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Wellbutrin vs. Generic Bupropion

Are there differences between the antidepressant Wellbutrin and generic bupropion? See ConsumerLab.com's independent tests of these drugs, get tips for getting the right drug, and more. If you or a loved one uses generic Wellbutrin, you need to know how products may differ.

Wellbutrin vs. Generic Bupropion Review

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Clinical Update

1/17/2023

Antidepressants and Tinnitus?

Find out if the antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin) can cause ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and see a list of other medications that may have this effect in our article about tinnitus.

Clinical Update

12/09/2012

Failure of Generic Antidepressant Drug

In October, the FDA withdrew its approval of a generic version of the popular antidepressant drug, Wellbutrin XL. This came 5 years after ConsumerLab.com first reported a potential problem with the drug. This week, more disturbing details emerged about this generic drug and why it was originally approved by the FDA. For more about this, see the Update in the report Wellbutrin vs. Generic Bupropion. More >>

CL Answer

Do any supplements or lifestyle changes reduce the symptoms of tinnitus? Is it true that some supplements can cause tinnitus?

Learn which supplements can ease tinnitus, including melatonin and pine bark extract. Understand which may actually cause tinnitus.

Word blocks spelling out “tinnitus”

CL Answer

Do any supplements, foods, or oils help reduce muscle pain, muscle cramps, or nighttime leg cramps?

Find out which supplements, and topical products such as magnesium creams, can help reduce muscle pain, leg cramps, and nighttime leg cramps, and which may worsen muscle cramps. Also, learn about vitamin and mineral deficiencies and common medications that can cause muscle cramps and nocturnal leg cramps.

Magnesium & Other Supplements for Muscle Pain & Cramps -- woman with leg cramp

News Release

October 04, 2012

Five Years After ConsumerLab.com Reported a Problem, FDA Agrees Generic Version of Wellbutrin XL Is Not Equivalent and Is Pulled Off Market — Important Lessons about Generics

White Plains, New York — October 4, 2012 [Updated 10/11/12]— Are all generic drugs therapeutically equivalent to their brand name counterparts? Until yesterday, the FDA, and many others, adamantly said they were.

CL Answer

Do hair loss supplements, such as Viviscal, Hair La Vie, and Nutrafol, or topical essential oils work?

Vitamins and supplements that may help with hair loss and thinning, including saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, protein, iron, and vitamin D.

Supplements for Hair Loss -- woman looking at hairbrush

News Release

April 16, 2008

FDA's investigation of generic antidepresssant called inadequate by ConsumerLab.com and The People's Pharmacy

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK AND DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA — APRIL 16, 2008 — After waiting more than six months for results of the FDA's investigation of a generic version of Wellbutrin XL 300 (Budeprion XL 300), ConsumerLab.

News Release

March 17, 2008

As problems surface, Consumerlab.com and the people's pharmacy ask FDA to disclose differences between generic and original drugs

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK AND DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA — MARCH 17, 2008 — An investigation by ConsumerLab.

Clinical Update

10/17/2013

FDA Finds Another Generic Drug Not Equivalent

According to the FDA, a marketed generic version of the antidepressant buproprion hydrochloride XL (300 mg) is not equivalent to the brand name Wellbutrin XL and the product is being removed from the market. One year ago, another generic version of this drug was removed from the market for the same reason. ConsumerLab.com first reported potential problems with these products in 2007 but the FDA was slow to take action. For details, see the updated in the Wellbutrin vs Generic Budeprion Review >>

News Release

October 12, 2007

ConsumerLab.com finds generic antidepressant behaves differently from original drug. May explain complaints by patients. — Generic drug equality questioned

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK AND DURHAM, NORTH CARLOLINA — OCTOBER 12, 2007 — ConsumerLab.

Recalls & Warnings

December 07, 2014

FDA Raises Concerns Over Generic ADHD Drugs

On November 13, 2014, the U.S.

Recalls & Warnings

October 02, 2008

FDA Permits Incorrect Labeling on Generic Wellbutrin XL, But May Require Drug to be Tested

The FDA has acknowledged inconsistencies in the labeling of Budeprion XL, a generic version of the antidepressant Wellbutrin XL, according to an October 2, 2008 article from Dow Jones News service.