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Compare Duloxetine vs. Wellbutrin XL

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

Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Bupropion
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Bupropion

Summary of Duloxetine vs. Wellbutrin XL

Summary for SNRI
Prescription only

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is used to treat depression, anxiety, and some forms of long-term pain. This medication is an antidepressant that's called an SNRI or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. The dosage is typically one capsule by mouth once daily (or twice daily for some people with depression). Side effects can include nausea, headache, and dry mouth. If you need to stop the medication for any reason, your prescriber will lower your dose slowly over time to prevent withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and trouble sleeping.

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 Duloxetine vs. Wellbutrin XL

Indications for
•Major depressive disorder in adults
•Generalized anxiety disorder in people age 7 years and older
•Diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain caused by high blood sugar) in adults
•Fibromyalgia in people age 13 years and older
•Long-term pain in the muscles, bones, joints, or tendons in adults
Indications for
•Depression
•Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - only bupropion HCl extended-release (Wellbutrin XL)

Pros and Cons of Duloxetine vs. Wellbutrin XL

Pros and Const for SNRI
Pros
•Can treat several conditions, so might be good for people with multiple conditions
•Helps lower nerve pain from diabetes and other forms of long-term pain
•Can take at any time of day (as long as you're consistent)
•Available as a lower-cost generic
Cons
•Can take several weeks before you feel the full effects of the medication on your mood
•Might not be a good option for people who drink heavily or have liver or kidney problems
•Can cause higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in people 24 years and younger
•Might raise your risk of bleeding
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 Duloxetine vs. Wellbutrin XL

Common Side Effects for
•Nausea (23%)
•Headache (14%)
•Dry mouth (13%)
•Drowsiness (10%)
•Feeling tired (9%)
•Trouble sleeping (9%)
•Dizziness (9%)
•Constipation (9%)
•Diarrhea (9%)
•Low appetite (7%)
•A lot of sweating (6%)
•Stomach pain (5%)
Common Side Effects for
•Headache
•Dry mouth
•Nausea
•Trouble sleeping
•Dizziness
•Sore throat
•Constipation
•Restlessness (agitation)

Warnings of Duloxetine vs. Wellbutrin XL

Common Side Effects for
•Suicidal thoughts and behavior
•Liver damage
•Changes in blood pressure and risk of falls
•Serotonin syndrome
•Higher bleeding risk
•Severe skin reaction
•Withdrawal symptoms
•Mania
•Low sodium levels
•Sexual problems
Common Side Effects for
•Suicidal thoughts or behavior and abnormal mood changes
•Mental health changes
•Seizures
•High blood pressure
•Extreme enthusiasm or excitement (mania)

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