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Aplenzin vs. Wellbutrin XL

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

Key takeaways

Aplenzin (bupropion hydrobromide) and Wellbutrin XL (bupropion hydrochloride) are both atypical antidepressants used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). They work by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain. Aplenzin is only available as a brand-name medication, while Wellbutrin XL is available as a lower-cost generic. Aplenzin is taken once daily, with a typical dose of 174 mg or 348 mg, but can go up to 522 mg. Wellbutrin XL is also taken once daily, with a typical dose starting at 150 mg that can be increased to 300 mg. Both medications can cause side effects like headache, dry mouth, and trouble sleeping, and also increase the risk of seizures and high blood pressure. Both Aplenzin and Wellbutrin XL should not be used if you have a history of seizures or eating disorders.

Aplenzin

(bupropion)

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Bupropion

 

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Summary for Aplenzin

Prescription only

Aplenzin, the brand name for extended-release bupropion hydrobromide, is an atypical antidepressant. It's used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in adults. This medication is a tablet that's taken by mouth once per day. The dosage generally depends on how well the medication improves your mood. Side effects include headache, dry mouth, and nausea. Aplenzin (bupropion) isn't yet available as a generic.

Indications for Aplenzin

Pros and Cons for Aplenzin

Pros

Cons

  • Only available as an extended-release tablet that's swallowed whole
  • Can cause trouble sleeping if you take it too late in the day
  • Can raise the risk of seizures and high blood pressure

Common Side Effects for Aplenzin

  • Headache (26%)
  • Dry mouth (17%)
  • Nausea (13%)
  • Trouble sleeping (11%)
  • Constipation (10%)
  • Dizziness (7%)

Warnings for Aplenzin

  • Worsening depression and suicidal thoughts and behavior
  • Changes in mental health
  • Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
  • Seizures
  • High blood pressure
  • Glaucoma
  • Severe allergic reaction and skin reaction

Summary for Wellbutrin XL

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 for Wellbutrin XL

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

Pros and Cons for Wellbutrin XL

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

Common Side Effects for Wellbutrin XL

  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Dizziness
  • Sore throat
  • Constipation
  • Restlessness (agitation)

Warnings for Wellbutrin XL

  • 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 Aplenzin vs. Wellbutrin XL

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Aplenzin30 tablets / 348mg
$3,404.24$3,734.54
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Price Card Drug Icon
Bupropion30 tablets / 75mg
$7.50$7.50
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