Lexapro vs Wellbutrin

Lexapro uses

• Lexapro is approved for the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder.
• Drugs in the SSRI class also are used for treating obsessive compulsive disorders and panic disorders, although Lexapro is not approved for these purposes.

Wellbutrin uses

• Bupropion is used for the management of major depression (major depressive disorder) and seasonal affective disorder (depression that occurs primarily during the fall and winter). It is also is prescribed for smoking cessation.
• Off-label uses (non-FDA approved) for bupropion include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), social phobia, and nerve pain (neuropathic pain).

Lexapro side effects

WARNING

Some patients experience withdrawal reactions upon stopping SSRI therapy. Symptoms may include

• dizziness,
• tingling,
• tiredness,
• vivid dreams,
• irritability, or
• poor mood.

In order to avoid these symptoms, the dose of SSRI can be slowly reduced instead of abruptly stopped.

Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in short-term studies in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of Lexapro or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared with placebo in adults beyond 24 years of age. There was a reduction in risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared with placebo in adults 65 years of age and older. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients who are started on therapy with antidepressants should be closely observed for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior.

Common side effects of Lexapro

Common side effects associated with Lexapro include

• agitation or restlessness,
• blurred vision,
• diarrhea,
• difficulty sleeping,
• drowsiness,
• dry mouth,
• fever,
• frequent urination,
• headache,
• indigestion,
• nausea,
• increased or decreased appetite,
• increased sweating,
• sexual difficulties (decreased sexual ability or desire, ejaculatory delay),
• taste alterations, tremor (shaking), and
• weight changes.

Other side effects include influenza-like symptoms and pain in neck or shoulders.

Although changes in sexual desire, sexual performance, and sexual satisfaction often occur as a result of depression itself, they also may be a consequence of the drugs used to treat depression. In particular, about one in 11 men given Lexapro report difficulties ejaculating.

Possible serious side effects of Lexapro include:

• Serotonin syndrome
• Suicidal thinking and behavior
• Abnormal bleeding
• Seizures
• Manic episodes
• Low sodium
• Angle closure glaucoma

Wellbutrin side effects

WARNING

Four of every 1000 persons who receive bupropion in doses less than 450 mg/day experience seizures. When doses exceed 450 mg/day, the risk increases ten-fold. Other risk factors for seizures include past injury to the head and medications that can lower the threshold for seizures. (See drug interactions.)

Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in short-term studies in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of bupropion or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. Patients who are started on therapy should be closely observed for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior.

The most common side effects associated with bupropion include:

• Weight loss
• Skin rash
• Sweating
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Shakiness
• Stomach pain
• Dizziness
• Muscle pain
• Fast heartbeat
• Sore throat
• Frequent urination
• Agitation
• Dry mouth
• Insomnia
• Headache
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Tremor

In some people, the agitation or insomnia is most marked shortly after starting therapy.

Less common side effects include:

• Chest pain
• Fever
• Flushing
• Hot flashes
• Migraine
• Problems swallowing
• Twitching
• Arthritis
• Myalgia
• Nervousness
• Sinusitis
• Hives
• Urinary tract infections

More serious side effects include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Unusual thoughts or behaviors (hallucinations, paranoia, feeling confused.

Lexapro drug interactions

• The usual starting dose of Lexapro for treating depression in adults or adolescents is 10 mg once daily in the morning or evening. The dose may be increased to 20 mg once daily after 1 week.
• Benefit may not be seen until treatment has been given for up to 4 weeks. A daily dose of 20 mg may not be more effective than 10 mg daily for treatment of depression.
• The dose for treating generalized anxiety disorder is 10 mg once daily.
• Lexapro can be taken with or without food.

Wellbutrin dosage instructions

• Bupropion immediate release tablets are usually is given in one, two or three daily doses. For immediate-release tablets, no single dose should exceed 150 mg and each dose should be separated by 6 hours.
• For depression, the recommended dose of immediate-release tablets is 100 mg 3 times daily (300 mg/day) maximum dose is 450 mg daily. The initial dose is 100 mg twice daily. The dose may be increased to 100 mg 3 times daily after three days and 150 mg 3 times daily after several weeks if the response is not adequate. .
• The initial dose of sustained-release tablets is 150 mg daily; target dose is 150 mg twice daily; maximum dose is 200 mg twice daily.
• The initial dose of extended-release tablets is 150 mg daily; target dose is 300 mg daily; maximum dose is 450 mg daily. Alternatively initiate at 174 mg daily and increase to 348 mg daily after 4 days and up to a maximum dose of 522 mg daily after 4 weeks. Extended release tablets are administered once daily.
• When used for smoking cessation, bupropion (Zyban) usually is started as 150 mg once daily for three days, and then the dose is increased to 150 mg twice daily for 7 to 12 weeks if the patient tolerates the starting dose.
• Smoking is discontinued two weeks after starting bupropion therapy.
• The dose for seasonal affective disorder is 150 mg once daily. Wellbutrin SR is given as two daily doses. Wellbutrin XL is given as one dose daily, up to 300 mg daily using extended release tablets. Alternatively treatment may be started with 174 mg daily and increased to a target dose of 348 mg day. Start treatment in the autumn prior to onset of seasonal depressive symptoms, and continue through the winter season.

Lexapro (escitalopram) and Wellbutrin (bupropion) are drugs used to major depression and general anxiety disorder (GAD). Lexapro belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant drug class, and Wellbutrin belongs to the aminoketone drug class. Lexapro and Wellbutrin do not have the same mechanism of action, but they have similar side effects, for example, nausea, headache, dry mouth, insomnia, agitation, shaking, and restlessness.

Lexapro also may cause side effects like diarrhea, blurred vision, drowsiness, sexual difficulties, weight changes, indigestion and blurred vision. Wellbutrin also may cause side effects like constipation.

Off-label (non-FDA approved) uses for Wellbutrin include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social phobia, and neuropathic pain (nerve pain), and smoking cessation. Dosage for Lexapro and Wellbutrin depend upon the condition being treated. Lexapro and Wellbutrin have important drug interactions, and is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

In addition to Wellbutrin, other brand names for bupropion include Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban, Aplenzin, Fortivo XL, and Zyban

• PTSD Quiz: Test your IQ of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

  Can you have PTSD even if you've never been to war? Take the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Quiz to learn about PTSD, who gets it,...

• Childhood ADHD Quiz: Test, Symptoms & Medication

  Find out causes, symptoms, and treatments for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a widespread behavioral condition...

• Depression Quiz: Signs & Symptoms

  Many people do not recognize the symptoms and warning signs of depression and depressive disorders in children and adults. With...

• Adult ADHD Quiz: Symptoms & Test

  What are the symptoms of adult ADHD? Take this quiz to learn what it means for an adult to suffer from ADHD and what can be done...

• Panic Attacks (Panic Disorder) Quiz: Test Your Mental Health IQ

  Could you suffer a panic attack? Take this Panic Attacks Quiz to learn causes, symptoms, and treatments for panic disorder. Use...

• Diabetic Neuropathy Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ

  Diabetic neuropathy is serious. Take this quiz to get the facts....

• Learn to Spot Depression: Symptoms, Warning Signs, Medication

  What is depression? Get information on symptoms, signs, tests, and treatments for many types of depression including major...

• ADHD/ADD in Adults: Symptoms & Treatments in Pictures

  Most people don't associate adults with the term ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) but it is a common disorder in...

• Depression Tips: Exercise, Diet, Stress Reduction, and More in Pictures

  The right exercise, diet, and activities -- even playing with a pet --can help you recover from depression. Learn simple...

• ADHD in Children: Better Parenting

  Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common disorder seen in children. Parents can learn tips and techniques to...

• ADHD: Top Concentration-Killers in Pictures

  Learn the truth about multitasking, email overload, nagging thoughts, hunger, and other brain drains of modern life. See what's...

• Depression Myths: Overwork, Recklessness and More in Pictures

  Explore the myths and facts about depression. See how folk remedies and half-truths still prevent many from getting treatment for...

• Anxiety Disorder Pictures: Symptoms, Panic Attacks, and More with Pictures

  Learn about generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). See if your worries are normal or something more by learning about symptoms,...

• Physical Symptoms of Depression in Pictures

  Depression can cause physical problems such as insomnia, chest pain, fatigue, headaches, and more. Learn the signs of depression...

• Healthy Aging: Sneaky Depression Triggers in Pictures

  There are many causes and triggers of depression. From too little vitamin B12 to too much time alone, look at these surprising...

• Adult ADHD: Organization and Time-Management Tips in Pictures

  Learn daily living tips for adult ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). If you have ADHD or you just need to get...

• Depression Therapy: Myths, Facts, and More in Pictures

  False ideas scare many depression suffers away from therapy and the quick relief and help these pros can provide. Let our experts...

• Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: Improve Diabetes Nerve Pain

  Read about diabetic peripheral neuropathy and exercises to manage nerve pain. Learn how to cope with the symptoms of diabetic...

• Foods That Help Fight Depression

  Food cannot prevent depression, but a healthy diet may boost your mood. Foods like salmon, carrots, Brazil nuts and even...

• Childhood ADD or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children)

  Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) causes the following symptoms in children: excessive activity, problems...

• Depression

  Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts and affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one...

• Panic Attacks

  Panic attacks are sudden feelings of terror that strike without warning. These episodes can occur at any time, even during sleep....

• Holiday Depression, Anxiety, and Stress

  Though the holidays are a fun time for most, for others, they're a sad, lonely and anxiety-filled time. Get tips on how to avoid...

• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

  Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a psychiatric condition, can develop after any catastrophic life event. Symptoms include...

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that causes a person to suffer repeated obsessions and compulsions....

• Mental Health

  Mental health is an optimal way of thinking, relating to others, and feeling. All of the diagnosable mental disorders fall under...

• Adult ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

  About 2%-6% of adults have ADHD, a common behavioral problem. Symptoms include impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention....

• Neuropathic Pain

  Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition that leads to ongoing pain symptoms. Patients can be predisposed to developing...

• Depression in Children

  Childhood depression can interfere with social activities, interests, schoolwork and family life. Symptoms and signs include...

• Teen Depression

  Depression in teenagers may be caused by many factors. Symptoms of teen depression include apathy, irresponsible behavior,...

• Depression in the Elderly

  Depression in the elderly is very common. That doesn't mean, though, it's normal. Treatment may involve antidepressants,...

• Anxiety

  Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension and fear characterized by symptoms such as trouble concentrating, headaches, sleep problems,...

• Mental Illness

  Mental illness is any disease or condition affecting the brain that influence the way a person thinks, feels, behaves, and/or...

• Parenting a Child With ADHD

  ADHD is a behavioral condition with characteristics that include hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Parenting a child...

• 13 Tips for Parenting a Teen With ADHD

  Parenting a teenager who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be challenging. Parents can use specific...

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Teens

  Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in teens is a disruption of neurocognitive functioning. Genetics contribute to...