How Is Bupropion Different From Other Antidepressants
One of the key differences between bupropion and other antidepressants is that it doesnt affect the users libido, and it doesnt cause any weight gain as other antidepressants usually do. In fact, its often prescribed along with other antidepressants to help counteract the sexual side effects of other medications.
Most antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors , which means that they boost the levels of serotonin in the brain. Bupropion, on the other hand, is different. It is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor . An NDRI boosts levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, also known as noradrenaline and dopamine.
As well as being an antidepressant, bupropion is an antagonist to nicotinic receptors. This means that it blocks receptors where nicotine normally binds, making it useful in helping people quit smoking.
The overall effects of bupropion are complex, and its neurological effects and mechanism of action are only partly understood.
How Should This Medicine Be Used
Bupropion comes as a tablet and a sustained-release or extended-release tablet to take by mouth. The regular tablet is usually taken three times a day, with doses at least 6 hours apart, or four times a day, with doses at least 4 hours apart. The sustained-release tablet is usually taken twice a day, with doses at least 8 hours apart. The extended-release tablet is usually taken once daily in the morning doses of the extended-release tablet should be taken at least 24 hours apart. When bupropion is used to treat seasonal affective disorder, it is usually taken once a day in the morning beginning in the early fall, continuing through the winter, and stopping in the early spring. Sometimes a lower dose of bupropion is taken for 2 weeks before the medication is stopped. Take bupropion with food if the medication upsets your stomach. If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, do not take bupropion too close to bedtime. Take bupropion at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take bupropion exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the sustained-release and extended-release tablets whole do not split, chew, or crush them.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of bupropion and gradually increase your dose.
Verdict: Wellbutrin Vs Lexapro
Is Lexapro better than Wellbutrin, or does Wellbutrin work better than Lexapro? We know that one of the most significant differences is Lexaproâs potential to cause sexual dysfunction side effects. And we know that Wellbutrin carries more risk if you are prone to seizures.
Further answers lie in understanding each personâs needs, age, and weight, the use of other medications, the personâs medical conditions, and medical history. Taking the time to consider these matters with your doctor can make a considerable difference in your reaction to either medication.
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What Does The Research Show
Bupropion XL is currently the only antidepressant medication licensed for the prevention of SAD.
In three clinical trials, Wellbutrin XL was effective at preventing SAD in people who had previously experienced the condition by varying the dosage during different seasons.
A 2019 review of second-generation antidepressants for SAD treatment, including bupropion XL, found that it effectively prevented SAD in people with a history of the condition.
However, the medication was found to cause a higher risk of insomnia, headaches, and nausea. In addition, in trials, bupropion XL has only been compared to a placebo medication and has not yet been compared to other antidepressant medications.
As a result, it is unknown whether Wellbutrin/bupropion is more or less effective than other antidepressant medications for the treatment or prevention of SAD.
Wellbutrin Xl Could Help You Feel Like Yourself Again
*WELLBUTRIN XL is not indicated for weight loss.
References:
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INDICATION
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Do not take WELLBUTRIN XL if you:
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What Are The Main Differences Between Wellbutrin And Prozac
Wellbutrin is an aminoketone antidepressant that is also known by its generic name, bupropion. The exact way in which Wellbutrin works is not well understood. However, it is believed to increase levels of certain neurotransmitters called norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Individuals with depression may have an imbalance of these neurotransmitters. Unlike other commonly prescribed antidepressants, Wellbutrin has no effect on serotonin levels.
Wellbutrin is available in three different formulations: immediate-release , sustained-release , and extended-release . Depending on the dosage form, Wellbutrin can be taken once, twice, or three times daily. The active ingredient in Wellbutrin, bupropion, is also marketed as Zyban to support smoking cessation.
Prozac is one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. It is also known by the generic name fluoxetine. Prozac belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors . These drugs work by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin to ease symptoms of depression.
Prozac comes as a daily oral capsule. The exact dosage depends on the condition being treated. Prozac is also available as a delayed-release capsule that is taken once per week.
| Differences between Wellbutrin and Prozac |
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| Wellbutrin |
| Adults children 8 years and older |
How Long Does Wellbutrin Stay In Your System
With a half-life of 14 hours for a single dose and an average of 21 hours when taken continuously day after day, bupropion can take at least three to four days to be cleared from the body. However, the body metabolizes bupropion into three substances that work just like bupropion. These metabolized versions of bupropion are about 20% to 50% as powerful as Wellbutrin and account for much of the therapeutic effects of Wellbutrin. These substances have half-lives of 20 to 37 hours. When Wellbutrin is taken continuously, the concentration of those substances in the blood soars to 1.5 to 7 times the concentration of bupropion in the blood. The effects of Wellbutrin, then, can last for several days after the last dose is taken.
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Is Bupropion Your No 1 Antidepressant Choice
Three reasons clinicians skip over bupropion.
RESEARCH UPDATE
Why isnt bupropion the most widely prescribed antidepressant? asked Zimmerman and colleagues in 2005.1 This is still a good question. All other antidepressants have been strongly associated with weight gain.2-5 All the serotonergic antidepressants frequently cause sexual dysfunction .6,7
Discontinuation of serotonergic antidepressants requires careful tapering, which takes as long as 6 to 8 weeks and sometimes 3 months or more.8,9 This prompted Fava and colleagues to suggest, Clinicians need to add SSRIs to the list of drugs potentially inducing withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation, together with benzodiazepines barbiturates . . ..10
Why, in the face of all these disadvantages of serotonergic antidepressants-none of which are shared by bupropion-is the latter not by far the preferred starting point when patients elect an antidepressant over psychotherapy?
Three reasons providers skip over bupropion
1. Clinicians fear that bupropion will not treat co-morbid anxiety and, indeed, may make it worse.
Yet available data do not support this impression. A pooled analysis of 10 studies compared bupropion and various SRIs in the treatment of major depression.12 Response rates were equal among patients withnon-anxious depression.
Got that? Bupropion produced a 50% reduction in anxiety in just over half the patients with anxious depression, almost as much as that seen with the SRIs.
Disclosures:
Coverage And Cost Comparison Of Wellbutrin Vs Prozac
The average cost of Wellbutrin XL without insurance is around $194. Wellbutrin XL is available in a generic form that is usually covered by most Medicare and health insurance plans. With a SingleCare prescription discount card, you may be able to lower the cost of the generic Wellbutrin XL to around $5, depending on the dosage and quantity prescribed.
Prozac is available in a generic form. It is usually covered by most insurance plans. The average cash price of Prozac is around $300. However, the price can vary depending on the dosage and quantity prescribed. A SingleCare prescription discount card for generic Prozac is available, which can help lower the cost to $4.
| Wellbutrin |
| $4$20 |
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Side Effects: Wellbutrin Vs Lexapro
Wellbutrin can have fewer side effects, especially not producing reductions in libido and sexual dysfunction. In one clinical trial, Wellbutrin had fewer sexual side effects than other antidepressants, including Lexapro.
But if you have medical conditions in addition to depression, or a history of specific illnesses in your family, Wellbutrin may not be the right choice for you this is important to discuss with your doctor in order to minimize any serious side effects or reactions.
Dosage Forms & Strengths
- Initial: 3 mg/kg/day or 150 mg/day PO
- Titrate to 6 mg/kg/day or 300 mg/day, maximum
- Single dose should not exceed 150 mg may administer as divided doses for safety and effectiveness
Extended-release
Sustained-release
Contraindicated
Serious – Use Alternative
Monitor Closely
Minor
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Wellbutrin Dosage Guide For Depression And Anxiety
Medically reviewed by Vicky Davis, FNP
Medication is one of the most effective ways to fight common mood disorders, and some medications are able to treat more than one.
Wellbutrin® is one of these medications you may have heard about it as a beneficial pill for dealing with both anxiety and fighting depression.
Wellbutrin is an antidepressant medication that has secondary value in treating anxiety, but depending on what condition you have, Wellbutrin may not be prescribed in exactly the same way.
Whether youre predominantly an anxiety sufferer, a depression sufferer or are dealing with both, a healthcare professional may prescribe this medication differently to treat your symptoms.
Before we get into why this might happen, we want to lay out some facts about the mood disorders in question.
How Can You Get Wellbutrin
Your doctor can prescribe Wellbutrin for you. It is available in three different formulations, and the dosage varies depending on the formulation.
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Immediate-release tablets These start working shortly after taking them to treat major depressive disorder, beginning with doses of 100mg twice a day up to a maximum of 150mg three times a day.
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Sustained-release formulations Usually taken as one 150mg dose per day, which can be increased to a maximum of 200mg twice per day to treat major depressive disorder.
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Extended-release formulations Taken once per day, typically 150 mg but can be increased up to 450 mg, to treat major depressive disorder and prevent SAD.
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Wellbutrin Sr Vs Wellbutrin Xl: Whats The Difference In Doses
Wellbutrin is available in two formulations: Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL . In addition, generic bupropion is available in an immediate-release formulation , sustained-release formulation , and extended-release formulation .
After a gradual dose increase, immediate-release bupropion is generally taken in three daily doses spaced six hours apart. Wellbutrin SR is usually taken in two daily doses spaced at least eight hours apart, and Wellbutrin XL is taken in the morning as a single dose. All formulations of Wellbutrin are increased gradually to lower the risk of seizure.
Wellbutrin Dosage For Depression And Anxiety
Bupropion is available in several doses, and for depression treatment, theres a fairly standard understanding of how much medication should be taken.
First, there are immediate-release bupropion tablets, which are available in strengths of 75mg and 100mg.
Extended/sustained-release versions of bupropion can contain 100mg, 150mg, 200mg, 300mg or 450mg of bupropion in a single dose per tablet. This may also vary based on the brand of medication youre using make sure to consult the label before taking any medication.
Typically, a starting dose of bupropion for depression starts around 150mg per day, and might go up to three times that. Doses may be adjusted after a few days or weeks at the discretion of your healthcare provider.
For anxiety, the dosage will likely be much smaller.
Theres not ample discussion on the appropriate daily dose for anxiety treatment, and it could be considered experimental at this point, given that anxiety treatment is off-label.
But some healthcare professionals suggest going with the low and slow approach, using about half the recommended depression doses as a starting point.
Based on your symptoms, health history, response to the medication and several other factors, your healthcare provider may adjust your dosage of bupropion over time.
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Are Wellbutrin And Prozac The Same
Both Wellbutrin and Prozac are antidepressant medications but they work in different ways. Wellbutrin is an aminoketone that works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Prozac is an SSRI that works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. A doctor who specializes in psychiatry may prescribe these prescription drugs to treat various mental health conditions, primarily depression.
Bupropion May Cause Side Effects Tell Your Doctor If Any Of These Symptoms Are Severe Or Do Not Go Away:
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
- loss of appetite
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
Bupropion may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone .
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Is Wellbutrin Or Prozac Better
Wellbutrin and Prozac are similarly effective for treating depression. The best antidepressant is the one that causes the least side effects and is more cost effective, depending on the situation. Wellbutrin causes less sexual side effects and weight gain than SSRIs like Prozac. Other SSRIs include Paxil , Zoloft , Lexapro , and Celexa . Prozac may be more appropriate than Wellbutrin to treat depression in an individual with bipolar disorder, bulimia, or OCD. Antidepressant medications often work better in combination with psychotherapy.
Final Thoughts: Wellbutrin Vs Lexapro: Which Medication Is Better For You
Lexapro and Wellbutrin both help in the active treatment of anxiety and depression disorders.
They also have other uses, like Wellbutrin aiding smoking cessation and Lexapro helping anxiety.
Both medications have strengths and weaknesses. When deciding if Wellbutrin vs Lexapro is better, seek the medical advice of your health care provider to determine which one may best serve your needs.
If youâre looking for a new solution to getting your medication, try Mindedâs medication renewal plan. Medications delivered straight to your door. Contact us for more information.
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How To Take Wellbutrin And Side Effects
Typically, youll need at least two weeks of treatment of Wellbutrin before a sufficient supply builds up in your body to show results.
Common side effects of Wellbutrin include mostly mild issues like weight loss, constipation, excessive sweating, ringing in the ears, dry mouth, nausea, headache, drowsiness, loss of appetite, sore throat, uncontrollable shaking of body parts, vomiting, stomach pain, anxiety, frequent urination and changes to your sense of taste.
Rare but serious side effects include confusion, muscle or joint pain, hallucination, irrational fears, seizures and rapid heart beat. You should bring these to the attention of a healthcare professional immediately if you notice any of them.
You should also contact a healthcare professional if you experience adverse effects such as rash, fever, blisters, swelling hives, hoarseness, itching or difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Can You Stop Bupropion Cold Turkey Does Bupropion Cause Withdrawal Symptoms
When you and your doctor have determined it is time to stop taking bupropion, the safest way is to taper your dose to reduce the risk of some unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. However, this only needs to take one or two weeks.
When you stop taking bupropion, 99% of the drug is eliminated from your body in under 5 days.
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Wellbutrin Dosage For Smoking Cessation
The active ingredient in Wellbutrin, bupropion, is FDA approved to help people quit smoking. About one in five people taking bupropion for smoking cessation successfully break their smoking habit. Bupropions mechanism is not completely understood for smoking cessation. It is thought to weaken cravings by increasing dopamine in the brain, just as nicotine does. In addition, bupropion weakens the effects of nicotine, making smoking less pleasurable.
Smoking cessation treatment typically lasts seven to 12 weeks. The patient begins taking bupropion one or two weeks before a target quit date.
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Standard adult dosage for smoking cessation: 150 mg Wellbutrin SR taken twice per day
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Maximum adult dosage for smoking cessation: 300 mg per day