Wellbutrin vs. Luvox
See how Wellbutrin and Luvox compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Wellbutrin is an NDRI antidepressant for major depressive disorder, while Luvox is an SSRI approved for obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults and children age 8 and up.
Wellbutrin carries a lower risk of sexual side effects and weight gain than Luvox, but it raises seizure risk and is not approved for anxiety disorders.
Luvox commonly causes nausea, headache, insomnia, and drowsiness at higher rates than Wellbutrin, and it strongly interacts with caffeine and other CYP1A2-metabolized drugs.
Wellbutrin vs. Luvox Drug Summary
Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an aminoketone antidepressant that works by inhibiting norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake, setting it apart from SSRIs. It is FDA-approved for major depressive disorder and is taken as an oral tablet, usually two to three times a day.
Luvox
Luvox (fluvoxamine) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor mainly used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, though it's sometimes prescribed off-label for depression and anxiety. It comes as an oral tablet, typically taken once or twice daily depending on the dose.
Wellbutrin vs. Luvox Side Effects
Wellbutrin
Luvox
Wellbutrin vs. Luvox Dosage
Wellbutrin
Luvox
| 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 |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 300 mg/day | If needed |
| Dose changes | 4 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 |
Luvox
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 300 mg/day | If needed |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | As tolerated |
Wellbutrin vs. Luvox Indications
Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder in adults. It's also prescribed off-label for adult ADHD, as an add-on for bipolar depression, and to counter sexual side effects caused by other antidepressants.
Major depressive disorder (FDA-approved)
ADHD in adults and children (off-label)
Bipolar depression, as an add-on (off-label)
Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction (off-label)
Obesity/weight management (off-label)
Luvox
Luvox is FDA-approved for obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults and children ages 8 and older. It's also prescribed off-label for major depression, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.
OCD in adults (FDA-approved)
OCD in children and teens ages 8-17 (FDA-approved)
Major depressive disorder (off-label)
Social anxiety disorder (off-label)
Panic disorder (off-label)
Wellbutrin vs. Luvox Pros and Cons
Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin stands out among antidepressants for its low rates of sexual side effects and weight gain, and for an energizing rather than sedating effect. It's not approved for anxiety disorders and carries seizure risk, so it's avoided in people with seizure disorders or eating disorders.
Pros
Low risk of sexual side effects and weight gain, unlike most SSRIs
Non-sedating, often improves energy and focus
Also FDA-approved as Zyban for smoking cessation (same active ingredient)
Cons
Seizure risk; contraindicated in seizure or eating disorders
Not effective for anxiety disorders and may worsen anxiety
Typically $500 to $900 per month without insurance, more than Luvox
Not approved for OCD
Luvox
Luvox is the SSRI most specifically studied for OCD, including in children as young as 8, but it tends to cause more nausea, drowsiness, and GI upset than Wellbutrin. Its strong effect on the CYP1A2 enzyme means it interacts with caffeine, theophylline, and several other common drugs.
Pros
Only SSRI specifically approved for pediatric OCD (age 8+)
Also used off-label for depression, social anxiety, and panic disorder
Only generic available, roughly $15 to $170 per month, cheaper than Wellbutrin
Cons
Higher rates of nausea, sedation, and GI side effects
Strong CYP1A2 inhibitor; interacts with caffeine, theophylline, clozapine
Not approved for major depressive disorder
More likely to cause sexual side effects and weight gain than Wellbutrin
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