APLENZIN Patient Assistance Program

Aplenzin (bupropion hydrobromide) is a prescription extended-release tablet used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and to prevent seasonal depressive episodes in adults with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Doses are available at 174 mg, 348 mg, and 522 mg.
Aplenzin is an atypical antidepressant — it works differently from SSRIs (like Prozac or Zoloft) by boosting norepinephrine and dopamine rather than serotonin. It uses bupropion hydrobromide (a different salt form than the hydrochloride found in generic bupropion), providing equivalent therapeutic doses in a once-daily extended-release formulation.

How It Works:

Depression is associated with imbalances in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters — the molecular messengers that brain cells use to communicate with each other. While many antidepressants (SSRIs) work by increasing serotonin levels, Aplenzin takes a different approach. It primarily affects two other neurotransmitters: norepinephrine and dopamine.
Aplenzin works by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Normally, after these neurotransmitters deliver their message between brain cells, they are quickly reabsorbed back into the sending cell. In depression, this reabsorption may happen too efficiently, leaving insufficient amounts of norepinephrine and dopamine available to maintain normal mood, motivation, and energy. Aplenzin blocks this reabsorption process, allowing norepinephrine and dopamine to remain active in the brain longer and in greater concentrations. Norepinephrine helps regulate alertness, energy, and concentration, while dopamine is involved in motivation, pleasure, and reward. By boosting both of these chemicals rather than serotonin, Aplenzin can be particularly effective for depression characterized by low energy, lack of motivation, and difficulty concentrating — and it avoids many of the serotonin-related effects (such as sexual dysfunction and emotional blunting) that cause some patients to discontinue SSRI antidepressants.

Form and Use:

Available as extended-release tablets in 174 mg, 348 mg, and 522 mg strengths. Take one tablet once daily, typically in the morning, with or without food. Swallow whole — do not crush,chew, or divide.

Generic Availability:

As of April 2026, there is no generic version of Aplenzin (bupropion hydrobromide) available in the United States. Aplenzin uses bupropion hydrobromide — a different salt form than the bupropion hydrochloride found in other extended-release bupropion products and their generics.
However, generic bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets are widely available at dramatically lower cost ($5–$30 per month with coupons) and deliver therapeutically equivalent bupropion to the brain. The hydrobromide and hydrochloride salt forms both convert to the same.active compound in the body. Your prescribing physician can determine whether generic bupropion HCl extended-release would be appropriate for you.

Warnings:
Do not stop taking Aplenzin suddenly — abruptly stopping an antidepressant can cause withdrawal symptoms and relapse. Do not combine Aplenzin with other bupropion products (such as brand-name smoking cessation formulations) — this increases seizure risk. Aplenzin may not be suitable for patients with a history of seizures, eating disorders, or those taking MAOIs. Antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts in children, adolescents, and young adults — careful monitoring is important, especially when starting treatment or changing dose.