Bupropion
Bupropion is an antidepressant medication used primarily to treat major depressive disorder. While its exact mechanism of action remains unknown, it is believed to work through noradrenergic and dopaminergic pathways by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine.
Bupropion is an antidepressant that works through noradrenergic and dopaminergic mechanisms to treat depression.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N06AX12
- RxNorm
- 42347
- Generic
- Bupropion
- Class
- atc-n06
- Brands
- Forfivo, Contrave, Auvelity, Wellbutrin, Aplenzin
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 300mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 150mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 150mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits significantly outweigh risks
regular prenatal monitoring, fetal ultrasound assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesterconsider discontinuation near term
gradual tapering near end of pregnancy recommended; monitor for neonatal withdrawal
neonatal monitoring for withdrawal symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingmonitor infant closely
bupropion and metabolite excreted in breast milk; monitor infant for feeding problems, sleep disturbances, irritability
monitor infant for developmental changes, feeding patterns, irritability
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart at lower dose, typically 150mg once daily
initiate at lowest effective dose; increased sensitivity to side effects; monitor blood pressure
regular blood pressure monitoring, renal function assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot approved for pediatric use
bupropion is not approved for depression in patients under 18; black box warning for increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children/adolescents/young adults
if used, close monitoring for worsening depression, suicidal ideation, behavioral changes
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose to once daily maximum 150mg
use reduced dose; increased exposure to bupropion and metabolites; not recommended for end-stage renal disease
monitor for increased adverse effects, especially seizures
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderateno specific adjustment needed but monitor
use with caution; no dose reduction typically required but monitor for side effects
clinical monitoring for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severemaximum 150mg every other day
use with extreme caution; significantly reduced metabolism increases exposure; contraindicated in some cases
close monitoring for increased adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateconsider reduced dose to 150mg once daily
use with caution; reduced clearance requires dose adjustment
monitor for increased adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
concurrent useavoid concomitant use
alcohol may lower seizure threshold; bupropion increases seizure risk; avoid alcohol during treatment or limit significantly
monitor for seizure activity; assess alcohol use
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Bupropion is primarily indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder. It may also be prescribed for seasonal affective disorder and as an aid for smoking cessation.
The exact mechanism of action is unknown. It is presumed to be mediated by noradrenergic and/or dopaminergic mechanisms. Bupropion acts as a relatively weak inhibitor of neuronal norepinephrine reuptake.
Bupropion may lower seizure threshold and is contraindicated in patients with seizure disorders, eating disorders, or those undergoing abrupt discontinuation of alcohol or sedatives. It should not be used with monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Common side effects include insomnia, dry mouth, and headache.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy