Wellbutrin For ADHD: Is It Really Effective?

Depression has been one of the most affected conditions worldwide. People with depression suffer a lot when they are on at their peak, so it is mandatory to get it treated. Did you ever think of the person facing ADHD? Yes, it is a bit related to depression.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Millions of people have been diagnosed with ADHD. Most people who are between 2 to 17 suffer the most. It can also be prolonged to adulthood. 

According to research, 30% of children suffer from depression while having ADHD. Most people also get treatment for their depression at some point while going through ADHD. When treating depression, Wellbutrin can be used, but does it help ADHD? Know more in detail.

What Is Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin (Generic name Bupropion) works best for people suffering from depression. It was approved by the FDA in 1985 for the treatment of depression. Also, Wellbutrin was approved for chain smokers to stop their addiction in 1997. Wellbutrin is not a controlled drug, but to buy Wellbutrin online, you need a prescription from a licensed doctor.

Many medicines in the pharmaceutical world help treat conditions not approved by the FDA but used by doctors because it works best for people. A condition such as ADHD has been treated with Wellbutrin. 

How Does Wellbutrin Work?

Wellbutrin is an NDRI medication that inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, leading to their prolonged action in the brain. This action may result in elevated levels of these neurotransmitters and potentially lowers depression symptoms. 

Preventive measures should be taken when using Wellbutrin to treat depression in children, adolescents, adults, and pregnant women. The severity of side effects may vary based on the individual's age and health condition. It would be best if you used Wellbutrin only under the guidance of a healthcare professional. 

Does Wellbutrin give you energy like Adderall?

What Is Effective For ADHD?

For treating ADHD, stimulants are widely used medicines that are well-tested and accepted. These medicines are used for any age group, such as children and adults. But it has a very high potential for people to misuse or abuse. 

Various studies have been made wherein Stimulants were ineffective in 20% of people. For this reason, research has been made on ADHD for robust and effective medicine, as stimulant options are not fully effective.

Why Is Wellbutrin Effective For ADHD?

As Wellbutrin is an off-label medicine for treating ADHD, it has some aspects that should be followed. Stimulants are the first choice for the treatment, but use Wellbutrin if:

• If you cannot bare the stimulant side effects
• If the stimulant wasn't an effective medicine.
• If you are facing any mental health condition or Tic disorder, stimulants are not advised at that moment.
• If you have been experiencing any substance use disorder
• If you are at a severe stage of ADHD
• If you constantly smoke.
• The very most interest in doctors for Wellbutrin to treat ADHD is high because of the working pattern. It works almost similarly to stimulants in the brain.

Research On Wellbutrin For ADHD

Various small randomized studies have been done to treat ADHD using Wellbutrin. Analyses were performed using adults only.

The research included 400 people, which were divided into 2 groups. One was offered with the long-acting wellbutrin, and others were on observation using a placebo. Wellbutrin has shown positive results and demonstrated improvements in ADHD. It was shown that Wellbutrin was safe compared to a placebo. 

Wellbutrin SR vs Wellbutrin XL: Know the differences

Wellbutrin Dosage For ADHD

Following Dosage advice from the doctor is very important; it can lead to productive output. You should get all the necessary information from the doctor before you take the medicine. Also, read the medicine leaflet for any warnings. 

Adult Dosage (18-64 years):

• Initial Dose: 100mg (3 Times a Day)
• Continuous Dose: Eventually increased as per requirement
• Maximum Dose: 450mg.

Child Dosage (Below 18):

There is no dosage for children, as it is ineffective. 

Above mentioned dosage is a general dose of Wellbutrin that has been given to people who are facing depression. For ADHD, your doctor may prescribe it accordingly. Do get the correct dosage for ADHD.

Possible Side Effects

You should take precautions not to get affected by the given side effects. Common side effects can wash off time, but you should take proper medical guidance to cure severe side effects.

Above mentioned are not the full side effects. Talk to your doctor if you suffer any other symptoms that harm you severely.

Precautions Of Wellbutrin

Before taking any medication, it's essential to take all the preventive measures to avoid experiencing side effects. Inform your complete medical history to your doctor, including the following factors:

• Pregnancy: Taking certain medications while pregnant can increase the risk of miscarriage or harm the fetus.
• Breastfeeding: Wellbutrin can mix with breast milk and harm the nursing infant.
• Excessive drinking: Excess drinking while taking any medicine can increase anxiety.
• Stopping Abruptly: Stopping medication abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms that can be severe.
• Food: You should avoid some food such as Caffeine, energy drinks, dietary supplements, and chocolates.
• Allergy: Do not take medicine if allergic to Wellbutrin or antidepressants.
• Conditions: If you are suffering from disorders like seizures, anorexia, or bulimia, do not take the medicine.

Above mentioned precautions are not on the complete list. Talk to your doctor if you have been through other conditions or effects. This will help you through unnecessary adverse effects on your body. 

How long does Wellbutrin stay in your system?

Wellbutrin Drug Interactions

You should know the drugs that might interact with Wellbutrin. If the two medicines interact, you might suffer from severe side effects. So before opting for Wellbutrin, Inform the doctor of all the medicine you have been consuming so that a perfect dosage can be recommended.

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Migraine Drugs
• Stomach acid medications
• Blood thinners
• Water pills

These are a few medicines, but for a detailed understanding, talk inform your doctor.

Bottom Line From Practical Anxiety Solutions

Wellbutrin is the most recommended medicine for treating depression. It is more effective If you consume Wellbutrin daily in the morning, as the doctor recommends. It will show improvements in the following condition within 1 to 2 weeks. 

Wellbutrin is used for ADHD, but the medicine is only taken after the advice because of off-label use. It is highly mandatory to get a prescription before you take the drug. Your thought process might change while you are on medication, but it will be solved lately after the medicine is fully observed.