Celexa vs Wellbutrin: side-by-side comparison
Celexa (Citalopram) and Wellbutrin (Bupropion) both belong to the Antidepressiva class. They share clinical context but use different active ingredients. The choice between them depends on mechanism nuances, side-effect profile and individual response.
| Property | Celexa | Wellbutrin |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Citalopram | Bupropion |
| Manufacturer | Forest Laboratories / AbbVie | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Class | Antidepressiva | Antidepressiva |
| Strengths | 10mg, 20mg, 40mg | 75mg, 100mg, 150mg, 300mg |
| Forms | tablet | tablet |
What's the same
Celexa and Wellbutrin both belong to the Antidepressiva class and are used for partially overlapping indications. The active ingredients — Citalopram vs Bupropion — share the same therapeutic approach, so many safety and management points carry across both.
Key differences
Meaningful differences are in active ingredient (Citalopram vs Bupropion), strengths (10mg, 20mg, 40mg vs 75mg, 100mg, 150mg, 300mg), forms (tablet vs tablet), and the mechanism, half-life and side-effect nuances that distinguish members of the class.
Mechanism and action
Celexa: Citalopram hemmt selektiv den Serotonin-Reuptake-Transporter und erhöht damit die synaptische Serotoninverfügbarkeit, mit nur begrenzter Affinität zu Noradrenalin-Transportern oder anderen Rezeptoren. Wellbutrin: Wellbutrin hemmt die Wiederaufnahme von Noradrenalin und Dopamin, mit deutlich schwächerer Wirkung auf Serotonin.
When Celexa is preferred
Celexa ist zugelassen zur Behandlung der Major Depression.
When Wellbutrin is preferred
Wellbutrin ist für die Major Depression und zur Vorbeugung von Rezidiven der saisonal abhängigen Depression (Wellbutrin XL) zugelassen.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Is Celexa or Wellbutrin better? ▾
There is no single answer. Celexa and Wellbutrin both belong to the Antidepressiva class but differ in mechanism nuances, half-life and side-effect profile. Preference depends on the patient, the prescriber and prior response to other therapies.
Can I switch from Celexa to Wellbutrin? ▾
Switching within the Antidepressiva class is done under supervision, typically using equivalent doses and a follow-up period to confirm response and tolerance. It is not a self-directed decision.
Do Celexa and Wellbutrin have the same side effects? ▾
They share many of the Antidepressiva class side effects, with differences from mechanism and dose. Each medication's prescribing information lists specifics.
More Celexa comparisons
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