Compare Lyrica vs. Wellbutrin
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats pain caused by nerve damage and prevents seizures.
Lyrica (pregabalin) is first-choice treatment for nerve pain, but may be expensive since it is available as brand name only.
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3.3/ 5 average rating with 66 reviewsforLyrica
Improves mood.
Wellbutrin (Bupropion) is good for treating depression and has fewer sexual side effects than other antidepressants, but you need to be okay with avoiding alcohol.
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3.4/ 5 average rating with 1164 reviewsforWellbutrin
Upsides
- Unlike other pain relievers, it is very effective at treating and preventing nerve damage caused by diabetes, shingles, fibromyalgial, and spinal cord injuries.
- It is less habit forming than narcotics.
- It can also be used in combination with other anti-seizure medicines to treat epilepsy.
- Effective at relieving depression symptoms.
- Causes fewer sexual side effects than other antidepressants. Can actually boost sex drive for some people.
- Can be taken with other antidepressants to counteract their sexual side effects.
- Has some stimulant effects, so it can be energizing.
- Can help with ADHD symptoms.
- Also used to suppress appetite and help you quit smoking.
- Six out of ten people who use an antidepressant for the first time find that it works for them.
Downsides
- Likely expensive since it is not available in generic versions.
- Has a higher risk than other pain medicines to affect your heart rate or rhythm.
- Requires adjustment in dose if you have lower kidney function.
- Higher doses can cause drowsiness so you will have to divide the dose and take it throughout the day.
- Wellbutrin (Bupropion) can be stimulating, so it can cause anxiety or insomnia the first few days you're taking it.
- Generally not as good as other antidepressants for people who have anxiety.
- It's less likely to cause weight gain than other antidepressants.
- Has a higher risk of causing seizures, especially if you have a seizure disorder, eating disorder, or if you drink alcohol. So, it's not a good medication if you drink a lot.
- It contains the same ingredient as a medication that helps you to stop smoking, (Zyban), so these two meds can't be used together.
- Like most antidepressants, it can cause a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior for people younger than 24.
- The first antidepressant you try doesn't always work or it can cause side effects you really don't like. You might need to try a few different medications until you find one that works for you.
Used for
- Nerve pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Seizures
- Anxiety
- Restless leg syndrome
- Depression
- Seasonal affective disorder prevention
- Smoking cessation
- Bipolar disorder
- Sexual dysfunction from taking SSRI antidepressant
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Pill
- Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$438.33
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$16.42
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Reviews
66 reviews so far
47%
saidit'sworth it
42%
saiditworked well
32%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Lyrica (pregabalin)?
Leave a review1164 reviews so far
60%
saidit'sworth it
40%
saiditworked well
13%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Wellbutrin (Bupropion)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
28possible side effects
- Dizziness23%
- Drowsiness13%
- Headache11%
- Blurry vision8%
- Weight gain8%
- Dry mouth7%
- Fatigue5%
- Swelling of the hands and feet5%
- Constipation4%
- Sinus infection4%
- Increased appetite4%
- Joint pain4%
- Loss of focus4%
- Feeling off balance2%
- Vomiting2%
- Abdominal distension2%
- Chest pain2%
- Fluid retention2%
- Muscle spasms2%
- Back pain2%
- Balance disorder2%
- Abnormal coordination2%
- Partial loss of sensitivity to touch2%
- Lethargy2%
- Intense feeling of happiness2%
- Anxiety2%
- Depression2%
- Sore throat2%
29possible side effects
- Agitation32%
- Dry mouth28%
- Constipation26%
- Headache/migraine26%
- Nausea/vomiting23%
- Dizziness22%
- Excessive sweating22%
- Tremor21%
- Sleepiness20%
- Insomnia19%
- Blurred vision15%
- Tachycardia11%
- Confusion8%
- Rash8%
- Hostility6%
- Auditory disturbance5%
- Menstrual complaints5%
- Cardiac arrhythmias5%
- Impaired sleep quality4%
- Sensory disturbance4%
- Appetite increase4%
- Palpitations4%
- Hypertension4%
- Impotence3%
- Anxiety3%
- Decreased libido3%
- Gustatory disturbance3%
- Dyspepsia3%
- Hypotension3%
Risks and risk factors
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Starting Lyrica (pregabalin) or changing doses
- Driving impairment
- Taking Lyrica (pregabalin) with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you drowsy
- Giant hives (angioedema)
- History of unusual swelling (angioedema)
- Taking other medications (ie. lisinopril) that can cause angioedema
- Heart problems
- History of cardiovascular disease
- Swelling of the hands and feet
- Taking with certain diabetes medications
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Stopping Lyrica (pregabalin) suddenly
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Age 24 years or younger
- Psychiatric effects for smoking cessation
- History of depression
- History of bipolar disorder
- At risk for bipolar disorder
- Withdrawing from nicotine
- Seizures
- History of seizures
- Alcoholism
- Eating disorder
- Higher dose
- Drug interactions
- Mania
- History of bipolar disorder
- At risk for bipolar disorder
- Increased side effects
- Current kidney problems
- Current liver problems
- Weight loss