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Compare Effexor XR vs. Wellbutrin XL

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

  • Venlafaxine
    Bupropion
  • Venlafaxine
    Bupropion

  • Summary of Effexor XR vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Summary for SNRI
    Prescription only

    Venlafaxine is an antidepressant used to treat mental health conditions like depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. It comes in two forms: extended-release, which is taken once a day, and immediate-release, which is taken in split doses throughout the day. This medication can interact with many things, including other medications and alcohol. Possible side effects can include nausea, weight changes, and sexual problems. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly.

    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 Effexor XR vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Generalized anxiety disorder - extended-release capsules only
    •Social anxiety disorder - extended-release capsules and tablets only
    •Panic disorder - extended-release capsules only
    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - only bupropion HCl extended-release (Wellbutrin XL)

  • Pros and Cons of Effexor XR vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Pros and Const for SNRI
    Pros
    •Can treat multiple mental health conditions
    •Affects two chemicals in the brain that impact your mood
    •Lower risk of weight gain compared to other antidepressants
    •Comes in both immediate-release and extended-release versions
    Cons
    •Might raise your blood pressure, especially at higher doses
    •Interacts with many medications
    •Can take up to 4 to 8 weeks before you feel the full effect
    •High risk of causing withdrawal symptoms if suddenly stopped
    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 Effexor XR vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Common Side Effects for

    Extended-release:

    •Nausea (29-31%)
    •Trouble sleeping (17-23%)
    •Dizziness (16-20%)
    •Loss of appetite (10-20%)
    •Drowsiness (15-17%)
    •Dry mouth (12-17%)
    •Abnormal ejaculation (10-16%)
    •Sweating (11-14%)
    •Weakness (8-13%)

    Immediate-release:

    •Nausea (37%)
    •Headache (25%)
    •Drowsiness (23%)
    •Dry mouth (22%)
    •Dizziness (19%)
    •Trouble sleeping (18%)
    •Constipation (15%)
    •Nervousness (13%)
    •Weakness (12%)
    •Sweating (12%)
    •Abnormal ejaculation (12%)
    •Loss of appetite (11%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Dizziness
    •Sore throat
    •Constipation
    •Restlessness (agitation)

  • Warnings of Effexor XR vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •High blood pressure
    •Higher bleeding risk
    •Mania
    •Glaucoma
    •Withdrawal
    •Seizures
    •Low sodium levels
    •Lung problems and pneumonia
    •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)

  • Prices with our coupons for Effexor XR vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Learn more about Venlafaxine
    Learn more about Bupropion

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