What Is Bupropion?

Bupropion is an aminoketone antidepressant classified as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). It is one of the most widely prescribed antidepressants in the United States, ranking among the top 20 most prescribed medications. Bupropion is FDA-approved to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) (as Wellbutrin XL), and smoking cessation (as Zyban). It is also used off-label for ADHD, antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction, neuropathic pain, and weight management. Unlike SSRIs, Bupropion does not typically cause sexual side effects or weight gain, making it a popular choice for patients who have experienced those issues with other antidepressants.

How does Bupropion work?

Bupropion works by blocking the reuptake of two key neurotransmitters in the brain: norepinephrine and dopamine. By preventing these chemicals from being reabsorbed back into nerve cells, Bupropion increases their availability in the brain, which helps improve mood, energy, and concentration. Unlike most other antidepressants (SSRIs and SNRIs), Bupropion has minimal effect on serotonin reuptake. This unique mechanism is why it tends to have a different side effect profile — with less risk of sexual dysfunction and weight gain — compared to serotonin-based antidepressants.

What doses are available for Bupropion?

• Immediate-Release (IR): 75 mg, 100 mg tablets
• Sustained-Release (SR): 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg tablets
• Extended-Release (XL): 150 mg, 300 mg, 450 mg (Forfivo XL) tablets
• Extended-Release Hydrobromide (Aplenzin): 174 mg, 348 mg, 522 mg tablets

The most commonly prescribed formulations are Bupropion SR 150 mg and Bupropion XL 150 mg and 300 mg.

How hard is it to find Bupropion in stock?

Bupropion scores a 78 out of 100 on our findability scale, meaning it is generally available but you may encounter minor gaps at certain pharmacies. Bupropion XL 300 mg has been the most affected strength, with intermittent supply disruptions reported since 2023 due to increased demand and manufacturing capacity constraints. As of early 2026, supply has been improving, but sporadic shortages of certain generic XL strengths may still occur. If your usual pharmacy is out of stock, try checking independent pharmacies or using Medfinder to locate it nearby.

Who Can Prescribe Bupropion?

Bupropion can be prescribed by a wide range of healthcare providers, including:

• Psychiatrists — for depression, SAD, and off-label psychiatric uses
• Primary Care Physicians and Family Medicine Doctors — the most common prescribers for depression and smoking cessation
• Internal Medicine Doctors — for adult patients with depression
• OB/GYNs — for perinatal mood disorders
• Addiction Medicine Specialists — for smoking cessation (as Zyban)
• Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants — in most states, these providers can also prescribe Bupropion

Bupropion is also widely available through telehealth platforms, making it accessible without an in-person visit.

Is Bupropion a controlled substance?

No, Bupropion is not a controlled substance. It is not scheduled by the DEA, which means it can be prescribed with standard prescriptions (including refills) and does not require the special prescribing restrictions that apply to controlled substances like stimulants or benzodiazepines. However, Bupropion does carry a boxed warning about increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in young adults under 25, and it has a dose-dependent risk of seizures, so it should be used under medical supervision.

Common Side Effects of Bupropion

Most side effects of Bupropion are mild and often improve after the first few weeks of treatment. Common side effects include:

• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Nausea
• Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Agitation or restlessness
• Tremor
• Excessive sweating
• Weight loss
• Increased heart rate

Serious side effects are rare but can include seizures (especially at doses above 450 mg/day), severe allergic reactions, significant blood pressure elevation, and worsening of suicidal thoughts in young adults. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects.

Alternative Medications to Bupropion

If Bupropion is not right for you or you're having trouble finding it in stock, your doctor may consider these alternatives:

• Vortioxetine (Trintellix) — An atypical antidepressant with multimodal serotonin activity, used for MDD with a lower risk of sexual dysfunction than SSRIs.
• Mirtazapine (Remeron) — An atypical antidepressant often helpful for patients with insomnia and poor appetite. May cause weight gain.
• Vilazodone (Viibryd) — An SSRI and 5-HT1A partial agonist for MDD, with a potentially lower sexual side effect profile.
• Dextromethorphan/Bupropion (Auvelity) — A newer rapid-acting antidepressant combination containing Bupropion, FDA-approved in 2022.
• SSRIs (Sertraline, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine) — First-line antidepressants that work on serotonin. Different side effect profile than Bupropion.

Always consult your healthcare provider before switching medications.

Drug Interactions with Bupropion

Bupropion has several important drug interactions to be aware of:

• MAO Inhibitors — Contraindicated. Must wait at least 14 days between stopping an MAOI and starting Bupropion due to risk of hypertensive crisis.
• CYP2D6 Substrates — Bupropion inhibits the CYP2D6 enzyme, which can increase levels of SSRIs (Paroxetine, Fluoxetine), tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics (Haloperidol, Risperidone), and beta-blockers (Metoprolol).
• Seizure Threshold-Lowering Drugs — Use caution with antipsychotics, Tramadol, Theophylline, systemic corticosteroids, and stimulants.
• Tamoxifen — Bupropion may reduce the effectiveness of Tamoxifen by inhibiting its conversion to the active metabolite.
• Alcohol — Increases the risk of seizures; avoid excessive alcohol use.
• Warfarin — May alter INR levels; monitor closely when starting or stopping Bupropion.

Always inform your doctor and pharmacist of all medications you are taking.

Final Thoughts on Bupropion

Bupropion is a widely prescribed, effective antidepressant with a unique mechanism that sets it apart from other antidepressants. Its favorable side effect profile — particularly the low risk of sexual dysfunction and weight gain — makes it a popular first-line or add-on treatment for depression, SAD, and smoking cessation. While intermittent shortages of certain generic XL strengths have been reported, Bupropion remains generally available at most pharmacies. Generic versions are affordable, with prices as low as $5–$15 with a coupon card. If you're having trouble finding Bupropion in stock, use Medfinder to search pharmacies near you in real time.