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Compare Sunosi vs. Wellbutrin XL

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

Key takeaways

Sunosi (solriamfetol) and Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride) are both medications that can affect norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain, but they are used for different reasons. Sunosi is a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used to improve wakefulness in adults with narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea. In contrast, Wellbutrin is an atypical antidepressant used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Sunosi is taken once daily in the morning, while Wellbutrin can be taken in various forms, including immediate-release, sustained-release, and extended-release, with dosing frequency ranging from once to three times a day. Sunosi is only available as a brand-name medication, whereas Wellbutrin is available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of Sunosi include headache, loss of appetite, and nausea, while Wellbutrin may cause headache, dry mouth, and trouble sleeping. Both medications can raise blood pressure and heart rate, and Wellbutrin increases the risk of seizures, especially in people with a history of seizures or eating disorders.

  • Sunosi (solriamfetol)
    Bupropion
  • Sunosi (solriamfetol)
    Bupropion

  • Summary of Sunosi vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Summary for Dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Sunosi (solriamfetol) is used to improve wakefulness in adults with narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea. Sunosi (solriamfetol) belongs to the drug class called dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and it's currently only available as a brand-name medication. Sunosi (solriamfetol) is available as tablets that are taken by mouth once daily when you first wake up. Common side effects include headache, a smaller appetite, and nausea.

    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 Sunosi vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Indications for

    Extreme daytime sleepiness caused by:

    •Narcolepsy
    •Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - only bupropion HCl extended-release (Wellbutrin XL)

  • Pros and Cons of Sunosi vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Pros and Const for Dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
    Pros
    •Taken once a day
    •Comes in two different strengths
    •Unlikely to cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the medication suddenly
    Cons
    •No lower-cost generic available
    •Can make your blood pressure go up
    •Is a controlled substance so there are special requirements to getting a prescription filled
    •Not approved for children
    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 Sunosi vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (16%)
    •Having a smaller appetite (9%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Anxiety (6%)
    •Insomnia (trouble sleeping, 5%)

    Note: Side effect percentages were reported from studies of adults with narcolepsy. These percentages might differ slightly for adults with obstructive sleep apnea.

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

  • Warnings of Sunosi vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Common Side Effects for
    •High blood pressure and fast heart rate
    •Symptoms of mental health 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 Sunosi vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Learn more about Sunosi
    Learn more about Bupropion

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