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Compare Vraylar vs. Wellbutrin XL

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

Key takeaways

Cariprazine (Vraylar) and bupropion (Wellbutrin XL, Wellbutrin SR) are both prescription medications used to treat mental health conditions, but they belong to different drug classes and have different uses. Cariprazine is an atypical antipsychotic used for schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, and as an add-on for major depressive disorder (MDD). Bupropion is an atypical antidepressant used for depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Cariprazine is taken once daily as an oral capsule, while bupropion is available in various forms, including immediate-release, sustained-release, and extended-release tablets, with dosing frequency ranging from once to three times a day. Cariprazine is only available as a brand-name medication, whereas bupropion is available in generic form, making it more affordable. Common side effects of cariprazine include uncontrolled muscle movements and restlessness, while bupropion may cause dry mouth and trouble sleeping. Cariprazine can cause tardive dyskinesia, a serious movement disorder, while bupropion carries a risk of seizures, especially in those with a history of seizures or eating disorders.

  • Vraylar (cariprazine)
    Bupropion
  • Vraylar (cariprazine)
    Bupropion

  • Summary of Vraylar vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Summary for Atypical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Vraylar (cariprazine) is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder in adults. It can also be used as an add-on medication to help with major depressive disorder (MDD). Vraylar (cariprazine) is taken by mouth once a day. Some common side effects of this medication include uncontrolled muscle movements, headache, and restlessness. Unlike some other antipsychotic medications, Vraylar (cariprazine) causes minimal weight gain. Vraylar (cariprazine) is brand name only and not available as a generic medication.

    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 Vraylar vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia
    •Manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder
    •Bipolar depression of bipolar I disorder
    •Major depressive disorder (MDD), as an add-on medication
    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - only bupropion HCl extended-release (Wellbutrin XL)

  • Pros and Cons of Vraylar vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Pros and Const for Atypical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Taken once a day
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Works in your body for a longer period of time than other similar medications
    Cons
    •You might have to see your healthcare provider several times until you find a dose that works best for you.
    •Higher risk for uncontrolled muscle movements than some similar medications
    •Might take several weeks before you experience the full effects of this medication
    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 Vraylar vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Common Side Effects for
    •Uncontrolled muscle movements (up to 20%)
    •Headache (up to 18%)
    •Restlessness (up to 14%)
    •Trouble sleeping (up to 13%)
    •Constipation (up to 10%)
    •Nausea (up to 8%)
    •Stomach pain (up to 7%)
    •Toothache (up to 6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Dizziness
    •Sore throat
    •Constipation
    •Restlessness (agitation)

  • Warnings of Vraylar vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
    •Suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
    •Difficulty controlling movements (tardive dyskinesia)
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Higher risk of falls
    •Trouble controlling body temperature
    •Difficulty swallowing
    •Seizures
    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 Vraylar vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Learn more about Vraylar
    Learn more about Bupropion

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