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.

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What Is Wellbutrin? Is Wellbutrin An Ssri?

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). Instead, it belongs to a different class of antidepressants called NDRIs (norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors).

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:

• IR (immediate-release): Taken multiple times a day.
• SR (sustained-release): Taken twice a day.
• XL (extended-release): Taken once a day.

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.

What Is Lexapro? Is Lexapro An Ssri?

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:

• Tablets: Available in 5 mg, 10mg, and 20mg doses.
• Oral solution: Available in 1mg per milliliter (mg/mL).

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, panic disorder, and PTSD.

Wellbutrin Versus Lexapro

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.

Uses

Wellbutrin is mainly used to treat depression and to prevent seasonal depression. Wellbutrin can also be used off-label for several other conditions, including:

• Smoking cessation: Helps people quit smoking.
• ADHD: Manages symptoms of ADHD.
• Bipolar disorder: Helps manage depressive episodes in bipolar disorder.
• Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction: Treats sexual side effects caused by other antidepressants.

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:

• OCD: Manages symptoms of OCD.
• Panic disorder: Helps reduce panic attacks.
• PTSD: Treats symptoms of PTSD.
• PMDD: Alleviates severe PMS symptoms.

Side Effects

Both Wellbutrin and Lexapro are effective medications for treating depression, but they can cause side effects.

Wellbutrin may cause:

• Dry mouth: A feeling of dryness in the mouth.
• Sweating: Increased sweating.
• Headache: Mild to moderate headaches.
• Nausea: Feeling like you need to throw up.
• Insomnia: Trouble sleeping.
• Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded.
• Weight loss: Some people may lose weight.

Lexapro may cause:

• Nausea: Feeling sick to your stomach.
• Dry mouth: A dry feeling in the mouth.
• Sweating: Increased sweating.
• Diarrhea: Loose stools.
• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired.
• Decreased appetite: Not feeling as hungry.
• Sexual side effects: Low libido, ejaculation issues.

Serious side effects of Wellbutrin include:

• Seizures: Higher risk at high doses.
• High blood pressure: Requires monitoring.
• Mental health changes: Agitation, anxiety.
• Allergic reactions: Severe reactions require care.

Serious side effects of Lexapro include:

• Suicidal thoughts: Especially in young adults.
• Serotonin syndrome: Confusion, fever.
• Low sodium levels: Headache, confusion.
• Abnormal heart rhythms: Concerning for those with heart conditions.

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Interactions

Wellbutrin can interact with:

• MAOIs: Risk of serious side effects.
• Other antidepressants: Increased risk of side effects.
• Anti-seizure medications: May reduce effectiveness.
• Alcohol: Increases seizure risk.
• Heart medications: Possible interactions.

Lexapro can interact with:

• Other SSRIs and SNRIs: Risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Blood thinners: Higher bleeding risk.
• NSAIDs: Increased bleeding risk.
• MAOIs: Serious reactions.
• Migraine medications: Possible interactions.

Cost Effectiveness

Wellbutrin is available in brand-name and generic forms. Generic bupropion is cheaper.

Lexapro is also available in both forms, with the generic escitalopram being more affordable.

Which Is More Effective?

Wellbutrin is effective for depression, seasonal affective disorder, smoking cessation, and ADHD.

Lexapro is effective for depression, anxiety disorders, and other mood-related conditions.

• Wellbutrin: Good for avoiding sexual side effects or quitting smoking.
• Lexapro: Better for anxiety disorders.

When To Avoid Lexapro

Avoid Lexapro if you have serotonin syndrome history, take MAOIs, or have untreated bipolar disorder.

When To Avoid Wellbutrin

Avoid Wellbutrin if you have seizure disorders, eating disorders, or are stopping alcohol/sedatives abruptly.

Can You Take Wellbutrin And Lexapro Together?

It is possible, but only under medical supervision. Combining the two targets different neurotransmitters but increases side-effect risks.

Why Do Doctors Prescribe Lexapro And Wellbutrin Together?

• Enhanced effectiveness: Broader symptom relief.
• Reducing side effects: Wellbutrin may reduce Lexapro sexual side effects.
• Boosting energy and motivation: Wellbutrin increases energy.
• Addressing anxiety: Lexapro treats anxiety.
• Preventing relapse: Combination may prevent depression relapse.
• Customized treatment: Tailored based on individual response.

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Sources

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554406/
2. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007272.htm
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2778329/