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Compare Lyrica vs. Wellbutrin XL

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

Key takeaways

Lyrica (Pregabalin) and bupropion (Wellbutrin XL, Wellbutrin SR) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Lyrica is an antiepileptic used to treat nerve pain, fibromyalgia, and partial-onset seizures, while bupropion is an atypical antidepressant used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Lyrica is taken 2 or 3 times a day and can cause dizziness and drowsiness, whereas bupropion is available in short-acting and long-acting forms, with the long-acting versions taken once daily. Bupropion is less likely to cause weight gain and sexual side effects compared to other antidepressants, but it can increase the risk of seizures, especially in people with a history of seizures or eating disorders. Lyrica, on the other hand, can cause weight gain and swelling in the limbs. Both medications require careful monitoring for side effects, but they address different health issues and have distinct risk profiles.

  • Pregabalin (Lyrica)
    Bupropion
  • Pregabalin (Lyrica)
    Bupropion

  • Summary of Lyrica vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Summary for Antiepileptic
    Prescription only

    Pregabalin (Lyrica) helps treat nerve pain and fibromyalgia in adults. It can also be taken with other medications to help treat certain seizures in people 1 month and older. Pregabalin (Lyrica) comes as a capsule and oral solution in both brand-name and generic versions. The dosage depends on what condition you're treating, but it's usually taken by mouth 2 or 3 times a day. Common side effects include feeling dizzy and drowsy. This medication is a controlled substance and has interactions, like with alcohol and benzodiazepines.

    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 Lyrica vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Indications for
    •Nerve pain from diabetes (diabetic peripheral neuropathy)
    •Nerve pain from shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)
    •Nerve pain from spinal cord injury
    •Fibromyalgia
    •Partial-onset seizures
    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - only bupropion HCl extended-release (Wellbutrin XL)

  • Pros and Cons of Lyrica vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •An option for relieving nerve pain caused by diabetes, shingles, and spinal cord injuries
    •Can take with other anti-seizure medications for partial-onset seizures in people as young as 1 month of age
    •Available in a capsule and liquid
    Cons
    •Can cause dizziness and drowsiness
    •Can cause weight gain
    •Is a controlled substance, so there are some rules to follow to get it filled
    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 Lyrica vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Drowsiness
    •Headache
    •Weight gain
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Dizziness
    •Sore throat
    •Constipation
    •Restlessness (agitation)

  • Warnings of Lyrica vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions and severe swelling
    •Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Higher risk of side effects if you stop taking the medication too suddenly or too fast
    •Slowed breathing
    •Dizziness, sleepiness, and trouble concentrating
    •Swelling of the arms or legs
    •Weight gain
    •Lower platelet levels
    •Possible risk of muscle breakdown
    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 Lyrica vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Learn more about Pregabalin
    Learn more about Bupropion

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