Does Citalopram Contain Bupropion? (3 Differences)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 02/01/2024 | Next review date: 02/01/2026

Author bio

Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.

Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:

Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Professional Experience:

Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.

With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.

Education:

2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Publications:

▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7

▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60

▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.

https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683

▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.

https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004

▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2

▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.

https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600

Published book Chapter

▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4

Submitted manuscripts Under Review:

▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience

▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine

▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Submitted book chapters under review

1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.

2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press

You can view my works on the following professional sites:

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437

Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159

Ivan Kahwa

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In this article, we will discuss whether Citalopram is structurally and chemically similar to Bupropion. We will also talk about the key differences to help you understand the basic pharmacological use of these medications.

Does Citalopram contain Bupropion?

No, Citalopram does not contain Bupropion. Citalopram and Bupropion are prescription medications and should be used under medical supervision.

Although both drugs can be used to treat mental health conditions, they have different mechanisms of action and are usually prescribed for different purposes.

The choice between Citalopram and Bupropion would depend on the specific diagnosis, individual patient factors and the potential side effects of the two medications.

Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance on medication selection and potential risks and benefits.

What are the differences between Citalopram and Bupropion?

Citalopram and Bupropion are antidepressant medications. Although both medications are used to treat mental health conditions, they work through different mechanisms.

Mechanism of action

Citalopram belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a mood stabilizer chemical, which can help improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression (1).

Bupropion belongs to a class of medications called norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). It works by increasing the level of norepinephrine and dopamine (neurotransmitters) in the brain. It regulates mood and reduces the symptoms of depression (2).

Both SSRIs and NDRIs function similarly by increasing the level of neurotransmitters in the brain. However, SSRIs like Citalopram increase serotonin levels while Bupropion increases norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain.

Therapeutic uses

Citalopram is approved by the FDA to treat the following conditions (1):

Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Panic disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Bupropion, on the other hand, is used to treat the following conditions (2):

Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Smoking cessation (3)

Side effects

Side effects of Citalopram include (1):

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Insomnia
Tiredness
Excessive sweating
Dizziness
Sexual dysfunction
Tinnitus (less common)

Bupropion, on the other hand, is associated with side effects like (2):

Dry mouth
Tiredness
Headache
Insomnia
Nausea
Dizziness
Heartburn
Bad taste in the mouth (less common)

These side effects differ from person to person depending on factors like the patient’s age, current symptoms, underlying conditions and dosage of the medication used.

Discontinuation syndrome

Abrupt discontinuation of antidepressants can lead to discontinuation syndrome resulting in withdrawal symptoms such as hallucinations, agitation, seizures, mood changes, dizziness, headache, irritability and in severe cases even coma (4).

What does research suggest?

One study indicated that using Citalopram and Bupropion together appears to be more effective than switching to just one of them as a treatment. Combining these two drugs did not lead to more side effects compared to using only one (5).

This study has some limitations as it wasn’t randomized and treatment wasn’t double-blinded (treatment was not kept secret from the participants and researchers) (5).

Both drugs have comparable effects in reducing symptoms of anxiety disorders. Furthermore, they have a similar onset of therapeutic benefits with improvement of symptoms often seen as early as two weeks after starting treatment.

Can you take Citalopram and Bupropion together?

You can take Bupropion and Citalopram together as they can offer added benefits due to their different brain neurotransmitter influences. However, it may raise the risk of side effects.

It is advisable to use Bupropion and Citalopram together under the guidance of a healthcare provider to avoid potential risks and ensure well-being.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Citalopram and Bupropion are different medications with different active ingredients and mechanisms of action. Citalopram does not contain Bupropion. While they can be prescribed together in specific cases, they are not combined within a single medication. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to understand the specifics of your treatment and medications.