Wellbutrin Vs. Prozac

Introduction

Prozac (fluoxetine) and Wellbutrin (bupropion) are prescription drugs used for the treatment of severe depressive disorder. The major symptoms of depression that can be treated with these medications include sleep problems, loss of interest, hopelessness, or sadness.

Both these medications are available only with a prescription from a healthcare provider or a doctor. While they are used to treat similar symptoms and disorders, Prozac and Wellbutrin work by impacting different brain functions, and their effects differ from patient to patient.

About Wellbutrin and Prozac

What is Wellbutrin?

This medication is an FDA-approved antidepressant that works in the nerves and brain to treat depression. Wellbutrin is a kind of antidepressant known as a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It is also used for the treatment of a seasonal affective disorder. It can be used on its own or with other drugs.

Wellbutrin comes in extended-release, sustained-release, and immediate-release forms. It includes an active drug called bupropion.

What conditions is Wellbutrin approved to treat?

The FDA has approved all Wellbutrin forms for the treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). This medication is also sometimes used off-label for the treatment of bipolar disorder.

It has also been approved to treat the following:

  • Social anxiety disorder
  • Anxiety
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Obesity
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

How does Wellbutrin work for Depression?

Those battling depression often have lower levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Wellbutrin works by preventing the brain from reabsorbing dopamine and norepinephrine, resulting in an increase in their levels to manage the symptoms of depression.

Patients start experiencing improvement within a week or two of taking Wellbutrin. This drug helps in improving appetite, enhancing energy levels, and improving sleep quality. Improvement in other symptoms related to mood typically takes longer to show.

What is Prozac?

Prozac is an FDA-approved selective serotonin uptake inhibitor (SSRI) for the treatment of major depressive disorder. It is also used to treat symptoms of bipolar disorder. This medication affects particular chemical messengers that are responsible for the interaction between brain cells.

It helps in treating the symptoms of depression, OCD, anxiety, and panic disorders. Prozac comes in weekly or daily oral capsules.

What conditions is Prozac approved to treat?

Prozac has been approved by FDA for depression, panic disorder, OCD, binge eating, bulimia, and bipolar depression. It is also prescribed for depression that is treatment-resistant by prescribing it with olanzapine (Zyprexa).

This medication has also been approved to treat:

  • Acute depressive episodes linked to bipolar I disorder
  • Diabetic neuropathy (off-label)
  • Fibromyalgia (off-label)
  • Generalized anxiety disorder (off-label)
  • Migraine headaches (off-label)
  • Neurocardiogenic syncope (off-label)
  • Premature ejaculation (off-label)

How does Prozac work for Depression?

Prozac treats depression by enhancing the serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters in the brain that carries signals between neurons. It is known to have a positive impact on sleep, emotions, and mood.

This medication prevents the reuptake of serotonin in the brain nerve cells, resulting in an increase in the amount of serotonin.

Effectiveness

How effective are Wellbutrin and Prozac for treating Depression?

Both Prozac and Wellbutrin are antidepressant drugs that work differently to treat symptoms of depression. Wellbutrin is classified as an aminoketone which increases the dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. In comparison, Prozac is classified as an SSRI which works by enhancing the serotonin levels in the brain.

A healthcare specialist with a specialty in psychiatry prescribes these drugs for the treatment of multiple mental health disorders, mainly depression. Prozac and Wellbutrin are effective medications and are among the leading prescription medications for depression. The right medication is dependent on various factors, including side effects, reaction to treatment, and cost.

While clinical studies have found both these medications to provide similar effectiveness for depression treatment, the efficacy may slightly differ based on the patient’s individual cases and goals. A study found Wellbutrin to be safer and more effective compared to others, in terms of lesser potential side effects than Prozac and other antidepressants.

Wellbutrin has also been found to have a lower risk of weight gain and sexual side effects compared to Prozac. However, the results also showed that Prozac might be more effective for the treatment of depression among individuals suffering from OCD, bulimia, and bipolar disorder. Prozac is also known to be a sedating medication compared to Wellbutrin, making it ideal for those looking to calm down and relax.

Prozac is more effective for mental health disorders like OCD, while Wellbutrin is more effective for mental health disorders like depression.

Dosage information

How is Wellbutrin administered for Depression?

Wellbutrin dosage information

The standard dose for Wellbutrin is 100 mg dose thrice a day, depending on the condition.

How is Prozac administered for Depression?

Prozac dosage information

The standard dose for Wellbutrin is 20 mg dose once a day, depending on the condition.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Wellbutrin?

Some of the common side effects of this medication include:

  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Headache
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea
  • Sore throat
  • Weight loss

Are there any potential serious side effects of Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Blurred vision
  • Confusion
  • Extreme irritability or happiness,
  • Eye swelling or pain
  • Increased energy
  • Irregular or fast heartbeat
  • Racing thoughts
  • Reckless behavior
  • Seeing halos around lights
  • Seizures (convulsions)
  • Severe sleep problems
  • Talking more than usual
  • Tunnel vision
  • Unusual changes in behavior or mood

* If you experience any of these serious side effects, seek medical help immediately

It is also possible to overdose on Wellbutrin. Some of the common symptoms of Wellbutrin overdose include:

  • Dizziness
  • Hallucinations
  • Heart palpitations
  • Insomnia
  • Rash
  • Seizures
  • Tachycardia
  • Tremors

Are there the most common side effects of Prozac?

Some common side effects of this medication include:

  • Appetite fluctuation
  • Cold symptoms, like a stuffy nose
  • Constipation
  • Decreased sex drive or sexual dysfunction
  • Dizziness or drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Headaches
  • High blood pressure
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Weight gain

Are there any potential serious side effects of Prozac?

Some severe side effects of Prozac include:

  • Abnormal bleeding
  • Activation of mania/hypomania
  • Allergic reactions, skin rash
  • Blood sugar control problems
  • Changes in weight or appetite
  • Impaired motor skills, thinking, and judgment
  • Irregular heart rhythm
  • Low sodium levels
  • Seizures
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Suicidal behaviors and thoughts
  • Vision problems

* If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately

It is also possible to overdose on Prozac, and in rare cases, an overdose can be fatal. Some common symptoms of Prozac overdose include:

  • Agitation
  • Drowsiness
  • Fast heart rate increase
  • Nausea
  • Rapid, involuntary eye movements
  • Seizures
  • Tremors
  • Vomiting

When taken with alcohol, additional difficulties might be experienced with:

  • Balance and coordination
  • Breathing
  • Speaking

Contraindications and Interactions

Warnings and general precautions for Wellbutrin and Prozac

FDA has included a black box warning for both Wellbutrin and Prozac related to suicidal behaviors and thoughts. These medications might increase the risk of worsening the symptoms of depression.

Wellbutrin may also increase seizure risk, particularly when taken in a high dose. Using Wellbutrin has also been found to increase the risk of glaucoma, psychosis, mania, and blood pressure in some cases.

Prozac also carries a risk of glaucoma, mania, and seizures. It may also increase the serotonin syndrome risk. The serotonin syndrome symptoms include muscle stiffness, rapid heart rate, and confusion. In some cases, abnormal bleeding, heart rhythm issues, and reduced levels of sodium have also been reported.

Wellbutrin might be prescribed to pregnant women, but it could increase the risk of miscarriage and congenital disabilities. Prozac should not be taken by breastfeeding mothers, and taking it during pregnancy might increase the risk of fetal heart complications.

Contraindications and important interactions for Wellbutrin and Prozac

Contraindications

Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin has been found to be contraindicated among individuals battling with a seizure disorder, prior or current diagnosis of anorexia or bulimia.

It is also contraindicated among patients experiencing sudden discontinuation of antiepileptic drugs, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and alcohol.

Usage of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) with this medication or within 14 days of discontinued use of this medication is contraindicated. Increased hypertensive reaction risk has been found when using Wellbutrin with MAOIs.

Wellbutrin has been found to be contraindicated among individuals with hypersensitivity to specific ingredients of the medication.

Prozac

Usage of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) with this Prozac or using it within five weeks of discontinuing Prozac can increase the serotonin syndrome risk. Using this medication within 14 days of discontinuing MOAI is also contraindicated.

Using Prozac has also been found to be contraindicated with Thioridazine and Pimozide.

Drug/Medication Interactions

Wellbutrin

  • ADHD medications
  • Antibiotics
  • Antihistamines that make you sleepy,
  • Asthma, blood thinners, and insulin medications
  • Birth control pills
  • Bladder or urinary medications
  • Bronchodilators
  • Diet pills
  • Heart or blood pressure medications
  • HIV or AIDS medications
  • Hormone replacement estrogens
  • Irritable bowel or ulcer medications
  • Nausea/vomiting/motion sickness medicines
  • Oral diabetes medication
  • Parkinson's disease medicines
  • Pituitary gland tumor medication
  • Seizure medications
  • Stimulants

Prozac

  • Alprazolam
  • Blood thinners
  • Clopidogrel
  • Clozapine
  • Cold or allergy medicine
  • Flecainide
  • Haloperidol
  • Migraine headache medicines
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
  • Muscle relaxers
  • Narcotic pain medicine
  • Nebivolol
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Sedatives
  • Seizures or anxiety medicine
  • Sleeping pills
  • Vinblastine

Food/Beverage/Supplement Interactions

Wellbutrin

There aren’t any interactions found between Wellbutrin and any food and supplement.

Drinking alcohol with Wellbutrin can result in severe side effects, like seizures. Caffeine should also be avoided with Wellbutrin as it may increase nervousness or agitation.

Prozac

There aren’t any interactions found between Prozac and any food.

Taking Prozac with alcohol can cause severe interactions, causing poor decision-making, risk of injuries and falls, and impaired driving. It can also have similar negative interactions with caffeine.

Certain dietary supplements, like tryptophan St. and John's Wort, may cause harmful symptoms when taken with Prozac.

Cost Comparison

How much do Wellbutrin and Prozac cost?

The average cost without insurance for Wellbutrin 75 mg oral tablet is about $87 for 30 tablets. For a 100 mg oral tablet, the average cost is $351.61 for 100 tablets. The cost also depends on the pharmacy you purchase your medication from.

The average cost without insurance for Prozac 20 mg oral tablet is $572 for 30 tablets. For a 40 mg oral tablet, the average cost is $1,134.74 for 100 tablets. The cost also depends on the pharmacy you purchase your medication from.

Popularity of Wellbutrin and Prozac

Prozac and Wellbutrin are among the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the US. Around 20 million people use Prozac for the treatment of depression and other psychiatric problems. Wellbutrin is used by around 25 million people in the US for the treatment of depression and to improve their energy and mood.

Conclusion

Takeaway

Prozac and Wellbutrin are prescribed to millions of people every day for the treatment of depression and other psychiatric disorders. Both these medications are a type of antidepressant, but Wellbutrin is a norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), and Prozac is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Wellbutrin and Prozac come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages, including potential side effects that may be different for every user. Both are effective, but the ideal choice would be the one that meets your individual requirements and other factors, like prescription medications being used, medical history, and more. It is integral to consult a healthcare provider to discuss which medicine is right for you.

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