Wellbutrin has a
Brand name: Wellbutrin
Generic name: Bupropion hydrochloride
Drug class: Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor
Dosage forms: Immediate-release, Sustained-release (SR) tablets, extended-release (XL) tablets
FDA-approved uses: Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Highlights
- Wellbutrin (bupropion) is a prescription medication used to treat depression. It isn’t available for purchase over the counter.
- To get prescribed Wellbutrin online, you can schedule a virtual visit with a licensed healthcare provider who can complete a detailed health assessment.
- Wellbutrin comes with several warnings and side effects. Because of this, your medical provider may discuss alternative medications for mood management.
Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride) is commonly prescribed to treat depression and some other conditions. This medication can be used alone or in combination with other treatment options to help manage mood. Similar to other medications, Wellbutrin also comes with some risks and side effects.
Read on to learn the benefits and risks of Wellbutrin, who may need it, who should avoid it, and what aspects you should discuss with a healthcare provider.
What Is Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride) is a prescription medication approved to treat depression, including major depressive disorder (MDD). The extended-release tablets are also
Wellbutrin comes in the following dosage forms:
| Medication Form | Recommended For: | Dosage |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
How to Get a Prescription for Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
Step 1: Sign up and book an appointment
Create an account and fill out the basic information and necessary forms. Schedule an online appointment with a healthcare provider who is experienced in treating and managing mental health conditions. Select a day and time option that works best for your schedule; same-day appointments are available.
Step 2: Undergo evaluation and get a treatment plan
During your virtual visit, your healthcare provider will review your medical history and symptoms. They may also ask about your current and previous treatment plans, including medications you’ve tried.
Based on their assessment, your provider will work with you to develop an effective treatment plan to manage your symptoms. They may prescribe Wellbutrin or another medication to treat your condition. They may also recommend lifestyle changes only or in combination with medications. Keep in mind that not every consultation results in a prescription. Treatment decisions are based on your overall health needs.
Regardless of the recommended treatment, your provider will always discuss the benefits and risks of any plan given. This includes treatment goals, when to expect symptom improvement, side effects, and other warnings.
Step 3: Online prescription and pharmacy fulfillment (if appropriate)
If medications like Wellbutrin are appropriate to help manage your symptoms, your provider at MEDvidi can prescribe and electronically send the prescription to your preferred pharmacy. The pharmacy can then conveniently fill and dispense the medication to you.
Step 4: Follow-ups and adjustments (every 30 days)
Remember to schedule follow-up appointments with your provider on a regular basis. This will allow them to determine whether your treatment plan is working well to manage your symptoms. Additionally, they can address any problems you may be experiencing, such as side effects, and recommend an alternative treatment plan. If treatment is effective without any problems, your provider can continue your treatment and prescribe refills as needed.
Who Can Prescribe Wellbutrin?
Licensed healthcare providers who can prescribe Wellbutrin include the following:
- Primary care providers (PCP)
- Physician assistants (PA)
- Nurse practitioners (NP)
- Psychiatrists
Additionally, these providers can treat and assess you either virtually online or in-person. In both cases, they will review and evaluate your medical history, assess the condition, and determine the appropriateness of the treatment plan.
The decision to choose either an in-person or virtual visit depends on many factors, including condition complexity and safety considerations. In-person visits may be more desirable for complex conditions or when safety is a concern. Virtual telehealth visits are appropriate and convenient for most people when conditions are straightforward or stable.
Arizona (AZ), California (CA), Colorado (CO), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Idaho (ID), Illinois (IL), Indiana (IN), Kansas (KS), Kentucky (KY), Louisiana (LA), Maine (ME), Maryland (MD), Massachusetts (MA), Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), Montana (MT), Nebraska (NE), Nevada (NV), New Mexico (NM), New York (NY), North Carolina (NC), Ohio (OH), Oregon (OR), Pennsylvania (PA), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Vermont (VT), Virginia (VA), Washington (WA), Wisconsin (WI), Wyoming (WY). To get connected with a provider, sign up.
How Does Wellbutrin Work?
To help manage mood, Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin starts working right after the first dose. However, it takes several weeks for norepinephrine and dopamine levels to rise. Because of this, mood improvements usually appear slowly over several weeks.
Wellbutrin should be taken by mouth, with or without food. Do not crush, cut, or chew Wellbutrin XL or SR. This is because its ingredients may enter your system faster than usual, resulting in increased risk of serious side effects.
If you have questions about how Wellbutrin works or how to take it, talk with your provider or pharmacist.
Warnings and Precautions
Wellbutrin may interact with certain health conditions and medications, which may increase your risk of harm and side effects. Before starting Wellbutrin, talk with your provider or pharmacist. Tell them about your previous and current medical conditions, health factors, prescription and over-the-counter medications, supplements, and recreational substances. Here are some additional highlights to consider discussing with your medical provider before starting Wellbutrin.
Who Should Not Take Wellbutrin
Your medical provider will likely not prescribe Wellbutrin if you have the following:
- Seizure disorder
- Current or previous history of eating disorders, including bulimia or anorexia
- Suddenly stopping alcohol use or taking certain medications. These include:
- Benzodiazepines, such as Clonopin (clonazepam)
- Barbiturates, such as phenobarbital
- Anti-seizure medications, such as Keppra (levetiracetam)
- Recently or currently taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), including Emsam (selegiline) and Zyvox (linezolid)
- Allergic reaction to Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride) or any of its ingredients
Other Health Considerations:
These health conditions and factors may also interact with Wellbutrin and require close monitoring:
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- Head injury
- Brain or spine tumor
- Heart problems, including heart attack and high blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Alcohol use
- Substance misuse
- Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant
- Breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
Other Drug Interactions
This table lists some other common medications that can interact with Wellbutrin. Note that this doesn’t include all possible interactions.
Drug class or drug name | Examples |
Other antidepressants |
|
Certain human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) medications |
|
Certain antipsychotics |
|
Certain antiarrhythmic medications |
|
Side Effects and Risks
Similar to other medications, Wellbutrin can cause side effects. The following are examples of some side effects that may occur when taking Wellbutrin. Note that these lists are not exhaustive, remember to discuss all possible effects with your provider.
Mild Side Effects
Some
- Headaches
- Feeling nervous
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
Serious Side Effects
Here are some serious effects
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors (see Boxed Warning)
- Seizures
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Manic episodes with symptoms like:
- Severe sleep problems
- Greatly increased energy
- Talking more or faster than usual
- Unusual thoughts or behaviors with symptoms like:
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Eye problems with symptoms like:
- Eye pain
- Vision changes
- Swelling or discoloration around the eyes
- Serious allergic reaction with symptoms like:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the tongue or throat
- Severe skin rashes
If you’re experiencing suicidal or self-harming thoughts and require immediate assistance, contact a crisis hotline, such as 911, 988 suicide & crisis lifeline (toll-free), or Samaritans (116-123 or via chat).
Cost and Insurance
Wellbutrin’s price may vary based on several factors. These include the use of brand-name or generic name, your insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use. This medication cost is in addition to and separate from the cost of the appointment with your provider at MEDvidi.
As of March 2026, the average retail price to get Wellbutrin (bupropion) without insurance is the following:
- Generic bupropion hydrochloride extended release (XL) costs $30 to $80 for a 30-day supply
- Brand-name Wellbutrin XL costs $2,700 to $2,950 for a 30-day supply
- Generic bupropion hydrochloride sustained release (SR) is $15 to $93 for a 30-day supply
- Brand-name Wellbutrin SR is $560 to $594 for a 30-day supply
To help lower the cost of Wellbutrin, here are some tips to consider:
- Check prices at several pharmacies since costs may vary
- Call insurance to determine whether the medication is covered
- Discuss with your provider switching from the brand-name to the generic version of the medication
- Find and use discount cards and coupons from sites, such as GoodRx or SingleCare
- Apply for and use the Wellbutrin XL Savings & Access program if you qualify
What Are the Alternatives to Wellbutrin?
If Wellbutrin isn’t right for managing your symptoms and mood, here are some other options to consider discussing with your medical provider:
- Other Atypical Antidepressants: Remeron (mirtazapine), Trintellix (vortioxetine)
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI): Celexa (citalopram), Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine)
- Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI): Cymbalta (duloxetine), Effexor (Venlafaxine)
Your healthcare provider may also recommend non-medication therapies as an alternative or in addition to medications. This may include psychotherapy, light therapy, or lifestyle changes, such as increased physical activity, changes in your diet, and sleep hygiene.
Final Takeaways
Wellbutrin may be prescribed virtually online or in-person to treat depression. Regular follow-up appointments are recommended to monitor for side effects and determine treatment effectiveness. If you are interested in completing an assessment for depression and receiving personalized treatment, including an online Wellbutrin prescription if appropriate, book an appointment with a healthcare provider at MEDvidi today.
FAQs
Can I get Wellbutrin over-the-counter?
No. Wellbutrin isn’t available without a prescription. You need a prescription for Wellbutrin that is authorized by a licensed healthcare provider. These requirements allow Wellbutrin to be carefully monitored due to the risk of certain side effects.
Can I get a Wellbutrin prescription online?
If deemed appropriate by your medical provider, Wellbutrin can be prescribed online. Both the initial prescription and any Wellbutrin refills may be prescribed through a virtual appointment.
Can I buy Wellbutrin online?
Yes. Wellbutrin can be purchased through online or in-person pharmacies. The prescription needs to be issued by a licensed healthcare practitioner. Be sure to check the online pharmacy you choose is legal and licensed before purchasing from them.
Why won’t my doctor prescribe me Wellbutrin?
Doctors and other medical providers may choose not to prescribe Wellbutrin SR or XL in some cases. This may be due to possible unwanted side effects, safety concerns, and drug interactions. They may choose to prescribe an alternative medication or consider a non-medication treatment option instead. Ultimately, ensuring the selected treatment plan is safe and effective for you is the provider’s top priority.
Does bupropion cause weight loss?
Weight loss is a reported side effect of Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride) in
A weight loss of greater than 5 pounds (lbs) occurred in about 28% of people taking Wellbutrin in these studies. For more information about weight loss and other side effects reported with taking Wellbutrin, talk with your medical provider or pharmacist.
