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
Viibryd
Wellbutrin vs. Viibryd Dosage
Wellbutrin
Viibryd
| 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 |
| 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
| 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
| 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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