Can i take wellbutrin and lexapro together

The generic form, bupropion, is also approved in the treatment of smoking cessation in its sustained-release form bupropion SR. Wellbutrin is available in immediate, sustained, and extended-release tablet formulations. Lexapro is a prescription antidepressant medication. It belongs to a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

It is prescribed to treat major depressive disorder, and it works by increasing available serotonin in the neuron synapse. Lexapro is available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg strengths. While both Wellbutrin and Lexapro treat depression, they are not the same type of drug, Wellbutrin works by blocking the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in the neuronal synapse, while Lexapro blocks the reuptake of serotonin.

All of these neurotransmitters play a role in mood and affect. In comparative studies, Wellbutrin and Lexapro provided similar rates of improvement in depression measurement scales. Wellbutrin may have fewer side effects, specifically related to libido, and therefore may be the better choice for some patients. Wellbutrin is categorized as pregnancy category B by the Food and Drug Administration FDA , meaning it is generally considered safe during pregnancy.

Bupropion and its metabolites do cross the human placenta. Lexapro is pregnancy category C, meaning there have not been adequate human studies to determine efficacy.

Animal studies have shown teratogenic effects on the fetus, including cardiovascular effects, and it has been determined that Lexapro crosses the human placenta. For these reasons, the use of Wellbutrin or Lexapro in pregnancy must be weighed against potential harm to the fetus. Alcohol can increase the toxic effects of both Wellbutrin and Lexapro. Drinking alcohol while taking these drugs can cause significant psychomotor impairment, and for this reason, patients are advised to avoid alcohol if taking Wellbutrin or Lexapro.

Alcohol specifically lowers the seizure threshold in patients taking Wellbutrin, and patients with a history of seizure should avoid this combination. Wellbutrin is not indicated in the treatment of anxiety, and in fact, for many patients, anxiety may worsen while on Wellbutrin.

Patients with anxiety may benefit from other medication classes, and their healthcare professional may help them select the best agent. Wellbutrin specifically affects two neurotransmitters, dopamine, and norepinephrine. In addition to treating depression, the active ingredient in Wellbutrin has been proven to increase success in smoking cessation. It is also specifically indicated in seasonal affective disorder.

Adderall is a stimulant medication that has a long-standing history of success in ADHD. Wellbutrin, off-label, has been used to treat comorbid depression in patients with ADHD, with or without concurrent stimulant use. Skip to main content Search for a topic or drug. Wellbutrin vs. Lexapro: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you. By Kristi C. Torres, Pharm. Want the best price on Lexapro? Want the best price on Wellbutrin? First of all, the concurrent administration of bupropion to a patient that is dosing on tramadol can affect the analgesic effects that the tramadol is supposed to have in the body.

Secondly, for a drug like bupropion that reduces the seizure threshold, the administration of tramadol with bupropion can increase the risk of spasms.

Kratom is known to have HT2a antagonistic effects. This would reduce GABA upregulation, increasing the risk of convultions when used at the same time with a drug like bupropion that reduces the seizure threshold, the chances of the patient having a seizure is increased — even more so if the patient is already dealing with medical conditions that affect the central nervous system.

Patients that already have pre-existing seizure disorders are advised to steer clear of bupropion. Additionally, bupropion may interact pharmacokinetically with anticonvulsant medication that triggers hepatic microsomal isoenzyme function. For the same reasons as are stated here, it is inadvisable to use Wellbutrin and Topamax together. Using Abilify Aripiprazole and Wellbutrin together can lead to a major drug interaction.

Because Aripiprazole is partially metabolized by CYP2D6, manufacturers recommend that patients using the drug alongside bupropion or similar drugs should reduce the Aripiprazole dose to one-half of the usual dose.

Then, the patient must be closely monitored. Patients that have seizure disorders are advised to keep away from Wellbutrin, as well as take Gabapentin medication , as it tends to reduce the seizure threshold, increasing the risk of spasms. Some antidepressants are known to hurt the sexual life of the user.

While bupropion sexual side effects are relatively mild , it would still be counter-productive to use the drug while treating erectile dysfunction with Viagra. Excessive use of the psychostimulant, Phentermine may be associated with an increased risk of seizures.

Therefore, it is inadvisable to use the drug alongside bupropion due to its seizure threshold-reducing characteristics. Wellbutrin may trigger an increase in the blood pressure level and side effects of Benadryl Diphenhydramine in the body. If they must be used together, there should be a dose adjustment done by health professional along with close monitoring during the treatment process. Patients are usually advised to steer clear of marijuana when using drugs such as bupropion, especially when starting the treatment.

This is because, just like other psychoactive substances, marijuana may interfere with the effects of antidepressants on the central nervous system. Also, it makes it hard to determine if the medication is working or if a patient is experiencing side effects. As suggested earlier, psychostimulants increase the risk of seizures when used alongside bupropion.

Taking Wellbutrin and wine or other alcohol together will lead to harmful drug interactions. Alcohol is widely known for increasing the risk of side effects to appear in most drugs, and the case here is no different. It is always advised that patients should avoid or limit their intake of alcohol when receiving treatment. Drug Information available for: Bupropion hydrochloride Bupropion Citalopram hydrobromide Citalopram Escitalopram Escitalopram oxalate.

FDA Resources. Arms and Interventions. Other Names: Lexapro Wellbutrin. Outcome Measures. The SAS is a self-report scale that assesses depressive symptoms and functioning in nine social and work-related domains generating a total score that is indicative of a subject's overall level of social adjustment.

Subjects rate their own social functioning over times on a 5-point scale on items covering work for pay, housework, extended family, parenting, marital status, social activity and leisure, family unit and student status sub-scales.

Mean values of all the sub-scales are used, with a range from Eligibility Criteria. Contacts and Locations. Information from the National Library of Medicine To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials. Layout table for investigator information Principal Investigator: Jonathan W. Stewart, M. More Information. Additional Information: Depression Evaluation Service official website. Columbia University Depart,ment of Psychiatry web page. Those taking Wellbutrin for smoking cessation might notice a change in their mood, for better or worse. Talk to your doctor about any worsening of your depressive symptoms or the onset of panic attacks or suicidal thoughts.

The severity of side effects also may depend on certain existing medical conditions you may have, including high blood pressure, irregularities in your heartbeat, a brain tumor, liver disease, substance use disorder, or eating disorders. Be sure to talk with your doctor before taking Wellbutrin if you have a history of any of these conditions. You can also discuss any concerns with one of the professionals at Minded.

The FDA has put Wellbutrin in category B for pregnancy, meaning that animal studies have not shown risk to the fetus. There are no adequate studies on its effect on humans, so we cannot rule out the risk of taking Wellbutrin if you are pregnant.

Because depression can negatively impact your pregnancy or the care of your infant, it is essential for you and your doctor to consider the risks and benefits of using it.

Wellbutrin is carried by breast milk to a nursing child. If you are prone to seizures, drinking alcohol with Wellbutrin can increase the risk of having them.

Consult with your doctor or a Minded clinician about any other medications you are taking to consider if Wellbutrin will cause any adverse problematic drug interactions. Most people report mild to no withdrawal symptoms from Wellbutrin. Lexapro, the brand name of the generic drug escitalopram, was approved in It is an SSRI.

It is mainly used for depression and major depression, as well as anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder GAD. People who take Lexapro report improvements in energy, sleep quality, mood, and appetite, often within weeks. With more serious conditions, improvements may take weeks. The typical dosage for Lexapro is mg per day, depending on your age, weight, any medical problems you may have, and other medications and supplements you may be taking.

Off-label uses of Lexapro include treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorders OCD and panic disorders. Some individuals experience sexual side effects, including sexual arousal disorder, sexual desire disorder, and orgasm dysfunction.

Many people experience reduced sex drive or decreased libido as a side effect. Weight gain is not common on Lexapro. But if decreased appetite was one of your reasons for taking Lexapro, you may experience weight gain from an improvement in your appetite.

Lexapro can worsen depression symptoms, so immediately speak with your doctor or therapist if you experience suicidal thoughts.