Wellbutrin vs Cymbalta: side-by-side comparison
Wellbutrin (Bupropion) and Cymbalta (Duloxetine) 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 | Wellbutrin | Cymbalta |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Bupropion | Duloxetine |
| Manufacturer | GlaxoSmithKline | Eli Lilly |
| Class | Antidepressiva | Antidepressiva |
| Strengths | 75mg, 100mg, 150mg, 300mg | 20mg, 30mg, 60mg |
| Forms | tablet | capsule |
What's the same
Wellbutrin and Cymbalta both belong to the Antidepressiva class and are used for partially overlapping indications. The active ingredients — Bupropion vs Duloxetine — share the same therapeutic approach, so many safety and management points carry across both.
Key differences
Meaningful differences are in active ingredient (Bupropion vs Duloxetine), strengths (75mg, 100mg, 150mg, 300mg vs 20mg, 30mg, 60mg), forms (tablet vs capsule), and the mechanism, half-life and side-effect nuances that distinguish members of the class.
Mechanism and action
Wellbutrin: Wellbutrin hemmt die Wiederaufnahme von Noradrenalin und Dopamin, mit deutlich schwächerer Wirkung auf Serotonin. Cymbalta: Cymbalta hemmt die Wiederaufnahme von Serotonin und Noradrenalin an der Synapse.
When Wellbutrin is preferred
Wellbutrin ist für die Major Depression und zur Vorbeugung von Rezidiven der saisonal abhängigen Depression (Wellbutrin XL) zugelassen.
When Cymbalta is preferred
Cymbalta ist zur Behandlung der Major Depression, der generalisierten Angststörung, diabetischer peripherer neuropathischer Schmerzen, Fibromyalgie und chronischer muskuloskelettaler Schmerzen zugelassen.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Is Wellbutrin or Cymbalta better? ▾
There is no single answer. Wellbutrin and Cymbalta 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 Wellbutrin to Cymbalta? ▾
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 Wellbutrin and Cymbalta 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 Wellbutrin comparisons
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