What is bupropion XL 150 mg used for?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jamie Winn
Aug 18, 2023

Major depression is a common mental health disorder in the United States. It is estimated that 21 million adults had at least one major depressive episode in 2021. It is most common among people aged 18 to 25 years and women are diagnosed more often than men. Depression can be caused by many things including genetics, environmental factors, and other medical conditions. There are many options to treat depression, one of which is bupropion XL (extended-release) tablets. It is a generic version of the brand-name medication Wellbutrin XL. It is FDA-approved to treat adults with a specific type of depression called major depressive disorder (MDD) and for the prevention of autumn-winter seasonal depression (seasonal affective disorder).

The active ingredient, bupropion, is also available as an immediate-release and sustained-release tablet. It can be used to treat smoking cessation. There are also several off-label uses of bupropion including the treatment of obesity, anxiety, and ADHD.

Bupropion XL FAQs

How does bupropion XL work?

Bupropion XL is considered an atypical antidepressant. It is not known exactly how this medication works but it is thought to boost levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which can help to improve symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and MDD.

What is the recommended dose of bupropion XL?

Your dose of bupropion XL will usually be started low and increased gradually to reduce your risk of seizures.

For MDD, the typical starting dose of bupropion XL is 150 mg once daily. After 4 days, your dose can be increased to 300 mg once daily, which is considered the target dose.

For SAD, treatment is started in the autumn season before the onset of seasonal depressive symptoms. The typical starting dose is 150 mg once daily. After 1 week, your dose can be increased to 300 mg once daily, which is considered the target dose. Your treatment with bupropion XL should be continued throughout the winter season.

What are the side effects of bupropion XL?

The most common side effects of bupropion XL include:

Dry mouth
Weight loss
Nausea
Anxiety
Sore throat
Sweating
Stomach pain
Trouble sleeping
Dizziness
Agitation
Joint aches
Ringing in your ears
Rash
Constipation

Rarely, bupropion XL may cause some serious side effects, including:

Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Mood changes such as worsening depression, agitation, or aggression
Severe high blood pressure, especially if taken along with MAO inhibitors
Manic episodes (overactivity, excessive happiness or sadness, and racing thoughts)
Increased risk of seizures
Visual problems such as eye pain and changes in your vision
Serious, sometimes life-threatening allergic reactions (hives, swelling of your face, throat, tongue, or lips, chest pain, and shortness of breath)

Contact your healthcare professional for medical advice about any possible adverse effects you experience while taking bupropion XL. You can report your adverse effects to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

What drugs interact with bupropion XL?

When bupropion XL is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Some drug interactions with bupropion XL may include:

Drugs that lower the seizure threshold such as other medications containing bupropion, tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, theophylline, and corticosteroids
CYP2B6 inducers such as efavirenz, ritonavir, carbamazepine, lopinavir, phenobarbital, and phenytoin
Drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 such as venlafaxine, nortriptyline, desipramine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, risperidone, haloperidol, thioridazine, metoprolol, flecainide, and propafenone
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and selegiline
Blood thinners such as ticlopidine or clopidogrel
Certain drug-laboratory tests, as bupropion XL may cause false positive urine test results for amphetamines

Does bupropion XL have a boxed warning?

Bupropion XL carries a boxed warning from the FDA concerning the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults taking this and other antidepressants. You should be monitored for new or worsening suicidal thoughts and behaviors while on this medication.

Does bupropion XL have any warnings or precautions?

You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, such as:

A seizure disorder or conditions that increase your risk of seizures such as a brain or head injury, brain tumor, or eating disorder (anorexia or bulimia)
Pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Using an MAOI inhibitor such as tranylcypromine, linezolid, phenelzine, or selegiline within 14 days before or after starting bupropion XL
Drink alcohol, use street drugs or sedatives such as benzodiazepines or barbiturates
Personal or family history of glaucoma
High blood pressure, heart attack, or heart disease
Diabetes
Liver disease
History of other mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder
Are taking Zyban for smoking cessation or other medications that contain bupropion hydrochloride

When is the best time to take bupropion XL?

Unlike bupropion IR (every 6 hours) and bupropion SR (every 8 hours), bupropion XL is an extended-release tablet that is only taken once a day in the morning. It can be taken with or without food. Nausea is a common side effect of bupropion XL, so if you experience nausea, try taking it with food.

Does bupropion XL have a high chance of causing seizures?

The incidence and risk of seizures have not been evaluated in clinical trials with bupropion XL. In clinical studies using bupropion HCl sustained-release, seizures occurred in approximately 1 in 1000 patients (0.1%) taking up to 300 mg per day.

In a large study with bupropion HCl immediate-release, seizures occurred in 13 out of 3200 patients (0.4%) taking 300 mg to 450 mg per day. Furthermore, data suggests that the seizure risk is 10 times higher if you take between 450 mg to 600 mg per day.

Your risk of seizures with bupropion XL can be minimized by increasing the dose gradually and by limiting your daily dose to 450 mg.

How do you store bupropion XL?

Store bupropion XL at room temperature between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C). Keep it in its tightly closed container, out of direct sunlight, and out of the reach of children.