LEXAPRO vs WELLBUTRIN
Independent side-by-side comparison.
These two are not the same class, and that is the honest headline: Lexapro is an SSRI, Wellbutrin is not. Both carry the same boxed warning. Which one fits you is a prescriber's call, made on your history.
The key difference
One difference that matters sits in the contraindications. Wellbutrin XL is contraindicated in patients with a seizure disorder, in patients with a current or prior diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa, and in patients undergoing abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates or antiepileptic drugs; its label states the seizure risk is dose-related. Lexapro carries no such contraindication (it is contraindicated with pimozide).
The warning both labels carry, in the same box, is SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS: increased risk in children, adolescents and young adults; monitor closely for worsening, especially early. Both are also contraindicated with MAOIs — including linezolid and intravenous methylene blue — and within 14 days of one, but the labels give different reasons: Lexapro's is the risk of SEROTONIN SYNDROME, which its label says can occur even when Lexapro is taken alone; Wellbutrin's is the risk of hypertensive reactions.
Lexapro's label also warns of DISCONTINUATION SYNDROME. Do not stop it abruptly — the label directs a gradual reduction.
What favours Lexapro (escitalopram)
A labelled reason, not a preference: Lexapro is approved for generalized anxiety disorder (adults and children 7 and older) as well as major depressive disorder (adults and 12 and older). Wellbutrin XL is not approved for GAD. If anxiety is the diagnosis being treated, that is a real difference on the label.
It is also the option that remains available when Wellbutrin's contraindications rule Wellbutrin out — a seizure disorder, a history of bulimia or anorexia nervosa, or coming off alcohol or sedatives.
Its label warns about sexual dysfunction; Wellbutrin's does not carry that warning.
What favours Wellbutrin XL (bupropion)
Also a labelled reason: Wellbutrin XL is approved for the prevention of seasonal major depressive episodes in people diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder, alongside major depressive disorder. Lexapro is not approved for that.
Its label carries a hypertension warning — it can raise blood pressure, and the label says to check blood pressure before starting and periodically after. That is a reason for a prescriber to weigh it against your cardiovascular history, not a reason to rule it out yourself.
It is also the option if escitalopram or citalopram is off the table for you.
Bottom line
The internet frames this as a personality contest — the calm one versus the energizing one. The labels do not support that framing. What they support is narrower and more useful: these are two antidepressants with different mechanisms, partly different approved uses, and clearly different contraindications, sharing one boxed warning about suicidal thoughts and behaviors that applies to both.
That means the choice is decided by facts about you that a prescriber holds and we do not: seizure history, eating-disorder history, blood pressure, whether anxiety or a seasonal pattern is part of the diagnosis, what you have already tried.
We do not sell either drug and we do not sell coupons for them; we rate them on their FDA recall record. That is why we can end here instead of steering you. Read each drug's FDA label in full with the person prescribing it — this page is a starting point for that conversation, not a replacement for the label.
This is not a summary of either drug’s FDA label, and it is not complete. Both labels carry warnings, contraindications and interactions that are not on this page. Read the label for the drug you are actually taking — we link both above — and take the decision to your prescriber.
Possible drug interaction. LEXAPRO and WELLBUTRIN are different prescription medicines. Combining or switching between them can cause interactions — talk to a pharmacist or prescriber before making changes. This page is not medical advice.
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Frequently asked questions
- Which is better-rated, Lexapro or Wellbutrin?
- Lexapro and Wellbutrin are tied at 3.5 out of 5 by our independent rating.
- What is the difference between Lexapro and Wellbutrin?
- Lexapro contains Escitalopram Oxalate, while Wellbutrin contains Bupropion Hydrochloride — they have different active ingredients.
Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data. This comparison is for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional before choosing or switching a medication.