Clarifying 'Pill 525': What is Pill 525 Used For?

October 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to reputable pill identifiers, '525' alone is not enough information to identify a medication, as this number imprint can be found on several different pills with varying shapes and colors. To determine what pill 525 is used for, you must consider its full imprint, color, and shape, as these details point to entirely different medications prescribed for a range of conditions, from mental health disorders to pain relief.

Quick Summary

The number 525 on a pill is an imprint found on multiple different medications, so its use depends on its color and shape. Common variations include prescription drugs for depression and schizophrenia, as well as over-the-counter pain and sleep aids.

Key Points

Ambiguous Imprint: The number '525' can be found on several different medications, so relying on this number alone is not sufficient for identification.
S 525 (Purple, Round): This is Bupropion SR 150 mg, used for major depressive disorder and smoking cessation.
S 525 (White, Round): This is Quetiapine Fumarate 200 mg, an antipsychotic for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
S525 (Blue, Capsule): This is an over-the-counter combination of Acetaminophen 500 mg and Diphenhydramine HCl 25 mg for pain and insomnia.
Other Variations: Less common variations include L 525 (Clonazepam) for panic disorder and RX525 (Enalapril) for high blood pressure.
Consult a Professional: Always verify pill identification with a pharmacist or healthcare provider, especially for prescription medications, to avoid dangerous errors.
Understand Risks: Each medication has a unique risk profile; Bupropion carries a seizure risk and a warning for suicidal thoughts, while the Acetaminophen combination can cause liver damage in overdose.

The Importance of Full Pill Identification

Attempting to identify a pill based on just a number can be misleading and dangerous. Drug manufacturers use imprints to uniquely label medications, but the same number can be used by different companies or paired with different letters to signify entirely different drugs. In the case of pills marked with '525', a variety of substances have been linked to this number when paired with other specific characteristics. Relying on a partial imprint could lead to misidentification, incorrect use, and serious health consequences. Always verify a pill's full imprint code, color, and shape with a reliable pill identifier or a pharmacist before taking any medication.

Bupropion: The S 525 Purple Pill

One of the most frequently identified variations is the purple, round pill with the imprint 'S 525'. This is Bupropion Hydrochloride Extended-Release (SR) 150 mg, a prescription medication belonging to the miscellaneous antidepressant and smoking cessation drug classes.

Its uses include:

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Helps restore the balance of natural substances (dopamine and norepinephrine) in the brain.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Prescribed to prevent episodes of depression that occur during certain seasons.
Smoking Cessation: Aids in quitting smoking by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Other conditions: Can also be used off-label for conditions like ADHD and anxiety.

Quetiapine: The S 525 White Pill

Another common variant is the white, round, 11mm pill also marked with 'S 525', which is Quetiapine Fumarate 200 mg. This is a prescription atypical antipsychotic used for the treatment of several mental health conditions.

Its uses include:

Schizophrenia: Manages symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions.
Bipolar Disorder: Treats episodes of mania and depression associated with bipolar disorder.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Used in combination with antidepressants to treat major depressive disorder.

Acetaminophen and Diphenhydramine: The S525 Blue Capsule

An over-the-counter (OTC) option is the blue, capsule-shaped pill with the imprint 'S525'. This combines Acetaminophen 500 mg and Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride 25 mg.

This combination is used for:

Insomnia: Diphenhydramine acts as a nighttime sleep aid.
Headaches and Pain: Acetaminophen provides pain relief for minor aches and pains.

Other Pills with a '525' Imprint

Other pills featuring '525' in their imprint are less common but still exist and serve different purposes:

L 525 (white, round): This is Clonazepam 0.5 mg, a benzodiazepine used to treat panic disorders, seizures, and anxiety.
RX525 (orange, round): This is Enalapril Maleate 20 mg, an ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure and heart failure.

Comparison of Common 'Pill 525' Variations


Imprint	Color & Shape	Active Ingredient(s)	Primary Use	Classification
S 525	Purple, Round	Bupropion SR 150 mg	Depression, Smoking Cessation	Miscellaneous Antidepressant
S 525	White, Round	Quetiapine Fumarate 200 mg	Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder	Atypical Antipsychotic
S525	Blue, Capsule	Acetaminophen 500mg/Diphenhydramine HCl 25mg	Insomnia, Pain, Headache	Analgesic Combination
L 525	White, Round	Clonazepam 0.5 mg	Panic Disorder, Seizure Control	Benzodiazepine

Potential Risks and Safe Handling

Given the wide range of medications associated with a '525' imprint, the potential risks vary significantly. Bupropion and Quetiapine are powerful prescription drugs for mental health conditions, and their side effects can be serious. Bupropion carries a boxed warning regarding the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults, and can cause seizures. Quetiapine can cause metabolic changes, movement disorders, and an increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. The OTC combination of acetaminophen and diphenhydramine can cause liver damage if taken in excess due to the acetaminophen content, while diphenhydramine can cause significant drowsiness. Clonazepam is a controlled substance with the potential for abuse and dependence.

It is crucial to read the full label of any OTC medication and to follow the directions provided by a healthcare professional for prescription drugs. Never take a medication you cannot definitively identify. If you find an unmarked or unidentifiable pill, do not take it and dispose of it properly at a pharmacy or police department collection site.

Conclusion: Identification is Key

In summary, the question, 'What is pill 525 used for?', does not have a single answer because '525' can be an imprint on several different medications. From the antidepressant Bupropion to the antipsychotic Quetiapine, the OTC pain and sleep aid Acetaminophen/Diphenhydramine, and the controlled substance Clonazepam, the uses and risks are vastly different. Accurate identification, based on the pill's complete imprint, color, and shape, is the most important step. When in doubt, always consult a healthcare professional. You can also utilize reputable online pill identifiers, like Drugs.com, for visual confirmation based on multiple pill characteristics.

Frequently Asked Questions

You need to consider the pill's color, shape, and any other letters accompanying the '525' imprint. Use a pill identifier tool online, like the one on Drugs.com, or consult a pharmacist to confirm its identity.

No, they are different medications. The purple, round 'S 525' is Bupropion SR 150 mg, while the white, round 'S 525' is Quetiapine Fumarate 200 mg.

Some pills with a '525' imprint are available over-the-counter. The blue, capsule-shaped pill marked 'S525', containing Acetaminophen and Diphenhydramine, is one such example used for pain and insomnia.

Bupropion (purple, round 'S 525') and Quetiapine (white, round 'S 525') are not controlled substances. However, another pill, the white, round 'L 525' (Clonazepam), is a federally controlled substance.

Side effects vary widely. Bupropion can cause insomnia, dry mouth, and an increased risk of seizures. Quetiapine is associated with drowsiness, weight gain, and dizziness. The acetaminophen/diphenhydramine combination can cause drowsiness and liver damage in case of overdose.

Do not take it. Use a reputable online pill identifier with the pill's shape and color, or take it to a pharmacist for positive identification. Dispose of any unidentified medication safely.

Yes, interactions exist and can be dangerous. For instance, drinking alcohol while taking Bupropion can increase the risk of seizures and other side effects. It is best to avoid alcohol when taking prescription medications.