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What Is Wellbutrin?
How Does It Work?
Wellbutrin, containing the active ingredient bupropion, is an antidepressant medication.
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Bupropion belongs to a class of antidepressants known as norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs).
Norepinephrineanddopamineare brain chemicals that regulate and boost mood, among many other functions.
How Does It Work?
Lexapro, containing the active ingredient escitalopram, is an antidepressant medication.
Lexapro is FDA-approved for treating MDD in adults and children 12 and older.
Lexapro and Wellbutrin are both antidepressants, but they work in different ways.
Lexapro belongs to a drug class known asselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Serotonin is achemical messengerin your body that regulates mood, sleep, and memory, among other functions.
Lexaprois thought to work by blocking your brain from reabsorbingserotoninafter its release.
This increases the availability of serotonin for your body to use.
However, escitalopram also comes as an oral solution (liquid).
Your healthcare provider may instruct you to take your medication differently or for an off-label use not listed above.
Wellbutrin immediate-release is no longer made, but the generic version is still available.
If you wish to stop either drug, atapering schedule is required.
Your provider will instruct you on reducing your dose over time before stopping it.
This helps to relieve uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Remember, though, it may take two weeks for either drug to start working.
There are not many studies directly comparing Wellbutrin to Lexapro.
The results demonstrated that both medications were similarly effective in improving depressive symptoms.
However, individuals treated with Wellbutrin experienced lesssexual side effects.
Side Effects and Safety
As with other antidepressants, Wellbutrin and Lexapro carry a boxed warning.
A boxed warning appears prominently on a drugs labeling to alert patients of a severe risk or side effect.
Wellbutrin and Lexapro may cause similar side effects, though some are unique.
Both drugs also carry a risk ofsuicidalthoughts and behaviors.
Both antidepressants can interact with other medicines.
Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you currently take to help avoid unsafe drug combinations.
In general, untreated depression can also increase these risks.
This risk is highest when treatment is first started or after the dosage is increased.
Your healthcare provider (or your childs) will monitor for signs of suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any concerning changes in behavior.
Remember that Wellbutrin is not FDA-approved for use in people younger than 18.
Wellbutrin and Lexapro carry other risks.
For example, either drug may increase seizure risk, especially in people prone to seizures.
In addition, Wellbutrin is not recommended for use in people whove had aneating disorder.
A healthcare provider can review all the risks before starting you on Lexapro or Wellbutrin.
Theyll help you weigh the possible risks vs. benefits.
Summary
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Lexapro (escitalopram) are antidepressant medications.
Both are commonly prescribed to treat depression.
Bupropion prevents SAD, while escitalopram is often used to treat GAD.
While both medications are typically safe if taken properly, several serious side effects are rare but possible.
Talk to a healthcare provider to see if one of these medications might be right for you.
Keep all medications in a secure location where kids and pets cant reach them.
Prices of Wellbutrin and Lexapro vary depending on whatpharmacyyou use, and if you haveinsurancecoverage.
Lexapro 10 mg costs approximately $363 for a one-month supply.
Remember that brand drugs are usually much more expensive than generic medications.
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