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Compare Chantix vs. Wellbutrin XL

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

Key takeaways

Varenicline (Chantix) and bupropion (Wellbutrin XL, Wellbutrin SR) are both medications used to help people quit smoking, although this is an off-label use for bupropion. There are some differences between them. Varenicline is a partial nicotine agonist, while bupropion is an atypical antidepressant. Varenicline is specifically FDA-approved for smoking cessation, whereas bupropion is approved for depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Varenicline is taken orally, starting with a low dose that gradually increases over the first week, and is typically used for 12 weeks. Bupropion is available in immediate-release, sustained-release, and extended-release forms, with dosing varying based on the formulation. Generic versions of both medications are available. Common side effects of varenicline include nausea and vivid dreams, while bupropion may cause dry mouth and trouble sleeping. Varenicline can interact with alcohol, increasing its effects, while bupropion can raise the risk of seizures, especially if you have a history of seizures or eating disorders.

  • Varenicline (Chantix)
    Bupropion
  • Varenicline (Chantix)
    Bupropion

  • Summary of Chantix vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Summary for Partial nicotine agonist
    Prescription only

    Varenicline (Chantix) is a medication that's used to help you quit smoking. The dosage is based on a timeline, so make sure to follow the directions carefully. Varenicline (Chantix) doesn't contain nicotine like some other medications that help you quit smoking, but it can cause side effects, including nausea and trouble sleeping. In 2021, the manufacturer Pfizer recalled and stopped making the brand-name version (called Chantix) because of potentially cancer-causing chemicals found in the medication during production. There are still generic versions available because the benefits of this medication are thought to be greater than the potential risks.

    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 Chantix vs. Wellbutrin XL

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

  • Pros and Cons of Chantix vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Pros and Const for Partial nicotine agonist
    Pros
    •Generic version is a safe option that works just as well as the brand-name version did.
    •Helps to control cravings and lessen withdrawal symptoms
    •Can quit smoking gradually while taking the medication
    •Safe to use if you have liver problems
    Cons
    •Can cause nausea
    •Can make your dreams vivid or unusual
    •Can cause you to feel the effects of alcohol more intensely
    •Need to take for 3 months (or even longer for some people)
    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 Chantix vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (30%)
    •Trouble sleeping (18%)
    •Headache (15%)
    •Unusual, vivid, or strange dreams (13%)
    •Constipation (8%)
    •Tiredness (7%)
    •Stomach pain (7%)
    •Gas (6%)
    •Dry mouth (6%)
    •Vomiting (5%)
    •Indigestion (5%)
    •Change in taste (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Dizziness
    •Sore throat
    •Constipation
    •Restlessness (agitation)

  • Warnings of Chantix vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Common Side Effects for
    •Mental health changes and risk of suicide
    •Heart attacks and strokes
    •Seizures
    •Sleepwalking
    •Accidental injuries
    •Allergic reactions
    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 Chantix vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Learn more about Varenicline
    Learn more about Bupropion

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