Lexapro vs. Wellbutrin
See how Lexapro and Wellbutrin compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Lexapro is an SSRI approved for depression and generalized anxiety, while Wellbutrin is a different type of antidepressant approved only for depression.
Lexapro more often causes nausea and sexual side effects, while Wellbutrin is more likely to cause dry mouth, constipation, and can raise seizure risk at higher doses.
Wellbutrin tends to be more energizing and is less likely to cause weight gain or sexual dysfunction than Lexapro.
Lexapro vs. Wellbutrin Drug Summary
Lexapro
Lexapro (escitalopram) is an SSRI that increases serotonin activity in the brain. It is FDA approved for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in adults, and for depression in adolescents 12 to 17. It comes as a tablet or oral solution taken once daily.
Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin (bupropion) works differently from SSRIs by boosting norepinephrine and dopamine activity instead of serotonin. It is FDA approved only for major depressive disorder in adults, though doctors sometimes prescribe it off-label for ADHD or to counter sexual side effects from other antidepressants. It is taken as an immediate-release tablet, usually two to three times a day.
Lexapro vs. Wellbutrin Side Effects
Lexapro
Wellbutrin
Lexapro vs. Wellbutrin Dosage
Lexapro
Wellbutrin
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 10 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 20 mg once daily | Week 2 onward |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 200 mg/day (100 mg BID) | Days 1-3 |
| Maximum dose | 450 mg/day (150 mg TID) | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | Every 3 days |
Lexapro
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 10 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 20 mg once daily | Week 2 onward |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Wellbutrin
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 200 mg/day (100 mg BID) | Days 1-3 |
| Maximum dose | 450 mg/day (150 mg TID) | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | Every 3 days |
Lexapro vs. Wellbutrin Indications
Lexapro
Lexapro is approved for major depressive disorder in adults and adolescents, and for generalized anxiety disorder in adults. It is not approved for depression in children under 12 or for anxiety in pediatric patients. Doctors sometimes use it off-label for other anxiety-related conditions.
Major depressive disorder in adults
Major depressive disorder in adolescents 12-17
Generalized anxiety disorder in adults
Not approved for pediatric anxiety
Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin is FDA approved only for major depressive disorder in adults. It is not approved for bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, or smoking cessation under this brand name, though its active ingredient is sold separately as Zyban for that purpose. It is also used off-label for ADHD and to manage weight or sexual side effects from other antidepressants.
Major depressive disorder in adults
Off-label: ADHD in adults and children
Off-label: antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction
Off-label: adjunct for bipolar depression
Lexapro vs. Wellbutrin Pros and Cons
Lexapro
Lexapro has a simple once-daily dosing schedule and a strong track record for both depression and anxiety. It carries a higher risk of sexual side effects and nausea than Wellbutrin, and generic escitalopram keeps costs low for most patients.
Pros
Also approved for generalized anxiety disorder
Simple once-daily dosing
No seizure risk, so usable in patients with seizure history
Cons
Higher rates of nausea and sexual side effects
More likely to cause fatigue or drowsiness
Can cause weight gain with long-term use
Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin is often chosen when sexual side effects or weight gain from an SSRI are a concern, since it tends to be more energizing and weight-neutral. It requires multiple daily doses with immediate-release tablets and carries a dose-related seizure risk that rules it out for some patients.
Pros
Lower rates of sexual side effects and weight gain
Tends to be energizing rather than sedating
Useful off-label option for ADHD or low energy
Cons
Dose-related seizure risk limits use in some patients
Requires two to three doses per day with this formulation
Not approved for anxiety disorders
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.