Key takeaways
Venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and bupropion (Wellbutrin XL, Wellbutrin SR) are both medications used to treat depression. Venlafaxine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that also treats generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder, while bupropion is an atypical antidepressant that also treats seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Venlafaxine is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, with the extended-release form being taken once daily. Bupropion is available in immediate-release, sustained-release, and extended-release forms, with dosing varying from once to multiple times a day. Venlafaxine is more likely to cause sexual side effects and interacts with many medications, while bupropion has fewer sexual side effects but carries a higher risk of seizures, especially if you have a history of seizures or eating disorders. Both medications can cause dizziness, nausea, and trouble sleeping, but venlafaxine may also lead to weight gain, whereas bupropion is less likely to cause weight gain. It's important to avoid alcohol with both medications, as it can increase side effects.
