Wellbutrin SR® (Bupropion SR) Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and Costs

What Bupropion SR Is and How It Works

Bupropion SR is a sustained release form of bupropion hydrochloride used for major depressive disorder and for smoking cessation (marketed as Zyban in many regions). The SR tablets release medicine over 12 hours and are taken twice daily. Many people ask about bupropion SR meaning; SR simply means sustained release. YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba; prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing. If paying without insurance, comparing bupropion SR price through Canadian pharmacies can lower out-of-pocket costs.

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Bupropion is a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). It increases these neurotransmitters and may improve energy, concentration, and mood. It has minimal direct serotonergic activity, which can reduce sexual side effects seen with some SSRIs.

The SR form is available as bupropion HCl SR 100 mg, bupropion HCl SR 150 mg, and bupropion SR 200 mg. Many prescriptions start with bupropion SR 150mg tablets. The total daily dose for depression often reaches bupropion SR 300 mg (given as 150 mg twice daily).

Sustained release bupropion differs from once-daily extended-release (XL). Prescribers may discuss bupropion SR to XL conversion when convenience or tolerability is a goal. Doses are matched to the same total daily amount, but the tablets are not interchangeable milligram for milligram without medical guidance.

Dosage and Usage

• Depression initiation: 150 mg once daily for 3 days, then 150 mg twice daily (morning and late afternoon). Separate doses by at least 8 hours.
• Typical target dose: 300 mg per day in two 150 mg doses. Some may use bupropion SR 200 mg twice daily (maximum 400 mg/day) under close supervision.
• Smoking cessation (Zyban regimen): Start 1 week before quit date. 150 mg once daily for 3 days, then 150 mg twice daily for 7–12 weeks.
• Do not crush, chew, or split SR tablets. Swallow whole. A tablet shell may appear in stool.
• Missed dose: Skip and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not double up, as this increases seizure risk.
• Dose timing: Avoid evening dosing to reduce insomnia. Morning and mid-afternoon are common.
• Drug duplication: Do not take with other bupropion products (SR, XL, or immediate release) unless a prescriber directs a switch.

• Storage: Store tablets at 15–30°C (59–86°F) in a dry place. Keep the bottle tightly closed.
• Moisture: Avoid bathrooms. Use a desiccant if supplied.
• Heat and light: Keep away from excess heat, freezing, and direct sunlight.
• Travel: Keep your tablets in the original labeled container in carry-on luggage.
• Access: Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Handling: Do not cut or crush SR tablets to maintain the sustained release profile.

Benefits and Savings

Bupropion SR can improve mood, motivation, and cognitive symptoms of depression. It is activating rather than sedating for many patients. It is often weight-neutral, and bupropion SR and weight loss may occur modestly in some people. It does not typically cause sexual dysfunction. For smoking cessation, it can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Twice-daily dosing suits those who prefer morning and afternoon schedules. SR offers a balance between immediate-release flexibility and once-daily XL convenience. Those exploring bupropion SR 150 mg for weight loss should know weight loss is not an approved indication; bupropion is approved for depression and smoking cessation, and any weight change varies by person.

Ordering from Canada can mean 60–80% savings versus typical U.S. retail. This helps patients comparing bupropion SR cost, including those without insurance. Multi-month supplies may reduce per-month costs and fewer shipments can lower fees. You can turn on reorder reminders in your account to avoid running out.

Side Effects and Safety

• Insomnia or trouble sleeping
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Nausea or stomach upset
• Anxiety, restlessness, or jitteriness
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Tremor
• Constipation
• Fast heartbeat or increased blood pressure

Serious but less common risks include seizures (risk increases with higher doses or predisposing factors), severe allergic reactions, agitation or behavioral changes, angle-closure glaucoma, and significant hypertension. Antidepressants carry a boxed warning for increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults, especially early in therapy or after dose changes. Do not use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), in seizure disorders, in current or prior diagnoses of bulimia or anorexia nervosa, or during abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, or barbiturates. Use caution with other medicines that lower the seizure threshold (for example, tramadol, antipsychotics, theophylline, systemic steroids, and stimulants). Monitor blood pressure, mood, and sleep.

Onset Time

Sleep and energy may start to improve within 1–2 weeks after starting bupropion SR. Mood, concentration, and interest in activities often improve over 4–6 weeks as the dose is optimized. For smoking cessation, cravings and withdrawal symptoms typically ease in the first 1–2 weeks after the quit date and continue to improve with sustained use.

Weight change varies. Modest weight loss has been observed over 8–12 weeks in some patients, but results differ. Searches like “wellbutrin sr for weight loss” or “bupropion SR 150 mg for weight loss” reflect interest, yet bupropion SR is not approved for weight loss.

Compare With Alternatives

Bupropion Xl is the once-daily extended-release form. It offers similar efficacy with once-daily convenience. When moving from SR to XL, clinicians often match the total daily dose (for example, 300 mg/day), but individual response and insomnia can guide timing and formulation. Tablets are not interchangeable without guidance.

Pristiq® (desvenlafaxine) is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that can help with pain-related symptoms and hot flashes for some patients. It may raise blood pressure and can cause sweating, nausea, or sexual side effects in some people.

Trazodone is usually taken at night and is often used for sleep in patients with depression. It can be combined with daytime antidepressants but may cause next-day drowsiness at higher doses.

For broader context on therapy choices, see our article What Are The Best Medications For Depression.

Combination Therapy

• With SSRIs or SNRIs: Often paired to address residual fatigue, sexual side effects, or partial response.
• With nicotine replacement therapy: Common in smoking cessation plans; watch for insomnia and blood pressure.
• With mood stabilizers: Used in bipolar depression under specialist care to reduce switch risk.
• Avoid duplication with other bupropion products; this raises seizure risk.
• Caution with other agents that lower seizure threshold; dose adjustments or alternatives may be considered.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates include adults with major depressive disorder who prefer an activating option or who wish to avoid sexual side effects. It also fits many smoking cessation plans. It is not ideal for those with seizure disorders, a history of bulimia or anorexia nervosa, or uncontrolled hypertension.

Not for use with MAOIs, during or shortly after abrupt withdrawal from alcohol or sedatives, or in those using other bupropion products. Pregnancy and breastfeeding require individualized risk–benefit discussions. Hepatic or renal impairment may need lower doses. For related information, visit our Depression condition page.

To save on bupropion SR cost, consider a 2–3 month supply. This can lower the per-month price and reduce shipments. Reorder reminders help you stay on track. Patients shopping without insurance often compare bupropion HCl SR 150 mg and 100 mg bupropion SR options to balance dose needs and budget.

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information for Wellbutrin SR

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Bupropion

FDA Medication Guide for Bupropion-containing Products

Order Bupropion SR from Youdrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This content is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek care from a qualified clinician for personal guidance.