Content
Lexapro vs Wellbutrin
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 UsesOff-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.
Lexapro
  • Major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and adolescents.
  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

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:

AspectsLexaproWellbutrin
Drug classificationSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI)
Available FormsOral tablets and oral solutionOral tablets and extended-release tablets
Available Dosages5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg
Usual DosageUsual starting dose is 10 mgUsual starting dose is 150 mg
Mechanism of actionIncreases the availability of serotonin in the brainInhibits 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 addictionNon-addictiveNon-addictive
Pregnancy categoryC (risk not ruled out)B (no risk demonstrated in animal studies)
ContraindicationsHypersensitivity, use of MAOIs within 14 days, concomitant use with pimozide, linezolid, and intravenous methyl blueHypersensitivity, 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 EffectWellbutrinLexapro
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.

Click the button below to get a personalized treatment plan for depression and anxiety.

Wellbutrin vs Lexapro for anxiety

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.

Medvidi

Expert Help for Mental Health Issues. Get the best medications from certified prescribers.

Get Medication Now
Get Your Treatment Now
Share This On
Ativan prescription

Within each of these categories, subgroups of drugs work differently and have their benefits, risks, and possible side effects. Lorazepam (Ativan) is a benzodiazepine most commonly used to treat anxiety. Benzodiazepines are a drug class that has evolved since the 1960s. Still, medical evidence suggests…

Adderall online

It is difficult to outgrow a clinical mental health condition like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) if left untreated. Millions of Americans, including teenagers, adults, and children, deal with ADHD, complicating their lives. However, there are many treatment options for this mental health disorder…

OCD and anxiety treatment

OCD and anxiety disorders have many similar symptoms. While anxiety disorders and OCD are frequently comorbid and have symptoms that overlap, some key distinguishing factors exist between them that lead to diagnostic clarity. Differentiating between these characteristics can help guide treatment…

Lexapro insomnia treatment

People who experience clinical depression and anxiety often get prescribed Lexapro as these mental health issues go together. Lexapro is usually the drug of choice to treat both anxiety and depression. Like many other prescription drugs, Lexapro has some side effects, such as; Lexapro insomnia…