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Compare Wellbutrin XL vs. Celexa

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) and citalopram (Celexa) are both medications used to treat depression, but they belong to different drug classes and work in different ways. Bupropion is an atypical antidepressant that boosts norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain, while citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that increases serotonin levels. Bupropion is available in short-acting, sustained-release, and extended-release tablets, whereas citalopram comes as a tablet, liquid, and capsule. Bupropion is less likely to cause weight gain and sexual side effects compared to other antidepressants, but it can increase the risk of seizures, especially in people with a history of seizures. Citalopram, on the other hand, has a low risk of weight gain but can cause serious heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation) and serotonin syndrome if taken with other medications that affect serotonin levels. Both medications can take several weeks to show their full effects and should not be stopped suddenly to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

drug combination

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  • Bupropion
    Citalopram (Celexa)
  • Bupropion
    Citalopram (Celexa)

  • Summary of Wellbutrin XL vs. Celexa

    Summary for Atypical antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Bupropion is taken by mouth to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It's available as short-acting tablets that are taken two or three times a day, as well as long-acting versions that are taken once daily. Bupropion has fewer sexual side effects compared to other antidepressants, but it's not a good choice for people with a history of seizures, eating disorders, or drink alcohol regularly.

    Summary for SSRI
    Prescription only

    Citalopram (Celexa) is a first-choice medication for treating depression in adults. This antidepressant belongs to the drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Citalopram (Celexa) is typically taken by mouth once daily. It typically takes a few weeks or longer of consistent treatment to notice an improvement to your mood. Common side effects include nausea and dry mouth. There's a low risk for weight gain, but suddenly stopping the medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms (e.g., upset stomach, trouble sleeping, anxiety).

  • Indications of Wellbutrin XL vs. Celexa

    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - only bupropion HCl extended-release (Wellbutrin XL)
    Indications for
    •Depression

  • Pros and Cons of Wellbutrin XL vs. Celexa

    Pros and Const for Atypical antidepressant
    Pros
    •Works well for depression and can be used alone or in combination with other antidepressants
    •Causes fewer sexual side effects than some other antidepressants
    •Available in a lower-cost generic form
    •Less likely to cause weight gain compared to other antidepressants
    •Good option for people who haven't had success with traditional antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
    Cons
    •Can take several weeks to feel the full effects
    •Not the best option if you have a history of seizures or eating disorders like as anorexia or bulimia
    •Might need to limit or avoid using alcohol during treatment
    •Can cause trouble sleeping if you take it later in the day
    Pros and Const for SSRI
    Pros
    •A first-choice option for treating depression
    •One of the safest antidepressants for older adults
    •Available as a tablet, capsule, and a mint-flavored liquid
    •Taken by mouth once daily
    Cons
    •Can take a couple months before you feel the full effects of this medication
    •Can interact with other medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels or heart rhythm
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it
    •Not FDA-approved for children

  • Common Side Effects of Wellbutrin XL vs. Celexa

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Dizziness
    •Sore throat
    •Constipation
    •Restlessness (agitation)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (21%)
    •Dry mouth (20%)
    •Sleepiness (18%)
    •Trouble sleeping (15%)
    •Sweating (11%)
    •Tremor (8%)
    •Diarrhea (8%)
    •Ejaculation problems (6%)

  • Warnings of Wellbutrin XL vs. Celexa

    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior and abnormal mood changes
    •Mental health changes
    •Seizures
    •High blood pressure
    •Extreme enthusiasm or excitement (mania)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Withdrawal
    •Risk factors: Stopping citalopram (Celexa) suddenly
    •Higher risk of bleeding
    •Not for use in bipolar disorder by itself
    •Glaucoma
    •Low sodium levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Wellbutrin XL vs. Celexa

    Learn more about Bupropion
    Learn more about Citalopram

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