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Compare Rexulti vs. Wellbutrin XL

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

Key takeaways

Brexpiprazole (Rexulti) and bupropion hydrochloride (Wellbutrin XL, Wellbutrin SR) are both medications used to treat depression, but they belong to different medication classes. Brexpiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic, while bupropion is an atypical antidepressant. Brexpiprazole is also approved for schizophrenia and dementia-related agitation from Alzheimer's disease, whereas bupropion is used for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in addition to depression. Brexpiprazole is typically taken once daily, while bupropion can be taken in different forms, either once daily or multiple times a day, depending on the formulation. Both medications are avaiable in a branded version and a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of brexpiprazole include restlessness, weight gain, and headaches, while bupropion may cause dry mouth, nausea, and trouble sleeping. Brexpiprazole can cause serious side effects like tardive dyskinesia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome, while bupropion carries a risk of seizures, especially in people with a history of seizures or eating disorders.

  • Rexulti (brexpiprazole)
    Bupropion
  • Rexulti (brexpiprazole)
    Bupropion

  • Summary of Rexulti vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Summary for Atypical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Rexulti (brexpiprazole) is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat depression and schizophrenia. It can also help manage dementia-related agitation from Alzheimer's disease. The medication works by balancing chemicals in your brain to regulate your mood. Rexulti (brexpiprazole) comes as a tablet you take by mouth, usually once a day. Common side effects include weight gain, sleepiness, and dizziness. Although generic versions have been approved, they aren't yet available in pharmacies.

    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 Rexulti vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Indications for
    •Add-on treatment for depression in adults
    •Schizophrenia in adults and teens 13 years and older
    •Dementia-related agitation from Alzheimer's disease
    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - only bupropion HCl extended-release (Wellbutrin XL)

  • Pros and Cons of Rexulti vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Pros and Const for Atypical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Only need to take once a day
    •Less likely to cause weight gain compared to older antipsychotics
    •Available in many strengths
    Cons
    •Can take a couple of months to fully work
    •Interacts with many medications
    •Not known if safe in pregnancy
    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 Rexulti vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Common Side Effects for

    Depression

    •Fidgeting (9%)
    •Weight gain (7%)
    •Headache (7%)
    •Sleepiness (5%)

    Schizophrenia

    •Fidgeting (6%)

    Dementia-related agitation

    •Headache (8%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Dizziness
    •Sore throat
    •Constipation
    •Restlessness (agitation)

  • Warnings of Rexulti vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
    •Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
    •Uncontrolled body movements (tardive dyskinesia)
    •High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
    •Impulse control problems
    •Low white blood cell count
    •Falls and fainting
    •Seizures
    •Trouble controlling body temperature
    •Difficulty swallowing
    •Problems with thinking and movement
    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 Rexulti vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Learn more about Rexulti
    Learn more about Bupropion

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