Bulet SR 150: Bupropion Uses and Side Effects
Written by Dr. Adam Makis in TheSkyMeds Editorial Standards
Medically reviewed by Jonathan Reed, Medical Content Reviewer Sept 12 2026
Bulet SR 150 is a prescription sustained-release tablet containing bupropion 150 mg, an antidepressant medicine that affects chemical signalling in the brain. Bulet SR 150 may be prescribed in situations involving depression or nicotine dependence, although the exact approved or recommended use can differ by product and country. In India, bupropion is listed as a Schedule H medicine, and the National Formulary of India describes it as an anti-craving medicine for nicotine-use disorders. Bupropion can be useful for appropriate patients, but it also has important risks, particularly seizures, changes in mood or behaviour, and increased blood pressure. This guide explains what Bulet SR 150 contains, how bupropion works, its recognised uses, common and serious side effects, important interactions, and situations in which medical advice is essential. It also explains why a sustained-release bupropion tablet should be used exactly as prescribed rather than adjusted or stopped without professional guidance.
What Is Bulet SR 150 and How Does Bupropion Work?
Bulet SR 150 is a sustained-release formulation containing bupropion 150 mg. A current Indian pharmacy listing identifies Bulet SR 150 as an oral prescription medicine containing bupropion 150 mg and marketed by Tripada Lifecare Pvt Ltd.
“Sustained release,” or SR, means the tablet is designed to release medicine gradually rather than delivering the entire amount immediately. This affects how the medicine should be taken and is one reason patients should not change how an SR tablet is used without checking the product instructions and their prescriber’s directions.
The Indian Pharmacopoeia information on prolonged-release bupropion tablets recognises sustained-release and extended-release bupropion hydrochloride tablets, including the 150 mg strength. It also cautions that prolonged-release products from different manufacturers may have different dissolution profiles and therefore should not automatically be considered interchangeable.
What does bupropion do in the brain?
Bupropion is an antidepressant with effects on neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers used by nerve cells. Its pharmacological activity is associated mainly with noradrenaline and dopamine pathways.
This differs from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, which primarily target serotonin. Bupropion’s different mechanism partly explains why its benefits, side-effect pattern, interactions, and precautions are not identical to those of other antidepressants.
For smoking cessation, bupropion can help reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Bupropion is one active ingredient, but the reason for prescribing it and the appropriate formulation can vary. A 150 mg sustained-release tablet should therefore not be treated as interchangeable with every bupropion product simply because the active ingredient and strength look similar.
What Are the Main Bulet SR 150 Bupropion Uses?
The main established uses of bupropion include treatment of depression and support for smoking cessation, but regulatory indications depend on the particular formulation and country. For example, the current U.S. prescribing information for Wellbutrin SR specifically indicates that sustained-release product for major depressive disorder, while the Indian National Formulary lists bupropion as an anti-craving agent in nicotine-use disorders.
This distinction matters because evidence that bupropion can be used for a condition does not automatically mean every bupropion brand is approved for every such use.
Depression
Bupropion is an established antidepressant. It may be prescribed for major depressive disorder in appropriate patients, depending on the product and local prescribing framework.
Depression is more than temporarily feeling sad. It can involve persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, low energy, feelings of worthlessness, and sometimes thoughts of self-harm.
Antidepressants generally require ongoing use before their full benefit can be judged. Patients should therefore follow their clinician’s treatment plan rather than changing the dose because they do not notice an immediate improvement.
Smoking cessation and nicotine dependence
Bupropion can also be used to support people trying to stop smoking. The Indian National Formulary describes bupropion as an anti-craving agent for nicotine-use disorders.
The medicine does not contain nicotine. Instead, its effects on brain signalling can help reduce cravings and some withdrawal symptoms.
Medication is usually only one part of quitting tobacco. Behavioural support, planning for triggers, setting a quit strategy, and follow-up can also improve a person’s chances of remaining smoke-free.
Are there other uses of bupropion?
Doctors sometimes use bupropion for conditions outside a particular product’s officially authorised indication. MedlinePlus, for example, notes that bupropion has sometimes been used in certain patients with bipolar depression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
These are not reasons to self-treat with Bulet SR 150. An off-label use means a clinician is using a medicine outside a specific approved indication based on individual clinical judgment and available evidence.
Common contexts in which bupropion may be encountered
Use or context | What bupropion may do | Important context |
Major depressive disorder | Acts as an antidepressant and may improve depressive symptoms | Established use for certain bupropion formulations; product-specific indications vary |
Smoking cessation | May reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms | Recognised in the Indian National Formulary for nicotine-use disorders |
Seasonal affective disorder | Certain extended-release bupropion products are used to prevent seasonal depressive episodes | Do not assume every SR brand has the same approved indication |
Other psychiatric uses | May occasionally be prescribed off-label | Requires clinician assessment; evidence and regulatory status depend on the condition |
What Are the Common Side Effects of Bulet SR 150?
Common bupropion side effects include difficulty sleeping, dry mouth, nausea, headache, dizziness, anxiety or agitation, constipation, sweating, tremor, and reduced appetite. Not everyone experiences these effects, and their severity can vary.
Some side effects may become less troublesome as the body adjusts. Persistent, worsening, or difficult-to-manage symptoms should be discussed with the prescriber rather than managed by changing the dose independently.
Trouble sleeping
Insomnia is one of the better-known bupropion side effects. Because bupropion can feel activating for some people, the timing of sustained-release doses can affect sleep.
Do not independently move, omit, or combine doses to solve insomnia. Ask the prescribing clinician or pharmacist how the prescribed schedule should be handled.
Dry mouth and digestive symptoms
Dry mouth, nausea, abdominal discomfort, constipation, and reduced appetite can occur.
Drinking adequate water and maintaining regular meals may help with mild symptoms when medically appropriate. Severe vomiting, inability to eat or drink normally, or persistent digestive problems deserve medical review.
Headache, dizziness, sweating and tremor
Some people experience headaches, dizziness, increased sweating, or shaking of the hands or another part of the body.
Dizziness can be particularly important if you drive, work at heights, or operate machinery. Until you understand how the medicine affects you, follow your prescriber’s safety advice regarding such activities.
Bupropion side effects and how urgently they should be addressed
Possible effect | General significance | What to do |
Dry mouth, mild nausea or constipation | Commonly reported | Discuss with a clinician if persistent or troublesome |
Insomnia, anxiety or agitation | Commonly reported | Tell the prescriber if significant or worsening |
Headache, dizziness, sweating or tremor | Can occur during treatment | Seek advice if severe, persistent or affecting normal activities |
Marked mood or behavioural change | Potentially serious | Contact a healthcare professional promptly |
Significant rise in blood pressure or concerning heart symptoms | Requires assessment | Seek medical advice promptly |
Seizure | Medical emergency | Obtain emergency medical help |
Swelling, breathing difficulty, widespread rash or blistering | Possible severe allergic/skin reaction | Obtain urgent medical help |
Who Should Avoid Bulet SR 150 or Use Bupropion With Extra Caution?
Bupropion is not appropriate for everyone. A prescriber needs to know about seizure disorders, eating disorders, alcohol or sedative use, psychiatric history, other medicines, blood pressure problems, and relevant liver or kidney disease before deciding whether treatment is suitable.
The current bupropion sustained-release prescribing information lists seizure disorder, current or previous bulimia or anorexia nervosa, certain abrupt drug or alcohol withdrawal situations, MAOI treatment, and hypersensitivity to bupropion among major contraindications.
Seizures and conditions that increase seizure risk
Bupropion can cause seizures, and the risk is dose-related. This is one of the most important reasons not to take more than prescribed, double doses, or combine bupropion-containing medicines without medical supervision.
People with an existing seizure disorder should not use bupropion under the current U.S. sustained-release prescribing information. A previous head injury, certain medicines, metabolic problems, heavy alcohol use, or abrupt withdrawal from alcohol or some sedative medicines can also be clinically important because they may affect seizure risk.
Eating disorders
Current sustained-release bupropion prescribing information contraindicates the medicine in people with a current or previous diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa because of the increased seizure risk observed with bupropion.
Tell your prescriber about any current or past eating disorder even if it has not caused problems recently.
Bipolar disorder and mood changes
Antidepressants require additional consideration in people who have bipolar disorder or risk factors for it. Bupropion can be associated with activation of mania or hypomania in susceptible people.
Symptoms that deserve prompt assessment include unusually high energy, greatly reduced need for sleep, racing thoughts, unusually rapid speech, reckless behaviour, or extreme irritability.
High blood pressure
Bupropion can increase blood pressure in some patients. Current prescribing information recommends assessing blood pressure before treatment and monitoring it periodically during therapy.
This is especially relevant if you already have hypertension or use other treatments that may affect blood pressure.
How Should Bulet SR 150 Be Used Safely?
Bulet SR 150 should be taken only according to the prescription supplied for the individual patient. The appropriate dose and duration depend on why bupropion is being used, the formulation, other medicines, medical history, kidney or liver function, and individual response.
The MedlinePlus bupropion medicine guide advises patients not to double a missed dose and provides important information about side effects, precautions, interactions, and serious symptoms.
Do not change a sustained-release tablet without checking
Sustained-release tablets are designed to control how quickly bupropion enters the body. Crushing or otherwise altering certain sustained-release bupropion tablets can cause the medicine to be released too quickly and may increase adverse-effect risk.
Follow the instructions supplied with the exact product. If swallowing the tablet is difficult, ask a pharmacist or prescriber what alternatives are appropriate rather than altering it yourself.
Check other medicines for bupropion
Some combination medicines also contain bupropion. Taking two bupropion-containing products at the same time can unintentionally increase total exposure.
Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements before starting treatment.
MAO inhibitors require special attention
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, can interact seriously with bupropion. Current U.S. sustained-release prescribing information states that MAOIs intended for psychiatric conditions should not be used together with bupropion SR or within the specified 14-day separation period.
Linezolid and intravenous methylene blue also require special consideration because of MAO-inhibiting activity. Always tell healthcare professionals that you take bupropion when another medicine is being considered.
Alcohol and sudden withdrawal matter
Tell your prescriber how much alcohol you usually drink. Abruptly stopping heavy alcohol consumption can increase seizure risk, and the same concern applies to sudden withdrawal from certain sedatives or anti-seizure medicines.
Do not make a sudden change simply because you have started bupropion. A healthcare professional can advise how these risks should be managed.
What Serious Bupropion Side Effects Need Urgent Medical Attention?
Serious reactions are less common than routine side effects, but patients and families should know what to watch for. Seizures, severe allergic reactions, major changes in mood or behaviour, symptoms of mania, and suicidal thoughts or behaviour require prompt medical attention.
Seizure
A seizure during bupropion treatment is an emergency. Seek immediate medical care.
Because seizure risk is related partly to dose and individual risk factors, never compensate for a missed tablet by taking extra medication.
Suicidal thoughts or major behavioural changes
Antidepressant treatment carries an important warning about suicidal thinking and behaviour, particularly in children, adolescents, and young adults. People starting treatment should also be monitored for worsening depression, agitation, unusual behavioural changes, or suicidal thinking.
New thoughts of self-harm or suicide require urgent professional help rather than waiting for a routine follow-up appointment.
Severe allergic or skin reactions
Urgent medical attention is needed for symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, widespread hives, or severe blistering skin reactions.
These symptoms should not be treated as routine medication side effects.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice While Taking Bulet SR 150?
Seek urgent medical help for a seizure, difficulty breathing, severe swelling, a serious blistering rash, loss of consciousness, or thoughts or actions involving suicide or self-harm. New hallucinations, severe confusion, extreme agitation, or symptoms suggesting mania also need prompt medical assessment.
Contact your prescriber if common side effects become difficult to tolerate, your mood worsens, insomnia becomes severe, or you develop concerning changes in blood pressure or heartbeat. Tell your clinician before starting or stopping other medicines, especially antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, seizure-threshold-lowering medicines, or another product containing bupropion.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant liver or kidney disease, bipolar disorder, seizure risk, and a history of eating disorders also require individual medical assessment. Do not start, stop, increase, decrease, crush, or substitute Bulet SR 150 based solely on general online information.
Conclusion
Bulet SR 150 contains sustained-release bupropion 150 mg, a prescription medicine used in clinical settings that include depression and support for nicotine dependence. Bulet SR 150 can be effective for appropriately selected patients, but common effects such as insomnia, dry mouth, nausea and headache need to be balanced against less common but important risks such as seizures, severe mood changes, hypertension and allergic reactions.
Use bupropion only under professional guidance and follow the directions for your specific product and condition. For medicine availability or product information, consult a licensed pharmacist, while treatment decisions should remain with your qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Bulet SR 150 used for?
Bulet SR 150 contains bupropion 150 mg, which is used clinically for conditions including depression and nicotine dependence. The exact indication depends on the formulation and local regulatory framework. A clinician should determine whether this particular product is appropriate for your condition.
2. Is Bulet SR 150 a sleeping tablet?
No, bupropion is not a sleeping medicine. In fact, difficulty sleeping is a commonly reported side effect. If insomnia develops during treatment, discuss it with your prescriber rather than changing the dosing schedule yourself.
3. Can bupropion help someone stop smoking?
Yes, bupropion is used as a non-nicotine medicine to support smoking cessation. It can reduce cravings and some nicotine-withdrawal symptoms. Medication generally works best as part of a broader quit plan that includes behavioural support.
4. What are the most common side effects of bupropion 150 mg?
Commonly reported effects include insomnia, dry mouth, nausea, headache, dizziness, anxiety or agitation, constipation, sweating, tremor and reduced appetite. Side effects vary between individuals. Persistent or troublesome symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
5. Who should not take bupropion?
Bupropion is contraindicated for some people, including those with seizure disorders or current or previous bulimia or anorexia nervosa. Certain MAO inhibitor use and abrupt withdrawal from alcohol or some sedative medicines are also important contraindications. A prescriber should screen for these risks.
6. What should I do if I miss a dose of Bulet SR 150?
Do not take a double dose of bupropion to compensate for a missed dose. MedlinePlus advises skipping the missed dose and continuing the regular schedule. Because formulations and prescriptions differ, follow the instructions provided by your own prescriber or pharmacist.
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