Bupropion vs Citalopram: side-by-side comparison
Bupropion (Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) antidepressant) and Citalopram (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)) belong to different therapeutic classes and are rarely substitutes for each other. The comparison is useful when a single patient is weighing both options for adjacent or overlapping needs.
| Property | Bupropion | Citalopram |
|---|---|---|
| Therapeutic class | Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) antidepressant | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) |
| CAS | 34911-55-2 | 59729-33-8 |
| ATC | N06AX12 | N06AB04 |
| Molecular weight | 239.74 g/mol | 324.39 g/mol |
| Brands with this active ingredient | 1 | 1 |
What they share
Bupropion and Citalopram share the common regulatory framework for prescription active ingredients, bioequivalence standards for generics, and pharmacist oversight. Beyond that, points in common are limited.
Key differences
Bupropion acts by a different mechanism than Citalopram, with indications that barely overlap. Comparing the two is useful when a clinician has mentioned both in the same context or the patient wants to understand why one was prescribed instead of the other.
Mechanisms compared
Bupropion: Bupropion inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, with much weaker effect on serotonin reuptake. Citalopram: Citalopram selectively inhibits the serotonin reuptake transporter, increasing synaptic serotonin availability with limited affinity for noradrenaline transporters or other receptors.
Indications compared
Bupropion: Bupropion is approved for major depressive disorder, prevention of seasonal affective disorder recurrence, and smoking cessation. Citalopram: Citalopram is approved for major depressive disorder.
Safety profile
Bupropion: Common adverse effects include dry mouth, insomnia, headache, agitation, nausea and weight loss. Citalopram: Common adverse effects include nausea, dry mouth, headache, sexual dysfunction, sleep disturbance and increased sweating.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bupropion better than Citalopram? ▾
Bupropion and Citalopram are not "better or worse" — they treat different things. The sensible question is which fits your specific need.
Can Bupropion and Citalopram be combined? ▾
Whether they can be combined depends on the indications and the interaction profile of each. If both are in a single prescription, the prescriber has weighed it; in self-medication they should never be combined.
Do they have the same side-effect profile? ▾
No — they belong to different classes and have distinct side-effect profiles. Each has its own prescribing information.
Products with Bupropion
Products with Citalopram
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.