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Compare Amitriptyline vs. Wellbutrin XL

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Amitriptyline (Elavil) and bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Forfivo XL) are both medications used to treat depression, but they belong to different medication classes. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), while bupropion is an atypical antidepressant. Amitriptyline is also used off-label for nerve pain and migraine prevention, whereas bupropion is FDA-approved for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in its extended-release form (Wellbutrin XL). Amitriptyline is typically taken in doses ranging from 50 mg to 100 mg per day, often split into smaller doses, while bupropion is available in immediate-release, sustained-release, and extended-release forms with varying dosing schedules depending on the form. Amitriptyline can cause side effects like sleepiness and weight gain. Bupropion, on the other hand, is less likely to cause weight gain and has fewer sexual side effects but can increase the risk of seizures, especially in people with a history of seizures or eating disorders. Both medications can cause dizziness and dry mouth, but bupropion may also lead to trouble sleeping if taken later in the day.

  • Amitriptyline
    Bupropion
  • Amitriptyline
    Bupropion

  • Summary of Amitriptyline vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Amitriptyline is FDA approved to treat depression. But it isn't as commonly used today as other antidepressants because it can cause a lot of side effects, such as sleepiness and weight gain. In addition, amitriptyline has many interactions with other medications, including other antidepressants, sedatives, and antihistamines. But despite the side effects and interactions, amitriptyline is often used off label for nerve pain due to diabetes and migraine prevention. While its brand name Elavil is no longer available, amitriptyline is available as a generic medication.

    Summary for Atypical antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Bupropion is taken by mouth to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It's available as short-acting tablets that are taken two or three times a day, as well as long-acting versions that are taken once daily. Bupropion has fewer sexual side effects compared to other antidepressants, but it's not a good choice for people with a history of seizures, eating disorders, or drink alcohol regularly.

  • Indications of Amitriptyline vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Indications for
    •Depression
    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - only bupropion HCl extended-release (Wellbutrin XL)

  • Pros and Cons of Amitriptyline vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Pros
    •Available in many different strengths
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic form
    •Can take with or without food
    Cons
    •Has many unpleasant side effects compared to other antidepressants
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it after long-term use
    •Not the best choice for people with heart problems, glaucoma, or seizures or people age 65 years and older
    Pros and Const for Atypical antidepressant
    Pros
    •Works well for depression and can be used alone or in combination with other antidepressants
    •Causes fewer sexual side effects than some other antidepressants
    •Available in a lower-cost generic form
    •Less likely to cause weight gain compared to other antidepressants
    •Good option for people who haven't had success with traditional antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
    Cons
    •Can take several weeks to feel the full effects
    •Not the best option if you have a history of seizures or eating disorders like as anorexia or bulimia
    •Might need to limit or avoid using alcohol during treatment
    •Can cause trouble sleeping if you take it later in the day

  • Common Side Effects of Amitriptyline vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Weakness
    •Fatigue
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Weight gain
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Dizziness
    •Sore throat
    •Constipation
    •Restlessness (agitation)

  • Warnings of Amitriptyline vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Risk of heart problems, heart attack, or stroke
    •Seizures
    •Glaucoma
    •Higher risk of falls
    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior and abnormal mood changes
    •Mental health changes
    •Seizures
    •High blood pressure
    •Extreme enthusiasm or excitement (mania)

  • Prices with our coupons for Amitriptyline vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Learn more about Amitriptyline
    Learn more about Bupropion

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