how long does it take for wellbutrin to work

Although there are small differences in the pharmacokinetic profiles of these two formulations, they are not outside the established boundaries for equivalence nor are they different from other bupropion products known to be effective. The FDA considers the generic form of bupropion XL 300 mg (Teva Pharmaceuticals) bioequivalent and therapeutically equivalent to (interchangeable with) Wellbutrin XL 300 mg. A large number of patients were taking each one, and the number of problems reported could have been explained by the usual variations: That link also shows the pharamacokinetic data comparing the two 150mg dosages (branded and generic), which turned out to have some differences, mostly in the time it took to reach the maximum concentration (the generic came on a bit faster).Īt the time, though, as that link shows, the FDA decided that because of the complicated clinical course of depression (and antidepressant therapy) that they couldn't blame the reported problems on a difference between the two 300mg products. In many cases, these problems (lack of efficacy and/or increased side effects) resolved when patients switched back to the original branded formulation. The agency began to receive reports, almost immediately, of trouble with the 300mg generic dose. And right about here is where the red flags began to go up. The higher dose is associated with a risk of seizures, which made the FDA grant a waiver for its testing - they extrapolated from the 150mg data instead.

For generic drugs, the big question is bioequivalence: do they deliver the same ingredient in the same way as the originally approved drug and formulation? The agency requires generic drug applications to show proof of this for their own version.įor bupropion/Wellbutrin, the case is complicated by the two approved doses, 150mg and 300mg. A generic version of it came on the market in 2006, and it went through the usual FDA review. The problem here is bupropion (brand name Wellbutrin), the well-known antidepressant. Unfortunately, 'right now' turns out, in this case, to mean 'over the last five years'. Update: more exceptions are showing up in the comments section. And that's still my answer, but I'll have to modify it a bit, because we're seeing an exception right now.

My answer has always been the same: that yes, they are.

One of the questions I get asked most often, by people outside of the drug industry, is whether generic medications really are the same as the original branded ones.

How long does it take for wellbutrin to work