Wellbutrin vs Cymbalta: side-by-side comparison
Wellbutrin (Bupropion) and Cymbalta (Duloxetine) both belong to the Antidépresseurs 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 | Antidépresseurs | Antidépresseurs |
| Strengths | 75mg, 100mg, 150mg, 300mg | 20mg, 30mg, 60mg |
| Forms | tablet | capsule |
What's the same
Wellbutrin and Cymbalta both belong to the Antidépresseurs 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 inhibe la recapture de la noradrénaline et de la dopamine, avec un effet nettement plus faible sur la sérotonine. Cymbalta: Cymbalta inhibe la recapture synaptique de la sérotonine et de la noradrénaline.
When Wellbutrin is preferred
Wellbutrin est autorisé, dans les pays où il dispose de cette AMM, dans la dépression caractérisée et la prévention des récidives du trouble affectif saisonnier (Wellbutrin XL).
When Cymbalta is preferred
Cymbalta est autorisé dans la dépression caractérisée, le trouble anxieux généralisé, les douleurs neuropathiques périphériques diabétiques, la fibromyalgie et les douleurs musculosquelettiques chroniques.
Questions fréquentes
Is Wellbutrin or Cymbalta better? ▾
There is no single answer. Wellbutrin and Cymbalta both belong to the Antidépresseurs 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 Antidépresseurs 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 Antidépresseurs class side effects, with differences from mechanism and dose. Each medication's prescribing information lists specifics.
More Wellbutrin comparisons
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