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Wellbutrin XL Alternatives

If Wellbutrin XL does not adequately control your symptoms of depression, or if bothersome side effects occur, your healthcare provider may recommend options other than Wellbutrin XL. Alternatives include psychotherapy, alternative therapies (such as St. John's wort), electroconvulsive therapy, and other antidepressants. Other medications that are considered alternatives to Wellbutrin XL include SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, or tricyclic antidepressants.

 

An Overview of Wellbutrin XL Alternatives

Wellbutrin XL® (bupropion XL) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression). It is also used to prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The medication is generally effective in treating symptoms, and most people tolerate it quite well. However, as with all medicines, side effects can occur, or the medicine may not adequately control symptoms. Fortunately, several alternatives to Wellbutrin XL are available, including:
 
  • Therapy
  • Other depression medications (also known as antidepressants)
  • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
  • Alternative (natural) therapies.
 

Wellbutrin XL Alternatives: Therapy

Many forms of psychotherapy, including some short-term (10 to 20 weeks) therapies, can help people with depression.
 "Talk" therapies help patients gain insight into and resolve their problems through verbal exchange with the therapist, sometimes combined with "homework" assignments between sessions. Behavioral therapists help people learn how to obtain more satisfaction through their own actions and how to unlearn the behavioral patterns that contribute to or result from their depression.
 
(Click Psychotherapy for Depression to learn more about this treatment option for depression.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;