Wellbutrin for ADHD: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

What is Wellbutrin (Bupropion)?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects children in the United States. But it also affects many adults in the United States. You can find out more about ADHD in the NIMH ADHD treatment overview.

Stimulants are often the first choice for managing ADHD, but there are other non-stimulant medications too, and one of them is Wellbutrin. Wellbutrin is classified as an antidepressant, but unlike traditional antidepressants, Wellbutrin doesn't interact with serotonin. Its mechanism of action is what sets it apart from the other antidepressants. It is in the class of drugs called norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). Wellbutrin is FDA-approved for depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and to help people stop smoking cigarettes.

 It is also often used as a non-stimulant treatment for ADHD symptoms, but prescribed off-label. Wellbutrin is not a controlled substance. It's important to note that ADHD Advisor works with adults aged 18 and older, offering prescriptions, off-label, for ADHD if deemed necessary by the medical professional. Let's take a closer look at how Wellbutrin, an ADHD medication, works and learn more about this non-stimulant choice for ADHD management.

How Wellbutrin Works

So how does Wellbutrin work? Wellbutrin, or bupropion, is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDR). It blocks the reabsorption of norepinephrine and dopamine, which helps to increase the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. Dopamine and norepinephrine can help to regulate mood, concentration, and focus. Stimulant drugs also affect these two neurotransmitters, but Wellbutrin works more slowly and has a weaker effect than stimulants.

Because of Wellbutrin's effects on dopamine and norepinephrine, it has become an off-label medication for ADHD. Off-label simply means that the FDA does not currently approve it for the specific condition, but studies have shown its potential benefits for ADHD symptoms. Medical professionals may prescribe it, especially when stimulants are not suitable. Wellbutrin can also be added with a stimulant in cases where individuals have both depression and ADHD, or if the stimulant is not significantly reducing symptoms on its own.

Who Can Take Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin, or bupropion, is FDA-approved for adults with depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or nicotine dependence. Bupropion for ADHD is prescribed off-label, especially in cases where there is a contraindication with stimulants or if there is underlying, co-existing depression.

Contraindications 

Wellbutrin should not be used if you have any of the following conditions:

• Known allergy to any of the ingredients in Wellbutrin
• Seizure disorder
• Certain eating disorders 
• Kidney or liver disease

You should also not take Wellbutrin if you are:

• On an MAOI
• On another bupropion medication
• Discontinuing taking a benzodiazepine or heavy alcohol use
• On any antiseizure medication
• On Ritonavir 
• On Aripiprazole (Abilify)
• On Tramadol

It's important to note that ADHD Advisor offers Wellbutrin for ADHD in adults 18 years of age and older. 

Dosages and Administration

Wellbutrin is FDA-approved for depression and SAD. Let's take a look at the dosing information for both Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL.

Wellbutrin SR, which stands for "sustained release," lasts about 12 hours. The usual dose for Wellbutrin SR starts at 150 milligrams once a day. Gradually, your doctor may increase to 150 milligrams twice a day for a total of 300 milligrams per day.  

Wellbutrin XL, meaning "extended-release," offers a full 24-hour dose and typically starts at 150 milligrams once a day. Eventually, it may be increased to 300 milligrams once a day. 

Off-label dosages for ADHD often mirror depression dosing. However, it will ultimately be up to your clinician to determine the dose and form you will begin with. It's a good idea to take Wellbutrin in the morning to reduce the risk of insomnia. Remember that only a licensed clinician can determine safe dosing.  

Dosages can vary for each person, so follow your healthcare professional's prescription.

Side Effects and Risks

Let's go over some of the Wellbutrin side effects and possible risks. 

Side Effects

As with any medication that you take, there are some potential side effects to consider. Some possible common side effects can include: (MedlinePlus: bupropion)

• Insomnia 
• Dry mouth 
• Nausea 
• Anxiety
• Constipation
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Frequent urination
• Loss of appetite 

More serious side effects may include:

• Seizures (dose-related)
• Mania
• Hypertension
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors 
• Allergic reactions
• Glaucoma
• Delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia

You can learn more about potential side effects at DailyMed: bupropion. It's essential that you are aware of any potential side effects from taking this medication and that you discuss them promptly with your healthcare provider. If you happen to experience any adverse side effects, please report them to the FDA's MedWatch reporting program.

Risks

Wellbutrin has an FDA antidepressant suicidality warning.  Wellbutrin has an FDA-issued boxed warning due to the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults. Any patients taking this medication with depressive-related symptoms must be monitored for any suicidal thoughts or worsening symptoms. If noted, then the doctor should stop this medication. Patients with severe mood disorders and schizophrenia are also at a higher risk of developing suicidal tendencies.

Unlike stimulants, Wellbutrin is not addictive and is not a controlled substance, according to the DEA controlled substance schedules. This means that you can take this medication, under the guidance of a doctor, without the risk of developing a substance use disorder (SUD) or misuse.