Wellbutrin prevents the breakdown ofnorepinephrineanddopamine, while Prozac prevents the breakdown ofserotonin.
As mentioned above, Wellbutrin affects the norepinephrine and dopamine chemicals, while Prozac affects serotonin.
This is thought to help improve mood.
Getty Images / Bloomberg / Contributor
Serotonin works as a natural mood stabilizer.
Breakdown of serotonin means you have fewer serotonin molecules in your bloodstream at any given time.
Other notable differences between the two are listed below.
Examples of SSRIs
Prozac (fluoxetine) is an SSRI.
Other examples of medication in this class are:
Which Is More Effective?
Not many studies have been done to compare whether Wellbutrin or Prozac is more effective at managing depression.
This is because both medications work on different neurotransmitters.
Another, older study from 2008 suggested a slight advantage of using SSRIs for high-anxiety depression compared with bupropion.
Furthermore, another study done in 2016 showed that bupropion may be better at preventing depression from recurring.
Side Effects: Which is More Tolerable?
Prozac is more likely to cause nausea, diarrhea, and sexual dysfunction than Wellbutrin.
Serotonin syndromeis a potential risk with Prozac.
However, untreated depression itself can cause problems during pregnancy.
The decision to use an antidepressant during pregnancy is based on the potential risks vs. benefits.
Dosage Forms
Wellbutrin is available as a tablet.
The medication comes in two formulations.
Drug Interactions to Watch for
Prozac and Wellbutrin should not be taken together.
It is also associated with fewer sexual side effects and weight gain.
Summary
Wellbutrin and Prozac are antidepressants used to manage depression.
However, they differ in how they work and for which conditions they treat.
In addition to mental health conditions, Wellbutrin can also be used for ADHD and to help quit smoking.
Wellbutrin is thought to act on dopamine and norepinephrine, whereas Prozac is believed to act on serotonin.
These medications should not be taken during pregnancy.
The author would like to recognize and thank Shreya Kumar and Jonathan Toellner for contributing to this article.
Watson S.Serotonin: The natural mood booster.
Nieuwstraten CE, Dolovich LR.Bupropion versus selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors for treatment of depression.Ann Pharmacother.
2001;35(12):1608-13. doi:10.1345/aph.1A099
DailyMed.WELLBUTRIN SR- bupropion hydrochloride tablet, film coated.
DailyMed.PROZAC- fluoxetine hydrochloride capsule.
2017;10(10):CD009504.
2016;6(2):99-144. doi:10.1177/2045125316629071
Mother To Baby | Fact Sheets [Internet].
Brentwood (TN): Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS); 1994-.Fluoxetine (Prozac).
Mother To Baby | Fact Sheets [Internet].
Brentwood (TN): Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS); 1994-.Bupropion.
DailyMed.WELLBUTRIN XL- bupropion hydrochloride tablet, extended release.
