Are they prescribed for different medical conditions? Do the pills contain different chemicals? Which of them causes the least side effects?
What is difference between Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, and XL?
Question posted by Mariposa46 on 7 Aug 2009
Last updated on 25 March 2012 by wd bakheet
4 Answers
Official Answer by Drugs.com
9 Aug 2009
All Wellbutrin formulations contain the same active ingredient, bupropion.
In general, the longer acting formulations should have fewer side effects due to more controlled levels of the drug in the bloodstream.
Wellbutrin - 75 mg and 100 mg immediate release tablets usually taken three times daily for the treatment of major depressive disorder.
The most common side effects reported in clinical trials* were: agitation (32%), dry mouth (28%), constipation (26%), headache/migraine (26%), nausea/vomiting (23%), dizziness (22%), excessive sweating (22%), tremor (21%), insomnia (19%), blurred vision (15%), tachycardia (11%), confusion (8%), rash (8%), hostility (6%), cardiac arrhythmias (5%), auditory disturbance (5%).
Wellbutrin 75 mg and 100 mg tablets have been discontinued. Generics equivalents are available.
Wellbutrin SR - 100 mg, 150 mg and 200 mg sustained-release tablets usually taken twice daily for the treatment of major depressive disorder.
The most common side effects reported in clinical trials* were: headache (26%), dry mouth (17%), nausea (13%), insomnia (11%), dizziness (7%), pharyngitis (3%), constipation (10%), agitation (3%), anxiety (5%), abdominal pain (3%), tinnitus (6%), tremor (6%), palpitation (2%), myalgia (2%), sweating (6%), rash (5%), and anorexia (5%).
Wellbutrin XL - 150 mg and 300 mg extended-release tablets usually taken once daily for the treatment of major depressive disorder and prevention of seasonal affective disorder.
The most common side effects reported in clinical trials* were: dry mouth (7%), nausea (13%), insomnia (11%), dizziness (7%), pharyngitis (3%), abdominal pain (3%), agitation (3%), anxiety (5%), tremor (6%), palpitation (2%), sweating (6%), tinnitus (6%), myalgia (2%), anorexia (5%), urinary frequency (2%), rash (5%).
wd bakheet
25 March 2012
Both products contain the same active ingredient bupropion. Wellbutrin SR (Sustained Released) is formulated to release slowly from the tablet and is taken twice daily. Wellbutrin XL (Extended Release) has a slower release over 24 hours and is taken once daily.
questing
10 May 2011
I started with wellbutrin100 mg., It did not make a diffrence, than the doctor increased the dosage gradually untill finally the medication that worked for me was the Wellbutrin XL. it has had no side effects, and I am content to use this drug, for the time being.
outsidesue
30 May 2011
How much of Wellbutrin XL are you taking? I am on 150 mg and not sure if it is working.
Inactive
17 Feb 2010
You should also note that there can be come confusion between the SR and XL generics, so be certain to double check with your pharmacist that you have the right one (once a day or twice a day) when you fill it for the first time or change generics.
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wellbutrin, wellbutrin sr, side effect
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