Is Wellbutrin-XL (bupropion hydrochloride) available in generic form?

This is a new medication I am on. When I got it filled at the pharmacy (Rite-Aid), they charged me $90 and gave me the trade name, Wellbutrin-XL, in 150 mg. They told me that a generic drug is not made. When I told them I was a nursing student and had literature stating that there was a generic available, they told me that it was only generically available in 300 mg tablets and that I was prescribed 150 mg tablets. I am only supposed to take 150 mg for a few days (to get my body used to it), then I am supposed to start taking two 150 mg tablets, or 300 mg a day. I know that the generic (bupropion hydrochloride) Wellbutrin-XL was approved for use by the FDA in 2006. So, why did I get slapped w/ a fee for a trade name drug and an argument that there is no generic? If I'm wrong, let me know. But, right now I feel as if I will be filling all of my prescriptions elsewhere!

Only the 300 mg is available in generic. The 150 mg is only available in brand name. I'm work in psychiatry so I know this is true. There are many sources online that state that the 150 XL is available in generic, but that is false.
Also, you can NOT split the 300 mg XL dose, this is an extended release tablet and must be swallowed whole. If you split the tablet, that will cause you to absorb 24 hours of medication in about 45 mins, you will have serious stomach upset.

I think that you're not being told the truth, although I doubt that you're being deliberately lied to:

from http://www.webmd.com/depression/news/200...

"Generic bupropion extended-release tablets will be sold in two doses: 150 milligrams and 300 milligrams."

I say that I suspect that it is a mistake and not a lie because (a) pharmacists make a bigger profit on generics, and if they were motivated to lie to you, it would not be to sell you a brand name. Brand names cost you and your insurer more, but that's more for the pharmaceutical company, not more for the pharmacist, and (b) if they were playing games, they would have said that about both strengths, not the one that you were getting the least of.

Its known as "budeprionXL". If it's not yet in both strengths, ask your MD for Rx For the 300's & ask if you can split them...that may always save you $ because they usually charge per pill not dose.

Just FYI, I take a brand name med & the brand name is cheaper by $80 than generic, so it's always good to check.

see the fda website below:

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cd...

the drug promotes seizures as a side effect and alcohol withdrawal (even from minor consumption) makes seizures from this medication more likely.