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Compare Zyban vs. Wellbutrin XL

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

Key takeaways

Bupropion (Zyban) and bupropion hydrochloride (Wellbutrin XL, Wellbutrin SR) are both medications that contain the same active ingredient, but they are used for different purposes. Zyban is specifically prescribed to help you quit smoking, while Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR are used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Both medications work by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which can help improve mood and reduce withdrawal symptoms. Zyban is typically taken twice daily for 7 to 12 weeks, whereas Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR can be taken once daily or multiple times a day depending on the formulation. Zyban is not recommended for people who drink alcohol regularly due to the risk of seizures, while Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR are not ideal for those with a history of seizures or eating disorders. Both medications can cause mood changes and suicidal thoughts, so it's important to monitor for these side effects. Additionally, both medications are available as lower-cost generics.

  • Bupropion (Zyban)
    Bupropion
  • Bupropion (Zyban)
    Bupropion

  • Summary of Zyban vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Summary for Atypical antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Bupropion extended-release (SR), brand name Zyban, is an atypical antidepressant. It's taken by adults for smoking cessation (quitting smoking) only. It works by easing symptoms of nicotine withdrawal and lowering your cravings for nicotine. Bupropion (Zyban) isn't interchangeable with other forms of bupropion that are prescribed for mental health conditions. It comes as 150-mg tablets that are taken by mouth, typically twice per day. Side effects include trouble sleeping, dry mouth, and dizziness. This medication is only available as a generic; brand name Zyban has been discontinued.

    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 Zyban vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Indications for
    •Smoking cessation (quitting smoking) in adults
    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - only bupropion HCl extended-release (Wellbutrin XL)

  • Pros and Cons of Zyban vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Pros and Const for Atypical antidepressant
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Can take with or without food
    •Can be combined with nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ) for better results
    Cons
    •Taken twice per day
    •Drinking alcohol at the same time can raise the risk of seizures and mood changes
    •Commonly causes trouble sleeping
    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 Zyban vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Common Side Effects for
    •Trouble sleeping (40%)
    •Runny nose (12%)
    •Dry mouth (11%)
    •Dizziness (10%)
    •Nausea (9%)
    •Trouble concentrating (9%)
    •Anxiety (8%)
    •Constipation (8%)
    •Joint pain (5%)
    •Strange dreams (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Dizziness
    •Sore throat
    •Constipation
    •Restlessness (agitation)

  • Warnings of Zyban vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior and mood changes
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Seizures
    •High blood pressure
    •Glaucoma
    •Severe allergic reaction and skin reaction
    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 Zyban vs. Wellbutrin XL

    Learn more about Bupropion
    Learn more about Bupropion

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