Comparing Bupropion vs Venlafaxine

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

Venlafaxine

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

Venlafaxine is an antidepressant that may also be used for mood disorders and off-label for some other conditions such as hot flashes. It may cause a discontinuation syndrome if abruptly stopped... View more

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

View all 2320 reviews

View all 2325 reviews

Drug Class

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors

Side Effects

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

See the full bupropion side effects document.

Commonly reported side effects include: anorgasmia, asthenia, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, headache, anorexia, decreased appetite, delayed ejaculation, diaphoresis, and xerostomia.

See the full venlafaxine side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance

Quantity	30 each
Dosage	150 mg/24 hours
Per Unit^*	$1.64
Cost^*	$49.22

View all bupropion prices

Quantity	50 each
Dosage	150 mg
Per Unit^*	$0.68
Cost^*	$34.06

View all venlafaxine prices

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Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Dosage Form(s) Available

Oral tablet
Oral tablet, extended release

Oral capsule, extended release
Oral tablet
Oral tablet, extended release

Brand Names

Aplenzin, Budeprion, Budeprion SR, Forfivo XL, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL Effexor, Effexor XR

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

4 hours

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category

Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

Drug Interactions

A total of 422 drugs are known to interact with bupropion:

212 major drug interactions (922 brand and generic names)
205 moderate drug interactions (859 brand and generic names)
5 minor drug interactions (16 brand and generic names)

A total of 640 drugs are known to interact with venlafaxine:

139 major drug interactions (554 brand and generic names)
496 moderate drug interactions (2167 brand and generic names)
5 minor drug interactions (22 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

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of venlafaxine such as dizziness, drowsiness... View more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

December 30, 1985

December 28, 1993

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

More Information

Consumer 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