Bupropion Alternatives Compared - Drugs.com (2024)

Prescription only

Bupropion may be used in the treatment of depression or as an aid to smoking cessation; however, side effects may include insomnia, neuropsychiatric adverse events, or seizures. It carries a black...View more

Prescription only

Prescribed for ADHD. Azstarys may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Prescription only

Adderall is a combination of four different amphetamine salts and may be used to improve attention, focus, or reduce impulsive behaviors in children over the age of 3 and adults with ADHD. It can...View more

Related suggestions

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

  • Vyvanse
  • Strattera
  • Adderall XR
  • Concerta
  • Methylphenidate
  • Dexmethylphenidate / serdexmethylphenidate

Popular comparisons

  • Bupropion vs alprazolam
  • Bupropion vs buspirone
  • Bupropion vs Abilify
  • Bupropion vs Ativan
  • Bupropion vs buprenorphine
  • Bupropion vs Auvelity
More aboutBupropionMore aboutAzstarys(dexmethylphenidate / serdexmethylphenidate)More aboutAdderall(amphetamine / dextroamphetamine)Generic Status

Lower-cost generic is available

No lower-cost generic available

Lower-cost generic is available

Ratings & Reviews

Bupropion has an average rating of7.0 out of 10 from a total of2854 ratings on Drugs.com.61% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 20% reported a negative effect.

Azstarys has an average rating of7.7 out of 10 from a total of31 ratings on Drugs.com.72% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 17% reported a negative effect.

Adderall has an average rating of7.4 out of 10 from a total of492 ratings on Drugs.com.66% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 17% reported a negative effect.

View all 2854 reviews

View all 31 reviews

View all 492 reviews

Drug Class
  • Miscellaneous antidepressants
  • Smoking cessation agents
  • CNS stimulants
  • CNS stimulants
Side Effects

See also: bupropion side effects in more detail.

See also: Azstarys side effects in more detail.

See also: Adderall side effects in more detail.

Pricing and Coupons* Prices are without insurance
Quantity30 each
Dosage150 mg/24 hours
Per Unit*$1.51
Cost*$45.27

View all bupropion prices

Quantity100 capsule
Dosage5.2 mg-26.1 mg
Per Unit*$14.79
Cost*$1,478.71

View all Azstarys prices

Quantity100 tablet
Dosage5 mg
Per Unit*$11.39
Cost*$1,138.63

View all Adderall prices and generic prices

Get free Discount Card

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Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet, extended release
  • Oral capsule
  • Oral tablet
Brand NamesAplenzin, Budeprion, Budeprion SR, Forfivo XL, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL

N/A

Other amphetamine / dextroamphetamine brands include: Adderall XR, MydayisHalf LifeThe half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

30 hours

11.7 hours

34 hours

CSA Schedule **View glossary of terms

N

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

2

High potential for abuse

Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

2

High potential for abuse

Has a high potential for abuse. Has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

Pregnancy Category

C

Category CRisk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.

Summary unavailable.

See the full pregnancy warnings document.

C

Category CRisk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.

Drug Interactions

A total of 497 drugs are known to interact with bupropion:

  • 218 major drug interactions (952 brand and generic names)
  • 274 moderate drug interactions (1270 brand and generic names)
  • 5 minor drug interactions (16 brand and generic names)

A total of 198 drugs are known to interact with Azstarys:

  • 19 major drug interactions (90 brand and generic names)
  • 169 moderate drug interactions (728 brand and generic names)
  • 10 minor drug interactions (29 brand and generic names)

A total of 201 drugs are known to interact with Adderall:

  • 37 major drug interactions (140 brand and generic names)
  • 156 moderate drug interactions (822 brand and generic names)
  • 8 minor drug interactions (28 brand and generic names)
Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Using buPROPion with alcohol may increase the risk of uncommon side effects such as seizures...View more

No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

  • Using amphetamine together with alcohol can increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects such...View more

Disease Interactions
  • Suicidality
  • Seizure disorders
  • Angle closure glaucoma
  • Liver disease
  • Mixed/manic episode
  • Renal dysfunction
  • Weight loss
  • Agitation
  • Cardiac disease
  • Glaucoma
  • Hypertension
  • Psychiatric disorders
  • Substance abuse
  • Tics
  • Hypertension
  • Seizures disorders
  • Liver disease
  • Renal dysfunction
  • Seizure disorders
  • Hematologic toxicity
  • Cardiovascular
  • Glaucoma
  • Agitation
  • Cardiac disease
  • Glaucoma
  • Hypertension
  • Psychiatric disorders
  • Substance abuse
  • Tics
  • Liver disease
  • Renal dysfunction
  • Seizure disorders
  • Diabetics
First Approval Date

December 30, 1985

March 02, 2021

January 19, 1960

WADA ClassView World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

N/A

More Information
  • Side effects
  • Pregnancy warnings
  • Breastfeeding warnings
  • Dosage information
  • Drug images
  • Drug interactions
  • Support group
  • Pricing and coupons
  • Side effects
  • Pregnancy warnings
  • Dosage information
  • Drug images
  • Drug interactions
  • Support group
  • Pricing and coupons
  • En Español
  • Side effects
  • Pregnancy warnings
  • Dosage information
  • Drug images
  • Drug interactions
  • Support group
  • Pricing and coupons
  • En Español
Patient resources
  • Bupropion uses
  • Azstarys uses
  • Adderall uses
Professional Resources
  • Monograph (AHFS)
  • Prescribing information
  • Prescribing information
  • Prescribing information
Related Treatment Guide
  • ADHD
  • Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight)
  • Major Depressive Disorder
  • Anxiety
  • Borderline Personality Disorder
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Depression
  • Smoking Cessation
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder
  • Migraine Prevention
  • Panic Disorder
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder
  • Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
  • Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
  • Sexual Dysfunction - SSRI Induced
  • show all
  • ADHD
  • ADHD
  • Narcolepsy
Bupropion Alternatives Compared - Drugs.com (2024)

FAQs

What is a good replacement for bupropion? ›

Other alternatives to Wellbutrin
  • Abilify (aripiprazole)
  • Amitriptyline HCl.
  • Anafranil (clomipramine)
  • Celexa (citalopram)
  • Eldepryl (selegiline)
  • Nardil (phenelzine)
  • Norpramin (desipramine)
  • Pamelor (nortriptyline)
Oct 3, 2023

Why do doctors not prescribe bupropion? ›

Bupropion is well known as a dopamine transporter inhibitor but is not frequently prescribed for treating depression despite its good tolerability probably due to the risk of increasing anxiety and insomnia [15] .

What is the new antidepressant like Wellbutrin? ›

The bottom line

Auvelity is usually taken twice a day and Wellbutrin XL is taken once a day. Both medications are effective at treating depression symptoms, but Auvelity may work more quickly than Wellbutrin XL. Some common side effects of both medications include nausea, headaches, and trouble sleeping.

Why avoid bupropion? ›

Bupropion may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies, or to become more depressed.

What is the closest drug to bupropion? ›

Because of a similar mechanism of action, the most appropriate alternatives for BUP XL could be mirtazapine, agomelatine, aripiprazole, and quetiapine, although clinical trials are needed to confirm these alternatives.

What is the new drug with bupropion? ›

A fixed-dose, extended-release combination of dextromethorphan and bupropion (Auvelity), an antagonist of NMDA receptors and an agonist at sigma-1 receptors, was approved by the FDA in 2022 for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults [16].

Why was bupropion discontinued? ›

The decision is based on an FDA study that found that the extended release (XL) form of bupropion—Budeprion XL—at the 300 milligram (mg) dose was not bioequivalent to brand-name Wellbutrin XL at the same dose, suggesting that it may not be as safe and effective.

What is the Wellbutrin controversy? ›

The risk of seizures increases, in part, with higher-than-recommended doses. Additionally, the energy-boosting effect can make some people feel more anxious, Gold said. Like other approved antidepressants, Wellbutrin also carries a serious FDA warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions.

Who should avoid Wellbutrin? ›

You should not take Wellbutrin if you are allergic to bupropion, or if you have: a seizure disorder; an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia; or. if you have suddenly stopped using alcohol, seizure medications, or a sedative (such as Xanax, Valium, Fiorinal, Klonopin, and others).

What is the world's number one antidepressant? ›

Zoloft (sertraline): Zoloft is highly effective, although some people find that it is more likely than other SSRIs to cause diarrhea. Zoloft is the most common depression medication; nearly 17% of those surveyed in the 2017 antidepressant use study reported that they had taken this medication.

What is the best antidepressant with the least side effects? ›

Which SSRI antidepressants have the least side effects?
  1. Celexa. Overall, Celexa seems to be one of the best-tolerated SSRIs for many people. ...
  2. Lexapro. Lexapro is closely related to Celexa. ...
  3. Prozac. Prozac causes less weight gain than other SSRIs. ...
  4. Zoloft.
Mar 15, 2023

What is the new antidepressant for 2024? ›

Exxua was approved in 2023 and will be available to the public in 2024. This new antidepressant introduces a unique mechanism of action in contrast to most antidepressants. Instead of blocking the reuptake of serotonin, gepirone acts as a serotonin receptor agonist, specifically stimulating serotonin receptors.

What is bad about Wellbutrin? ›

Common Wellbutrin side effects include tremors, agitation, and dry mouth. Sexual side effects and weight gain are less likely with Wellbutrin compared to other antidepressants. Although uncommon, serious Wellbutrin side effects are possible. These can include seizures and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Why does Wellbutrin cause anger? ›

Anger is a possible side effect of Wellbutrin. It can happen if you try to stop smoking while taking the drug, and may be caused by nicotine withdrawal. And some people report severe mental health changes when stopping smoking while taking Wellbutrin.

Is bupropion bad for your heart? ›

Bupropion hydrochloride can increase blood pressure,12 and the package label includes precautions about hypertension. However, clinical trials of bupropion in smokers with CVD have not identified an increased incidence of CV AEs.

What is a natural substitute for Wellbutrin? ›

Natural remedies for depression: Are they effective?
  • St. John's wort. ...
  • SAMe. This dietary supplement is a synthetic form of a chemical that occurs naturally in the body. ...
  • Omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are found in cold-water fish, flaxseed, flax oil, walnuts and some other foods. ...
  • Saffron. ...
  • 5-HTP. ...
  • DHEA.

Which is better buspirone or bupropion? ›

Which is better: buspirone or bupropion? These medications are in different drug classes and treat different conditions. Buspirone is better for anxiety, while bupropion is better for treating depression or smoking cessation.

What is the best antidepressant for motivation? ›

Compare antidepressants
Compare antidepressants
Best antidepressant for anxietyLexapro (escitalopram)
Best antidepressant for anxiety and depressionEffexor (venlafaxine)
Best antidepressant for energy and motivationWellbutrin (bupropion)
Best antidepressant for menElavil (amitriptyline)
12 more rows
Jan 20, 2022

What to try if Wellbutrin doesn't work? ›

If medications and psychotherapy aren't working, you may want to talk to a psychiatrist about additional treatment options:
  • Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). ...
  • Ketamine is a medication that's delivered through an IV in low doses. ...
  • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). ...
  • Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).

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