Skip to main content

Compare
Paxil vs. Wellbutrin XL

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

Key takeaways

Paroxetine (Paxil) and bupropion (Wellbutrin) are both medications used to treat depression, but they belong to different classes and have distinct characteristics. Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, and it is also used for various anxiety disorders. Bupropion, on the other hand, is an atypical antidepressant that is thought to boost norepinephrine and dopamine levels. Unlike paroxetine, bupropion is also used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and has fewer sexual side effects. Paroxetine is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, while bupropion comes in short-acting, sustained-release, and extended-release versions. Bupropion is less likely to cause weight gain compared to paroxetine, but it is not suitable for people with a history of seizures or eating disorders. Both medications can take several weeks to show their full effects and should not be stopped suddenly without consulting a healthcare provider.

Paroxetine

(Paxil)

Get free coupons

Bupropion

 

Get free coupons

Summary for Paxil

Prescription only

Paroxetine (also known by it's brand name Paxil) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), used for different types of anxiety problems and depression. It's available as a brand name and generic version, and it comes as an immediate-release tablet, an oral suspension, and an extended-release tablet. Possible side effects include nausea, sexual side effects, and weight gain. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms (e.g., headache, trouble sleeping, anxiety) if you suddenly stop taking it.

Indications for Paxil

Pros and Cons for Paxil

Pros

  • Only needs to be taken once daily
  • Available as a tablet and oral liquid
  • Can be taken with or without food
  • Can be used for many different mental health conditions
  • Can be helpful for people who have both anxiety and depression

Cons

Common Side Effects for Paxil

  • Abnormal ejaculation (up to 28%)
  • Nausea (up to 25%)
  • Weakness (up to 22%)
  • Sleepiness or trouble sleeping (up to 24%)
  • Dry mouth (up to 18%)
  • Constipation (up to 16%)
  • Sweating (up to 14%)
  • Dizziness (up to 14%)
  • Diarrhea (up to 12%)
  • Low libido (up to 12%)
  • Shakiness (up to 11%)

Warnings for Paxil

  • Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Risk of harm to unborn babies
  • Sexual problems
  • Withdrawal
  • Risk of bleeding
  • Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
  • Glaucoma
  • Low blood sodium levels
  • Seizures
  • Risk of abnormal heart rhythm from interactions

Summary for Wellbutrin XL

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 for Wellbutrin XL

  • Depression
  • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - only bupropion HCl extended-release (Wellbutrin XL)

Pros and Cons for Wellbutrin XL

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

Common Side Effects for Wellbutrin XL

  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Dizziness
  • Sore throat
  • Constipation
  • Restlessness (agitation)

Warnings for Wellbutrin XL

  • 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 Paxil vs. Wellbutrin XL

Price Card Drug Icon
Paroxetine90 tablets / 20mg
--
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Bupropion30 tablets / 75mg
--
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other Depression drugs

Anafranil vs. PaxilLuvox vs. PaxilLyrica vs. PaxilNeurontin vs. PaxilPamelor vs. Paxil
Paxil vs. AtivanPaxil vs. BusparPaxil vs. CelexaPaxil vs. CymbaltaPaxil vs. EffexorPaxil vs. LexaproPaxil vs. NefazodonePaxil vs. OleptroPaxil vs. PristiqPaxil vs. ProzacPaxil vs. RemeronPaxil vs. WellbutrinPaxil vs. XanaxPaxil vs. ZoloftTofranil vs. PaxilElavil vs. PamelorLyrica vs. PamelorMaprotiline vs. PamelorPamelor vs. CymbaltaPamelor vs. DesipraminePamelor vs. EffexorPamelor vs. LidocainePamelor vs. NeurontinPamelor vs. OleptroPamelor vs. Vivactil

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.