Using Wellbutrin for ADHD
Bupropion Efficacy, Side Effects, and Dosages for ADHD
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Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPEMedically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE
What is the most important information I should know about Wellbutrin for ADHD?
Wellbutrin is not FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD, but your doctor may prescribe it "off-label" to help manage some ADHD traits or to treat co-occurring depression.
You should not take Wellbutrin for ADHD if you have an eating disorder, seizure disorder, or angle-closure glaucoma.
Wellbutrin may increase the risk of manic, mixed, or hypomanic mood episodes in people with bipolar disorder.
You may require a reduced dose if you have kidney or liver problems.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an antidepressant sometimes prescribed off-label for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although stimulants are a typical first-line treatment, taking Wellbutrin for ADHD has been found to improve symptoms without exposing patients to stimulants' adverse effects, also providing an alternative for the one in five people who don't respond to that category of drugs.
In certain instances, people may be prescribed both a stimulant and Wellbutrin for ADHD. If a person with ADHD also has depression, for example, a clinician might prescribe Wellbutrin in conjunction with a stimulant such as Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) or Ritalin (methylphenidate) to treat both conditions at the same time.
Keep reading to learn more about how Wellbutrin may help people manage some characteristics of ADHD. Also, find out more about the efficacy, potential side effects, and typical dosages in treating ADHD.
How Wellbutrin Works for ADHD
Wellbutrin is a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). It helps improve concentration and focus by keeping the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine available to the brain’s neurons for a longer time. Wellbutrin does not influence serotonin, so it works differently than many other types of antidepressants.
Effectiveness for ADHD
Studies of Wellbutrin's effectiveness are ongoing but generally positive about ADHD. One review of the research found that Wellbutrin showed potential benefits for treating adult ADHD.
One review of recent research found that Wellbutrin decreased the severity of ADHD better than a placebo. Other studies have been promising, too, with many indicating that Wellbutrin works as well for some people as stimulants.
For this reason, many clinicians continue to prescribe Wellbutrin as an off-label treatment for ADHD.
Definition
Off-label treatment is the practice of prescribing a medication for a condition other than that for which the FDA originally approved it. It's a common, legal practice. For example, Wellbutrin XL is FDA-approved to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and the SR form is approved for depression and smoking cessation, but clinicians often prescribe these medications off-label for ADHD.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
In contrast to stimulant medication, which starts to work in about an hour, like other antidepressants, Wellbutrin can take several days to produce noticeable benefits and up to six weeks to reach full effect. This means it can take several weeks to find the most effective therapeutic dose.
Related: How Long Does It Take for ADHD Medication to Work?
Why Take Wellbutrin for ADHD?
Although stimulants are the most effective treatment for ADHD, your doctor might prescribe a non-stimulant, second-line medication like Wellbutrin for a few reasons:
Effectiveness: Not everyone who takes stimulant medication experiences changes in their ADHD traits.
History of medical conditions: Sometimes, an underlying medical condition makes the use of stimulant medications problematic. Such conditions include heart problems, sleep disorders, and psychiatric conditions such as substance use disorder and bipolar disorder.
Tolerance: Some people do not tolerate stimulant medications and experience severe side effects.
Other non-stimulant medications for ADHD include Strattera (atomoxetine) and Catapres (clonidine).
Wellbutrin and Smoking Cessation
Wellbutrin and Zyban are brand names for bupropion. Wellbutrin has been approved by the FDA as an antidepressant, and Zyban has been approved to help people stop smoking. If you smoke cigarettes and are prescribed Wellbutrin, you might find that it also helps you cut back or quit. It does not contain nicotine, but some people who smoke report that it decreases their desire to smoke.
How to Take Wellbutrin for ADHD
Wellbutrin is available as a tablet that you can take with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole, without crushing or breaking it.
Don't take more than your prescribed dose; doing so raises your risk of seizures and other side effects. If you have trouble remembering when to take Wellbutrin, set an alarm on your phone or clock, use a pillbox, or ask a friend or family member to remind you.
Forms of Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin comes in three formulations, all in tablet form:
Wellbutrin (buproprion): Immediate release, taken two to three times daily
Wellbutrin SR (buproprion SR): 12-hour extended release, taken twice per day
Wellbutrin XL (buproprion XL): 24-hour extended release, taken once per day
Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL are time-release formulations. This means the drug is slowly released into the body over many hours and stays at a consistent level in the blood. The SR formulation lasts 12 hours and is taken twice a day, while the XL version lasts 24 hours and is taken once a day. Taking the XL version can help a person comply with the dosing regimen because there is less opportunity to miss a dose.
Doctors most commonly prescribe Wellbutrin XL so that it's most effective throughout the day and the possibility of side effects is reduced. Generic versions are available and cost less than Wellbutrin.
Don't stop taking Wellbutrin abruptly. Although this medication is not habit-forming, stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, achiness, and sleeplessness. Instead, talk with a healthcare provider first; they will likely decrease your dose safely and gradually to help you avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Related: Wellbutrin Withdrawal: Overview, Symptoms & Coping
Wellbutrin Dosages for ADHD
A typical daily dose is around 150 mg per day, although the starting dose is often lower.
For ADHD, clinical trials suggest that a dose of between 150 mg and 450 mg per day can be helpful. Your doctor will start you at a low dose and gradually increase it over time until the maximum efficacy has been achieved.
For smoking cessation or depression, the typical dose is 300 mg daily, split into 100 mg doses taken three times daily. The sustained-release formulation is usually taken as a 150 mg dose once or twice daily. The extended-release formulation is taken as a 300 mg dose once per day.
Takeaway
The maximum daily dose of Wellbutrin is 450 mg per day. A single dose of immediate-release or sustained-release Wellbutrin should not exceed 150 mg.
Wellbutrin Side Effects
People taking Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, and Wellbutrin XL have reported:
Agitation
Anxiety
Constipation
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Excitement
Headaches
Increased motor activity
Insomnia
Joint aches
Nausea
Tics
Tremors
There is also a risk of seizures in people who are susceptible to them or who have a history of eating disorders.
Notably, Wellbutrin is much less apt to cause sexual side effects such as erectile dysfunction and decreased libido than other antidepressants.
Takeaway
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience racing heartbeat, hives, trouble breathing, hallucinations, fainting, or seizures.
Related: What to Know About Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
Wellbutrin Warnings and Interactions
All drugs have risks, which clinicians weigh against benefits when they prescribe them. Wellbutrin is no exception.
Warnings
Like other antidepressants, Wellbutrin carries the FDA's black-box warning for the increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors in children, teens, and young adults.
Takeaway
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
Wellbutrin hasn't been tested adequately in children or adolescents, so the FDA has not formally approved it for pediatric use; however, existing research indicates it's safe, effective, and well-tolerated in these groups, so clinicians frequently prescribe it.
You should not take Wellbutrin if you have:
an eating disorder,
angle-closure glaucoma,
or seizure disorder.
Wellbutrin may also increase the risk of manic, hypomanic, or mixed-mood episodes in people who have bipolar disorder.
If you have a history of kidney or liver problems, your doctor may suggest taking a lower dose. Older adults with reduced kidney function may also require lower doses.
Studies on Wellbutrin's effects on human pregnancy are lacking, but animal studies suggest that this drug may affect fetal development. Wellbutrin is passed into breast milk, but current research, although limited, suggests it's not harmful to nursing babies.
As a result, Wellbutrin is generally not contraindicated if you're nursing, but as with any medication, you and your doctor must weigh possible risks against benefits. If you’re pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with a healthcare provider about your options.
Wellbutrin has not been found to worsen ADHD, but you should talk to your doctor if you begin to notice any concerning changes.
Takeaway
Always discuss the benefits and risks of Wellbutrin (or any medication) with your healthcare provider and inform them of any side effects you experience while taking it.
Interactions
Wellbutrin is known to interact with about 100 other drugs, so make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other drugs you take. For example, you risk severe effects if you take Wellbutrin with:
Cerdelga (eliglustat)
Marplan (isocarboxazid)
Nardil (phenelzine)
Orap (pimozide)
Azilect (rasagiline)
Zelapar (selegiline)
Emsam (selegiline transdermal)
Parnate (tranylcypromine)
Also, be sure to tell your doctor if you are currently taking any other medication that also contains bupropion to avoid overdose. This includes the smoking cessation medication Zyban and Contrave, a weight-loss medication containing bupropion and naltrexone.
Takeaway
Drinking alcohol while taking Wellbutrin increases your risk for seizures and suicidal thoughts.
Other Treatments for ADHD
Wellbutrin is not the only treatment for ADHD. ADHD traits are most often managed using medications, therapy, accommodations, and other forms of support. Stimulant medications are often prescribed, which may include:
Concerta (methylphenidate)
Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine)
Non-stimulant medications may also be prescribed, such as:
Kapvay (clonidine)
Different types of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapy, can also be helpful.
Related: How Is ADHD Treated in Adults?
Frequently Asked Questions
How effective is Wellbutrin for ADHD?
Recent research has shown that Wellbutrin (buproprion) and other non-stimulant drugs can reduce the characteristics of ADHD, but more studies are needed to quantify their effectiveness definitively.
Why is Wellbutrin a second-line treatment for ADHD?
Wellbutrin is an antidepressant medication originally developed and typically prescribed to treat depression, though it has been shown to help reduce characteristics of ADHD in some people. Wellbutrin will not work as well as Adderall in most cases, which is why stimulant medications like Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) are the first-line treatments for ADHD.
What if Wellbutrin doesn’t work for my ADHD?
If Wellbutrin doesn't help with your ADHD, your doctor might prescribe a first-line ADHD medication such as Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) or Concerta (methylphenidate) instead. Non-pharmaceutical approaches such as therapy can help, too.
Does Wellbutrin give you energy?
As a norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), Wellbutrin is effective in combating fatigue. For example, research has found that bupropion is effective in significantly reducing fatigue in people who have cancer.
Related: The Best Online Resources for ADHD of 2024
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