Wellbutrin XL vs. Sertraline for Depression: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Bupropion

Sertraline

(Zoloft)

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

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 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)

Summary for Sertraline

Prescription only

Sertraline (Zoloft) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's used to treat different mental health conditions, including depression and certain types of anxiety disorder, such as panic disorder. It's typically taken by mouth once per day. This medication is available as both a tablet and liquid. Common side effects of sertraline (Zoloft) include nausea, diarrhea, and dry mouth. It's best to avoid alcohol while taking sertraline (Zoloft) because this combination can worsen side effects of sertraline (Zoloft).

Indications for Sertraline

Pros and Cons for Sertraline

Pros

Taken by mouth once daily
A possible option during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Fewer interactions compared to other SSRIs
Less likely to cause weight gain compared to paroxetine (Paxil)
Available as a generic

Cons

Can take up to 2 months before you feel the full benefits
More likely to cause diarrhea compared to other SSRIs
Might make it more difficult for you to fall asleep
Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it
The liquid form contains alcohol

Common Side Effects for Sertraline

Nausea (26%)
Diarrhea (20%)
Difficulty sleeping (20%)
Dry mouth (14%)
Sleepiness (12%)

Warnings for Sertraline

Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
Serotonin syndrome
Risk of bleeding
Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
Glaucoma
Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
Low blood sodium levels

Prices with our coupons for Wellbutrin XL vs. Sertraline

Bupropion30 tablets / 75mg

$8.38$8.38

Get free coupons

More Information

Sertraline30 tablets / 50mg

$9.62-

Get free coupons

More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.

Compare
Wellbutrin XL vs. Sertraline

Bupropion

Sertraline

Summary for Wellbutrin XL

Indications for Wellbutrin XL

Pros and Cons for Wellbutrin XL

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Wellbutrin XL

Warnings for Wellbutrin XL

Summary for Sertraline

Indications for Sertraline

Pros and Cons for Sertraline

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Sertraline

Warnings for Sertraline

Prices with our coupons for Wellbutrin XL vs. Sertraline

Compare other Depression drugs

Browse medications by letter

Good news for your inbox

Bupropion

Sertraline

Summary for Wellbutrin XL

Indications for Wellbutrin XL

Pros and Cons for Wellbutrin XL

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Wellbutrin XL

Warnings for Wellbutrin XL

Summary for Sertraline

Indications for Sertraline

Pros and Cons for Sertraline

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Sertraline

Warnings for Sertraline