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.
