Compare Wellbutrin vs. Zoloft
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.
Zoloft (sertraline) is good for treating depression and anxiety, but it can interact with many medicines.
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3.5/ 5 average rating with 1472 reviewsforZoloft
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.
- One of the more effective and better tolerated antidepressants in its class.
- Causes less sleepiness than other antidepressants.
- Available as a generic, which is cheaper.
- Best choice among antidepressants if you are pregnant.
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.
- Takes at least 1 to 2 weeks to kick in and can take up to 12 weeks for maximum effect.
- Can cause low sex drive, an inability to orgasm or ejaculate, and minor weight gain (1 to 5 pounds).
- Is more likely to cause diarrhea compared to other antidepressants.
- Interacts with lots of other medicines.
- You may need to try out several different antidepressants before you find the one that works for you.
Used for
- Depression
- Seasonal affective disorder prevention
- Smoking cessation
- Bipolar disorder
- Sexual dysfunction from taking SSRI antidepressant
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Social anxiety disorder
- Anxiety
- Bulimia nervosa
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$6.95
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$6.52
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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 review1472 reviews so far
59%
saidit'sworth it
41%
saiditworked well
15%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Zoloft (sertraline)?
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%
15possible side effects
- Nausea26%
- Diarrhea18%
- Dry mouth16%
- Difficulty sleeping16%
- Drowsiness13%
- Dizziness12%
- Tremor11%
- Fatigue11%
- More sweating8%
- Constipation8%
- Ejaculation failure7%
- Upset stomach6%
- Agitation6%
- Loss of appetite3%
- Stomach pain2%
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 other medicines that affect serotonin levels
- Mania
- Personal history of bipolar disorder
- Family history for bipolar disorder
- Withdrawal
- Stopping Zoloft (sertraline) suddenly
- Increased bleeding
- Taking blood thinners
- Low sodium levels in the blood
- Older people
- Taking diuretic medicines