Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Wellbutrin?What Is Zoloft?DosingWhich Is More Effective?Side EffectsPrecautionsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Wellbutrin?
What Is Zoloft?
Dosing
Which Is More Effective?
Side Effects
Precautions
Frequently Asked Questions
Mental health conditionscan be challenging and debilitating, and depending on the severity of the condition, they can upend a person’s ability to effectively go about their day or engage in healthy, productive relationships with others.
Fortunately, however, safe and effective prescription medication options exist for those with mental health conditions, such asmajor depressive disorder (MDD),seasonal affective disorder (SAD), orobsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Two examples includebupropion(brand-names Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR or generic bupropion) and andZoloft(sertraline).
Bupropion and Zoloft are orally administered, Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved prescription antidepressants used for the treatment of different forms ofdepression.
While similar, bupropion and Zoloft have several differences. For example, they’re used for different purposes (treating different conditions), carry different dosing guidelines, have different age requirements (depending on the condition being treated), and, in some cases, have differing side effects.
This article will provide an in-depth comparison of Wellbutrin SR, XL, and bupropion vs. Zoloft.
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Wellbutrin SR and XL contain the active ingredient bupropion. Bupropion is also available in generic form. It is classified as anorepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI).
Norepinephrine and dopamine are chemical messengers associated with mood and other functions in the brain.
The most common formulations and indications of bupropion include:
Bupropion is also available as:
Off-Label Uses
Sometimes, healthcare providers prescribe a medication for a use that the FDA did not originally approve the drug for. This is called off-label prescribing.
Bupropion is sometimes prescribed off-label for:
Zoloft, containing the active ingredient sertraline, is aselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
Zoloft is available in the following forms of administration:
Zoloft can be used to treat:
Additionally, there is a sertraline capsule available that is not associated with a brand name.
Sertraline capsules contain higher doses of the drug than the tablets do. They can be used to treat depression in adults or OCD in adults and children 6 and older when higher doses are required after using tablets in lower doses.
Examples of off-label uses of Zoloft include but are not limited to:
Dosing Comparison
Dosing for each medication is covered below. In general, the healthcare provider increases doses gradually, if needed.
When it’s time to stop taking an antidepressant, the healthcare professional will provide a tapering schedule so you can stop taking the medication slowly and safely and avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Wellbutrin Dosing
General bupropion dosing is as follows:
IR bupropion:
SR bupropion (Wellbutrin SR):
ER bupropion (Wellbutrin XL):
Those with kidney or liver problems may need a lower or less frequent dose.
Zoloft Dosing
General Zoloft dosing in adults is as follows:
For OCD, Zoloft dosing in children and adolescents is:
ANew England Journal of Medicinestudy evaluated people who tried the SSRICelexa (citalopram), which is in the same drug class as Zoloft, but who could not tolerate Celexa or found that Celexa did not work.
These people then switched to either Wellbutrin SR, Zoloft, or another antidepressant called.Effexor XR (venlafaxine). The study showed similar efficacy, side effects, and tolerability results whether they took Wellbutrin SR, Zoloft, or Effexor XR.
In a study on many clinical trials, bupropion and Zoloft were similarly effective.
Everyone has unique symptoms, medical conditions, and other factors that may affect how well a medication works or whether the medicine is appropriate to take. Remember, bupropion and Zoloft have some different uses, so your diagnosis plays a significant role in what medication is appropriate
Side Effects & Safety
Boxed Warning
Antidepressants cause an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and suicidal behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18 to 24).
If any changes in mood and behavior or suicidal thoughts occur, contact the healthcare provider immediately.
Allergic and Skin Reactions
In rare cases, an allergic or skin reaction may occur with either medication, which could be life-threatening.
If you have any of the following symptoms, get emergency medical help:
Wellbutrin Side Effects
Common bupropion side effects include but are not limited to:
Serious bupropion side effects may include but are not limited to:
Which Antidepressants Cause Weight Loss?
Zoloft Side Effects
Common Zoloft side effects include but are not limited to:
Serious Zoloft side effects may include but are not limited to:
Suicide Prevention HotlineIf you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
Suicide Prevention Hotline
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
Bupropion and Zoloft may not be safe for everyone, and each drug has a long list of contraindications (reasons a medication should not be taken due to safety concerns) and potential drug interactions to consider.
Before taking one of these medications, be sure to speak openly with your healthcare provider and inform them of the following:
This information will help your healthcare provider determine if one of these medications is safe and appropriate.
Summary
Because depression is so prevalent worldwide, antidepressant medications are commonly prescribed (often in combination with nondrug therapy). Bupropion and Zoloft are prescription antidepressants.
Although they have some common features, they have many differences, such as their uses, dosing guidelines, age requirements, and potential side effects.
It may take some trial and error to find the best medication for you based on dosage and efficacy.
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, talk to your healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked QuestionsBupropion or Zoloft should be stored at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F), away from direct light, heat, and moisture. Do not store it in the bathroom.Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Keep this medication, and all others, out of the sight and reach of children and pets.Bupropion can cause appetite and weight loss.Bupropion is one of two ingredients in the weight loss medication Contrave (bupropion/naltrexone). Zoloft can cause either a small weight gain or weight loss.When taking either antidepressant, some symptoms (such as sleep or energy) may improve within a week or two. However, it may take up to eight weeks to see the full benefit of antidepressant medication.
Bupropion or Zoloft should be stored at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F), away from direct light, heat, and moisture. Do not store it in the bathroom.Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Keep this medication, and all others, out of the sight and reach of children and pets.
Bupropion or Zoloft should be stored at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F), away from direct light, heat, and moisture. Do not store it in the bathroom.
Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Keep this medication, and all others, out of the sight and reach of children and pets.
Bupropion can cause appetite and weight loss.Bupropion is one of two ingredients in the weight loss medication Contrave (bupropion/naltrexone). Zoloft can cause either a small weight gain or weight loss.
When taking either antidepressant, some symptoms (such as sleep or energy) may improve within a week or two. However, it may take up to eight weeks to see the full benefit of antidepressant medication.
25 Sources
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