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Trintellix vs. Wellbutrin XL

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

Key takeaways

Trintellix (vortioxetine) and Wellbutrin (bupropion) are both atypical antidepressants, but they work in different ways and have different uses. Trintellix primarily boosts serotonin levels in the brain and is used to treat depression in adults. It is taken once daily and can start to show benefits in as early as two weeks, though full effects may take a month. Common side effects include nausea and diarrhea, and it can cause sexual problems, though less frequently than other antidepressants. On the other hand, Wellbutrin affects norepinephrine and dopamine levels and is used to treat both depression and seasonal affective disorder. It comes in various forms, including short-acting tablets taken multiple times a day and long-acting versions taken once daily. Wellbutrin is less likely to cause sexual side effects and weight gain but is not suitable for individuals with a history of seizures or eating disorders. Additionally, Wellbutrin is available in lower-cost generic forms, whereas Trintellix is only available as a brand-name medication.

Trintellix

(vortioxetine)

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Bupropion

 

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Summary for Trintellix

Prescription only

Trintellix, the brand name for vortioxetine, belongs to a drug class called atypical antidepressants. It's used to treat depression in adults. This medication comes as a tablet that you take by mouth once a day. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and dry mouth. Sexual side effects can also happen, but it's usually less likely than with some other antidepressants. As of 2025, there's no generic version of Trintellix (vortioxetine) available yet.

Indications for Trintellix

Pros and Cons for Trintellix

Pros

Cons

  • Can take up to a month or more before you feel the full effects
  • Not approved for use in children
  • Not approved to treat anxiety

Common Side Effects for Trintellix

  • Nausea (21-32%)
  • Diarrhea (7-10%)
  • Dizziness (6-9%)
  • Dry mouth (6-8%)
  • Vomiting (3-6%)
  • Constipation (3-6%)

Warnings for Trintellix

  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Higher risk of bleeding
  • Not for use alone for bipolar disorder
  • Withdrawal symptoms
  • Worsening of glaucoma in certain people
  • Low sodium levels
  • Sexual side effects

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 Trintellix vs. Wellbutrin XL

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Trintellix30 tablets / 10mg
$299.10$642.69
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Bupropion30 tablets / 75mg
$7.50$7.50
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