Wellbutrin prescription online

Wellbutrin (bupropion) is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). Its extended-release formulation is also approved to treat symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Wondering whether Wellbutrin will work for your symptoms? Find a mental health specialist on Klarity Health today to find out.

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Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.

Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Paul Hetrick

A hand dispensing Wellbutrin pills, used for depression treatment

What is Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an antidepressant medication FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). The sustained-release formula (Wellbutrin SR) was approved in 1996. The extended-release formula (Wellbutrin XL) was approved in 2003 and is also used for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Immediate-release Wellbutrin is no longer available.

There are several off-label (not FDA-approved) uses for Wellbutrin, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), neuropathic pain, antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction, depression related to bipolar disorder, and obesity. It’s also been used to treat OCD and anxiety. A healthcare provider can prescribe Wellbutrin for off-label use if they think it’s medically necessary for you.

If you think Wellbutrin will help treat your condition, consult a healthcare provider. They can help you determine if it’s right for you or suggest an alternative.

Learn more about Wellbutrin for OCD and Wellbutrin for anxiety.

How does Wellbutrin work?

Wellbutrin’s active ingredient, bupropion, is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). Norepinephrine is a brain chemical thought to play a role in your stress response. It helps regulate sleep, alertness, and blood pressure. Dopamine, another brain chemical, plays a role in movement and affects your motivation, perception of reality, and ability to experience pleasure. Wellbutrin makes these chemicals more available in your brain, which helps relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, OCD, or ADHD over time.

A review of Wellbutrin’s clinical data shows that it was effective at reducing depression symptoms in 24 out of 27 trials. And it’s just as effective as other available antidepressants FDA-approved to treat MDD, like Effexor (venlafaxine) or Zoloft (sertraline).

A confident man thinks of the benefits of Wellbutrin for depression treatment

Who’s eligible to take Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin is FDA-approved for adults diagnosed with MDD or SAD.

Your provider may prescribe Wellbutrin for off-label use, such as OCD, anxiety, or ADHD. But only if they think it’s medically necessary, safe, and will work better for you than on-label alternatives.

A man arranges a Wellbutrin prescription online through a telehealth service

How to get a Wellbutrin prescription online

You need a prescription from a board-certified, licensed healthcare provider to get Wellbutrin. Providers who can prescribe it include physicians (MDs), nurse practitioners (NPs), and physician assistants/associates (PAs).

To get a Wellbutrin prescription online, schedule an appointment with a licensed telehealth provider — you can find one on Klarity Health. Your provider will assess your health and symptoms and create a treatment plan. If your provides recommends a medication, like Wellbutrin or another antidepressant, as part of your treatment plan, they’ll give you a prescription. They’ll also monitor your progress and supervise any dosage or medication changes. And they can do it all online or in person, whichever you prefer.

Learn more about what’s needed to get depression medication online and about ADHD treatment.

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How to use Wellbutrin and Wellbutrin dosages

Wellbutrin is a pill you take by mouth. You can take it with or without food and should swallow it whole. It’s available in 2 forms — extended-release (Wellbutrin XL) and sustained-release (Wellbutrin SR).

— Wellbutrin XL is available in 2 strengths — 150 and 300 milligrams. The recommended starting dose is 150 milligrams each morning. After 4 days, your provider may increase your dose to 300 milligrams.

— Wellbutrin SR is available in 3 strengths — 100, 150, and 200 milligrams. The recommended starting dose is 150 milligrams once each morning. After 3 days, your provider may add a second 150-milligram dose 8 hours later. This is the typical target dose, but you can take up to 400 milligrams a day (2 200-milligram doses 8 hours apart) if needed.

Bupropion is also sold in brand-name Forfivo XL, which comes in a 450-milligram tablet.

Talk to your provider about which form and dose of Wellbutrin is right for you. They’ll help you safely adjust your medication until you find a schedule that works.

A joyful couple experiences enhanced mood, due to Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin side effects and warnings

Wellbutrin’s common side effects include blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, fast heartbeat, headache, heavy sweating, nausea or vomiting, nervousness, tremors, and trouble sleeping. Side effects for Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR are similar but differ slightly.

Common side effects can go away as your body adjusts to Wellbutrin, but may last. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to manage mild side effects if you have any.

Wellbutrin can have serious side effects, including, but not limited to, the risk of seizures and elevated blood pressure. It also has an FDA boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults up to age 65.

Visit the Wellbutrin side effects page or talk to your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about common and serious side effects, as well as warnings, precautions, drug interactions, and contraindications.

And if take Wellbutrin and have negative side effects, you can report them to the FDA by visiting MedWatch or calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

What does Wellbutrin cost?

What you pay for Wellbutrin depends on the form and dose you take, and whether you have insurance that covers it. According to drugs.com with its discount card, a 1-month supply of Wellbutrin SR costs up to $933 per month while Wellbutrin XL costs up to $2,785 a month.

There are generic versions available that are less expensive than brand-name. Generic bupropion costs around $12 to $15 per month without insurance. You’ll still pay more for the extended- and sustained-release formulations, but only slightly. A 1-month supply of extended-release bupropion retails for $16 to $18 while sustained-release bupropion retails for $21 to $38 per month.

You’ll likely pay less if you have insurance that covers Wellbutrin. The manufacturer, Bausch Health, sponsors a Savings & Access Program that provides help getting insurance coverage, lowering your copay, and waiving shipping fees for home delivery. Visit Bausch Health’s website to see if you qualify.

Wellbutrin coupons from prescription discount sites can also help you save money, with or without insurance.

How does Wellbutrin compare to other depression drugs

There are 7 classes of antidepressants — as an NDRI, Wellbutrin is in an atypical class. While many antidepressants in other classes increase the neurotransmitter serotonin and others, Wellbutrin isn’t thought to affect serotonin much, if at all. Instead, it works by affecting the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine.

In clinical trials, Wellbutrin was just as effective at relieving symptoms of depression as other antidepressants, including serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), like Effexor. When compared directly with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), and Paxil (paroxetine), not only was Wellbutrin just as effective, people taking it reported fewer side effects.

Studies have also shown it leads to improvements in ADHD symptoms.

Effexor, Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil are all FDA approved to treat MDD. All have side effects that can include, but aren’t limited to, nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, insomnia, sweating, and weight changes.

Talk to your healthcare provider about which medication, if any, is right for you. They can help you make this decision and give you a prescription if recommended.

Learn more about Effexor vs Wellbutrin.

A woman considers Wellbutrin's effectiveness compared to other depression medication

With Klarity Health, you’re in good company

Reviews from real patients who received treatment from healthcare providers on Klarity Health.

How it works

Choose the right provider for you
Providers on Klarity Health are licensed, board-certified, and offer a personalized approach to your unique treatment needs. See detailed profiles for each provider and find an approach that’s best for you. (Costs for treatment options may vary.)
Have your initial patient visit
Your journey to reduced symptoms starts with an initial consultation. Your provider will work with you to recommend the right treatment for you and that may or may not include prescription medication and/or counseling.
Work with your provider on your progress
Your initial consultation is just the beginning. You and your provider will follow up to make sure you’re doing okay and are reaching your goals. You stay on track with ongoing support from your provider(s) and medication refills if needed.
Access 24×7 support from Klarity Health
If you have questions or need assistance, the Klarity Health Patient Support team is there to help. Along with your provider, they’re committed to making sure you have the best care and support throughout treatment.

Why choose a provider on Klarity Health?

Choose from a growing list of licensed, board-certified providers

Have an appointment in as little as 24 hours.*

No insurance needed — get reimbursed from insurance or use your FSA or HSA.

Your provider will discuss treatment options with you, which may or may not include medication.

FAQs about Wellbutrin

How to get a Wellbutrin prescription: To get a prescription for Wellbutrin, have an appointment with a board-certified healthcare provider licensed in your state. Providers include physicians (MDs), physician assistants/associates (PAs), and nurse practitioners (NPs). You can find a provider on marketplace services, like Klarity Health. Your provider will evaluate your mental health and needs to tailor a treatment plan that may include medication, like Wellbutrin. If appropriate for you, your provider will give you a prescription or send it to your preferred pharmacy.
Can I get Wellbutrin online?: You can get Wellbutrin online. It’s an antidepressant and off-label non-stimulant ADHD medication, so it isn’t a controlled substance and doesn’t have state-mandated restrictions the many stimulant ADHD medications have in certain states.

To get Wellbutrin online, book an appointment with a telehealth provider licensed in your state. You can find 1 on marketplace platforms, such as Klarity Health. During your first online appointment, your provider will evaluate your health and determine a treatment plan for you. If medication, like Wellbutrin, is appropriate, they’ll give you a prescription.
Can I get Wellbutrin without a doctor’s visit?: No, you can’t get Wellbutrin without a doctor’s visit. It’s a prescription medication, meaning you need a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to get it. You can see a provider online. And you can find a provider on marketplace services, like Klarity Health. During your initial appointment, your provider will evaluate your health and determine whether medication, like Wellbutrin, is right for you. If so, they’ll give you a prescription. And with Klarity Health, or other telehealth services, you can do it all online from the comfort of your home.
Is there a generic Wellbutrin?: Yes, there is a generic Wellbutrin — bupropion. It’s available in the same forms and doses, but it generally costs less than brand-name Wellbutrin. You can get generic Wellbutrin by asking your provider to give you a prescription for it rather than the brand name. Or you can opt for generic at the pharmacy if your health insurance allows.
How does Wellbutrin work for OCD?: As an antidepressant, Wellbutrin can be used off-label to treat OCD, but it isn’t FDA-approved for it. And, studies show Wellbutrin for OCD isn’t always effective. It may help with depression and OCD-related anxiety, but in clinical trials, two-thirds of patients experienced worsening OCD symptoms while taking Wellbutrin. Some online reviewers say they find it effective though. If you’re considering Wellbutrin to treat your OCD, consult your healthcare provider. They can help determine if it’s right for you or prescribe something else.
How does Wellbutrin work for anxiety?: Wellbutrin works for anxiety by helping regulate your mood. It does so by altering the levels of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. It’s important to note that Wellbutrin’s side effects, like insomnia or jitteriness, may worsen anxiety. And, it isn’t FDA-approved for anxiety, so this is an off-label use. Your healthcare provider can prescribe Wellbutrin for anxiety if they feel it’s safe and appropriate for you — typically if you’ve tried and failed other treatment options, such as other antidepressants or benzodiazepines.

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Sources: American Addiction Centers, Norepinephrine and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs), Dan Wagener, MA, updated Sept. 2022, https://americanaddictioncenters.org/antidepressants-guide/ndris

Bausch Health, WellbutrinXL Savings & Access Program, https://www.wellbutrinxl.com/savings-and-support/

Cochrane Library, Bupropion for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults, Oct. 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6485546/

DailyMed, Label: Bupropion hydrochloride tablet, https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=e4100232-a25d-4468-9057-af7e66205154

DailyMed, Label: Wellbutrin SR – bupropion hydrochloride tablet, https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=cbc8c074-f080-4489-a5ae-207b5fadeba3

DailyMed, Label: Wellbutrin XL- bupropion hydrochloride tablet, https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a435da9d-f6e8-4ddc-897d-8cd2bf777b21

Drug Design, Development, and Therapy; Efficacy, tolerability, and acceptability of bupropion for major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials compared with venlafaxine, Narong Maneeton et al., Sept. 2013, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.2147/DDDT.S46849

drugs.com, Bupropion Price Guide, https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/bupropion

drugs.com, Wellbutrin SR Price Guide, https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/wellbutrin-sr

drugs.com, Wellbutrin XL Price Guide, https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/wellbutrin-xl

Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, Bupropion for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder: an open-label, fixed-dose study, Nienke Vulink et. al, Feb. 2005, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15705009/

Journal of Psychiatric Research, Efficacy of bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the treatment of anxiety symptoms in major depressive disorder: A meta-analysis of individual patient data from 10 double-blind, randomized clinical trials, George I. Papakostas et al., Jan. 2008, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022395607000969

StatPearls Publishing, Antidepressants, Zachary M. Scheffler et al., updated May 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538182/

StatPearls Publishing, Bupropion, Martin R. Huecker et al., updated Apr. 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470212/

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy, Bupropion versus selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors for treatment of depression, C E Nieuwstraten and L R Dolovich, Dec. 2001, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11793630/

Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, Bupropion: a systematic review and meta-analysis of effectiveness as an antidepressant, Krisna Patel et al., Feb. 2016, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4837968/
How we review this article: This article went through rigorous fact-checking by a team of medical reviewers. Reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the author. Learn more about the editorial and medical review process and standards for the HelloKlarity site.

*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.

If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.