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Bupropion Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Bupropion Cymbalta Zoloft
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Bupropion Cymbalta duloxetine Zoloft sertraline

Bupropion may be used in the treatment of depression or as an aid to smoking cessation; however, side effects may include insomnia, neuropsychiatric adverse events, or seizures. It carries a black... View more

Cymbalta has antidepressant, anti-anxiety, and pain-relieving properties; however, it has been associated with a discontinuation syndrome on withdrawal even when tapered. Prescribed for Back Pain... View more

Zoloft is an effective antidepressant with less potential for drowsiness than many other antidepressants. Prescribed for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder... View more

More about Bupropion More about Cymbalta (duloxetine) More about Zoloft (sertraline)
Generic Status

Lower-cost generic is available

Lower-cost generic is available

Lower-cost generic is available
Availability

Prescription only

Prescription only

Prescription only
Ratings & Reviews

Bupropion has an average rating of 7.0 out of 10 from a total of 2560 ratings on Drugs.com. 61% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 20% reported a negative effect.

Cymbalta has an average rating of 6.3 out of 10 from a total of 1655 ratings on Drugs.com. 53% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 30% reported a negative effect.

Zoloft has an average rating of 7.2 out of 10 from a total of 1688 ratings on Drugs.com. 63% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 19% reported a negative effect.

View all 2560 reviews

View all 1655 reviews

View all 1688 reviews

Drug Class
Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects include: insomnia, nausea, pharyngitis, weight loss, constipation, dizziness, headache, xerostomia.

See the full bupropion side effects document.

Common side effects include: asthenia, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, hypersomnia, insomnia, nausea, sedated state, headache, xerostomia.

See the full Cymbalta side effects document.

Common side effects include: diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dyspepsia, fatigue, insomnia, loose stools, nausea, tremor, headache, paresthesia, anorexia, decreased libido, delayed ejaculation, diaphoresis, ejaculation failure, xerostomia.

See the full Zoloft side effects document.
Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance
Quantity 30 each
Dosage 150 mg/24 hours
Per Unit* $1.51
Cost* $45.27

View all bupropion prices

Quantity 21 delayed release capsule
Dosage 60 mg
Per Unit* $11.70
Cost* $245.75

View all Cymbalta prices and generic prices

Quantity 30 tablet
Dosage 100 mg
Per Unit* $13.87
Cost* $416.15

View all Zoloft prices and generic prices

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Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet, extended release
  • Oral delayed release capsule
  • Oral concentrate
  • Oral tablet
Brand Names
Aplenzin, Budeprion, Budeprion SR, Forfivo XL, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL Other duloxetine brands include: Drizalma Sprinkle, Irenka

N/A
Half Life The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

30 hours

17 hours

66 hours
CSA Schedule** View glossary of terms
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
Pregnancy Category
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
Drug Interactions

A total of 425 drugs are known to interact with bupropion:

  • 213 major drug interactions (928 brand and generic names)
  • 207 moderate drug interactions (868 brand and generic names)
  • 5 minor drug interactions (17 brand and generic names)

A total of 573 drugs are known to interact with Cymbalta:

  • 103 major drug interactions (457 brand and generic names)
  • 447 moderate drug interactions (1948 brand and generic names)
  • 23 minor drug interactions (182 brand and generic names)

A total of 636 drugs are known to interact with Zoloft:

  • 150 major drug interactions (590 brand and generic names)
  • 480 moderate drug interactions (1996 brand and generic names)
  • 6 minor drug interactions (27 brand and generic names)
Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Using buPROPion with alcohol may increase the risk of uncommon side effects such as seizures... View more
  • DULoxetine may cause liver damage, and taking it with alcohol may increase that risk. You should... View more
  • You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with sertraline. Alcohol can... View more
Disease Interactions
First Approval Date

December 30, 1985

N/A

December 30, 1991
WADA Class View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

N/A
More Information
Patient resources
Professional Resources
Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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