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Effexor Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Effexor Remove Effexor from your drug comparison Cymbalta Remove Cymbalta from your drug comparison Bupropion Remove Bupropion from your drug comparison
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Effexor venlafaxine Remove Effexor from your drug comparison Cymbalta duloxetine Remove Cymbalta from your drug comparison Bupropion Remove Bupropion from your drug comparison

Effexor is an antidepressant that may cause a discontinuation syndrome if abruptly stopped after long-term administration. Prescribed for Autism, Depression, Major Depressive Disorder, Bulimia... 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

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

Prescription only

Prescription only

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

View all 391 reviews

View all 1590 reviews

View all 2420 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

See the full Effexor 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.

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

See the full bupropion side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance

We could not find an exact match for this medicine. Try searching the Price Guide directly.
Quantity 21 delayed release capsule
Dosage 60 mg
Per Unit* $11.61
Cost* $243.73

View all Cymbalta prices and generic prices

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

View all bupropion prices

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Generic Availability

Yes

Yes

Yes (this medicine)

Dosage Form(s) Available
N/A
  • Oral delayed release capsule
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet, extended release

Brand Names
Other venlafaxine brands include: Effexor XR Other duloxetine brands include: Drizalma Sprinkle, Irenka Aplenzin, Budeprion, Budeprion SR, Forfivo XL, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL

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.

4 hours

17 hours

30 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 645 drugs are known to interact with Effexor:

  • 139 major drug interactions (556 brand and generic names)
  • 501 moderate drug interactions (2180 brand and generic names)
  • 5 minor drug interactions (22 brand and generic names)

A total of 565 drugs are known to interact with Cymbalta:

  • 101 major drug interactions (451 brand and generic names)
  • 441 moderate drug interactions (1918 brand and generic names)
  • 23 minor drug interactions (179 brand and generic names)

A total of 423 drugs are known to interact with bupropion:

  • 212 major drug interactions (924 brand and generic names)
  • 206 moderate drug interactions (862 brand and generic names)
  • 5 minor drug interactions (16 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of venlafaxine such as dizziness, drowsiness... View more
  • DULoxetine may cause liver damage, and taking it with alcohol may increase that risk. You should... View more
  • Using buPROPion with alcohol may increase the risk of uncommon side effects such as seizures... View more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

December 28, 1993

N/A

December 30, 1985

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

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

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