to intermittent supply disruptions since 2023. As a prescriber, you've likely fielded calls from patients unable to fill their prescriptions, adjusted treatment plans on the fly, and navigated formulary complications related to this shortage.

This briefing provides an up-to-date overview of the Bupropion shortage as of early 2026, including the timeline of events, current availability, prescribing implications, cost considerations, and resources to support your patients and practice.

Shortage Timeline

2023: The Shortage Emerges

Bupropion hydrochloride 24-hour extended-release (XL) tablets were added to the ASHP drug shortage list in 2023. Multiple generic manufacturers — including Par Pharmaceuticals and others — reported supply disruptions. The 300 mg XL strength was disproportionately affected, as it represents the highest-volume formulation.

Contributing factors included:

• Increased prescribing volume (Bupropion ranked among the top 20 most dispensed drugs nationally)
• Manufacturing capacity constraints for extended-release formulations
• Raw material procurement challenges
• Regulatory inspections affecting production at some facilities

2024: Peak Disruption

The shortage intensified through 2024, with reports of patients going days or weeks without medication. Pharmacy-level allocation limits — imposed by wholesalers — further complicated access. Independent pharmacies fared somewhat better due to multi-wholesaler sourcing relationships, while large chain pharmacies faced the most visible stock-outs.

2025-2026: Gradual Recovery

By late 2025, manufacturers had expanded production and several new generic entrants helped stabilize supply. As of early 2026, the national supply situation has meaningfully improved, though localized spot shortages persist, particularly for:

• Bupropion XL 300 mg tablets
• Forfivo XL 450 mg tablets (limited manufacturer base)
• Certain NDC-specific products at individual pharmacies

Prescribing Implications

Formulation Switching

When XL formulations are unavailable, consider prescribing:

• Bupropion SR (sustained-release): Bioequivalent to XL at steady state. Requires twice-daily dosing. Example: Bupropion XL 300 mg once daily → Bupropion SR 150 mg twice daily.
• Bupropion IR (immediate-release): Requires two to three times daily dosing. Single doses should not exceed 150 mg. Maximum daily dose: 450 mg.
• Aplenzin (bupropion hydrobromide): Different salt form. Dosing equivalents: Aplenzin 174 mg ≈ Bupropion HCl 150 mg; Aplenzin 348 mg ≈ Bupropion HCl 300 mg; Aplenzin 522 mg ≈ Bupropion HCl 450 mg. May have different supply availability.

When switching formulations, counsel patients on the new dosing schedule and ensure they understand the importance of maintaining consistent blood levels.

Therapeutic Alternatives

For patients who cannot access any Bupropion formulation, consider:

• Vortioxetine (Trintellix): Multimodal antidepressant with lower sexual side effect profile. Particularly useful for patients with cognitive symptoms.
• Mirtazapine (Remeron): NaSSA antidepressant. Good option for patients with comorbid insomnia or poor appetite. Note: may cause weight gain — a common reason patients prefer Bupropion.
• Vilazodone (Viibryd): SSRI with 5-HT1A partial agonist activity. Lower sexual side effect burden than traditional SSRIs.
• Auvelity (Dextromethorphan/Bupropion): Contains Bupropion plus dextromethorphan for NMDA receptor antagonism. Rapid-acting option for MDD. Brand-name only; significantly higher cost.

For more detail on alternatives: Alternatives to Bupropion If You Can't Fill Your Prescription.

Seizure Risk Considerations

Bupropion carries a dose-dependent seizure risk. When adjusting formulations, ensure:

• Total daily dose does not exceed 450 mg
• Individual IR doses do not exceed 150 mg
• Doses are spaced appropriately (≥6 hours for IR, ≥8 hours for SR)
• Patients with seizure risk factors (eating disorders, alcohol withdrawal, concurrent medications that lower seizure threshold) are closely monitored

Current Availability Picture

As of early 2026, the following manufacturers are actively producing Bupropion:

• Teva Pharmaceuticals — XL, SR formulations
• Par Pharmaceuticals (Endo) — XL formulations
• Lupin Pharmaceuticals — XL, SR formulations
• Cipla — XL, SR formulations
• Amneal Pharmaceuticals — XL, SR, IR formulations
• Slate Run Pharmaceuticals — XL formulations

Supply is generally adequate nationally but uneven at the pharmacy level. Large chain pharmacies are subject to wholesaler allocation systems that may limit per-location inventory during tight supply periods.

Cost and Access Considerations

Patient Costs

• Generic Bupropion with coupon: $5-$30/month (GoodRx, SingleCare)
• Generic cash price: $15-$150/month depending on formulation
• Brand-name Wellbutrin XL: $2,700+/month
• Aplenzin: $800-$1,200/month
• Auvelity: $1,000+/month

Insurance Coverage

Generic Bupropion is on most formularies at Tier 1-2. Brand-name products typically require prior authorization and step therapy (must try generic first). Zyban for smoking cessation may be covered under preventive care benefits.

Patient Assistance Programs

For uninsured or underinsured patients:

• Wellbutrin XL Savings & Access Program (eligible commercially insured patients)
• Aplenzin Savings & Access Program
• NeedyMeds (needymeds.org) — database of PAPs for Bupropion
• RxAssist (rxassist.org) — comprehensive directory

For cost-saving strategies to share with patients: How to Save Money on Bupropion in 2026.

Tools and Resources for Your Practice

Medfinder for Providers

Medfinder offers real-time pharmacy availability data that can help you direct patients to pharmacies that currently have Bupropion in stock. Rather than asking patients to call pharmacy after pharmacy, you can point them to Medfinder or check availability during the visit.

For a complete guide on supporting patients through medication shortages: How to Help Your Patients Find Bupropion in Stock: A Provider's Guide.

ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center

The ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center (ashp.org/drug-shortages) provides regularly updated status information, estimated resupply dates, and alternative therapy recommendations.

FDA Drug Shortages Database

The FDA maintains a drug shortages database at accessdata.fda.gov that includes manufacturer-reported shortage information and expected resolution timelines.

Looking Ahead

The Bupropion shortage appears to be trending toward resolution, with expanded generic manufacturing and improved supply chain coordination. However, the structural factors that created the shortage — high demand, low margins, complex manufacturing — remain.

Prescribers should continue to:

• Discuss supply concerns proactively with patients
• Prescribe with formulation flexibility when possible (noting acceptable alternatives on the prescription)
• Monitor ASHP and FDA shortage databases
• Direct patients to availability tools like Medfinder

Final Thoughts

Medication shortages are a systemic problem, and Bupropion is far from the only drug affected. But as one of the most prescribed antidepressants in the country, its shortage has had an outsized impact on patient care. By staying informed, maintaining prescribing flexibility, and leveraging available tools, providers can help minimize disruptions and keep patients on effective treatment.

For the patient-facing version of this update: Bupropion Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026.