Bupropion SR (Sustained-Release) Tablets for Depression and Smoking Cessation

What Bupropion SR Is and How It Works

Bupropion SR is a sustained-release antidepressant used for major depressive disorder. Some prescribers also use it for seasonal affective disorder and for smoking cessation support. SR means 12-hour release. Common strengths include bupropion SR 100mg, 150mg, and 200 mg. Most plans use once- or twice-daily dosing. Bupropion SR lowers the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, which helps improve mood and energy. Patients often ask about bupropion SR meaning and whether 12-hour tablets affect sleep. The timing and dose matter. Many start at 150 mg bupropion SR in the morning to reduce insomnia risk.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Our pharmacists review each prescription before dispensing. We offer brand and generic options at Canadian prices, and our team supports you with friendly customer-service chat during posted hours. We work with licensed, vetted partner pharmacies worldwide to source authentic medicines, a broad selection, and fair pricing.

Some people search for bupropion sr cost or bupropion sr price when comparing pharmacies. Buying through a Canadian pharmacy may lower out-of-pocket costs, especially for long-term treatment. This page focuses on generic bupropion SR 12-hour tablets. The brand equivalents include Wellbutrin SR for depression and Zyban for smoking cessation.

Dosage and Usage

Always follow your prescriber’s directions on strength and timing. Typical adult regimens are below for reference.

• Depression (SR): Start 150 mg once daily in the morning for 3 days. Increase to 150 mg twice daily if needed, with at least 8 hours between doses.
• Target dose: 300 mg/day in divided doses. Some patients may go to 400 mg/day (200 mg twice daily) if not responding.
• Smoking cessation (SR): 150 mg once daily for 3 days, then 150 mg twice daily. Begin 1–2 weeks before the planned quit date. Usual course is 7–12 weeks.
• Do not crush, split, or chew sustained-release tablets. Swallow whole.
• Separate doses by 8 hours or more to lower seizure risk. Do not exceed 200 mg in a single SR dose or 400 mg/day.

Missed dose guidance:

• If you miss a dose, skip it if your next dose is near. Never double up.
• Keep doses spread out to protect from side effects like insomnia or tremor.

Storage and travel tips:

• Store at 15–30°C (59–86°F) in a dry place. Keep the bottle closed.
• Pack tablets in your carry-on with the pharmacy label when you travel.
• Use a daily reminder to take SR tablets at consistent times.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Strength selection varies. Common choices include bupropion hcl sr 150 mg for initiation, bupropion sr 100 mg for sensitive patients, and bupropion sr 200 mg in experienced patients who need higher dosing. Always confirm the correct strength on your label.

Benefits and Savings

Bupropion SR helps improve mood, concentration, and energy in depression. It is less likely to cause sexual side effects than many SSRIs. It may also reduce nicotine cravings, which supports smoke-free goals. Some patients notice lower appetite, though bupropion sr for weight loss is not an approved use. The sustained-release format offers 12-hour coverage with simple morning and evening dosing.

Ordering through YouDrugstore gives you access to Canadian pricing. Many patients see 60–80% savings vs typical US pharmacy prices. Multi-month supplies can reduce the per-month cost. Our team can send reorder reminders so you do not run out.

Side Effects and Safety

Most side effects are mild and improve over time. The risk of seizure rises with higher doses or certain conditions, so correct dosing matters.

• Common: dry mouth, insomnia, headache, nausea, dizziness, tremor, sweating, constipation.
• Less common: anxiety, restlessness, fast heartbeat, ringing in ears, rash.
• Serious: seizure, high blood pressure, severe allergic reaction, mood changes, suicidal thoughts, vision changes (angle-closure glaucoma), liver problems.

Safety considerations:

• Do not use with an MAOI, or within 14 days of stopping one.
• Avoid if there is a history of seizure disorder, anorexia, or bulimia.
• Use caution with abrupt alcohol, benzodiazepine, or sedative withdrawal.
• Monitor blood pressure, especially with nicotine replacement therapy.
• Drug interactions: linezolid, methylene blue, CYP2B6 modifiers (e.g., ritonavir), and other medicines that lower seizure threshold (e.g., tramadol, antipsychotics).

Patients with bipolar disorder need close monitoring for mania or hypomania. Dose adjustments may be needed in liver or kidney impairment. Pregnant or nursing patients should review risks and benefits with their clinician.

Onset Time

Some people notice better energy or concentration within 1–2 weeks. Mood improvement usually builds over 2–6 weeks. For quitting smoking, cravings often ease in the first 1–2 weeks after reaching twice-daily dosing. Give the medicine time to work before judging response.

Compare With Alternatives

Bupropion SR vs extended-release: Once-daily Bupropion Xl can improve adherence for patients who prefer a single morning dose. Total daily dose is similar, and some switch from twice-daily SR to once-daily XL for convenience. Discuss any bupropion SR to XL conversion with the prescriber who knows the full history.

Compared with SSRIs, bupropion SR has a lower chance of sexual dysfunction and weight gain. It can increase anxiety or insomnia in some. A sedating antidepressant such as Trazodone may suit patients with prominent insomnia. For smoking cessation, varenicline is another option, but bupropion SR smoking cessation support works well for many, especially when paired with counseling.

Combination Therapy

Many patients take bupropion SR with an SSRI to target different symptoms. This approach may lessen SSRI-related sexual side effects. Nicotine replacement (patch or gum) can be used with bupropion during a quit attempt. Blood pressure should be checked when combining therapies. Avoid MAOIs and review other medicines that may raise seizure risk. Antipsychotics or mood stabilizers are sometimes added in treatment-resistant depression, but this requires careful oversight.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates are adults with major depressive disorder who want an activating option, and people preparing to quit smoking who need craving control. Those with seizure disorders, eating disorders, or recent MAOI use should not use bupropion SR. Patients sensitive to insomnia may do better with morning-only dosing at first. Appetite changes can occur; bupropion sr and weight loss is not a treatment plan by itself.

To lower costs, choose generic strengths that match your prescribed dose. Consider a 2–3 month supply to reduce per-tablet pricing. You can turn on reorder reminders in your account so you stay on schedule. If you are comparing therapies for Depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder, our articles can help. See What Are The Best Medications For Depression and The Science Behind Wellbutrin Xl How It Helps Depression for practical comparisons.

Some shoppers ask about bupropion SR 150mg tablets 12 h versus bupropion hcl sr 100 mg tablet options. The right strength depends on response and tolerability. If costs are a concern, compare bupropion sr 150mg and 100 mg prices across pack sizes to find the best fit.

Authoritative Sources

Review official details in these trusted resources: the FDA Prescribing Information for Wellbutrin SR and the Health Canada Drug Product Database.

YouDrugstore is ready to help you fill your prescription at Canadian prices. Order online or by phone, and reach our friendly support during posted hours. We ship to the US with prompt, express, cold-chain shipping to protect quality.

This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and the patient leaflet that comes with your medicine.