Key points
- Approved uses differ by product, so read the label for the exact form you have.
- It works differently from SSRIs and SNRIs: the label says it does not block serotonin reuptake.
- Seizure risk is the warning that stands out, and it is related to the dose.
- People with a seizure disorder or a current or past diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia should not take it, according to the label.
- It should not be stopped without talking to your prescriber, and it should not be combined with other products containing bupropion.
What bupropion is
Bupropion is an antidepressant that does not belong to the SSRI or SNRI classes. It comes as immediate-release, sustained-release (SR) and extended-release (XL) generic tablets. Current brands include Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL and Aplenzin, which is a different salt of the medicine.
These products release the medicine in different ways, but they all contain bupropion. The labels warn against combining them, and list other bupropion products among medicines that raise seizure risk. Check for this if you have more than one prescriber. A combination pill with dextromethorphan has its own page.
What it is approved for, and off-label uses
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval depends on the product. The Wellbutrin SR label lists major depressive disorder. The Wellbutrin XL and Aplenzin labels list major depressive disorder and the prevention of seasonal major depressive episodes in people with seasonal affective disorder. Because generic labels can differ too, your pharmacy label and prescriber can tell you which uses apply to your form.
MedlinePlus says bupropion is also sometimes used for depressive episodes in people with bipolar disorder and for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Those uses are off-label. The label separately warns that antidepressants can bring on mania, and that people should be screened for bipolar disorder first.
How it is thought to work
The label says the way bupropion works is unknown, and it is presumed to involve norepinephrine and dopamine pathways. It is a relatively weak blocker of the reuptake of those two brain chemicals. The label also says it does not block the reuptake of serotonin and does not inhibit monoamine oxidase. Our guide on bupropion and SSRIs covers these documented differences without ranking them.
What taking bupropion can be like
MedlinePlus says it may take 4 weeks or longer to feel the full benefit, and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) notes that finding the right medicine can take several tries.
Extended-release tablets are swallowed whole, not crushed, divided or chewed, because that changes how the medicine is released. The label is firm on missed doses: do not take an extra tablet to make up for one, because seizure risk is related to the dose. Your pharmacist can explain what to do with your form.
Do not stop bupropion without talking to your prescriber, even if you feel well. MedlinePlus says your doctor may lower the dose gradually, and the XL label describes tapering the dose before stopping.
Side effects and warnings
Boxed warning: antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, teens and young adults in short-term trials. People of all ages who begin one should be watched closely for worsening or new suicidal thoughts, and families are asked to stay in touch with the prescriber. The label says safety and effectiveness in children have not been established. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 or call 911. Locascio Wellness does not provide emergency services.
Seizures: bupropion can cause a seizure, and the risk rises with dose. If you have a seizure on it, the label says stop and do not restart, and get medical help. The label also says it must not be used by people with a seizure disorder, a current or past diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia, or anyone abruptly stopping alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates or antiseizure medicines. Other conditions can raise the risk too, including severe head injury, stroke, tumors or infections of the brain, and other medicines that lower the seizure threshold, so share your full history.
Dangerous combinations: bupropion must not be taken together with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) used for psychiatric conditions, or within 14 days either way, because of the risk of dangerous blood pressure reactions. It also should not be begun in someone being treated with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue.
The most common side effects listed in the Wellbutrin XL Medication Guide are trouble sleeping, stuffy nose, dry mouth, dizziness, feeling anxious, nausea, constipation and joint aches.
- Blood pressure: it can rise, so the label says to check before and during treatment. MedlinePlus says regular checks matter especially if you also use nicotine replacement products.
- Thinking and mood changes: delusions, hallucinations, paranoia and confusion have been reported. Report these or new agitation right away.
- Allergic reactions: rash, hives, chest pain, swelling or trouble breathing need medical care right away. Stevens-Johnson syndrome has been reported.
- Also on the label: angle-closure glaucoma.
Can bupropion be managed online in Pennsylvania and New York
The label says bupropion is not a controlled substance, and it describes no certified setting or restricted program. Two parts need planning with video care: blood pressure checks, and an honest medical history covering seizures, eating disorders and alcohol or sedative use.
A licensed psychiatrist on our team, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), treats depression online by secure video, for people physically located in Pennsylvania or New York during each visit. Whether it is an option for you is a decision for you and your prescriber. Ask us whether our psychiatrist can help.
Our therapists do not prescribe. They see clients in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Arizona, Colorado and Florida, not New York, so a New York reader can get psychiatry here but not therapy here. Ask us about fees and coverage.
Common questions
Why can't some people take bupropion?
Seizure risk is the main reason. The label says it must not be used by people with a seizure disorder, a current or past diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia, or anyone abruptly stopping alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates or antiseizure medicines. It also rules out people allergic to bupropion and those taking certain MAOIs. Share your full history with your prescriber.
Is bupropion an SSRI?
No. The label says bupropion does not block the reuptake of serotonin, and it is presumed to act on norepinephrine and dopamine pathways. That is a documented difference in how the medicines act, not a claim that one is better. Which medicine suits you, if any, is a decision for you and your prescriber.
Should I tell my prescriber if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Yes. Tell your prescriber if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, and do not stop bupropion on your own because of it. Your prescriber can go over what the label says about your situation. Mention every other medicine you take as well, especially any that contain bupropion, since combining them is not advised.
Sources
Published by Locascio Wellness. Published November 5, 2026. Clinically reviewed by Kenneth M. Levy, DO, Psychiatrist (Pennsylvania license OS007464L). This page is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis.