Thursday, September 23, 2010

Is lexapro and welbutrim xl interchangeable?

Is lexapro and welbutrim xl interchangeable?
No, they are not. Lexapro (escitalopram) is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an NDRI (norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor). Serotonin, norephinephrine, and dopamine are three different monoamine neurotransmitters, so the neurological effects of the two medications are not matching. In fact they can be prescribed together soundly, and often next to positive results.
In the medical literature, I have never see that either one is favored for "mild" or "moderate" or "severe" depression. Generally an antidepressant is chosen base on its side effect profile. Depression presents differently in different patients. Escitalopram have sedating properties and is often chosen for depression near accompanying anxiety. Bupropion has stimulating properties and is commonly chosen for depression with hypersomnia or listlessness.
they work by different mechanisms, so no, they are not interchangable. gossip to your doctor before varying your medications
No. Lexapro and Wellbutrin are different biochemical entities. Lexapro is aimed more at the mild to moderately depressed while Welbutrin is for the more moderately to severely depressed.

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