Did you know that approximately 57.8 million American adults suffer from depression? It is one of the most common mental health disorders in the USA. Depending on how severe the condition is, individuals might need therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or all. Some of you might wonder whether you can take Zoloft and Wellbutrin together. So, in this blog, we will cover this aspect and see why doctors prescribe both together.
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Wellbutrin: Depression Treatment
Wellbutrin is a prescription medication that goes by the name of bupropion, which is the generic version. It falls under the class of drugs known as NDRI, norepinephrine-dopamine re-uptake inhibitor. It is available in the market by the following names;
- Zyban
- Aplenzin
- Wellbutrin XL
- Wellbutrin SR
Wellbutrin is available in the form of bupropion hydrobromide or hydrochloride. Your healthcare provider will decide which one of these you need. Wellbutrin is available in three forms, all containing the active ingredient bupropion hydrochloride. If you take Zoloft and Wellbutrin together, you should know which form is most suitable for your condition.
1. Immediate release or IR:
Wellbutrin IR is absorbed by the patient relatively easily and quickly. It is available in 75MG and 100MG tablets. Doctors usually prescribe it twice a day; however, the final dose depends on the doctor’s instructions.
2. Sustained release or SR:
Wellbutrin SR can be taken twice daily in the morning or mid-afternoon. It is available in 150 and 200 MG tablets. Sustained release means the body absorbs the drug quickly. However, ingredients are released in about 12 hours.
3. Extended-release XL:
Wellbutrin Xl releases active ingredients slowly and steadily, so expect around 24 hours for the complete medicine to be released. It is available in 300 forms, 75 mg. Your healthcare professionals will decide whichever dose is best for you.
Depending on your condition, your doctor might also prescribe bupropion hydrobromide, available under alpenzin. These extended-release tablets are available in 174 mg, 348 mg, and 522 mg. It is usually prescribed once a day. Always follow the doctor’s order for drug administration.
What is Zoloft?
The brand Zoloft is available in the market under the generic version Sertraline. It is available in 25 mg and 100mg tablets and 20 mg/ml liquid doses. Zoloft is taken once a day. Medical health providers typically begin at a low dose, gradually increasing. It can be taken with or without food.
Zoloft belongs to the class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. Serotonin is responsible for enhancing mood. Sertraline is more potent than other SSRIs and has moderate drug interactions compared to other antidepressants. However, Zoloft also has more adverse effects as compared to Wellbutrin.
Conditions Treated By Zoloft & Wellbutrin Together
Wellbutrin and Zoloft are FDA-approved prescription drugs used for the treatment of MDD or major depressive disorder. Therefore, people with depressive symptoms will be prescribed Zoloft and Wellbutrin together or one of them for the treatment of depression.
Let’s see what are the symptoms we are looking for. The following symptoms confirm major depression;
- Negative feelings
- Being enthusiastic
- Unhappy mood.
- Changing in sleeping pattern and
- Psychomotor conditions
Conditions Treated By Wellbutrin
Bupropion has FDA approval to treat seasonal affective disorder and cessation of smoking. However, some off-label uses include;
- Bipolar disorder
- Sexual dysfunction
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in young adults
All mental healthcare providers should explicitly explain to their patients which treatment plan will work for them, and putting other treatment options in front of them is recommended. Offering them complete medical advice reduces abuse and misuse of the drugs. Also, discuss the withdrawal symptoms. Read the signs if Wellbutrin is working for you.
Conditions Treated by Zoloft
Zoloft was approved to treat the following mental health conditions by the FDA
- Panic disorder/ panic attacks
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Social anxiety disorder SAD and
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder brackets PMDD
Zoloft is widely used off-label for the following treatment;
- Bulimia nervosa
- Binge eating disorder
- And generalized anxiety disorder
Main Differences Between Wellbutrin and Zoloft
Zoloft and Wellbutrin belong to different classes of antidepressant medications, and they are used for treating different mental health conditions as well. They have very different drug interactions and potential side effects. Deciding which one is for you depends on;
- the complexity of the disease
- how well your body responds to the side effects,
- how well your body tolerates the drug.
For example, Zoloft can cause sexual dysfunction as a side effect, whereas Wellbutrin does not. In contrast, Wellbutrin has other side effects that Zolfot does not have. Therefore, if you decide to switch to Zoloft or plan to, talk to your doctor first; depending on your circumstances and your response and tolerance to the medication, the doctor will decide which is best for you or if you can take Zoloft and Wellbutrin together.
Can I take Zoloft and Wellbutrin together?
As mentioned earlier, some healthcare providers prescribe Zoloft and Wellbutrin together for treating major depressive disorder; however, initially, they try treating depression with a single drug before they add another medication. Both mechanisms of action are completely different, so healthcare providers will prescribe both drugs to achieve better results. This, in turn, better decreases the of keep the symptoms of depression. However, do not forget to discuss your medical history with the doctor. Some people experience an increase in the frequency of seizures after taking Zoloft. Only use the medication if your doctor says so.
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What Are the Benefits of Taking Zoloft and Wellbutrin Together?
When two different antidepressants are combined, the results are much better. Some benefits of combining Wellbutrin and Zoloft are;
1. Better Management of Major Depressive Disorder
When Zoloft and Wellbutrin are combined for major depressive disorder, the results are amazing because the major depressive disorder is not your usual depression and needs to be treated with the combination of two or more medications of different types. This is where a combination of Wellbutrin and Zoloft comes into the picture.
2. Reduces Sexual Side Effects that Zoloft induces
As mentioned earlier, Zoloft belongs to the class of medication known as selective serotonin reuptake, which is commonly known as causing sexual side effects. However, when combined with Wellbutrin, this side effect is reduced. This happens because Wellbutrin is not associated with any kind of sexual dysfunction side effects and protects you from side effects induced by Zoloft as well.
3. Increased Energy and Motivation
Wellbutrin increases the levels of dopamine and Norepinephrine in the blood, which are responsible for energy and motivation. Did you know that Wellbutrin is also known as an energizing antidepressant?
4. Fewer Chances of Gaining Weight as a Side Effect
Wellbutrin does not cause weight gain in patients, but Zoloft may lead to a small weight gain. Therefore, overall, there are fewer chances of weight gain.
Warnings of Zoloft and Wellbutrin
Regardless of whether you take Zoloft or Wellbutrin, both medications have an FDA black box warning. This means when an individual uses these medications, it increases suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Some other warnings about taking Zoloft are;
- Unwanted anxiety
- Insomnia behaviour
- Irritability and
- Restlessness
If you are on Zoloft or Wellbutrin and have these symptoms, immediately discuss them with a medical health provider. In addition, if the symptoms get worse or you suffer from suicidal thoughts during the initial days of the treatment, talk to your healthcare professional.
Drug Interactions of Zoloft and Wellbutrin
Both Zoloft and Wellbutrin interact with specific classes of drugs, making a dangerous combination or reducing the effectiveness of both medications. If your doctor puts you on either Wellbutrin or Zoloft, make sure you do not combine it with;
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors like;
- phenelzine (Nardil®)
- isocarboxazid (Marplan®)
- tranylcypromine (Parnate®)
- selegiline (Emsam®)
Also, ensure you don’t use drugs containing bupropion in it; for example, avoid the following;
- Zyban®
- Aplenzin®
- Forfivo XL®
Stay away from;
- Theophylline
- antibiotics (Cipro®),
- Benzodiazepines
- antipsychotics,
- Tramadol
- hypoglycemic agents (insulin),
- isoniazid, steroids,
- nelfinavir (Viracept®),
- phenobarbital,
- ritonavir (Norvir®), and
- phenytoin (Dilantin®).
- cimetidine (Tagamet®),
- efavirenz (Sustiva®)
- carbamazepine (Tegretol® and Equetro®),
- lopinavir (Kaletra™),
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Atomoxetine (Stratterra®)
Zoloft Interactions
Other medications contain ingredients that increase serotonin to avoid serotonin syndrome. This includes antidepressants like;
- Linezolid antibiotics (Zyyox®)
- Triptans or migraine medicines (Imitrex®)
- Pain medicines like tramadol (Ultram®)
- Stay away from Pimozide, which is used to control motor disorders. Ensure you don’t use medications containing sertraline.
- Do not use drugs that cause bleeding, as sertraline increases its effects on drugs that lead to bleeding;
- Aspirin
- Warfarin (Coumadin®)
- Ibuprofen (Advil® and Motrin®)
Finally, whether you take Zoloft and Wellbutrin together or not, avoid drinking alcohol as it can lead to unwanted side effects.
Why Are Zoloft and Wellbutrin Often Prescribed Together?
Most often, your healthcare professionals will prescribe Zoloft and Wellbutrin together since each medication works differently in treating a medical condition. Similarly, each patient reacts differently to different medicines. Also, when given together, both work in a better way to conquer the symptoms of depression. However, the final result will depend on how compatible the combination is with the individual.
In what conditions is it well between the conditions prescribed by the doctor?
Your doctor may prescribe Zoloft and Wellbutrin together if the individual medication fails to provide the results. Combining both can help the condition drastically; moreover, most often, people suffer from depression and other mental health disorders, and one medication, in this case, is unlikely to offer the results.
Zoloft and Wellbutrin: Which One is More Effective?
There is no definite answer to this question because each individual tolerates the drug differently. For example, a medicine that is effective for one person may not be as effective for another who treats the same conditions.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, take your medicine as directed, regardless of whether your doctor has prescribed Zoloft and Wellbutrin together or not for treating the major depressive disorder. However, both drugs are prescription medications that work differently and have different interactions and modes of action.
So, which medication is best depends on the diagnosis. Also, taking them together will balance the overall side effects of each drug. However, it can also increase the risk of seizures in some people. Therefore, always consult a doctor first.
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Medical Disclaimer:
At TherapyFleet, we strive to enhance the quality of life for those dealing with mental health issues. Our licensed medical professionals meticulously research, edit, and review all content before publication. Nonetheless, this information should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical guidance, please consult your physician or reach out to TherapyFleet’s qualified staff.
Combining Zoloft and Wellbutrin may be considered for MDD if initial monotherapy is inadequate, leveraging their different mechanisms of action for potentially improved efficacy. Regular monitoring for side effects and therapeutic response is essential.
FAQS
1. Why do doctors prescribe Zoloft and Wellbutrin together?
Most often, Zoloft and Wellbutrin are used together because they complement each other. To obtain better results in individuals suffering from major depressive disorder, Zoloft and Wellbutrin are used together.
2. If someone takes Zoloft and Wellbutrin together, what is the ideal dosage?
Follow your doctor’s instructions strictly as they treat you. The dose depends on the complexity of the condition. However, your healthcare provider will start with a small dose before building it up.
3. Can I take Wellbutrin 300 mg and Zoloft 50mg together?
Suppose the doctor recommended that specific dose, yes. Studies suggest that people using this exact dose helped fight the symptoms of major depressive disorder.
4. Can I take Wellbutrin and Zoloft together? Is it safe?
Yes, doctors prescribe these two drugs together, so do not worry about their safety. Both are given simultaneously to reduce the side effects of the other, especially for the sexually dysfunctional effect of Zoloft.
