Bupropion

DRUG INFORMATION

  ADULT
    - ( 2.2 ) Major Depressive Disorder Starting dose: 150 mg once daily.
      Source: US FDA label for bupropion (Bupropion Hydrochloride), section 'dosage and
      administration', retrieved 2026-08-29
    - Usual target dose: 300 mg once daily ( 2.2 ) After 4 days, may increase the dose
      to 300 mg once daily.
      Source: US FDA label for bupropion (Bupropion Hydrochloride), section 'dosage and
      administration', retrieved 2026-08-29
    - ( 2.3 ) Starting dose: 150 mg once daily.
      Source: US FDA label for bupropion (Bupropion Hydrochloride), section 'dosage and
      administration', retrieved 2026-08-29

  CHILD
    - Safety and effectiveness in the pediatric population have not been established.
      When considering the use of bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL)
      in a child or adolescent, balance the potential risks with the clinical need [see
      BOXED WARNING and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ( 5.1 )].
      Source: US FDA label for bupropion (Bupropion Hydrochloride), section 'pediatric
      use', retrieved 2026-08-29
    - General: Increase dose gradually to reduce seizure risk. ( 2.1 , 5.3 )
      Periodically reassess the dose and need for maintenance treatment. ( 2.2 ) Major
      Depressive Disorder Starting dose: 150 mg once daily. Usual target dose: 300 mg
      once daily ( 2.2 ) After 4 days, may increase the dose to 300 mg once daily. ( 2.2
      ) Seasonal Affective Disorder Initiate treatment in the autumn prior to onset of
      seasonal depressive symptoms.
      Source: US FDA label for bupropion (Bupropion Hydrochloride), section 'dosage and
      administration', retrieved 2026-08-29

  RENAL IMPAIRMENT
    - ( 2.6 , 8.7 ) Renal Impairment Consider reducing the dose and/or frequency of
      dosing.
      Source: US FDA label for bupropion (Bupropion Hydrochloride), section 'dosage and
      administration', retrieved 2026-08-29
    - Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, it may
      be necessary to consider this factor in dose selection; it may be useful to
      monitor renal function [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ( 2.7 ), USE IN SPECIFIC
      POPULATIONS ( 8.6 ), and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ( 12.3 )].
      Source: US FDA label for bupropion (Bupropion Hydrochloride), section 'use in
      specific populations', retrieved 2026-08-29

  HEPATIC IMPAIRMENT
    - ( 2.3 ) Hepatic Impairment Moderate to severe hepatic impairment: 150 mg every
      other day ( 2.6 ) Mild hepatic impairment: Consider reducing the dose and/or
      frequency of dosing.
      Source: US FDA label for bupropion (Bupropion Hydrochloride), section 'dosage and
      administration', retrieved 2026-08-29
    - Monitor closely for adverse reactions that could indicate high bupropion or
      metabolite exposures [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ( 2.7 ) and CLINICAL
      PHARMACOLOGY ( 12.3 )]. 8.7 Hepatic Impairment In patients with moderate to severe
      hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score: 7 to 15), the maximum bupropion
      hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) dose is 150 mg every other day.
      Source: US FDA label for bupropion (Bupropion Hydrochloride), section 'use in
      specific populations', retrieved 2026-08-29
    - In patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score: 5 to 6), consider
      reducing the dose and/or frequency of dosing [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ( 2.6
      ) and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ( 12.3 )].
      Source: US FDA label for bupropion (Bupropion Hydrochloride), section 'use in
      specific populations', retrieved 2026-08-29

  PREGNANCY
    - Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors
      pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy.
      Source: US FDA label for bupropion (Bupropion Hydrochloride), section 'pregnancy',
      retrieved 2026-08-29
    - Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National
      Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-844-405-6185 or visiting online at
      https://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-
      researchprograms/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants/.
      Source: US FDA label for bupropion (Bupropion Hydrochloride), section 'pregnancy',
      retrieved 2026-08-29
    - Risk Summary Data from epidemiological studies of pregnant women exposed to
      bupropion in the first trimester have not identified an increased risk of
      congenital malformations overall (see Data).
      Source: US FDA label for bupropion (Bupropion Hydrochloride), section 'pregnancy',
      retrieved 2026-08-29

  BREASTFEEDING
    - Risk Summary Data from published literature report the presence of bupropion and
      its metabolites in human milk (see Data).
      Source: US FDA label for bupropion (Bupropion Hydrochloride), section 'nursing
      mothers', retrieved 2026-08-29
    - There are no data on the effects of bupropion or its metabolites on milk
      production.
      Source: US FDA label for bupropion (Bupropion Hydrochloride), section 'nursing
      mothers', retrieved 2026-08-29
    - Limited data from postmarketing reports have not identified a clear association of
      adverse reactions in the breastfed infant.
      Source: US FDA label for bupropion (Bupropion Hydrochloride), section 'nursing
      mothers', retrieved 2026-08-29