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Wellbutrin and Lexapro are antidepressants used to treat depression and other mental health conditions.
Read on to learn more about these two drugs, and resources for seeking mental health or addiction treatment if required.
Wellbutrin is a medication used to treat depression. Its generic name is bupropion. Is bupropion an SSRI, then? Wellbutrin is not an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor)[1]. Instead, it belongs to a different class of antidepressants called NDRIs (norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors)[2].
Wellbutrin works by changing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals help control mood and emotions. By blocking the reuptake (or reabsorption) of these chemicals, Wellbutrin increases their levels in the brain, which can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
Wellbutrin comes in several forms and dosages:
The most common starting dose for Wellbutrin XL is 150mg once daily, which may be increased to 300 mg once daily.
Wellbutrin is approved to treat major depressive disorder and prevent seasonal affective disorder (seasonal depression). It’s also sometimes used off-label to help people quit smoking, treat ADHD, and manage depression in people with bipolar disorder.
Lexapro is another medication used to treat depression and anxiety. Its generic name is escitalopram. Unlike Wellbutrin, Lexapro is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor).
Lexapro works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical that helps regulate mood, sleep, and emotions. By blocking the reuptake of serotonin, Lexapro makes more of this chemical available in the brain, which can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Lexapro comes in different forms and dosages:
The typical starting dose for Lexapro is 10mg once daily, which can be increased to a maximum of 20mg per day if needed.
Lexapro is approved to treat major depressive disorder in adults and adolescents aged 12+. It is also approved to treat GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) in adults and children aged 7 and older. Additionally, Lexapro is sometimes used off-label to treat other conditions like OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), panic disorder, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
Although both are effective, they work in different ways and have unique characteristics. Understanding the difference between Wellbutrin vs Lexapro can help you and your doctor decide which one is best for you.
Wellbutrin is mainly used to treat depression and to prevent seasonal depression. Wellbutrin can also be used off-label for several other conditions, including:
Lexapro is used to treat depression in adults and adolescents aged 12+. It is also approved to treat GAD in adults and children aged 7+. Additionally, Lexapro is sometimes used off-label to treat other conditions, such as:
Both Wellbutrin and Lexapro are effective medications for treating depression [3], but they can cause side effects. Knowing what to expect can help you manage these effects better.
While Wellbutrin is effective for many people, it can cause side effects. Here are some of the most common ones:
Lexapro can also cause side effects. Here are some of the most common ones:
Serious side effects of Wellbutrin include:
Serious side effects of Lexapro include:
Wellbutrin can interact with several other medications, which can increase the risk of side effects or reduce its effectiveness. Some important interactions to be aware of include:
Lexapro also has several interactions to be mindful of:
Wellbutrin is available in both brand-name and generic forms. The generic form, bupropion, is usually much cheaper. Using discount coupons can make Wellbutrin even more affordable. The cost can vary based on the form (immediate-release, sustained-release, or extended-release) and the dosage. Generally, generic bupropion is a cost-effective option for treating depression.
Lexapro is also available as a brand-name and generic medication. The generic form, escitalopram, is less expensive than the brand-name version. The price can vary depending on the dosage and whether you’re buying tablets or an oral solution. Overall, generic escitalopram is an affordable option for many people.
Wellbutrin is effective in treating depression and preventing seasonal affective disorder. It can also help people quit smoking and manage ADHD. Many people find Wellbutrin helpful, especially if they have not had success with SSRIs or experience sexual side effects from other antidepressants.
Lexapro is effective in treating both depression and generalized anxiety disorder. It is often prescribed because it works well for many people and has a relatively low risk of side effects. Lexapro is also beneficial for treating other conditions like OCD, panic disorder, and PTSD. Lexapro may also improve mood and reduce anxiety.
When directly comparing Wellbutrin and Lexapro, studies have shown that both medications are effective for treating depression [5]. However, they work in different ways and may be better suited for different people. For example:
Ultimately, the choice between Wellbutrin and Lexapro should be made with the guidance of a healthcare provider. They can help determine which medication is best for your specific needs and medical history.
Avoid Lexapro if you have a history of serotonin syndrome, are taking MAOIs, or have untreated bipolar disorder. It is also not recommended for people with liver or kidney problems without careful monitoring. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before taking Lexapro.
Avoid Wellbutrin if you have a seizure disorder, an eating disorder like bulimia or anorexia, or if you are suddenly stopping alcohol or sedatives. Wellbutrin is also not suitable for people with certain heart conditions or those who have had a recent head injury. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should discuss with their doctor before using Wellbutrin.
For those wondering “can you take Lexapro and Wellbutrin together?”, it is possible, but it must be done under the guidance of a doctor. Combining these medications can be beneficial for some people because they work in different ways to treat depression. Wellbutrin is an NDRI, while Lexapro is an SSRI. By targeting different neurotransmitters in the brain, the combination can provide a more balanced approach to managing depression. However, taking them together can increase the risk of side effects, so get regular check-ups and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Doctors might prescribe Lexapro and Wellbutrin together for several reasons:
While combining Wellbutrin and Lexapro can be helpful, it’s imperative to monitor for potential interactions and side effects. Switching from Lexapro to Wellbutrin, or combining the medications without medical supervision is inadvisable. Your doctor will adjust the dosages and keep track of your progress to ensure the treatment is working well for you. Regular follow-ups and open communication with your healthcare provider are key to safely and effectively managing your mental health with these medications.
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During supervised detox at one of our rehabs by the beach, you will access medications and continuous care as you taper off antidepressants. After about one week, you can move into treatment at one of our beachside facilities.
All addictions are different, so all our inpatient treatment programs offer personalized therapies, including:
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[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554406/
[2]https://www.hypersomniafoundation.org/glossary/norepinephrine-dopamine-reuptake-inhibitors/
[3]https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/antidepressant-medication.htm
Drug detox can vary according to the patient’s addiction factors, including the substance abused, how long the addiction has lasted, the patient’s medical condition, if any other disorders are present, and more. Our skilled and credentialed team at Gratitude Lodge work closely with every patient going through drug detox, facilitating the beginnings of a successful recovery at our rehab addiction centers in Orange County, CA.
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