Wellbutrin vs Elavil: side-by-side comparison
Wellbutrin (Bupropion) and Elavil (Amitriptyline) both belong to the Antidépresseurs class. They share clinical context but use different active ingredients. The choice between them depends on mechanism nuances, side-effect profile and individual response.
| Property | Wellbutrin | Elavil |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Bupropion | Amitriptyline |
| Manufacturer | GlaxoSmithKline | Various generics |
| Class | Antidépresseurs | Antidépresseurs |
| Strengths | 75mg, 100mg, 150mg, 300mg | 10mg, 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg |
| Forms | tablet | tablet |
What's the same
Wellbutrin and Elavil both belong to the Antidépresseurs class and are used for partially overlapping indications. The active ingredients — Bupropion vs Amitriptyline — share the same therapeutic approach, so many safety and management points carry across both.
Key differences
Meaningful differences are in active ingredient (Bupropion vs Amitriptyline), strengths (75mg, 100mg, 150mg, 300mg vs 10mg, 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg), forms (tablet vs tablet), and the mechanism, half-life and side-effect nuances that distinguish members of the class.
Mechanism and action
Wellbutrin: Wellbutrin inhibe la recapture de la noradrénaline et de la dopamine, avec un effet nettement plus faible sur la sérotonine. Elavil: L'amitriptyline inhibe la recapture de la sérotonine et de la noradrénaline au niveau des synapses centrales.
When Wellbutrin is preferred
Wellbutrin est autorisé, dans les pays où il dispose de cette AMM, dans la dépression caractérisée et la prévention des récidives du trouble affectif saisonnier (Wellbutrin XL).
When Elavil is preferred
L'amitriptyline est autorisée dans la dépression caractérisée, mais son usage contemporain est dominé par les indications hors AMM à faible dose : douleurs neuropathiques, fibromyalgie, céphalées de tension chroniques, prévention de la migraine, syndrome de l'intestin irritable…
Questions fréquentes
Is Wellbutrin or Elavil better? ▾
There is no single answer. Wellbutrin and Elavil both belong to the Antidépresseurs class but differ in mechanism nuances, half-life and side-effect profile. Preference depends on the patient, the prescriber and prior response to other therapies.
Can I switch from Wellbutrin to Elavil? ▾
Switching within the Antidépresseurs class is done under supervision, typically using equivalent doses and a follow-up period to confirm response and tolerance. It is not a self-directed decision.
Do Wellbutrin and Elavil have the same side effects? ▾
They share many of the Antidépresseurs class side effects, with differences from mechanism and dose. Each medication's prescribing information lists specifics.
More Wellbutrin comparisons
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