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Compare Wellbutrin XL vs. Phentermine

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

Key takeaways

Bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Forfivo XL) and phentermine (Adipex-P) are both oral medications, but they belong to different drug classes and treat different conditions. Bupropion is an atypical antidepressant used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), while phentermine is a sympathomimetic used for short-term weight management in adults with a high body mass index (BMI). Bupropion is available in various formulations, including immediate-release, sustained-release (Wellbutrin SR), and extended-release (Wellbutrin XL, Forfivo XL) tablets, and is available as a generic. Phentermine is available as tablets and capsules and is also available as a generic. Bupropion can cause side effects like headache, dry mouth, and trouble sleeping, and it carries a risk of seizures, especially if you have a history of seizures. Phentermine can cause side effects like dry mouth, headache, and high blood pressure, and it has a risk of misuse and dependence because it is a controlled substance. Additionally, bupropion is not recommended for people with a history of seizures or eating disorders, while phentermine should be avoided if you have heart problems or uncontrolled high blood pressure.

  • Bupropion
    Phentermine (Adipex-P)
  • Bupropion
    Phentermine (Adipex-P)

  • Summary of Wellbutrin XL vs. Phentermine

    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.

    Summary for Sympathomimetic
    Prescription only

    Phentermine (Adipex-P) is an appetite suppressant. It's a prescription weight loss pill for people ages 17 years and older. This medication works best when it's part of a treatment plan that involves healthy diet and regular exercise. Phentermine (Adipex-P) is taken by mouth once daily, typically in the morning. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include dry mouth, trouble sleeping, and headache.

  • Indications of Wellbutrin XL vs. Phentermine

    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - only bupropion HCl extended-release (Wellbutrin XL)
    Indications for

    Short-term treatment for weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of:

    •30 kg/m2 or greater; or
    •27 kg/m2 or greater, and with at least one other weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol)

  • Pros and Cons of Wellbutrin XL vs. Phentermine

    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
    Pros and Const for Sympathomimetic
    Pros
    •Can help you lose 5% to 10% of body weight
    •Usually taken by mouth once per day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Comes as tablets, capsules, and orally disintegrating tablets
    Cons
    •Most insurance companies don't cover the cost of phentermine (Adipex-P).
    •Has a risk of misuse and dependence since it's a stimulant medication that's similar to amphetamines
    •Might not be a good choice for people with high blood pressure
    •Should be avoided in children 16 years of age and younger, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with serious heart problems

  • Common Side Effects of Wellbutrin XL vs. Phentermine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Dizziness
    •Sore throat
    •Constipation
    •Restlessness (agitation)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth
    •Headache
    •Tremor
    •Constipation
    •Diarrhea
    •High blood pressure
    •Fast heart rate
    •Difficulty sleeping

  • Warnings of Wellbutrin XL vs. Phentermine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior and abnormal mood changes
    •Mental health changes
    •Seizures
    •High blood pressure
    •Extreme enthusiasm or excitement (mania)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Not safe to combined with other weight loss medications
    •Phentermine not working well
    •Risk of misuse and dependence
    •Trouble concentrating or problem with coordination
    •Heart and lung problems
    •Risk of high blood pressure
    •Risk of low blood sugar in people with diabetes

  • Prices with our coupons for Wellbutrin XL vs. Phentermine

    Learn more about Bupropion
    Learn more about Phentermine

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