Difference Between Effexor and Wellbutrin

Effexor vs Wellbutrin

Depression is a common emotion that we all know. We get depressed due to many reasons, from simple failure to achieve a goal to a more serious one, like the death of a loved one or a family member. Furthermore, different people handle depression in different ways. Some would recover from it quickly while others would go on being depressed for a long time. It is not wrong to feel depressed sometimes, though we should always bear in mind that depression which already affects the daily activities of a person could already be clinical depression. The person might want to consult a doctor.

Clinical depression comes in different levels, from mild to severe depression, depending on how it affects the person’s life and activity. It can be short-term depression lasting for only days to a few months, or can be a major depression lasting from 6 months to years. However, only professionals, such as psychiatrists, can diagnose the type of depression a person may have using a standard and established guide. After tests are conducted and the necessary laboratory results are obtained, it is only then that these professionals may prescribe the necessary antidepressant medications to be used, which commonly are either Effexor or Wellbutrin.

Still, doctors cannot just readily prescribe without knowing what the real cause of the depression is. Just to clear things out, major depression is caused by an imbalance in the neurotransmitters in the brain that cause lack of activity, sadness, hopelessness, or even changes in mood. As such, antidepressants vary in their action and how they act on the neurotransmitters.

Effexor, brand name of Venlafaxine, is considered as a SNRI (Serotonin- Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor). It acts on the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, which play a part in an individual’s mood. These neurotransmitters linger more on the neurons, making it more in use, thus increasing activity and improving mood.

On the other hand, Wellbutrin, which is the brand name of Bupoprion, is a DNRI (Dopamine- Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor). These medication takes effect on dopamine and norepinephrine, making their actions different from that of Effexor. Dopamine increases heart rate and function, improving activity, and increasing overall performance. Thus, this drug targets another neurotransmitter.

Both these antidepressants help improve the mood of the person, increase his chances to feel happy, and enable him to perform daily activities. Still, he may have to consult a doctor if he wants to know more since this article is for information purposes only.

Summary:

1. Depression is caused by an imbalance in the neurotransmitters causing hopelessness, sadness, and lack of energy to perform daily activities.

2. Effexor, brand name for Venlafaxine, is an antidepressant medication that acts on the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine.

3. Wellbutrin, brand name for Bupoprion, is also an antidepressant medication that acts on the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine.

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