Dispelling the Myth: Why is bupropion being discontinued?

October 11, 2025 •

3 min read

In a series of events starting in 2012, several manufacturers voluntarily withdrew specific generic formulations of bupropion, and certain brand names were discontinued for business reasons, which has led to widespread consumer confusion. However, the medication is not being universally discontinued and remains a widely used treatment for depression and smoking cessation.

Quick Summary

Several older brand and generic versions of bupropion were removed from the market due to bioequivalence issues, manufacturing problems, or strategic decisions, not because of widespread safety concerns. Generic bupropion remains widely available, but past recalls and withdrawals can cause supply confusion for patients.

Key Points

Specific versions were discontinued: The myth that bupropion is being universally discontinued stems from the withdrawal of certain generic and brand-name products, not the entire drug class.
FDA enforced bioequivalence recalls: In 2012, the FDA required the removal of generic Wellbutrin XL 300 mg (Budeprion XL) after it was found not to be therapeutically equivalent to the brand name drug.
Recalls were based on manufacturing issues: Some specific batches of generic bupropion have been recalled due to manufacturing flaws, such as improper dissolution rates or impurities, which are not widespread safety concerns.
Brand names were discontinued for business reasons: The immediate-release (IR) Wellbutrin and the brand-name Zyban were discontinued by their manufacturers, but generic versions of these formulations are still available.
Bupropion is still widely available: Multiple generic manufacturers produce bupropion today in different formulations (IR, SR, XL), and the brand-name Wellbutrin XL is also still on the market.
Consult a healthcare provider for alternatives: If bupropion is not an option for you, alternative antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs, or non-medication options like therapy, should be discussed with a doctor.

Understanding the History of Bupropion's Availability

Bupropion is a popular and effective medication used to treat major depressive disorder and aid in smoking cessation, sold under brand names like Wellbutrin and Zyban. The question, 'Why is bupropion being discontinued?', stems from several well-publicized events involving specific versions of the drug over the last decade. The confusion arises because these incidents did not lead to the complete removal of bupropion from the market, but rather to the withdrawal of certain products, while numerous other generic versions and the brand-name product remained available. Understanding this history is crucial for patients and providers seeking accurate information.

The FDA and Bioequivalence Challenges

The most significant driver of past discontinuations involved generic drugs that did not meet therapeutic equivalence standards. In 2012, the FDA requested the removal of Budeprion XL 300 mg (a generic of Wellbutrin XL 300 mg) because it did not release bupropion into the bloodstream at the same rate and extent as the brand-name product. This action followed patient complaints of reduced effectiveness and increased side effects. The issue highlighted limitations in the FDA's generic drug approval process at the time, particularly for higher doses and extended-release formulations of bupropion, leading to revised testing requirements. Following this, other manufacturers, such as Watson Pharmaceuticals, also withdrew their 300 mg generic bupropion XL products for similar concerns.

Specific Brand-Name Discontinuations

Certain brand-name versions of bupropion have also been discontinued by manufacturers for business or strategic reasons, not due to safety concerns.

Zyban (Smoking Cessation): The brand-name Zyban was discontinued, but generic versions are still available. The FDA confirmed this withdrawal was not due to safety or effectiveness issues.
Wellbutrin Immediate-Release (IR): The brand-name immediate-release Wellbutrin was discontinued, though generic bupropion IR remains widely available.

Recalls Due to Manufacturing Problems

Some generic bupropion products have been recalled due to manufacturing inconsistencies affecting specific batches.

Recalls have occurred when tablets dissolved improperly, potentially altering the drug's effect.
In 2022, a recall was issued for generic bupropion after a gritty substance (activated carbon) was found in bottles.

Comparing Current Bupropion Formulations

Multiple bupropion formulations are available today, differing primarily in their release mechanism and dosing.


Formulation	Release Mechanism	Dosing Frequency	Key Indications	Status	Note
Immediate-Release (IR)	Releases all at once	Multiple times daily (e.g., 3 times)	Major Depressive Disorder	Brand discontinued, generics available	Requires more frequent dosing.
Sustained-Release (SR)	Releases over ~12 hours	Twice daily	Major Depressive Disorder, Smoking Cessation	Widely available (brand & generic)	Offers more stable drug levels than IR.
Extended-Release (XL)	Releases over 24 hours	Once daily	Major Depressive Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)	Widely available (brand & generic)	More convenient once-daily dosing.

Finding Reliable Bupropion

Reliable bupropion is readily available through pharmacies. The FDA monitors the market, and pharmacists are informed of any recalls or discontinuations. Resources like GoodRx can provide information on availability and cost.

When Bupropion is Not an Option

If bupropion is unsuitable, healthcare providers can recommend alternatives:

Other Antidepressants: SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine) and SNRIs (e.g., duloxetine) are common alternatives. Other atypical antidepressants like mirtazapine are also options.
Non-Medication Treatments: Therapy, exercise, and light therapy can also help manage depression symptoms.

Conclusion

The idea that bupropion is being discontinued is a misunderstanding. While specific older generic and brand-name versions were removed from the market due to bioequivalence issues, manufacturing problems, or business decisions, the active ingredient itself is not being discontinued. Bupropion remains widely available in various formulations and is a valid treatment option. Patients with concerns should consult their healthcare provider or pharmacist for accurate information on their specific prescription.

GoodRx provides information on bupropion's current availability and cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, bupropion is still widely available today. While some specific brand names (like Zyban and immediate-release Wellbutrin) and certain generic versions were discontinued or recalled in the past, numerous generic options and brand-name Wellbutrin XL remain on the market.

In 2012, the FDA requested the withdrawal of Budeprion XL 300 mg because it was not therapeutically equivalent to the brand-name Wellbutrin XL 300 mg. The generic product was not releasing the active ingredient into the bloodstream at the proper rate.

Yes, following the Budeprion recall, other manufacturers of 300 mg extended-release bupropion were required to confirm bioequivalence. Some, like Watson Pharmaceuticals, also voluntarily withdrew their 300 mg products. Additionally, some generic batches have been recalled more recently due to manufacturing errors like improper dissolution.

No, the brand-name Zyban was discontinued by its manufacturer for business reasons. However, the generic version of the same medication is still available for smoking cessation.

Bupropion SR (Sustained-Release) is taken twice daily, releasing medication over approximately 12 hours. Bupropion XL (Extended-Release) is taken once daily and releases the medication over a full 24 hours, offering more convenience for some patients.

The initial approval for 300 mg generic bupropion was often based on data from lower-dose versions. The FDA later determined that this approach was not sufficient for the higher-dose, given the drug's narrow therapeutic window and potential for side effects, prompting more rigorous testing and leading to withdrawals.

If bupropion is unsuitable, alternatives include other classes of antidepressants like SSRIs (e.g., Prozac, Zoloft) and SNRIs (e.g., Cymbalta). Atypical antidepressants such as mirtazapine are also options.