On Monday, June 12, 2006 US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved bupropion XL (brand name Wellbutrin XL) for the prevention of depression in seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This approval was notable not only because this makes Wellbutrin XL the first drug approved for SAD, but also because the approval was for prevention of depression associated with SAD.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is depression that correlates with the time of the year when the amount of daylight changes. Therefore, depression episodes occur during the fall and winter, when daylight hours decrease.

The approval was based on 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in adults with a history of major depressive disorder in autumn and winter. Response rate was 84% Wellbutrin treated and 72% Placebo treated.

There is a black box warning for suicide risk with Wellbutrin XL, as with other antidepressants, on its use in vulnerable populations including in children and teens.