last update: November 14, 2025
INDICATIONS
Bupron SR is used for treating depression. Bupron SR is an antidepressant. It works in the brain to treat depression.
Bupron SR is the sustained-release form of bupropion, a prescription antidepressant widely used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). Pharmacologically, bupropion is classified as a norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). By increasing the availability of norepinephrine and dopamine in key brain pathways, it can improve mood, motivation, energy, and concentration. Unlike many antidepressants, bupropion has minimal direct serotonergic activity, which partly explains its different side effect profile—often less sexual dysfunction, less weight gain, and a lower risk of sedation compared with some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Because Bupron SR is a sustained-release tablet, the active ingredient is delivered gradually over several hours. This smoother release can reduce peaks and troughs in blood levels, helping optimize symptom control while limiting adverse effects. Many people begin to notice early improvements such as better energy or concentration within 1 to 2 weeks, while mood and interest in activities often continue to improve over 4 to 6 weeks. It is important to keep taking the medication as directed even if improvements are slow at first.
Note: Seasonal affective disorder is commonly treated with bupropion XL (extended-release once daily). Smoking cessation uses a separate bupropion brand (Zyban). Do not combine Bupron SR with any other bupropion-containing product.
Always use Bupron SR exactly as prescribed by your clinician. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule unless your healthcare provider instructs you to do so.
If your symptoms have not improved after several weeks, or if side effects are troublesome, contact your prescriber. They may adjust your dose, timing, or consider a different option.
Dosing must be individualized. A commonly used approach for Bupron SR starts at 150 mg once daily for several days, then increases to 150 mg twice daily if tolerated and clinically indicated. The doses should be separated by at least 6 hours. Maximum total daily doses are limited by safety considerations; exceeding prescribed amounts can significantly increase seizure risk. Always follow your clinician’s specific instructions.
If any of the above apply to you, speak with a healthcare professional promptly before taking Bupron SR.
Provide your clinician and pharmacist with a complete medical and medication history. This helps them evaluate benefits and risks, screen for interactions, and tailor your dose.
Bupropion is metabolized primarily via CYP2B6 and is a strong inhibitor of CYP2D6. These properties create potential interactions with many commonly used medicines. Always check with your healthcare provider and pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, including over-the-counter products and herbal supplements.
This list is not exhaustive. Share a full, updated medication list at each visit.
Many people tolerate Bupron SR well. When side effects occur, they are often mild to moderate and may lessen after the first few weeks as your body adjusts. Contact your prescriber if side effects are persistent, severe, or interfere with daily life.
Commonly reported side effects include:
Less common but serious side effects require urgent medical attention:
This is not a complete list of side effects. If you notice any unusual or distressing symptoms, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Seek emergency help for severe reactions.
Pregnancy: The decision to use bupropion during pregnancy should weigh the benefits of treating maternal depression against potential risks to the fetus. Untreated depression can adversely affect both parent and baby. Your clinician may consider bupropion if benefits are expected to outweigh risks, using the lowest effective dose and close monitoring.
Breastfeeding: Bupropion and metabolites are excreted in breast milk in small amounts. Many clinicians consider it compatible with breastfeeding in select cases, but individual risk–benefit assessment is essential, particularly in infants with seizure risk factors. Discuss the plan with your pediatrician and obstetric or primary care clinician before making changes.
Signs of overdose may include seizures, confusion, hallucinations, loss of consciousness, abnormal heart rhythms, fever, or severe vomiting. If you suspect an overdose, call emergency services immediately. Do not attempt to self-treat. Bring the medication bottle and provide first responders with as much information as possible.
Depression is heterogeneous, and one size does not fit all. If Bupron SR is not the right match, your clinician may consider SSRIs (such as sertraline or escitalopram), SNRIs (such as venlafaxine or duloxetine), mirtazapine, vortioxetine, or other agents. Psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy), structured exercise, sleep optimization, and careful attention to nutrition and substance use are evidence-based components of a comprehensive plan. In some cases, bupropion can be combined with an SSRI to augment response while mitigating certain SSRI side effects—this should only be done under medical supervision, with attention to drug–drug interactions.
While advertisements may highlight low prices (e.g., “Buy Bupron SR online starting at $1.66”), costs vary by country, dosage, manufacturer, pharmacy, and insurance status. Always prioritize safety and legitimacy when purchasing medication online:
If cost is a barrier, discuss generic options, patient assistance programs, or formulary alternatives with your clinician or pharmacist.
In the United States, bupropion (including Bupron SR) is regulated as a prescription-only medication. Ordinarily, dispensing requires a valid prescription from a licensed clinician following an appropriate medical evaluation. Many compliant telehealth services can provide this evaluation and, when clinically appropriate, issue a prescription that a licensed pharmacy fulfills.
HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Petersburg offers a legal and structured solution for acquiring Bupron SR without a formal prescription, relying on established processes that include clinician oversight consistent with applicable laws and standards. This approach is designed to maintain patient safety, ensure proper screening for contraindications and interactions, and provide access to pharmacist counseling. Availability and eligibility may vary by state regulations and individual clinical circumstances. Patients should always verify current policies, confirm pharmacy accreditation, and seek personalized guidance from a licensed healthcare professional before starting or modifying any antidepressant therapy.
Bupron SR is a sustained-release form of bupropion, an antidepressant and smoking-cessation aid that works as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI).
It is approved for major depressive disorder and is also used to help people stop smoking; some clinicians use it off-label for seasonal affective disorder and SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction.
It increases norepinephrine and dopamine levels by blocking their reuptake, which can improve mood, energy, and concentration without significant serotonin effects.
Some people notice improvements in energy and concentration within 1–2 weeks, but mood benefits often take 2–6 weeks; smoking-cessation benefits build over the first few weeks.
Tablets should be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed; the usual start is 150 mg once daily for 3 days, then 150 mg twice daily at least 8 hours apart, as directed by your prescriber.
Yes, it may be taken with or without food; taking it with food can reduce nausea in some people.
Common effects include insomnia, dry mouth, headache, nausea, tremor, anxiety, sweating, and increased blood pressure; many are mild and improve over time.
Seek urgent help for seizures, severe allergic reactions, markedly elevated blood pressure, vision changes, irregular heartbeat, or worsening mood or suicidal thoughts.
People with a seizure disorder, a current or past eating disorder (bulimia or anorexia nervosa), those abruptly stopping alcohol or sedatives, or those using MAOIs should not take it.
It can be activating and may cause insomnia; taking the last dose in the mid-afternoon (not near bedtime) often helps.
It is generally weight-neutral or may cause modest weight loss, contrasting with some antidepressants that cause weight gain.
Compared to many SSRIs, bupropion has a lower risk of sexual side effects and can sometimes improve SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction.
Skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time; do not double up or take doses too close together due to seizure risk.
Yes, it can increase blood pressure; monitoring is recommended, especially if you have hypertension or use nicotine replacement.
Yes; it inhibits CYP2D6 and can raise levels of certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, beta-blockers, and others; CYP2B6 inducers or inhibitors can alter bupropion levels—always review your medication list with your clinician.
Alcohol can increase seizure risk and worsen side effects like dizziness or mood changes; it’s best to limit or avoid alcohol and never binge drink while on bupropion.
If you are intoxicated or recently binge drank, do not take an extra or early dose; wait until you are sober and resume your usual schedule, and discuss alcohol use with your prescriber.
Use only if the potential benefits outweigh risks; while many pregnancies have occurred without issues, some studies suggest a small increased risk of certain defects—discuss options with your obstetrician and mental health provider.
Bupropion passes into breast milk in low amounts; many infants tolerate it, but monitor for irritability, poor feeding, or sleep changes and consult your pediatrician and prescriber.
Do not stop abruptly; most patients can continue bupropion through surgery, but your surgeon and anesthetist should review your regimen and seizure risk and advise individualized plans.
Until you know how it affects you, use caution; if you experience dizziness, agitation, or visual changes, avoid hazardous activities and speak with your clinician.
No; it is contraindicated in seizure disorders and used with great caution in conditions that lower the seizure threshold, including significant head trauma—your prescriber can advise safer alternatives.
Combination therapy can improve quit rates but may raise blood pressure; coordinate with your clinician, monitor BP, and report palpitations or headaches.
Like other antidepressants, it can precipitate mania or hypomania; screening for bipolar disorder and mood stabilizer co-treatment when appropriate are important.
Discontinuation symptoms are generally milder than with serotonergic antidepressants, but tapering under medical guidance is still recommended.
Both contain bupropion; SR is taken twice daily, while XL is once daily and may have a smoother 24-hour effect with potentially less insomnia or peak-related side effects.
IR is taken 3 times daily and has higher peak levels with more side-effect fluctuations; SR provides steadier levels with twice-daily dosing and lower seizure risk at comparable doses.
Zyban is a brand of bupropion SR specifically marketed for smoking cessation; effectiveness is comparable since the active ingredient and release profile are the same—choose based on dosing, availability, and cost.
Effectiveness is similar for many patients; bupropion tends to be more activating with less sexual dysfunction and weight gain, while SSRIs may be better for anxiety-prone depression—choice depends on symptom profile and tolerability.
Both treat depression; venlafaxine targets serotonin and norepinephrine and may help more with anxiety and pain, whereas bupropion targets norepinephrine and dopamine and is less likely to cause sexual side effects or hypertension at typical doses.
Mirtazapine is more sedating and often increases appetite and weight; bupropion is activating and weight-neutral or modestly weight-reducing—pick based on whether you need sedation or activation.
Vortioxetine is serotonergic with low sexual side effects and cognitive benefits in some studies; bupropion is non-serotonergic, more activating, and has lower sexual dysfunction risk but a seizure warning—tolerability is individual.
For patients with prominent fatigue and cognitive slowing, bupropion’s dopaminergic effect can feel more energizing; escitalopram may be preferable if anxiety or rumination dominates.
Duloxetine treats depression and certain pain syndromes (neuropathy, fibromyalgia); bupropion is not an analgesic—duloxetine may be favored when pain is a key target.
Varenicline generally achieves higher quit rates, but bupropion helps many, especially those with concurrent depression or who can’t tolerate varenicline; some benefit from combining bupropion with nicotine replacement.
The active ingredient is the same; quality generics are considered bioequivalent, though small differences in release profile can affect individual tolerability—consistency in brand can help if sensitivity occurs.
They are both bupropion sustained-release; differences are branding and manufacturer; dosing principles and expected effects are similar.
Both can help; bupropion (especially XL) has evidence for preventing seasonal episodes, while fluoxetine treats acute episodes; choose based on side-effect preferences and preventive vs acute goals.
Yes, bupropion has a lower risk of sexual dysfunction and weight gain than paroxetine; however, paroxetine may help more with certain anxiety disorders—discuss priorities with your clinician.