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

Most common
headache/migraine (up to 26%)
insomnia (up to 19%)
nausea/vomiting (up to 18%)
dry mouth (up to 18%)

Luvox

Most common
nausea (up to 40%)
headache (up to 35%)
insomnia (up to 35%)
somnolence (up to 27%)

Wellbutrin vs. Luvox Dosage

Wellbutrin

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Dosage
Dosage Table
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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