While similar, bupropion and Zoloft have several differences.
This article will provide an in-depth comparison of Wellbutrin SR, XL, and bupropion vs. Zoloft.
Getty Images /Bloomberg/ Contributor
What Is Wellbutrin?
Getty Images /Bloomberg/ Contributor
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).
Bupropion works by increasing levels ofnorepinephrineanddopaminein the brain.
Norepinephrine and dopamine are chemical messengers associated with mood and other functions in the brain.
This is called off-label prescribing.
Bupropion is sometimes prescribed off-label for:
What Is Zoloft?
Zoloft, containing the active ingredient sertraline, is aselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
Sertraline capsules contain higher doses of the drug than the tablets do.
In general, the healthcare provider increases doses gradually, if needed.
These people then switched to either Wellbutrin SR, Zoloft, or another antidepressant called.Effexor XR (venlafaxine).
In a study on many clinical trials, bupropion and Zoloft were similarly effective.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
Bupropion and Zoloft are prescription antidepressants.
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.
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.
Zoloft can cause either a small weight gain or weight loss.
However, it may take up to eight weeks to see the full benefit of antidepressant medication.
DailyMed.Label: Wellbutrin SR- bupropion hydrochloride tablet, film coated.
DailyMed.Label: Zoloft- sertraline hydrochloride tablet, film coated.
Ranjbar-Slamloo Y, Fazlali Z.Dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain; overlapping or dissociate functions?Front Mol Neurosci.
2020;12:334. doi: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00334
Prescribers Digital Reference.Wellbutrin.
National Institute of Mental Health.Seasonal affective disorder.
DailyMed.Label: Forfivo XL- bupropion hydrochloride tablet, film coated, extended release.
DailyMed.Label: Aplenzin- bupropion hydrobromide tablet, extended release.
Clayton AH, Kingsberg SA, Goldstein I.Evaluation and management of hypoactive sexual desire disorder.Sex Med.
2016;95(13):e3165.
2001;9(9):544-551. doi:10.1038/oby.2001.71
MedlinePlus.Sertraline.
Berger M, Gray JA, Roth BL.The expanded biology of serotonin.Annu Rev Med.
2009;60:355-366. doi:10.1146/annurev.med.60.042307.110802
Prescribers Digital Reference.Zoloft.
DailyMed.Label: sertraline HCL- sertraline hydrochloride capsule.
2019;98(23):e15989.
doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000015989
Mahase E.Sertraline is better at reducing anxiety than depressive symptoms.BMJ.
2019;366:l5655.
DailyMed.Label: bupropion hydrochloride tablet.
DailyMed.Label: Wellbutrin XL - bupropion hydrochloride tablet, extended-release.
2016;6(2):99-144. doi:10.1177/2045125316629071
National Alliance on Mental Illness.Sertraline (Zoloft).
National Alliance on Mental Illness.Bupropion (Wellbutrin).
