Head-to-head: Comparing Wellbutrin vs Lexapro

Head-to-head: Comparing
Wellbutrin vs Lexapro

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Head-to-head: Comparing Wellbutrin vs Lexapro

13 April, 23

Written by

Rabia Khaliq, MSc
in Applied Psychology

Medically reviewed

Wafaa Amjad Dar, Pharm-D

April 2023

Medications

Head-to-head: Comparing Wellbutrin vs Lexapro

Antidepressants are among the most frequently prescribed medications overall. Millions of people worldwide use them to treat depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Because of the variety of available options, it’s critical to have complete knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of each drug before making a choice.

In this post, we describe the specifics of the two commonly prescribed antidepressants: Wellbutrin vs Lexapro. They have various modes of action, indications, and side effects. Below, we compare these medicines in-depth, highlighting their similarities and differences and providing advice on picking the best medication for your requirements.

This guide will provide you with the information you need to discuss your treatment plan with a doctor, so you’ll be able to ask any questions about possible side effects and other aspects.

To choose the best prescription for depression treatment, seek the advice of a medical professional.

Uses of Wellbutrin and Lexapro

Doctors often prescribe either Lexapro or Wellbutrin for anxiety and depression. Wellbutrin (generic name: bupropion) is an atypical antidepressant that affects the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Lexapro (generic name: escitalopram) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.

Here are a few of the typical on-label and off-label applications for both Lexapro and Wellbutrin.

	FDA-Approved Uses	Off-Label Uses
Wellbutrin	Major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. Seasonal affective disorder(SAD). Smoking cessation. It helps people to quit smoking by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.	Effective in reducing anxiety levels associated with depression. For attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD). For bipolar disorder For depression-associated obesity For antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction
Lexapro	Major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and adolescents. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)	Social anxiety disorder (SAD). Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Panic disorder Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

How Do Wellbutrin and Lexapro Work

Being an SSRI, Lexapro raises serotonin levels in the brain by preventing its reuptake, which increases the amount of this neurotransmitter. Serotonin is important for controlling mood, appetite, and sleep, so its increased amount helps alter the state of mind and emotions.

Wellbutrin drug class is norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). It works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. It does this by blocking the reuptake of these neurotransmitters, allowing more of them to be available in the brain. Dopamine and norepinephrine play important roles in mood, motivation, and attention.

Lexapro vs. Wellbutrin: Similarities and Differences

The following are some similarities and differences between Lexapro and Wellbutrin:

Aspects	Lexapro	Wellbutrin
Drug classification	Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)	Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI)
Available Forms	Oral tablets and oral solution	Oral tablets and extended-release tablets
Available Dosages	5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg	100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg
Usual Dosage	Usual starting dose is 10 mg	Usual starting dose is 150 mg
Mechanism of action	Increases the availability of serotonin in the brain	Inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, leading to increased levels of these neurotransmitters
Treatment Duration	Long-term (several weeks to months)	Long-term (several weeks to months)
Risk of addiction	Non-addictive	Non-addictive
Pregnancy category	C (risk not ruled out)	B (no risk demonstrated in animal studies)
Contraindications	Hypersensitivity, use of MAOIs within 14 days, concomitant use with pimozide, linezolid, and intravenous methyl blue	Hypersensitivity, seizure disorder, anorexia/bulimia nervosa, use of MAOIs within 14 days, concomitant use with linezolid and intravenous methyl blue, and abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and antiseizure drugs
Cost	Variable (From $3.49 per unit)	Variable (From $2.65 per unit)

Which antidepressant is right for you? To get the right prescription, connect with the MEDvidi professionals.

Lexapro and Wellbutrin Side Effects

Both drugs have potential side effects, some of which can be severe. The following are a few of the Wellbutrin and Lexapro adverse effects:

Side Effect	Wellbutrin	Lexapro
Dry mouth	✅	✅
Headache	✅	✅
Nausea	✅	✅
Insomnia	✅	✅
Increased heart rate	✅	✅
Hypertension	✅	✅
Agitation or anxiety	✅	❌
Activation of mania/hypomania	✅	✅
Seizures (rare but serious)	✅	✅
Risk of bleeding	❌	✅
Drowsiness or fatigue	❌	✅
Increased sweating	✅	✅
Sexual dysfunction	❌	✅
Suicidal thoughts	✅	✅

The risk of sexual side effects is more with Lexapro than with Wellbutrin, so it is the preferred choice in cases where sexual dysfunction is an issue.

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Can You Take Lexapro and Wellbutrin Together?

Both the antidepressants Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Lexapro (escitalopram) enhance the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain in distinct ways. In some circumstances, a healthcare expert may prescribe both medications together. However, this combination should only be carried out with close supervision and under the direction of a healthcare professional.

There are a few reasons for a doctor to recommend Wellbutrin and Lexapro together. Wellbutrin, for instance, can be useful in addressing symptoms of low energy, lack of desire, and difficulties concentrating, often not treated by SSRIs like Lexapro. On the other side, Lexapro frequently works well in easing the symptoms of anxiety, which frequently co-occurs with depression.

Combining these drugs, however, may raise your risk of experiencing some side effects, including agitation, restlessness, and insomnia. Patients having a history of seizures may be more susceptible to side effects from both drugs because they can lower the seizure threshold.

Remember that any changes in the treatment plan, including the medications you take, their dosage, and the duration of treatment, should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

In conclusion

Both Wellbutrin and Lexapro are frequently recommended drugs for treating anxiety and depression. While their modes of action and potential side effects have some similarities, they also differ significantly in some crucial ways that may make one medication more suitable for some people.

The decision between Wellbutrin vs. Lexapro should ultimately be made by a healthcare professional who can evaluate the patient’s unique needs and medical background. To get personalized recommendations and an online prescription, reach out to MEDvidi doctors.

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