Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Wellbutrin?What Is Lexapro?How to Take ThemEfficacySide EffectsInteractionsWhen to AvoidFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Wellbutrin?
What Is Lexapro?
How to Take Them
Efficacy
Side Effects
Interactions
When to Avoid
Frequently Asked Questions
Antidepressant medications are commonly used to treat depression and othermental healthconditions, such asanxiety disorderormajor depressive disorder (MDD).
Used for the treatment of depression and anxiety, two popular antidepressant options include the orally administered, brand-name Wellbutrin (bupropion) andLexapro (escitalopram).
Although both have similar uses, Wellbutrin and Lexapro have key differences, such as discrepancies in how they work on a pharmacological level and who can safely take each drug.
Keep reading to learn more about Wellbutrin vs. Lexapro and their similarities and differences, including information on their respective uses, potential side effects, storage requirements, and more.
Getty Images / Bloomberg.
What Is Wellbutrin? How Does It Work?
Wellbutrin, containing the active ingredient bupropion, is an antidepressant medication. 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.
Bupropion, branded as Wellbutrin, is approved to treat MDD, commonly known as depression, in adults (people 18 and older). It is also available in longer-acting formulations, as follows:
Wellbutrin vs. Zoloft: Similarities & Differences
What Is Lexapro? 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 is also approved for treatinggeneralized anxiety disorder, or GAD(chronic, excessive worrying that you can’t control), in adults and children 7 and older.
Lexapro can also be used off-label for SAD,obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD),panic disorder,post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and to reduce symptoms ofmenopause.
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.
Wellbutrin vs. Lexapro: How to Take Them
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Lexapro (escitalopram) come as orally administered tablets. However, escitalopram also comes as an oral solution (liquid).
The table below summarizes the dosage forms, strengths, and typical dosing guidelines for Wellbutrin vs. Lexapro.Note, however, that it does not include all possible doses of Wellbutrin and Lexapro.
Your healthcare provider may instruct you to take your medication differently or for an off-label use not listed above.
Note that the same medicine in name-brand Lexapro, Wellbutrin SR, and Wellbutrin XL is also sold in generic versions.
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.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when comparing how to take Wellbutrin vs. Lexapro:
Wellbutrin vs. Prozac for Depression
Which Is More Effective?
In separate clinical trials, Wellbutrin and Lexapro were more effective than aplacebo(a treatment containing no medication) for treating depression. Remember, though, it may take two weeks for either drug to start working.
There are not many studies directly comparing Wellbutrin to Lexapro. One head-to-head study, however, compared the effectiveness of Wellbutrin XL vs. Lexapro for treating depression in nearly 800 people.
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 drug’s labeling to alert patients of a severe risk or side effect.
Wellbutrin and Lexapro may cause similar side effects, though some are unique.
Common Side Effects
The following side effects are common for both Wellbutrin and Lexapro:
In addition, Wellbutrin can cause:
Lexapro can cause:
Severe Side Effects
Rarer, more serious side effects of both medications includeallergic reactions. Both drugs also carry a risk ofsuicidalthoughts and behaviors.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing an undesirable side effect, and seek medical attention immediately if it seems severe or if you have a medical emergency.
Potential Interactions
Bupropion and escitalopram do not interact with each other, though they work similarly and produce similar side effects.
It is possible for a healthcare provider to prescribe Wellbutrin and Lexapro together, but it isn’t a common practice.
Both antidepressants can interact with other medicines. Tell your pharmacist and healthcare provider about everything you take, including medications, supplements, and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.
Some drugs that may interact with bupropion are:
Drugs that can interact with Lexapro include:
This is not a complete list; other medications can interact with Wellbutrin or Lexapro.
Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you currently take to help avoid unsafe drug combinations.
When to Avoid Wellbutrin or Lexapro
As antidepressants, Wellbutrin and Lexapro carry a boxed warning that alerts users to the possibility of severe risks or side effects.
All antidepressants have a boxed warning due to an increased risk ofsuicidal thoughts and behaviorsin children and adults under the age of 24. In general, untreated depression can also increase these risks.
An FDA meta-analysis of 372 studies showed a significant risk of suicidal thinking and behavior among children and adolescents under age 18 taking antidepressants compared to peers taking a placebo.
This risk is highest when treatment is first started or after the dosage is increased. Your healthcare provider (or your child’s) 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 who’ve had aneating disorder.
While both medications have risks, determining which is safer than the other will depend on your individual medical history and conditions. A healthcare provider can review all the risks before starting you on Lexapro or Wellbutrin. They’ll help you weigh the possible risks vs. benefits.
Effexor XR vs. Lexapro: Similarities and Differences
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.
Another way they differ is that Wellbutrin is not approved for use in children or adolescents, while Lexapro is.
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.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWellbutrin and Lexapro should be stored in a cool, dry place, ideally at room temperature. Keep all medications in a secure location where kids and pets can’t reach them.Prices of Wellbutrin and Lexapro vary depending on whatpharmacyyou use, and if you haveinsurancecoverage.Without insurance, a one-month supply of Wellbutrin SR or XL costs around $450, according to the Federal Supply Schedule. Lexapro 10 mg costs approximately $363 for a one-month supply.Remember that brand drugs are usually much more expensive than generic medications.
Wellbutrin and Lexapro should be stored in a cool, dry place, ideally at room temperature. Keep all medications in a secure location where kids and pets can’t reach them.
Prices of Wellbutrin and Lexapro vary depending on whatpharmacyyou use, and if you haveinsurancecoverage.Without insurance, a one-month supply of Wellbutrin SR or XL costs around $450, according to the Federal Supply Schedule. Lexapro 10 mg costs approximately $363 for a one-month supply.Remember that brand drugs are usually much more expensive than generic medications.
Prices of Wellbutrin and Lexapro vary depending on whatpharmacyyou use, and if you haveinsurancecoverage.
Without insurance, a one-month supply of Wellbutrin SR or XL costs around $450, according to the Federal Supply Schedule. Lexapro 10 mg costs approximately $363 for a one-month supply.
Remember that brand drugs are usually much more expensive than generic medications.
22 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Antidepressants.MedlinePlus.Bupropion.Patel K, Allen S, Haque MN, Angelescu I, Baumeister D, Tracy DK.Bupropion: a systematic review and meta-analysis of effectiveness as an antidepressant.Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2016;6(2):99-144. doi:10.1177/2045125316629071Food and Drug Administration.Wellbutrin XL (bupropion hydrochloride extended-release) prescribing information.Food and Drug Administration.Wellbutrin SR (bupropion hydrochloride) prescribing information.Taylor J. Looking beyond lifestyle:A comprehensive approach to the treatment of obesity in the primary care setting.J Nurse Pract. 2020;16(1):74-8.Verbeeck W, Bekkering GE, Van den Noortgate W, Kramers C.Bupropion for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;10(10):CD009504. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009504.pub2Ng QX.A systematic review of the use of bupropion for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents.J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2017;27(2):112-116. doi:10.1089/cap.2016.0124Clayton AH, Kingsberg SA, Goldstein I.Evaluation and management of hypoactive sexual desire disorder.Sex Med. 2018;6(2):59-74. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2018.01.004DailyMed.Label: Lexapro- escitalopram tablet, film coated Lexapro- escitalopram solution.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Escitalopram (Lexapro).Meena D, Chand SS, Kumar D.A Review Article on Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).Asian J Pharm Res Dev. 2019 Dec 15;7(6):72-5. doi: 10.22270/ajprd.v7i6.592MedlinePlus.Escitalopram.DailyMed.Label: bupropion hydrochloride (XL)- bupropion hydrochloride tablet, extended release.DailyMed.Label: Escitalopram- escitalopram oxalate solution.DailyMed.Label: Bupropion hydrochloride SR- bupropion hydrochloride tablet.Prescribers' Digital Reference.Bupropion hydrochloride - drug summary.Clayton AH, Croft HA, Horrigan JP, et al.Bupropion extended release compared with escitalopram: effects on sexual functioning and antidepressant efficacy in 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies.J Clin Psychiatry. 2006;67(5):736-746. doi:10.4088/jcp.v67n0507Buckley NA, Rossi S.Bringing greater transparency to “black box” warnings. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2011;49(6):448-451. doi:10.3109/15563650.2011.593523Volpi-Abadie J, Kaye AM, Kaye AD.Serotonin syndrome.Ochsner J. 2013;13(4):533-540.Leuchter AF, Lesser IM, Trivedi MH, et al.An open pilot study of the combination of escitalopram and bupropion-SR for outpatients with major depressive disorder.J Psychiatr Pract. 2008;14(5):271. doi:10.1097%2F01.pra.0000336754.19566.65Fornaro M, Anastasia A, Valchera A, Carano A, Orsolini L, Vellante F, Rapini G, Olivieri L, Di Natale S, Perna G, Martinotti G, Di Giannantonio M, De Berardis D.The FDA “black box” warning on antidepressant suicide risk in young adults: more harm than benefits?Front Psychiatry. 2019;10:294. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00294
22 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Antidepressants.MedlinePlus.Bupropion.Patel K, Allen S, Haque MN, Angelescu I, Baumeister D, Tracy DK.Bupropion: a systematic review and meta-analysis of effectiveness as an antidepressant.Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2016;6(2):99-144. doi:10.1177/2045125316629071Food and Drug Administration.Wellbutrin XL (bupropion hydrochloride extended-release) prescribing information.Food and Drug Administration.Wellbutrin SR (bupropion hydrochloride) prescribing information.Taylor J. Looking beyond lifestyle:A comprehensive approach to the treatment of obesity in the primary care setting.J Nurse Pract. 2020;16(1):74-8.Verbeeck W, Bekkering GE, Van den Noortgate W, Kramers C.Bupropion for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;10(10):CD009504. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009504.pub2Ng QX.A systematic review of the use of bupropion for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents.J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2017;27(2):112-116. doi:10.1089/cap.2016.0124Clayton AH, Kingsberg SA, Goldstein I.Evaluation and management of hypoactive sexual desire disorder.Sex Med. 2018;6(2):59-74. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2018.01.004DailyMed.Label: Lexapro- escitalopram tablet, film coated Lexapro- escitalopram solution.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Escitalopram (Lexapro).Meena D, Chand SS, Kumar D.A Review Article on Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).Asian J Pharm Res Dev. 2019 Dec 15;7(6):72-5. doi: 10.22270/ajprd.v7i6.592MedlinePlus.Escitalopram.DailyMed.Label: bupropion hydrochloride (XL)- bupropion hydrochloride tablet, extended release.DailyMed.Label: Escitalopram- escitalopram oxalate solution.DailyMed.Label: Bupropion hydrochloride SR- bupropion hydrochloride tablet.Prescribers' Digital Reference.Bupropion hydrochloride - drug summary.Clayton AH, Croft HA, Horrigan JP, et al.Bupropion extended release compared with escitalopram: effects on sexual functioning and antidepressant efficacy in 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies.J Clin Psychiatry. 2006;67(5):736-746. doi:10.4088/jcp.v67n0507Buckley NA, Rossi S.Bringing greater transparency to “black box” warnings. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2011;49(6):448-451. doi:10.3109/15563650.2011.593523Volpi-Abadie J, Kaye AM, Kaye AD.Serotonin syndrome.Ochsner J. 2013;13(4):533-540.Leuchter AF, Lesser IM, Trivedi MH, et al.An open pilot study of the combination of escitalopram and bupropion-SR for outpatients with major depressive disorder.J Psychiatr Pract. 2008;14(5):271. doi:10.1097%2F01.pra.0000336754.19566.65Fornaro M, Anastasia A, Valchera A, Carano A, Orsolini L, Vellante F, Rapini G, Olivieri L, Di Natale S, Perna G, Martinotti G, Di Giannantonio M, De Berardis D.The FDA “black box” warning on antidepressant suicide risk in young adults: more harm than benefits?Front Psychiatry. 2019;10:294. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00294
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Antidepressants.MedlinePlus.Bupropion.Patel K, Allen S, Haque MN, Angelescu I, Baumeister D, Tracy DK.Bupropion: a systematic review and meta-analysis of effectiveness as an antidepressant.Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2016;6(2):99-144. doi:10.1177/2045125316629071Food and Drug Administration.Wellbutrin XL (bupropion hydrochloride extended-release) prescribing information.Food and Drug Administration.Wellbutrin SR (bupropion hydrochloride) prescribing information.Taylor J. Looking beyond lifestyle:A comprehensive approach to the treatment of obesity in the primary care setting.J Nurse Pract. 2020;16(1):74-8.Verbeeck W, Bekkering GE, Van den Noortgate W, Kramers C.Bupropion for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;10(10):CD009504. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009504.pub2Ng QX.A systematic review of the use of bupropion for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents.J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2017;27(2):112-116. doi:10.1089/cap.2016.0124Clayton AH, Kingsberg SA, Goldstein I.Evaluation and management of hypoactive sexual desire disorder.Sex Med. 2018;6(2):59-74. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2018.01.004DailyMed.Label: Lexapro- escitalopram tablet, film coated Lexapro- escitalopram solution.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Escitalopram (Lexapro).Meena D, Chand SS, Kumar D.A Review Article on Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).Asian J Pharm Res Dev. 2019 Dec 15;7(6):72-5. doi: 10.22270/ajprd.v7i6.592MedlinePlus.Escitalopram.DailyMed.Label: bupropion hydrochloride (XL)- bupropion hydrochloride tablet, extended release.DailyMed.Label: Escitalopram- escitalopram oxalate solution.DailyMed.Label: Bupropion hydrochloride SR- bupropion hydrochloride tablet.Prescribers' Digital Reference.Bupropion hydrochloride - drug summary.Clayton AH, Croft HA, Horrigan JP, et al.Bupropion extended release compared with escitalopram: effects on sexual functioning and antidepressant efficacy in 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies.J Clin Psychiatry. 2006;67(5):736-746. doi:10.4088/jcp.v67n0507Buckley NA, Rossi S.Bringing greater transparency to “black box” warnings. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2011;49(6):448-451. doi:10.3109/15563650.2011.593523Volpi-Abadie J, Kaye AM, Kaye AD.Serotonin syndrome.Ochsner J. 2013;13(4):533-540.Leuchter AF, Lesser IM, Trivedi MH, et al.An open pilot study of the combination of escitalopram and bupropion-SR for outpatients with major depressive disorder.J Psychiatr Pract. 2008;14(5):271. doi:10.1097%2F01.pra.0000336754.19566.65Fornaro M, Anastasia A, Valchera A, Carano A, Orsolini L, Vellante F, Rapini G, Olivieri L, Di Natale S, Perna G, Martinotti G, Di Giannantonio M, De Berardis D.The FDA “black box” warning on antidepressant suicide risk in young adults: more harm than benefits?Front Psychiatry. 2019;10:294. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00294
MedlinePlus.Antidepressants.
MedlinePlus.Bupropion.
Patel K, Allen S, Haque MN, Angelescu I, Baumeister D, Tracy DK.Bupropion: a systematic review and meta-analysis of effectiveness as an antidepressant.Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2016;6(2):99-144. doi:10.1177/2045125316629071
Food and Drug Administration.Wellbutrin XL (bupropion hydrochloride extended-release) prescribing information.
Food and Drug Administration.Wellbutrin SR (bupropion hydrochloride) prescribing information.
Taylor J. Looking beyond lifestyle:A comprehensive approach to the treatment of obesity in the primary care setting.J Nurse Pract. 2020;16(1):74-8.
Verbeeck W, Bekkering GE, Van den Noortgate W, Kramers C.Bupropion for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;10(10):CD009504. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009504.pub2
Ng QX.A systematic review of the use of bupropion for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents.J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2017;27(2):112-116. doi:10.1089/cap.2016.0124
Clayton AH, Kingsberg SA, Goldstein I.Evaluation and management of hypoactive sexual desire disorder.Sex Med. 2018;6(2):59-74. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2018.01.004
DailyMed.Label: Lexapro- escitalopram tablet, film coated Lexapro- escitalopram solution.
National Alliance on Mental Illness.Escitalopram (Lexapro).
Meena D, Chand SS, Kumar D.A Review Article on Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).Asian J Pharm Res Dev. 2019 Dec 15;7(6):72-5. doi: 10.22270/ajprd.v7i6.592
MedlinePlus.Escitalopram.
DailyMed.Label: bupropion hydrochloride (XL)- bupropion hydrochloride tablet, extended release.
DailyMed.Label: Escitalopram- escitalopram oxalate solution.
DailyMed.Label: Bupropion hydrochloride SR- bupropion hydrochloride tablet.
Prescribers' Digital Reference.Bupropion hydrochloride - drug summary.
Clayton AH, Croft HA, Horrigan JP, et al.Bupropion extended release compared with escitalopram: effects on sexual functioning and antidepressant efficacy in 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies.J Clin Psychiatry. 2006;67(5):736-746. doi:10.4088/jcp.v67n0507
Buckley NA, Rossi S.Bringing greater transparency to “black box” warnings. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2011;49(6):448-451. doi:10.3109/15563650.2011.593523
Volpi-Abadie J, Kaye AM, Kaye AD.Serotonin syndrome.Ochsner J. 2013;13(4):533-540.
Leuchter AF, Lesser IM, Trivedi MH, et al.An open pilot study of the combination of escitalopram and bupropion-SR for outpatients with major depressive disorder.J Psychiatr Pract. 2008;14(5):271. doi:10.1097%2F01.pra.0000336754.19566.65
Fornaro M, Anastasia A, Valchera A, Carano A, Orsolini L, Vellante F, Rapini G, Olivieri L, Di Natale S, Perna G, Martinotti G, Di Giannantonio M, De Berardis D.The FDA “black box” warning on antidepressant suicide risk in young adults: more harm than benefits?Front Psychiatry. 2019;10:294. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00294
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