What it is
An aminoketone antidepressant chemically unrelated to other major antidepressant classes. Available as immediate-release, sustained-release, and extended-release tablets.
How it works
Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI); inhibits the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine with minimal effect on serotonin reuptake.
Where it's used
Used in major depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and smoking cessation.
FDA-approved use
Major depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder (Wellbutrin XL), and smoking cessation (Zyban).
Tracking it
Bupropion is oral, which makes consistency the whole game — a simple daily check-off with a reminder beats memory every time. with a half-life of about 21 hours, a dose log also lets a tracker model the relative amount still in your system between doses.
Source
OpenFDA
Last reviewed 2026-06-11