Is Wellbutrin (bupropion) similar to Xanax (alprazolam)?

Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Xanax (alprazolam) are not similar medications and have different mechanisms of action and clinical indications.

Wellbutrin is an antidepressant medication that primarily works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. It is used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), as well as to aid in smoking cessation.

Xanax, on the other hand, is a benzodiazepine medication that is primarily used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It works by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which can produce a calming effect and reduce anxiety.

While both Wellbutrin and Xanax can affect mood and anxiety, they do so in different ways and have different clinical indications. Wellbutrin is not typically used as a first-line treatment for anxiety disorders, and Xanax is not typically used as a first-line treatment for depression.

It is important to only take these medications as prescribed by a healthcare provider and to follow their instructions carefully. If you have concerns about your medication regimen, it is important to discuss them with your healthcare provider.


There are various forms of drugs available, such as tablets or liquids, and each may have a separate patient information leaflet (PIL) for different doses. It is important to refer to the PIL for the specific form and dose of the drug that you have been prescribed.

You can search for further information and PILs on websites such as:

  • The British National Formulary (BNF)
  • Electronic medicines compendium (emc)
  • The National Library of Medicine's DailyMed
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 
  • Different drug forms like tablets or liquids have specific patient information leaflets (PIL) for various doses. Refer to the PIL for your prescribed drug form and dose.

    Search for PILs on websites like:

    France

    • ANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé): ansm.sante.fr

    Spain

    • AEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios): aemps.gob.es

    Germany

    • BfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte): bfarm.de

    Italy

    For questions about your medication:

    • Consult your doctor, a healthcare professional, or a pharmacist

    France

    • Contact SOS Médecins: 3624
    • For mental health support, contact SOS Suicide: 01 45 39 40 00

    Belgium (French)

    Switzerland (French)

    • La Main Tendue: 143
    • Website: 143.ch

    Canada (French)

    • Centre de prévention du suicide du Québec: 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553)
    • Website: cpsquebec.ca

    Spain

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Teléfono de la Esperanza: 717 003 717

    Germany

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefonseelsorge: 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222

    Italy

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefono Amico: 199 284 284

    Netherlands

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact 113 Zelfmoordpreventie: 0800 0113

    Portugal

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Sos Voz Amiga: 21 354 45 45, 91 280 26 69, or 96 352 46 60

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