Your Patients Are Struggling to Find Bupropion XR — Here's How You Can Help

You've probably heard it from your patients more than once: "My pharmacy is out of Bupropion XR again." As a prescriber, this puts you in a difficult position. You've chosen the right medication for the right patient, but supply chain issues are getting in the way of treatment.

Bupropion XR (Wellbutrin XL) has faced intermittent shortages since 2023, and while the situation has improved, it's not fully resolved in 2026. This guide provides practical, actionable steps you can take — and recommend to your patients — to navigate the shortage and maintain continuity of care.

For a detailed overview of the shortage itself, see our clinical briefing: Bupropion XR Shortage: What Providers and Prescribers Need to Know in 2026.

Current Availability

As of early 2026, Bupropion XR availability looks like this:

• Bupropion XL 150 mg: Generally available at most pharmacies
• Bupropion XL 300 mg: Intermittently unavailable, particularly at large chain pharmacies
• Brand Wellbutrin XL: Available but prohibitively expensive (~$2,700/month) without insurance or copay card
• Aplenzin (Bupropion Hydrobromide): Available as an alternative extended-release brand; different salt form
• Bupropion SR: Widely available and rarely in shortage

The shortage primarily affects specific generic manufacturers. Pharmacies with access to multiple wholesalers — particularly independent pharmacies — tend to have better stock.

Why Patients Can't Find It

Understanding the root causes helps you counsel patients more effectively:

1. Demand exceeds supply for the most popular strength (300 mg XL)
2. Chain pharmacy ordering systems may not prioritize back-ordered medications or allow pharmacists to source from secondary wholesalers
3. Patients often don't know they can transfer prescriptions or try different pharmacies
4. Regional variation means a pharmacy across town may have stock while the one nearby does not
5. Some patients wait until they've completely run out before trying to refill, leaving no buffer for shortages

What Providers Can Do: 5 Actionable Steps

Step 1: Recommend Medfinder to Patients

Medfinder is a free tool that allows patients to check real-time pharmacy stock for Bupropion XR by location. By directing patients to Medfinder, you empower them to find their medication independently — reducing the number of frustrated phone calls to your office and improving adherence.

Consider adding Medfinder to your standard patient handouts for Bupropion XR prescriptions.

Step 2: Prescribe with Flexibility

Build flexibility into your prescribing approach:

• Specify "may substitute manufacturer" to allow the pharmacy to fill with whatever generic is available
• Consider 90-day prescriptions to reduce refill frequency and give patients a longer supply buffer
• Document backup options in the chart (e.g., "If Bupropion XL unavailable, patient may switch to Bupropion SR 150 mg BID — call office to confirm")
• Prescribe Bupropion XL 150 mg x 2 tablets daily as a backup if 300 mg tablets are unavailable (discuss insurance implications with the patient)

Step 3: Have Alternatives Ready

For patients who cannot find any Bupropion formulation, have an alternative plan documented:

• Bupropion SR 150 mg BID: Same medication, different release. Most direct switch.
• Venlafaxine XR: Good for depression with comorbid anxiety. Generic widely available at $10-$30/month.
• Duloxetine: Good for depression with chronic pain. Generic at $10-$25/month.
• Sertraline: First-line SSRI. Very affordable ($4-$15/month). Rarely in shortage.

For detailed comparisons: Alternatives to Bupropion XR.

Step 4: Direct Patients to Independent Pharmacies

Independent pharmacies often have more flexibility to source Bupropion XR from multiple wholesalers and even directly from manufacturers. If your patients are consistently unable to find their medication at chain pharmacies, recommend they try an independent pharmacy in their area.

Some independent pharmacies will also proactively reach out to patients when their medication arrives — a level of service that chain pharmacies rarely provide.

Step 5: Connect Patients with Cost-Saving Resources

Cost is a barrier to access for many patients, and during a shortage, the cheapest option may not be available. Help patients explore:

• Discount coupons: GoodRx, SingleCare, and RxSaver offer free coupons that can reduce generic Bupropion XL to $15-$45/month
• Manufacturer copay cards: The Wellbutrin XL Savings Program may cover copays for commercially insured patients
• Patient assistance programs: GSK's patient assistance program helps uninsured and underinsured patients
• Mail-order pharmacies: Cost Plus Drugs and Honeybee Health often have lower prices and better stock

For a resource you can share: How to Help Patients Save Money on Bupropion XR: A Provider's Guide.

Workflow Tips for Your Practice

Here are some practical ways to integrate shortage management into your clinical workflow:

Proactive Communication

• When prescribing Bupropion XR for the first time, mention the possibility of supply issues and give patients a plan B
• Include a note in after-visit summaries about using Medfinder if they have trouble finding their medication
• Train front office staff to direct patients calling about medication access to Medfinder rather than tying up clinical staff time

EHR Documentation

• Add a note to the medication list: "Bupropion XL — if unavailable, may switch to Bupropion SR 150 mg BID (same total daily dose)"
• Document the patient's preferred pharmacy and one or two backup pharmacies
• Flag patients on Bupropion XR for proactive outreach during known shortage periods

Prescription Monitoring

• Use refill data to identify patients who may be going without medication — a gap in refills may indicate they couldn't find stock
• Follow up with patients who haven't filled their Bupropion XR within 14 days of prescribing

Final Thoughts

The Bupropion XR shortage has added unnecessary complexity to what should be straightforward depression management. But with proactive prescribing strategies, clear patient communication, and tools like Medfinder, you can minimize the impact on your patients' care.

The key is being prepared: have alternatives documented, empower patients with tools and information, and build flexibility into your prescribing workflow. Your patients will appreciate the extra effort — and their treatment outcomes will be better for it.