Compare Wellbutrin vs. Effexor
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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
Improves mood and helps you relax.
Effexor (venlafaxine) is good for treating depression and anxiety, but it can cause more withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly compared to other antidepressants.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 577 reviewsforEffexor
Upsides
- 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.
- Effexor (venlafaxine) effectively treats depression, anxiety, and panic disorder.
- Effexor (venlafaxine) causes more sleepiness than other antidepressants, so it's beneficial for people who have trouble sleeping.
- Effexor (venlafaxine) might work when other antidepressants haven't worked since it affects two chemicals in the brain that impact your mood.
- Effexor (venlafaxine) has several uses, which may be good for people with multiple conditions.
- Effexor (venlafaxine) is available in generic, which is cheaper.
Downsides
- 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.
- Effexor (venlafaxine) can cause side effects such as decreased libido and increased blood pressure.
- Like most antidepressants, it can cause a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior for people aged 24 years or younger.
- Compared to other antidepressants, it's more likely to cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it and can causes more sleepiness.
Used for
- Depression
- Seasonal affective disorder prevention
- Smoking cessation
- Bipolar disorder
- Sexual dysfunction from taking SSRI antidepressant
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Pill
- Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$16.42
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$11.43
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Reviews
1164 reviews so far
60%
saidit'sworth it
40%
saiditworked well
13%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Wellbutrin (Bupropion)?
Leave a review577 reviews so far
62%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
23%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Effexor (venlafaxine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
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%
39possible side effects
- Nausea37%
- Headache25%
- Drowsiness23%
- Dry mouth22%
- Dizziness19%
- Difficulty sleeping18%
- Constipation15%
- Nervousness13%
- Weakness12%
- Sweating12%
- Abnormal ejaculation/orgasm12%
- Loss of appetite11%
- Diarrhea8%
- Infection6%
- Vomiting6%
- Anxiety6%
- Blurred vision6%
- Impotence6%
- Indigestion5%
- Tremor5%
- Abnormal dreams4%
- Chills3%
- Rash3%
- Gas3%
- Stiff muscles3%
- Prickling/burning sensation3%
- Yawn3%
- Increased urination3%
- Chest pain2%
- Trauma2%
- Increased blood pressure2%
- Increased heart rate2%
- Decreased libido2%
- Agitation2%
- Confusion2%
- Thinking abnormal2%
- Changes in taste2%
- Ringing in the ears2%
- Dilation of pupils2%
Risks and risk factors
- 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
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Age 24 years or younger
- Serotonin syndrome
- Taking tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, tramadol, fentanyl, amphetamines, certain headache medications (triptans), St. John's Wort
- Withdrawal
- Stopping Effexor (venlafaxine) suddenly
- Increased bleeding
- Taking other blood-thinning drugs (including aspirin, NSAIDs such as Advil, warfarin)
- Increased blood pressure
- Bipolar disorder
- History of bipolar disorder
- At risk for bipolar disorder