So they’re similar in regards to some of the neurotransmitters they effect, but they’re pretty different in the way they do it
Wellbutrin inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, leaving more of both in ur system, I believe
Selegiline is an enzyme blocker (MAO inhibitor) that works by slowing the breakdown of certain neurotransmitters. In lowish dosages, it only blocks the enzyme Monoamine oxidase B (MOA-B), which is involved in the process of breaking down dopamine, mainly. So by blocking this enzyme, less dopamine is destroyed, and therefore u have more dopamine in ur system. In higher dosages, or starts to not only block MAO-B, but MAO-A, which is involved in breaking down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine. So it’s a pretty interesting compound, as far as being able to control what neurotransmitters it effects, based on the dosage u take.
If I had to choose between the two, I would personally choose selegiline. Assuming both works similarly as far as symptom resolution goes. Just like how u can control the neurotransmitters it effects, plus I obv like that it supposedly has anti-aging benefits
as far as high serotonin goes, I’ve read/ heard the same exact thing. That it can effect libido negatively. It also can cause blunting of emotions. I’m definitely not convinced that increasing serotonin has any place when it comes to depression. Only benefit I can see from increasing serotonin, as far as depression goes, is the blunting of emotions. If someone is extremely depressed, and/ or suicidal, feeling emotionally flat could definitely be an improvement, I would assume.
if I had to take a medication for depression, I would definitely prefer to trial meds that increased dopamine levels, over ones that increase serotonin levels