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Compare Viibryd vs. Wellbutrin XL

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

Key takeaways

Vilazodone (Viibryd) and bupropion (Wellbutrin XL) are both medications used to treat depression, but they work in different ways and have distinct characteristics. Vilazodone is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and a serotonin (5HT1A) receptor partial agonist, while bupropion is an atypical antidepressant that boosts norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain. Vilazodone is typically taken once daily with food, whereas bupropion is available in short-acting forms taken multiple times a day or long-acting forms taken once daily. Bupropion is also approved to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD), unlike vilazodone. Vilazodone is less likely to cause weight gain and sexual side effects compared to other antidepressants, while bupropion is also known for having fewer sexual side effects and is less likely to cause weight gain. However, bupropion is not suitable for people with a history of eating disorders. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly and may take several weeks to show full effects.

  • Vilazodone (Viibryd)
    Bupropion
  • Vilazodone (Viibryd)
    Bupropion

  • Summary of Viibryd vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Summary for SSRI/ 5HT1A receptor partial agonist
    Prescription only

    Vilazodone (Viibryd) helps treat depression in adults. It works in a similar way to the drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). You take vilazodone (Viibryd) by mouth once a day. Some common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, and headache. Research suggests that it might be less likely to cause weight gain and sexual side effects than some other antidepressants. But it can have many drug interactions. It's important not to stop taking this medication all of a sudden because it can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Vilazodone (Viibryd) comes as both a brand-name and generic version.

    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 Viibryd vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Indications for
    •Major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults
    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - only bupropion HCl extended-release (Wellbutrin XL)

  • Pros and Cons of Viibryd vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Pros and Const for SSRI/ 5HT1A receptor partial agonist
    Pros
    •Taken once a day
    •Might have a lower risk of weight gain and sexual side effects than other antidepressants
    •Okay for older adults (65 years of age or older) to take
    Cons
    •Might take several weeks before you feel a noticeable difference in your mood
    •Must take with food
    •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 Viibryd vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (26-29%)
    •Nausea (22-24%)
    •Headache (14-15%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Dizziness
    •Sore throat
    •Constipation
    •Restlessness (agitation)

  • Warnings of Viibryd vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Higher risk of bleeding
    •Manic or hypomanic episode in people with bipolar disorder
    •Withdrawal symptoms
    •Worsening of glaucoma in certain people
    •Low sodium levels
    •Sexual side effects
    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 Viibryd vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Learn more about Vilazodone
    Learn more about Bupropion

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