Depression is a serious mental health disorder. Its symptoms can affect how you think and feel and may negatively impact your personal, social, and working relationships.
Who Suffers from Depression?
Around 17.3 million adults in the U.S had at least one major depressive episode in 2017, which represented 6.7 percent of all American adults. * (National Institute of Mental Health)
Women are diagnosed with depression two times more than men. Older individuals (70 years and older) have a higher risk of depression compared to other age groups.
Types of Depression
The most commonly diagnosed form of depression is Major Depressive Disorder. However, there is also:
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Depressive disorder (dysthymia)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Depressive disorder due to another medical condition
- Adjustment disorder with depressed mood
Treatment of Depression
A combination of medication and psychotherapy has been associated with significantly higher rates of improvement in more severe, chronic, and complex presentations of depression.
Antidepressant medications work well to treat depression. Many types of antidepressants are available. Before use, be sure to discuss possible major side effects with your doctor or pharmacist.
What is Wellbutrin XL used for?
Wellbutrin XL is the brand name for bupropion extended-release tablets. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003 for major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. Wellbutrin XL is absorbed in the body more slowly.
Wellbutrin XL can be used in off-label ways to treat ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder), depressive episodes of bipolar disorder, and sexual dysfunction caused by other antidepressants.
Other off-label indications include social phobia and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Bupropion is sometimes used in combination with naltrexone to treat obesity and weight-related conditions.
Bupropion for smoking cessation is manufactured under a different brand called Zyban. Zyban and Wellbutrin XL cannot be substituted for one another due to differences in dosing.
Did You Know the History of Wellbutrin XL?
Bupropion was created in 1966 and first patented by Burroughs Wellcome (now part of GlaxoSmithKline, known as GSK) in 1974. It was first approved by the FDA in the United States and marketed under the name Wellbutrin in 1985.
At that time, seizures were a common side effect because of the 400-600 mg recommended dosages. As a result, the medication was removed from the market in 1986.
The sustained release formula, Wellbutrin SR, was approved for reentry into the market by the FDA in 1996.
On October 26, 2001, Biovail and GSK entered into an agreement to develop a once-a-day extended-release bupropion hydrochloride tablet, brand-named Wellbutrin XL. The FDA approved Wellbutrin XL in August 2003.
Wellbutrin has been distributed by GSK in the United States since September 2003.
In May 2009, Biovail acquired full U.S. commercial rights to Wellbutrin XL GSK. GlaxoSmithKline retained existing rights to Wellbutrin XL (excluding Canada) for countries outside the US.
In September 2010, Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, a Canadian drug company, and Biovail completed their previously announced merger to become one company.
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International is now called Bausch Health Companies.
So, you might have noticed that the manufacturer is Valeant for North American version of Wellbutrin while it is GSK on European version.
How to Take Wellbutrin XL?
Wellbutrin XL is a tablet that comes in 2 dosage strengths, 150 mg and 300 mg.
It is typically taken once a day, usually in the morning. The dosage depends on how much is prescribed by your doctor.
Do not crush or chew prescription Wellbutrin XL as it is a time released medication. Chewing it may release the medication into your system all at once causing negative side effects.
It may take up to 4 weeks or more to see the full benefit of this medication. Do not stop Wellbutrin XL or increase it without consulting your doctor.
What Is the Difference Between Wellbutrin SR And Wellbutrin XL?
Wellbutrin SR is the brand name for bupropion sustained-release tablets. It was FDA approved in 1996 for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Wellbutrin SR is usually taken as 150 mg twice daily for a total daily dose of 300 mg.
Compared to immediate-release and sustained-release bupropion, the XL form releases the medication over a longer period of time.
Both Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL are indicated to treat symptoms of major depression. However, Wellbutrin XL is also approved to prevent seasonal affective disorder.
Is Generic Bupropion XL as Effective as Brand Name Wellbutrin XL?
There are many different generic versions of Wellbutrin XL.
The FDA requires generic medications to be “bioequivalent” to their brand name counterpart. This generally means that they work the same way.
Generic versions of Wellbutrin XL contain the same active ingredients, but may contain different inactive ingredients, which do not affect how well a medication works but may cause different or additional effects.
According to the Consumerlab.com, some generic versions released their ingredients at a very different rate than Wellbutrin XL. The differences in how products dissolve may explain the side-effects and return of depression reported by some patients who have switched to a generic.
On October 2012, a marketed generic version of the antidepressant bupropion hydrochloride XL (300 mg) is not equivalent to the brand name Wellbutrin XL and the product is being removed from the market by the FDA.
What Are the Side Effects of Wellbutrin XL?
Many medications have side effects, and most are mild. Some common side effects of prescription Wellbutrin XL include:
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Insomnia
- Vomiting/nausea
- Dizziness
- Sore throat
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Tremors
This prescription medication may increase your blood pressure, so have it checked regularly.
Serious side effects to be aware of include eye pain, seizures, or vision changes. Seek medical assistance immediately if you experience any of these serious side effects.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Speak to your pharmacist about other possible side effects.
How Much Does Brand Name Wellbutrin XL Cost?
Although brand name Wellbutrin XL has been a trusted choice for the treatment of individuals with major depressive disorder for over 15 years, the price is unaffordable for many.
As of May 2021, the average retail price for brand name Wellbutrin XL (300 mg) is around $73.17 per tablet in the United States, it costs more than $6000 out-of-pocket for 90 days supply. (price collected from Goodrx)
Here is the good news.
Ordering the same brand name Wellbutrin XL (300 mg) manufactured by same pharmaceutical company, Valeant Pharmaceuticals, from a legitimate Canadian pharmacy only cost you $207 for a 90-day supply.
Yes, you can save up to 97% on brand name Wellbutrin XL.
Where Can I Buy the Cheapest Wellbutrin XL?
The new analysis released by the Campaign for Personal Prescription Importation (CPPI) found that prescription medications are 50% to 88% cheaper at licensed online Canadian pharmacies compared to coupon and Prime discount prices at U.S. pharmacy competitors.
Canada Online Health is certified by Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA). No hidden costs, no membership fees, just great saving on all your prescription needs.
Canada Online Health carries affordable and safe brand name Wellbutrin XL.
References:
- Wellbutrinxl.com
- Singlecare.com
- Gsk.com
- Rxlist.com
- Goodrx.com
- Webmed.com
- Drugs.com
- Fda.gov
