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Comparing Venlafaxine vs Wellbutrin

Venlafaxine

Wellbutrin

bupropion

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

Wellbutrin is effective in the treatment of depression; however, approximately 10% of people who take it discontinue it because of side effects (such as confusion, agitation, nausea, and vomiting).... more

Prescription only

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

Recent helpful reviews
6.8
1579 Reviews

For Depression I just started taking it within the last few days, and I have been so nauseated since then. My head feels a little cloudy, too. I'm really hoping those side effects go away soon.

7
Danielle34

For Depression Well. I started on 75mg a day of venzip XL. They elevated my depression hole I was in. My brain did feel doped up for the 1st week, had headaches and took a couple of hours each night to get to sleep. So I decided to stop taking them. I had the best 2 nights sleep after that I have ever had. Just got my National Nealth Service CBT therapy session a week into taking tablets and she suggested taking 1 every other day. So only 2 weeks into my tablets they are stabilising. Not as much headaches, not feeling too doped up and still can't fall asleep though I'm waiting for an appointment to see my gp for a follow up on them. Having problem trying to see same doctor as he's a fill in. Hope my suggestion help other. All I say is stick at them Start on a very low dosage and increase amount slowly. Best of luck.

7
Adrienne
7.1
441 Reviews

For Depression Recently I retired from public safety. I should have been happy and content to have a lot of free time. My friends all said I looked rested and better than I had in years. What they did not know is how depressed I was and how much I missed the work and my work friends. Reluctantly my doctor prescribed Bupropion HCL 150 mg for seven days then 300 mg daily in the AM. After the first day, I was already feeling better. I just finished the first two weeks and I'm feeling so much better. Occasionally I still have negative thoughts. Side effects include anxiety and an elevated BP. I'm happy with the results and believe the medication has taken me away from the edge. I will post updates periodically.

7
ChiefChuck

For Depression I love this medicine when I'm awake but it gives me the most lucid crazy dreams at night. When I wake up and try to go back to sleep my mind is crazy , thinking crazy scenarios. I wish I could take it for depression and smoking but the night time effect aren't worth it. So disappointed.

7
Anonymous

View all 1579 reviews

View all 441 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

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.

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

See the full Wellbutrin side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance
Quantity 100 each
Dosage 150 mg
Per Unit* $0.38 - $2.83
Cost* $38.25 - $283.05
View all venlafaxine prices
Quantity 30 tablet
Dosage 75 mg
Per Unit* $2.89
Cost* $86.62
View generic prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Yes

Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Oral capsule, extended release
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet, extended release
  • Oral tablet

Brand Names
Effexor, and Effexor XR Other bupropion brands include: Aplenzin, Budeprion, Budeprion SR, Budeprion XL, Buproban, Forfivo XL, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin... more

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

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.

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.

FDA Alerts

FDA Alerts (5)

FDA Alerts (5)

Drug Interactions

A total of 1135 drugs are known to interact with venlafaxine:

  • 267 major drug interactions (1832 brand and generic names)
  • 858 moderate drug interactions (4899 brand and generic names)
  • 10 minor drug interactions (50 brand and generic names)

A total of 787 drugs are known to interact with Wellbutrin:

  • 392 major drug interactions (2059 brand and generic names)
  • 389 moderate drug interactions (2655 brand and generic names)
  • 6 minor drug interactions (19 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of venlafaxine such as dizziness, drowsiness,... more
  • Using buPROPion with alcohol may increase the risk of uncommon side effects such as seizures,... more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

December 28, 1993

December 30, 1985

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

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