Wellbutrin vs. Viibryd

See how Wellbutrin and Viibryd compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Wellbutrin boosts norepinephrine and dopamine, while Viibryd combines serotonin reuptake inhibition with partial receptor activation, so the two work through different brain chemistry.

  • Wellbutrin causes little sexual dysfunction or weight gain, while Viibryd commonly causes diarrhea and nausea, especially in the first few weeks of treatment.

  • Both carry a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts in young people, but Wellbutrin also carries a dose-related seizure risk that Viibryd's label does not include.

Wellbutrin vs. Viibryd Drug Summary

Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an aminoketone antidepressant that works on norepinephrine and dopamine instead of serotonin. It is FDA-approved for major depressive disorder and taken as an oral tablet, usually two or three times a day depending on the dose.

Viibryd

Viibryd (vilazodone) is a serotonin partial agonist and reuptake inhibitor, or SPARI, approved for major depressive disorder in adults. It is taken once daily with food, since absorption drops significantly without it.

Wellbutrin vs. Viibryd Side Effects

Wellbutrin

Most common
Dry mouth (not stated)
Insomnia (not stated)
Dizziness (not stated)
Nausea/vomiting (not stated)

Viibryd

Most common
Dry mouth (up to 5%)
Insomnia (6% to 7%)
Dizziness (up to 5%)
Nausea (up to 23%)

Wellbutrin vs. Viibryd Dosage

Wellbutrin

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 200 mg/day (100 mg BID) Days 1-3
Maximum dose 450 mg/day (150 mg TID) If needed
Dose changes 2 increases Every 3 days

Viibryd

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 10 mg once daily Days 1-7
Maximum dose 40 mg once daily Day 15 onward
Dose changes 2 increases Every 7 days

Wellbutrin vs. Viibryd Indications

Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder in adults. Prescribers also use it off-label for ADHD, as an add-on for bipolar depression, to counter sexual side effects from other antidepressants, and for weight management.

  • Major depressive disorder (FDA-approved)

  • ADHD in adults and children (off-label)

  • Bipolar depression, as an add-on treatment (off-label)

Viibryd

Viibryd is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder in adults only. It is not approved for children or teens with depression, and its label does not describe the range of off-label uses seen with Wellbutrin.

  • Major depressive disorder in adults (FDA-approved)

  • Not approved for pediatric depression

  • Taken once daily with food for proper absorption

Wellbutrin vs. Viibryd Pros and Cons

Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin works differently from most antidepressants, targeting norepinephrine and dopamine instead of serotonin. This gives it an edge for people bothered by SSRI-related sexual side effects or weight gain, but its seizure risk rules it out for some patients.

Pros

  • Low rates of sexual dysfunction and weight gain compared to SSRIs

  • Non-sedating; may improve energy and concentration

  • Also sold as Zyban for smoking cessation under a different brand

  • Widely used off-label for ADHD and treatment-resistant depression

Cons

  • Dose-related seizure risk; avoid with seizure or eating disorder history

  • Cannot be combined with MAOIs due to hypertensive reaction risk

  • Can trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder

  • Not approved for anxiety disorders, a common depression comorbidity

Viibryd

Viibryd blends serotonin reuptake inhibition with a partial receptor-boosting effect, a mechanism different from typical SSRIs. It is taken once daily with food, but gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea and nausea are common, especially early in treatment.

Pros

  • Taken once daily, compared to Wellbutrin's two or three doses

  • Distinct SPARI mechanism may help when SSRIs have not worked

  • No seizure warning on its label

  • No contraindication tied to eating disorder history

Cons

  • High rate of diarrhea and nausea, especially at the start

  • Must be taken with food or absorption drops significantly

  • Risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs

  • May cause sexual dysfunction, common with serotonergic antidepressants

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