Celexa vs. Wellbutrin for Depression: How Do They Compare?
Key takeaways:
Celexa (citalopram) and Wellbutrin (bupropion) are FDA-approved to treat depression in adults. Wellbutrin XL is also approved to treat seasonal affective disorder.
Celexa is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), and Wellbutrin is an atypical antidepressant. They work differently to treat depression.
Celexa and Wellbutrin are both available as lower-cost generics. GoodRx can help you save over 80% off the average retail price at certain pharmacies.
Table of contents
Depression, also called major depressive disorder (MDD), is a health condition that affects how you feel, think, and function. It’s pretty common, too. It’s estimated that 1 in 15 adults are affected by depression in any given year.
The good news is there are many treatment options for depression. The most common ways to treat depression include therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments. These treatment options may be used alone or in combination with one another.
When it comes to medications, you may be familiar with some antidepressants. But which would be best for you? It’s normal to have questions about how to take them, their effectiveness, and any side effects they may cause.
Search and compare options
Two popular antidepressants you may have heard of are Celexa (citalopram) and Wellbutrin (bupropion). Here, we’ll compare Celexa versus Wellbutrin for depression.
What is Celexa?
Celexa is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication. It’s FDA-approved to treat depression in adults, and it comes as oral capsules, tablets, and a liquid solution. The following doses are available:
Capsules: 30 mg
Tablets: 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg
Liquid solution: 10 mg/5 mL
How does Celexa work for depression?
Celexa raises the levels of a chemical in the brain called serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) that’s thought to regulate many functions in your body, including mood and feelings of anxiety.
Why depression happens isn’t fully understood, and there may be more than one factor involved. But one theory involves low levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, like serotonin. So, SSRIs, like Celexa, are thought to improve depression symptoms by providing the brain with access to more serotonin.
What is Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin is an atypical antidepressant. Unlike Celexa, it only comes as oral tablets. The following dosage forms and strengths are available:
Tablets: 75 mg, 100 mg
Sustained-release (SR) tablets: 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg
Extended-release (XL) tablets: 150 mg, 300 mg
What conditions is Wellbutrin approved to treat?
The different forms of Wellbutrin — immediate-release (IR), SR, and XL — have different approved uses.
Wellbutrin IR and Wellbutrin SR are FDA-approved to treat depression in adults. Wellbutrin XL is FDA-approved to treat depression and prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in adults.
How does Wellbutrin work for depression?
As an atypical antidepressant, Wellbutrin doesn’t work like other antidepressants you may be familiar with. It's thought to raise norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain. Both norepinephrine and dopamine play a role in regulating your mood, concentration, and energy levels. Wellbutrin does not affect serotonin levels like Celexa does.
How are Celexa and Wellbutrin administered?
When starting Celexa or Wellbutrin, your healthcare provider will typically start you at a low dose, then raise your dose if needed. They can both be taken with or without food.
Celexa is an IR medication that’s taken once daily. Taking 20 mg every day is a common starting dose, but some people may take up to 40 mg.
On the other hand, Wellbutrin IR is dosed 2 to 3 times daily. The longer lasting versions of Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL, are taken 1 to 2 times daily, depending on the product. Specific doses depend on the type of Wellbutrin that’s being taken, but maximum doses range from 400 mg/day to 450 mg/day.
How effective are Celexa and Wellbutrin for treating depression?
Celexa and Wellbutrin are both considered effective at improving depression symptoms. But treatment guidelines for depression recommend starting treatment with a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) or SSRI like Celexa when possible. If you’re unable to take a SNRI or SSRI, it’s recommended to try another antidepressant medication, possibly Wellbutrin.
Otherwise, the antidepressant you and your healthcare provider choose may come down to the potential side effects.
What are the known side effects of Celexa and Wellbutrin?
Celexa and Wellbutrin have some of the same side effects, but there are also some differences. For instance, Wellbutrin is less likely to cause sexual side effects than Celexa. Below are the most common side effects of Celexa and Wellbutrin.
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What are the serious side effects of Celexa and Wellbutrin?
Like all antidepressants, Celexa and Wellbutrin have a boxed warning — the FDA’s most serious type of warning — about a possible risk of suicidal thinking and behavior.
The risk of suicidal thoughts while taking antidepressants tends to be higher if you’re younger than 25 years old. And the risk is highest when starting treatment and after dosage changes. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you start to experience changes in your mood and behavior while taking Celexa or Wellbutrin.
Other serious side effects of Celexa and Wellbutrin are rare, but can include:
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What drug interactions do Celexa and Wellbutrin have?
Some medications can interfere with how your body breaks down Celexa or Wellbutrin.
Some medications Celexa may interact with include:
Other SSRIs
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Blood thinners (anticoagulants)
Some medications Wellbutrin may interact with include:
TCAs
MAOIs
SNRIs
Antipsychotics
Beta blockers
It’s important to discuss your entire medication list, including over-the-counter and dietary supplements, with your healthcare provider and pharmacist. They can check for drug interactions to help prevent any serious side effects.
How to save on Celexa and Wellbutrin
There are many ways to save on Celexa and Wellbutrin. Both are available as brand-name medications. But you can also find them as lower-cost generics. GoodRx can help you navigate many ways to save on your prescription.
Save with GoodRx. GoodRx can help you save over 80% off the average retail price of the generic versions of Celexa and Wellbutrin. Generic Celexa’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $10.00 with a free GoodRx discount. Generic Wellbutrin's price at certain pharmacies is as low as $9.25 with a free GoodRx discount.
Save with patient assistance programs. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for brand-name and generic Celexa’s patient assistance program, which offers the medication free of cost. There are also patient assistance programs available for the generic versions of Wellbutrin IR, Wellbutrin SR, and Wellbutrin XL. Additionally, brand-name Wellbutrin SR offers a patient assistance program for those who qualify.
Save with a copay savings card. If you have commercial insurance and meet eligibility requirements, Wellbutrin XL’s price is as little as $5 using a savings card from the manufacturer.
Can you take Celexa and Wellbutrin together for depression?
Yes. Celexa and Wellbutrin can be taken together. These medications work differently to manage depression symptoms. And if you’re not getting adequate relief from SSRIs like Celexa, adding Wellbutrin has been found to help lessen depression symptom frequency and severity. Plus, in some cases, Wellbutrin is used off-label to combat the sexual side effects from SSRIs like Celexa.
The bottom line
Celexa and Wellbutrin are antidepressants that treat depression and other mental health conditions. Celexa and Wellbutrin work in different ways, so they have different side effects and interactions to know about. Celexa and Wellbutrin are available as IR medications, whereas Wellbutrin is also available as an ER medication. Discuss which antidepressant may be best for you with your healthcare provider.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, you’re not alone, and help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text HOME to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
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References
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For additional resources or to connect with mental health services in your area, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357. For immediate assistance, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text HOME to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
