Just curious. I see quite a difference in the generics. I've tried many of them, believe me. I see lots of people talk about wellbutrin xl. Personally, I didn't like it. However, I did find a generic wellbutrin sr that I feel works most like the brand name.
Bupropion - Which one do more people have better success with: Wellbutrin SR or Wellbutrin XL?
Question posted by Anonymous on 15 Feb 2016
Last updated on 27 March 2024
11 Answers
WildcatVet
27 March 2024
I've taken 450mg XL for years with good results. Fortunately, I've never felt any difference taking different generics... and I've been on plenty over the years.
Nopain50
27 March 2024
I take Wellbutrin SR and I am more motivated now but it took about 3 weeks. I’ve been on it 3 months.
Nopain50
21 March 2024
I tried 150 Bupropion XL and switched to 100 Bupropion SR also . I do get joint pain . Been on it for 6 mos.
chuck1957
1 Jan 2018
Yes I am with Mcg on this I find taking 1 to 2 daily of the S.R WORKS GREAT FOR ME and the doctor lets me float around with my dose on it. Hope your able to find what works best for you too
missatinna
31 Dec 2017
I took wellburtin a few years ago,don't remember which one. I really need to switch back to wellburtin.
Inactive
1 Nov 2017
Bupropion SR 150mgs - manufactured by Mylan Pharmaceuticals. It is usually prescribed to be taken twice a day. It was more effective for me with the least side effects at 150 mgs. only one time a day. Taken this way, I had the most benefit with the least side effects.
Nopain50
21 March 2024
What side effects are you getting. Joint pain?
Cheryl Gower
1 Nov 2017
What is the name of the generic you found ? I’m not having much luck with bupropion.
Nopain50
21 March 2024
I thought generic Wellbutrin was Bupropion? Is there others?
WildcatVet
27 March 2024
The best medication for YOU is the one that works best for YOU. Every single person responds differently.
Bupropion IS the generic for Wellbutrin and dozens of manufacturers produce bupropion. The amount of the active drug is the same but the inert ingredients cam vary widely.
You can always Google "Inert ingredients" for the brand name and whatever generic you happen to have.
Kendrickcmb
6 July 2017
What is the generic name? I would like to try it.
Cheryl Gower
1 Nov 2017
Bupropion
mamakitty3
17 Feb 2016
I agree everyone is different. My sister took wellbutrin xl and about grinded her teeth out of her head. However, she was over 300lbs and felt it actually assisted in her weight loss of 100lbs in 1yr. I have taken wellbutrin sr going on 3mths now and so far so good. The first 2weeks a little increased irritability but now seems like a dramatic improvement.
Inactive
8 June 2016
Here is an update on my wellbutrin journey:
Well, sad to say I have experienced a change in the effect of my wellbutrin since I had my last prescription refilled. I have recently been experiencing carb craving and it all settles around my waist. I noticed that when I went to 300mg, I started having more side effects. I went back to 150mg. Even though it's still the same generic I've been taking all along, I am having side effects since my last refill that I had not been experiencing before. I am just about done with these meds, because it seems like, sooner or later, the adverse side effects outweigh the benefits. Bummer...
Inactive
18 June 2016
I'm still taking the lower dose of wellbutrin and hoping for the best.
LankanMyth
14 Jan 2018
How long was it till the effects kicked in?
WildcatVet
15 Feb 2016
Hi, G!! People have better success with the drug or formulation that they have the most success with. As my friend, masso, says everyone is unique and reacts in a unique way to every drug.
As Wellbutrin SR and XL are the same drug it's just a matter of how an individual reacts and which best fits their lifestyle.
Take care!
Inactive
15 Feb 2016
Maybe it's just me and my chemical makeup. I had a hugely different reaction to the xl version than I did to the sr version. But also to several of the generic sr ones also. I have tried many generics of both. But I had so many intolerable side effects to one and not the other. Strange.
But, at at least for me, after many months of trial and error, I am happy with my current generic of bupropion sr, lol. You know it's just a shame and frustrating that so many of us have to go through so much trial and error to find something effective for each of us.
WildcatVet
15 Feb 2016
I wonder if people have problems with the fillers, or inert ingredients, that are used to formulate the pills or capsules? THOSE can vary vastly in the generics and even in a brand name house's different products.
Inactive
15 Feb 2016
Wow! It's amazing that fillers can make that much difference in adverse side effects. I had everything from increased anxiety, stomach pains, increased appetite, carb cravings, headache, joint aches, extreme fatigue, insomnia, nausea, dizziness, etc. from various generics of the "equal formula" of the brand name drug. I hope most people don't have to try so many before they find a good fit. But I finally find mine. Thanks for the input, WcV and Masso! Now I don't feel so "crazy"!
Lol!
janiebme
15 Feb 2016
Your not crazy. I had the same issue with the generic Wellbutrin XL but not with the brand name XL. I do OK with the Wellbutrin HCL instant release by the manufacturer Sandoz but not good with Wellbutrin SR by the manufacturer Actavis. It is amazing that some generic work others do not. If I could afford Wellbutrin XL brand name I would be taking it. There is a difference for me. Best wishes!
Inactive
15 Feb 2016
Thanks, Janie. The generic version I take currently is Bupropion SR by Mylan pharmaceuticals. It took a long time to find the "right one" for me, but I'm glad that I didn't give up. So, folks out there, hang in there, don't give up, it's worth it to go through the process till you finally find the right one for you. Meds can be a blessing, and also a life-changer!
WildcatVet
15 Feb 2016
Thank you for those comments, ladies!
Inactive
17 Feb 2016
And thanks to you also, WildcatVet! I have found your comments in the various support forums that we have both been a part of to be very informative. By the way, with my new avatar, I am also now part of "cat" family, lol.
WildcatVet
17 Feb 2016
Meowrrrr!!
Inactive
20 Feb 2016
WildcatVet, so... you are not only helpful, but also funny, "my feral feline friend". "G"
Ashleymuncy1621
31 Oct 2016
What is the difference between xl and Sr? I am taking xl and it seems a little much- maybe the Sr would be a little less stimulating
Inactive
31 Oct 2016
Hi Ashley:
The bupropion SR is "slow-release" which has a time release of 12hrs. So it is prescribed in 150mgs. which can be taken once or twice a day. I take one a day. I sleep better with this one, as opposed to the XL version.
The bupropion XL is "extended-release" which has a time release mechanism of 24 hrs. It is prescribed in 150mg or 300mg to be taken once a day, usually first thing in the morning. This XL version tends to give me insomnia at night. I think it is because it is released at the same dose throughout a 24hr period, and so it keeps me awake because it is still being released in my system throughout the night. I have tried both, and I personally didn't do well with the XL (24hr release) version.
I have taken the SR version (12hr release) in a dose of 150 mg once or twice a day. In the case of 2 a day, you can take one first thing in the morning. Then take the next one before 5pm if you don't want it to interfere with your sleep. It's best to take the two doses at least 8 hrs apart.
'
Kendrickcmb
6 July 2017
I cannot breathe on the generic Wellbutrin but have no problem with the brand. (150mgsr). Is there a generic that does not cause breathing problems. The brand is very expensive.
masso
15 Feb 2016
I took wellbutrin xl for some years and it did me the world of good, as you are aware we all react uniquely to medications (s.effects, benefits, risks, interactions, etc... ), forgot to mention I did not experience any s. effects.
Hope this helps.
Related topics
wellbutrin, wellbutrin sr, wellbutrin xl, depression, anxiety, dysthymia, panic disorder, bupropion, sexual dysfunction, ssri induced, generic
Further information
- Wellbutrin uses and warnings
- Wellbutrin SR uses and warnings
- Wellbutrin XL uses and warnings
- Bupropion uses and warnings
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