Effexor XR Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Effexor XR (venlafaxine)	Bupropion	Sertraline	Enter another drug to compare

Effexor XR (venlafaxine)

Bupropion

Sertraline

Prescription only

Prescribed for Autism, Major Depressive Disorder, Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Anxiety, Postpartum Depression, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Vulvodynia. Effexor XR may also be... View more

Prescription only

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

Sertraline is an effective antidepressant with less potential for drowsiness than other antidepressants. Headaches, nausea, diarrhea, weight loss, insomnia, tremors, and sexual dysfunction are the... View more

More about Effexor XR (venlafaxine)

More about Bupropion

More about Sertraline

Ratings & Reviews

Effexor XR has an average rating of 6.9 out of 10 from a total of 1012 ratings on Drugs.com. 60% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 23% reported a negative effect.

Bupropion has an average rating of 7.0 out of 10 from a total of 2899 ratings on Drugs.com. 60% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 20% reported a negative effect.

Sertraline has an average rating of 7.3 out of 10 from a total of 4563 ratings on Drugs.com. 64% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 18% reported a negative effect.

View all 1012 reviews

View all 2899 reviews

View all 4563 reviews

Side Effects Experienced by Users Side effects are reported in Drugs.com user reviews and not clinically verified.

Nausea (13.3%)
Anxiety (12.5%)
Dizziness (10.4%)
Withdrawal (10.2%)
Insomnia (7.5%)
Headaches (6.9%)
Sexual dysfunction (6.8%)

View all Effexor XR side effects

Anxiety (16.4%)
Insomnia (11.6%)
Headaches (7.2%)
Sexual dysfunction (6.2%)
Irritability (6.2%)
Depression (5.6%)
Loss of appetite (5.6%)

View all Bupropion side effects

Anxiety (17.9%)
Nausea (12.2%)
Insomnia (10.7%)
Headaches (7.7%)
Tiredness (7.2%)
Sexual dysfunction (6.9%)
Depression (6.7%)

View all Sertraline side effects

Drug Class

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Generic Availability

Lower cost generic approved

Lower cost generic

Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance

Quantity	30 capsule, extended release
Strength	75 mg
Per unit^*	$21.41
Cost^*	$642.15

View all Effexor XR prices

Quantity	30 each
Strength	150 mg/24 hours
Per unit^*	$1.44
Cost^*	$43.19

View all Bupropion prices

Quantity	50 each
Strength	100 mg
Per unit^*	$0.58
Cost^*	$28.98

View all Sertraline prices

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Dosage Forms

Oral capsule, extended release

Oral tablet
Oral tablet, extended release

Oral capsule
Oral concentrate
Oral tablet

Half Life Drug half-life is the time required for plasma concentration to reduce to half its original value.

4 hours

30 hours

66 hours

CSA Schedule ¹ View glossary of CSA 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.

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.

Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.

Drug Interactions

A total of 700 drugs are known to interact with Effexor XR:

152 major drug interactions (593 brand and generic names)
543 moderate drug interactions (2372 brand and generic names)
5 minor drug interactions (15 brand and generic names)

A total of 527 drugs are known to interact with Bupropion:

217 major drug interactions (949 brand and generic names)
305 moderate drug interactions (1377 brand and generic names)
5 minor drug interactions (16 brand and generic names)

A total of 673 drugs are known to interact with Sertraline:

157 major drug interactions (612 brand and generic names)
511 moderate drug interactions (2143 brand and generic names)
5 minor drug interactions (25 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions

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

Using buPROPion with alcohol may increase the risk of uncommon side effects such as seizures... View more

Using sertraline together with alcohol may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness... View more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

October 20, 1997

December 30, 1985

December 30, 1991

WADA Class View classifications

N/A

More Information

Patient Resources

Effexor XR uses

Bupropion uses

Sertraline uses

Professional Resources

Prescribing information

¹ 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

Effexor XR Alternatives Compared

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