Budeprion XL
® (
Wellbutrin XL®) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of
depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression). It is also approved for the prevention of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It is an extended-release version of
Wellbutrin® (
bupropion hydrochloride).
Budeprion XL is manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals.
How Does Budeprion XL Work?
Budeprion XL is a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, or NDRI for short.
NDRIs, such as Budeprion XL, affect specific chemicals within the brain known as norepinephrine and dopamine. These are two of several chemicals used to send messages from one nerve cell to another.
As a message travels down a nerve, it causes the end of the cell to release norepinephrine or dopamine. The chemical enters the gap between the first nerve cell and the one next to it. When enough norepinephrine or dopamine reaches the second nerve cell, it activates receptors on the cell, and the message continues on its way. The first cell then quickly absorbs any norepinephrine or dopamine that remains in the gap between the cells. This is called "reuptake."
Normally, this process works without any problems. But when the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine become unbalanced, it can cause a variety of conditions, including depression and seasonal affective disorder. Budeprion XL helps to block the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine so that more remains in the space between the brain's nerve cells. This gives the chemicals a better chance of activating the receptors on the next nerve cell.
Currently, the only NDRI
antidepressants approved for use are medications containing bupropion. Budeprion XL is the longest-acting version of bupropion, taken just once a day. Bupropion also comes in several other forms, including:
- Wellbutrin® (bupropion hydrochloride), a short-acting version
- Wellbutrin SR® (bupropion SR), a sustained-release version (taken twice a day)
- Zyban® (bupropion SR), a sustained-release version used for smoking cessation.
Clinical studies show that Budeprion XL is effective for treating
depression and for preventing seasonal affective disorder.
Budeprion XL for Depression
In studies,
bupropion (the active ingredient in Budeprion XL) was shown to be effective for treating depression in adults. In long-term studies, it was also shown to prevent a relapse of depression. Although these studies used shorter-acting versions of bupropion (not Budeprion XL), it is assumed that Budeprion XL is equally effective for treating depression and preventing relapse.
Budeprion XL for Seasonal Affective Disorder
Three studies looked at using Budeprion XL for seasonal affective disorder. In these studies, people began taking the drug in autumn, before their depression symptoms started, and the medication was stopped in early spring. These studies showed that up to 84.3 percent of people taking Budeprion XL were depression-free at the end of their treatment, compared to 72 percent of those not taking the drug.
When and How to Take Budeprion XL
General considerations for when and how to take Budeprion XL include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth, usually once a day in the morning.
- Be sure to swallow the tablets whole. They should not be cut, crushed, broken, or chewed.
- You can take Budeprion XL with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Budeprion XL should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Budeprion XL will not work if you stop taking it.
Dosing Information for Budeprion XL
The dose of Budeprion XL that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may currently be taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your Budeprion XL dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of Budeprion XL
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Budeprion XL. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medication quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects of Budeprion XL include:
(Click Side Effects of Budeprion XL to learn more, including some of the potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about specific side effects of Budeprion XL in the following eMedTV articles:
Budeprion XL Drug Interactions
Budeprion XL: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Budeprion XL if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Alternatives to Budeprion XL
Depression, even in its most severe form, is highly treatable. As with many illnesses, getting treatment early is more effective and reduces the chance of recurrence.
The most common forms of treatment for depression are medication (
antidepressants) and psychotherapy ("talk therapy"). In cases of severe depression, healthcare providers may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Some people may also try complementary or alternative treatments for depression
(see Natural Remedies for Depression). Light therapy (using a light box or another light source) may also be effective for treating depression related to seasonal affective disorder.
Budeprion XL is generally quite effective at treating depression. It is also generally well tolerated. However, side effects can occur, or the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative to Budeprion XL. Examples of substitute medications include:
What If I Take an Overdose of Budeprion XL?
People who take too much Budeprion XL may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Fainting
- A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmia)
- Fever
- Muscle tension, pain, and damage
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Breathing problems
- Coma
- Loss of life.
If you happen to overdose on Budeprion XL, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Budeprion XL Be Stored?
Budeprion XL should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep Budeprion XL and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Budeprion XL?
If you do not take your Budeprion XL as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Strengths of Budeprion XL
Budeprion XL tablets are available in two strengths:
- Budeprion XL 150 mg tablets
- Budeprion XL 300 mg tablets.
Both brand-name and generic Budeprion XL are currently licensed for sale. Generic Budeprion XL is sold under the name Budeprion XL or
bupropion XL.
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