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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Mental health conditions can be challenging and debilitating, and depending on the severity of the condition, they can upend a person's ability to effectively go about their day or engage in healthy, productive relationships with others. Fortunately, however, safe and effective prescription medication options exist for those with mental health conditions, such as major depressive disorder (MDD), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Two examples include bupropion (brand-names Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR or generic bupropion) and and Zoloft (sertraline). Bupropion and Zoloft are orally administered, Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved prescription antidepressants used for the treatment of different forms of depression. While similar, bupropion and Zoloft have several differences. For example, they're used for different purposes (treating different conditions), carry different dosing guidelines, have different age requirements (depending on the condition being treated), and, in some cases, have differing side effects. This article will provide an in-depth comparison of Wellbutrin SR, XL, and bupropion vs. Zoloft. Getty Images / Bloomberg / Contributor Wellbutrin SR and XL contain the active ingredient bupropion. Bupropion is also available in generic form. It is classified as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). Bupropion works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Norepinephrine and dopamine are chemical messengers associated with mood and other functions in the brain. The most common formulations and indications of bupropion include: Bupropion, a generic immediate-release (IR) tablet that treats depression in adults (there is no brand name product available)Bupropion sustained-release (SR), a 12-hour SR formulation that treats depression in adults (brand-name Wellbutrin SR)Bupropion extended-release (ER), a 24-hour ER formulation that treats depression and prevents SAD in adults (brand-name Wellbutrin XL). SAD is a type of depression that occurs seasonally and lasts about four to five months yearly. Bupropion is also available as:A generic sustained-release formulation, formerly sold under the brand name Zyban, that is used to help people stop smoking (smoking cessation)Forfivo XL, an ER high dose of bupropion hydrochloride that treats depressionAplenzin, an ER bupropion hydrobromide that treats depression and prevents seasonal affective disorder Off-Label Uses Sometimes, healthcare providers prescribe a medication for a use that the FDA did not originally approve the drug for. This is called off-label prescribing. Bupropion is sometimes prescribed off-label for:Sexual problems associated with antidepressant medication useAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and childrenDepression associated with bipolar disorderHaving obesity What Is Zoloft? Zoloft, containing the active ingredient sertraline, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Zoloft works by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical messenger associated with mood, memory, and many other behaviors. Zoloft is available in the following forms of administration: TabletSolution (liquid) Zoloft can be used to treat:MDD (a serious mood
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