Prozac vs. Wellbutrin
See how Prozac and Wellbutrin compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Prozac is an SSRI approved for depression, OCD, bulimia, and panic disorder, while Wellbutrin is approved only for major depressive disorder.
Wellbutrin is less likely to cause sexual side effects or weight gain than Prozac, but it carries a dose-related seizure risk that Prozac does not.
Prozac offers once-weekly and liquid dosing options, while Wellbutrin is only available as an immediate-release tablet taken multiple times a day.
Prozac vs. Wellbutrin Drug Summary
Prozac
Prozac (fluoxetine) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, and panic disorder. It comes as a capsule, delayed-release weekly capsule, tablet, or oral solution, usually taken once daily.
Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an aminoketone antidepressant that works by blocking norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake rather than acting on serotonin. It is FDA-approved only for major depressive disorder and is taken as an immediate-release tablet, typically two to three times a day.
Prozac vs. Wellbutrin Side Effects
Prozac
Wellbutrin
Prozac vs. Wellbutrin Dosage
Prozac
Wellbutrin
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 20 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 90 mg once weekly | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | 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 |
Prozac
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 20 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 90 mg once weekly | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | 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 |
Prozac vs. Wellbutrin Indications
Prozac
Prozac is FDA-approved for major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, panic disorder, and bipolar I depression when combined with olanzapine. It is also used off-label for premenstrual dysphoric disorder, binge eating disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
Major depressive disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Bulimia nervosa
Panic disorder
Bipolar I depression (with olanzapine)
Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin's only FDA-approved use is major depressive disorder. Doctors sometimes prescribe it off-label for adult ADHD, as an add-on for bipolar depression, to counter antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction, or for weight management.
Major depressive disorder
ADHD in adults (off-label)
Bipolar depression add-on (off-label)
Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction (off-label)
Weight management (off-label)
Prozac vs. Wellbutrin Pros and Cons
Prozac
Prozac's long track record and multiple FDA-approved indications make it a versatile choice, and its low-cost generic form keeps it accessible for most patients. Sexual side effects and early activation, like anxiety or insomnia, are the main tradeoffs.
Pros
Approved for OCD, bulimia, and panic disorder, not just depression
Available as capsule, liquid, and once-weekly formulations
Decades of safety data since its 1987 approval
Cons
Higher rates of sexual side effects and weight gain than bupropion
Can cause activation symptoms like anxiety or insomnia early on
Long-acting metabolite means interactions can linger for weeks after stopping
Not approved for anxiety disorders as a standalone treatment
Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin stands out for its low rates of sexual dysfunction and weight gain, making it a common alternative or add-on to SSRIs. Its narrow FDA approval and seizure risk mean it isn't right for everyone, and its brand-level pricing is notably higher.
Pros
Low incidence of sexual side effects and weight gain
Non-sedating, often preferred when fatigue is a concern
Frequently used off-label for adult ADHD and low libido from SSRIs
Cons
FDA-approved only for depression; other uses are off-label
Seizure risk means it's contraindicated with seizure disorders or eating disorders
Can worsen anxiety or agitation in some patients
Typically costs $500 to $900 a month, well above generic Prozac
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