Bupropion Price: What You Pay and Where to Find the Best Deals

When you’re paying for bupropion, a common antidepressant and smoking cessation aid also sold under the brand name Wellbutrin. Also known as hydrobromide salt form, it’s one of the few antidepressants that doesn’t typically cause weight gain or sexual side effects—making it a top choice for many. But if you’ve checked the pharmacy counter lately, you know the price can be a shock. Brand-name Wellbutrin can cost over $200 a month. The good news? The generic version, bupropion, the active ingredient in Wellbutrin, available in immediate-release, sustained-release, and extended-release forms, often runs under $10 for a 30-day supply at major chains like Walmart or CVS.

Why the huge difference? It’s not about quality—it’s about patents and branding. Generic bupropion has been available for years, and multiple manufacturers produce it. That competition drives prices down. The extended-release form (bupropion XL), used for depression and seasonal affective disorder, with once-daily dosing tends to cost a bit more than the SR version, but still far less than the brand. Many patients report saving 80–90% switching from Wellbutrin XL to generic bupropion XL. And if you’re buying online, some verified pharmacies offer even lower prices—sometimes under $5 for 30 pills—if you know where to look and how to verify legitimacy.

But price isn’t the only thing that matters. You need to match the right formulation to your needs. Immediate-release bupropion requires multiple daily doses and can cause jitteriness. The SR and XL versions smooth that out, which is why most doctors prescribe them now. If you’re using bupropion for smoking cessation, the XL version is usually the standard. If you’re treating depression, your doctor might start you on SR. Either way, the active ingredient is the same. What changes is how it’s released in your body—and that affects how you feel throughout the day.

Some people try to cut costs by buying from unverified online sellers. That’s risky. Fake pills with incorrect dosing or dangerous fillers are common. Stick to pharmacies that require a prescription, offer a physical address, and have licensed pharmacists on staff. Sites like those listed in our guides for buying generic Topamax or Cipro online show you exactly how to spot safe vendors. You don’t need to overpay—but you do need to stay smart.

What you’ll find below are real patient experiences and cost comparisons from people who’ve been there. We’ve gathered posts that break down how bupropion stacks up against other antidepressants in price and side effects, how to get it covered by insurance, and which online pharmacies actually deliver on their promises. No fluff. No marketing. Just what works—and what doesn’t—when you’re trying to manage your mental health without draining your wallet.