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If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or looking for support with smoking cessation, Wellbutrin (bupropion) could be the right treatment for you. In this guide, we’ll cover what Wellbutrin is, how it works, whether it requires a prescription, and how to access it, either in person or online.
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What is Wellbutrin and how does it work?
Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an atypical antidepressant that was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1985 to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). It’s currently approved for both MDD and SAD. A different formulation, Zyban (bupropion SR), is FDA-approved for smoking cessation. However, Wellbutrin SR/XL isn’t approved for this purpose.
Wellbutrin is classified as a norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). It increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain while having a minimal impact on serotonin. Compared to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), bupropion generally causes fewer sexual side effects and is less likely to cause weight gain, but individual responses can vary.
All formulations of bupropion carry an FDA boxed warning that antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in individuals under 25.
Does Wellbutrin have to be prescribed by a doctor?
Yes. Wellbutrin is a prescription-only medication, meaning it can only be prescribed by licensed healthcare providers, such as physicians, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants. Due to its potential side effects and specific safety considerations, a professional evaluation is required before starting treatment.
Can you get a Wellbutrin prescription online?
Yes, it’s possible to get a Wellbutrin prescription online through telehealth platforms after a consultation with a licensed provider. Platforms like Klarity Health, Hims/Hers, PlushCare, DrHouse, Lemonaid, and Nurx connect patients with board-certified professionals who can assess symptoms and determine if Wellbutrin is right for them.
How to get a Wellbutrin prescription online
1. Choose a trusted telehealth platform.
Select a reputable platform like Klarity Health that offers access to licensed U.S. providers across all 50 states. These providers follow clinical guidelines and can prescribe antidepressants, including bupropion, when medically appropriate.
2. Complete a detailed intake form.
You’ll be asked to submit medical history and information, including:
- Mental health symptoms, such as depression, low mood, and lack of motivation
- Past treatment history and response
- Family history of mental health conditions
- Current medications, allergies, and lifestyle details
3. Attend a video or phone consultation.
During your appointment, the provider can review your intake form, ask follow-up questions, and assess your eligibility for Wellbutrin. They’ll screen for contraindications, including seizure disorders, a history of anorexia or bulimia, recent monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) use, abrupt withdrawal from certain substances, and known hypersensitivity to bupropion.
4. Receive a prescription if appropriate.
If the provider determines Wellbutrin is a good fit, they’ll send an electronic prescription to your preferred local pharmacy or a mail-order pharmacy that offers home delivery. Some platforms offer same-day prescription delivery, while others will be ready at your chosen local pharmacy within a few days.
5. Schedule follow-ups for monitoring and refills.
Ongoing appointments may be needed to evaluate your response to the medication after you’ve been taking it for about 4 to 6 weeks. Your provider can also adjust the dosage if needed and manage potential side effects, such as insomnia or dry mouth, at a follow-up appointment.
While waiting for your follow-up appointment, you can also take advantage of the built-in digital adherence tools that many telehealth services offer, such as medication reminders, mood tracking, and secure messaging, to support treatment adherence and long-term outcomes.
Top telehealth platforms to get a wellbutrin prescription online
| Platform | Provider credentials | Consult method and availability | Cost (approximate) | Prescribing speed | Follow-up support |
| Klarity Health | Board-certified MDs/NPs/PAs nationwide | Video or phone; same-day or next-day appointments available in all 50 states | $59 to $149 per session; accepts insurance and cash-pay; HSA/FSA eligible | Prescription within 24 hours if appropriate | 24/7 messaging; schedule follow-ups anytime |
| PlushCare | Board-certified physicians | Video visits; same-day appointments available | Typically about $99 to $129 per visit (varies by service) | Prescriptions are often same-day if deemed appropriate | Secure messaging and treatment plan are available |
| Hims & Hers | Licensed clinicians via telehealth | Complete online intake; live consult; usually video or chat-based | Plans start at $49 per month for generic Bupropion XL | Prescription after intake and consult; delivered free | Unlimited dosage adjustments and messaging |
| DrHouse | Licensed U.S. providers | Video visits (7 a.m. to 9 p.m. CST); same-day consult possible | About $25 per month for a 3-month generic supply (via RedBox Rx) | Prescription often within hours of visit | Messaging and follow-up are included in the subscription |
| Nurx | Licensed clinicians nationwide | Online intake and telehealth consult; select by messaging | Included in service; price depends on the provider | Same-day or next-day prescription if medically approved | Ongoing support via platform; mood tracking tools |
Other ways to get a Wellbutrin prescription
In-person visit
If you have a complex medical history, such as seizure disorders, eating disorders, or hypertension, seeing a doctor in person may be the safest option. Your provider can run necessary lab tests, check your blood pressure, and rule out conditions like bipolar disorder before prescribing Wellbutrin.
Urgent or emergency care
Urgent care centers are typically not the best option for starting antidepressants. They may issue a short-term refill if you’ve previously been prescribed Wellbutrin, but initial treatment usually requires a full psychiatric evaluation.
Mental health clinics and sliding-scale providers
If cost is a barrier, community clinics often provide sliding-scale fees based on income. These centers offer medication management and therapy, making them a good option for those who are uninsured or underinsured. Expect longer wait times and potential referral requirements.
How to tell my provider about getting a Wellbutrin prescription
If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression or SAD, don’t hesitate to tell your doctor and ask if an antidepressant is right for you. Start by:
- Explaining your symptoms: Describe your mood, energy, sleep, and motivation.
- Mentioning past treatments: Include SSRIs or therapies and whether they were helpful.
- Bringing up specific reasons, such as a low side‑effect profile, no sexual dysfunction, and non-sedating
- Asking open-ended questions: “Would bupropion be appropriate for me?”
- Sharing concerns transparently: Safety, side effect worries, or seizure risk
Wellbutrin alternatives if my provider refuses to give me a prescription
If Wellbutrin isn’t recommended for you, other treatments may be considered. Including:
- SSRIs/SNRIs: Medications like sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro), and duloxetine (Cymbalta) are often first-line options for depression and anxiety.
- Atypical antidepressants: Mirtazapine (Remeron) and trazodone are commonly used, especially when sleep or appetite is impacted.
- Augmentation strategies: Options such as adding aripiprazole (Abilify), lithium, thyroid hormone (T3), or a stimulant can improve outcomes in treatment-resistant cases.
- Neuromodulation: FDA-approved treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or esketamine (Spravato) are available for resistant depression.
- Lifestyle therapies: Therapy, exercise, mindfulness, and certain supplements (omega-3 fatty acids, SAMe, NAC) may offer complementary support.
Is a Wellbutrin prescription right for you?
Wellbutrin is a prescription-only antidepressant used to treat MDD and SAD. While it’s not approved for smoking cessation under the Wellbutrin name, its alternative formulation Zyban is. You can get a Wellbutrin prescription through an in-person provider or online with a licensed healthcare provider.
Ready to get a Wellbutrin prescription online?
Book an appointment on Klarity Health today, and connect with a licensed provider who can assess your symptoms and determine if Wellbutrin is right for you.
Struggling with depression symptoms?
Licensed providers on Klarity Health can evaluate your condition and recommend therapy or medication if medically appropriate.
FAQs
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.
If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.
