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Compare Wellbutrin XL vs. Zoloft

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

Key takeaways

Bupropion (Wellbutrin XL, Wellbutrin SR) and Zoloft (sertraline) are both medications used to treat depression, but they belong to different drug classes and work in different ways. Bupropion is an atypical antidepressant that boosts norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain, while Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that increases serotonin levels. Bupropion is also used for seasonal affective disorder and is less likely to cause weight gain and sexual side effects compared to other antidepressants. However, bupropion isn't suitable for people with a history of seizures or eating disorders. Zoloft, on the other hand, is used to treat a wider range of conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Zoloft can cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and sleep issues, and it may take up to two months to feel its full benefits. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

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  • Bupropion
    Sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Bupropion
    Sertraline (Zoloft)

  • Summary of Wellbutrin XL vs. Zoloft

    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 SSRI
    Prescription only

    Sertraline (Zoloft) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's used to treat different mental health conditions, including depression and certain types of anxiety disorder, such as panic disorder. It's typically taken by mouth once per day. This medication is available as both a tablet and liquid. Common side effects of sertraline (Zoloft) include nausea, diarrhea, and dry mouth. It's best to avoid alcohol while taking sertraline (Zoloft) because this combination can worsen side effects of sertraline (Zoloft).

  • Indications of Wellbutrin XL vs. Zoloft

    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - only bupropion HCl extended-release (Wellbutrin XL)
    Indications for
    •Major depressive disorder (MDD)
    •Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
    •Panic disorder (PD)
    •Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
    •Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
    •Social anxiety disorder (SAD)

  • Pros and Cons of Wellbutrin XL vs. Zoloft

    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 SSRI
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth once daily
    •A possible option during pregnancy and breastfeeding
    •Fewer interactions compared to other SSRIs
    •Less likely to cause weight gain compared to paroxetine (Paxil)
    •Available as a generic
    Cons
    •Can take up to 2 months before you feel the full benefits
    •More likely to cause diarrhea compared to other SSRIs
    •Might make it more difficult for you to fall asleep
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it
    •The liquid form contains alcohol

  • Common Side Effects of Wellbutrin XL vs. Zoloft

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Dizziness
    •Sore throat
    •Constipation
    •Restlessness (agitation)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (26%)
    •Diarrhea (20%)
    •Difficulty sleeping (20%)
    •Dry mouth (14%)
    •Sleepiness (12%)

  • Warnings of Wellbutrin XL vs. Zoloft

    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
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Risk of bleeding
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Glaucoma
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Low blood sodium levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Wellbutrin XL vs. Zoloft

    Learn more about Bupropion
    Learn more about Sertraline

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