Wellbutrin vs. Adderall: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you

Drug overview & main differences | Conditions treated | Efficacy | Insurance coverage and cost comparison | Side effects | Drug interactions | Warnings | FAQ

Depression, or major depressive disorder, affects almost 7% of American adults. To treat depression, patients often benefit from therapy as well as antidepressant medications, if needed. Wellbutrin is an antidepressant medication approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Wellbutrin contains bupropion (bupropion hydrochloride). In addition to its use in depression, some healthcare providers prescribe Wellbutrin off-label for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

ADHD affects about 4% of adults and about 8% of children in the U.S. A treatment plan for ADHD may include psychological, educational, and social measures, and sometimes prescription medication. One very common ADHD medication is called Adderall. Adderall is a stimulant prescription drug approved by the FDA to treat adult ADHD or childhood ADHD patients. Adderall is also used to treat narcolepsy in adults or children. Adderall contains dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (also called amphetamine salts). Adderall is a Schedule II drug because of its high potential for abuse and dependence.

What are the main differences between Wellbutrin and Adderall?

Wellbutrin is an antidepressant used in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Wellbutrin is available as an immediate-release tablet, a sustained-release tablet (for twice-daily dosing), and an extended-release tablet (for once-daily dosing). The generic name of Wellbutrin is bupropion.

Adderall is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant drug used to treat ADHD symptoms and narcolepsy in adults and children. Adderall is available in an immediate-release tablet and extended-release capsule (XR) form. The generic name for Adderall is amphetamine salts (or dextroamphetamine/amphetamine).

Conditions treated by Wellbutrin and Adderall

Wellbutrin is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder. All forms of Wellbutrin (immediate-release, SR, or XL) can be used for this indication. Additionally, the XL form of Wellbutrin is indicated for seasonal affective disorder.

The active ingredient of Wellbutrin, bupropion, is also found in the drug Zyban, which is indicated as an aid to smoking cessation. Some healthcare providers prescribe Wellbutrin off-label for smoking cessation since the active ingredient is the same as Zyban.

Adderall is used in both adults and children for the treatment of ADHD or narcolepsy.

Is Wellbutrin or Adderall more effective?

No data is available comparing the two drugs directly, most likely because they are in different categories. Therefore, comparing Wellbutrin and Adderall is difficult because they are often used for different purposes. For example, if you have depression, Wellbutrin would be a better choice. If you have ADHD and no history of a substance use disorder, Adderall may be a better choice. If you have ADHD and cannot tolerate Adderall, Wellbutrin may be less effective for ADHD but a better option for you. If you have both ADHD and depression, Wellbutrin may help both conditions.

The most effective medication for you can only be determined by your healthcare provider, who can consider your symptoms, medical condition(s) and history, and other medications you take that may interact with Wellbutrin or Adderall.

Coverage and cost comparison of Wellbutrin vs. Adderall

Most insurance and Medicare Part D plans cover Wellbutrin. The out-of-pocket cost for a typical one-month supply of a generic Wellbutrin XL prescription is $180, but a SingleCare card can lower the price down to about $11.

Insurance plans and Medicare Part D usually cover Adderall (brand and generic). Some insurance plans prefer brand-name Adderall XR over the generic alternative, due to insurance contracts. The out-of-pocket cost for a typical one-month supply of a generic Adderall prescription is about $155, but a SingleCare card can lower to price to less than $30 at participating pharmacies.

Common side effects of Wellbutrin vs. Adderall

The most common side effects of Wellbutrin are dizziness, constipation, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, excess sweating, headache/migraine, agitation, tremor, sedation, insomnia, and blurred vision.

In ages six to 12, the most common side effects of Adderall are loss of appetite, insomnia, stomach pain, mood changes, vomiting, nervousness, nausea, and fever.

In adolescents ages 13 to 17, the most common side effects are loss of appetite, sleep disorder, abdominal pain, weight loss, and nervousness.

In adults, the most common side effects are dry mouth, loss of appetite, insomnia, headache, weight loss, nausea, anxiety, agitation, dizziness, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), diarrhea, weakness, and urinary tract infections.

This is not a full list of side effects. Other adverse effects may occur. Consult your healthcare provider for a complete list of side effects.

Source: DailyMed (Wellbutrin), DailyMed (Adderall)

Drug interactions of Wellbutrin vs. Adderall

Wellbutrin may require dosage adjustment when taken with medications that are metabolized by an enzyme called CYP2B6. Drugs that are metabolized by enzyme CYP2D6 also interact with Wellbutrin. Wellbutrin can increase levels of these other drugs, including antidepressants, beta-blockers, certain antiarrhythmics, and antipsychotics.

Use caution when combining Wellbutrin with other drugs that lower the seizure threshold, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, oral steroids, or theophylline. If the combination must be used, start the Wellbutrin at a low dose and increase gradually.

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as Elavil (amitriptyline) or Pamelor (nortriptyline) may increase the cardiovascular side effects of Adderall. Paxil (paroxetine) or Prozac (fluoxetine) are SSRI antidepressants that may increase serotonin syndrome risk when taken with Adderall. SNRI antidepressants such as Effexor (venlafaxine) may also pose the same chance of serotonin syndrome when taken with Adderall. Adderall may also interact with blood pressure medicines of any category.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), combined with either Wellbutrin or Adderall, can cause a hypertensive crisis and lead to death. MAOIs should not be used within 14 days of Wellbutrin or Adderall. Alcohol should be avoided with Wellbutrin or Adderall.

This is not a full list of drug interactions—other interactions may occur. Because of the possibility of many drug interactions, it’s imperative to consult your healthcare provider to ensure Wellbutrin or Adderall is compatible with any prescription and over-the-counter medication(s) you take.

Warnings of Wellbutrin and Adderall

Wellbutrin:

• Wellbutrin has a black box warning (the strongest warning required by the FDA) about suicidality. Antidepressants can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults. Patients of all ages should be closely monitored for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Families and caregivers should carefully observe the patient and notify the prescriber of any changes in behavior. Seek emergency medical attention if the patient experiences suicidal thoughts or behavior.
• When the ingredient bupropion (found in Zyban) is used for smoking cessation treatment, there is a risk of severe neuropsychiatric mood changes like depression, hostility, and agitation. Observe patients for neuropsychiatric side effects.
• Wellbutrin may cause seizures. The risk of seizures is related to the dose. The dose should not exceed 450 mg per day. Any dose changes should be made gradually. Patients who have a seizure should discontinue Wellbutrin.
• Certain patients should not take Wellbutrin, including patients with seizure disorders; current or prior eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia; patients undergoing abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or antiepileptic drugs; and certain CNS or metabolic disorders. Your healthcare provider will take a full medical history to determine if Wellbutrin is safe for you.
• Blood pressure should be monitored; Wellbutrin may increase blood pressure.
• Wellbutrin may precipitate a manic episode. The risk is higher in patients with bipolar disorder.
• Wellbutrin may cause angle-closure glaucoma. Seek immediate evaluation for any changes, as this is a medical emergency.
• Wellbutrin may cause anaphylaxis. Symptoms such as itching, swelling around the lips, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing, require immediate medical attention. Wellbutrin, in rare cases, has caused Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Discontinue Wellbutrin and seek immediate medical attention if you have any of these symptoms.
• For Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL, swallow tablet whole. Do not chew, divide, or crush.

Adderall:

• There is a boxed warning for misuse/abuse, especially with prolonged use. Misuse can also cause sudden death or heart problems and other serious cardiovascular side effects in patients.
• Sudden death has been reported, even with usual doses. Adults and patients with cardiac abnormalities or serious cardiac problems are at higher risk for sudden death.
• Blood pressure may increase, usually only slightly, but sometimes significantly. Patients should be monitored.
• Adderall may aggravate pre-existing psychosis. Patients should also be monitored for other mental health symptoms, such as aggression.
• Children should be monitored for growth suppression.
• The seizure threshold may be lowered.
• Visual disturbance may occur.
• Patients should be evaluated for Raynaud’s phenomenon (limited circulation to extremities).
• Serotonin syndrome may occur. Careful monitoring is essential. Patients or their caregivers should seek emergency treatment if any of these symptoms occur:
  • Mental status changes such as agitation, hallucinations, delirium, and coma
  • Rapid heartbeat, fluctuating blood pressure, dizziness, sweating, flushing
  • Tremor, rigidity, incoordination
  • Seizures
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• For Adderall XR, swallow capsule whole. Do not chew or crush.

Both Wellbutrin and Adderall are on the Beers Criteria list. This guideline lists medicines that may be inappropriate for older adults.

• Older patients who have seizures or epilepsy should not take Wellbutrin because it lowers the seizure threshold.
• Older patients with insomnia should not take Adderall due to its stimulant effects.

Frequently asked questions about Wellbutrin vs. Adderall

What is Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin is an antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder. Sometimes, it’s prescribed off-label for ADHD.

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a CNS (central nervous system) stimulant used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy in adults and children. Other common stimulants used for ADHD include Ritalin, Concerta, and Vyvanse.

Are Wellbutrin and Adderall the same?

No. Wellbutrin is an antidepressant, and Adderall is a stimulant. They have differences in dosing, pricing, side effects, and drug interactions. The above information explains the many differences between Wellbutrin and Adderall.

Is Wellbutrin or Adderall better?

It’s difficult to compare Wellbutrin and Adderall in terms of which is better. Because they are in different categories and have different indications, there are no studies directly comparing the two drugs. Your healthcare provider will evaluate your individual medical history to determine which medication may be better for you.

Can I use Wellbutrin or Adderall while pregnant?

Consult your healthcare provider for medical advice. Wellbutrin does not have a definitive recommendation one way or the other.

Adderall should be avoided while pregnant.

If you become pregnant while already taking Wellbutrin or Adderall, consult your prescriber immediately for advice.

Can I use Wellbutrin or Adderall with alcohol?

You should not combine Wellbutrin with alcohol—it can increase the likelihood of seizures. Consult your healthcare provider for advice on decreasing your alcohol use.

Using Adderall with alcohol can be very dangerous and can cause problems like lack of impulse control and accidents. The combination can make you unaware of how much you are drinking and can cause alcohol poisoning, with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, seizures, and difficulty breathing.

Does Wellbutrin help you focus?

Wellbutrin is not indicated to treat symptoms of ADHD, such as the inability to focus. However, Wellbutrin is sometimes prescribed off-label for ADHD treatment. It may not be as effective as a stimulant for ADHD symptoms, but for certain patients who can’t tolerate stimulants or have a history of abuse, Wellbutrin may be an appropriate option.

Is Wellbutrin a stimulant?

Wellbutrin is a non-stimulant—it is an antidepressant. Other common antidepressants you may have heard of include Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), Lexapro (escitalopram), Celexa (citalopram), and Effexor (venlafaxine), to name a few.

Does Wellbutrin help with Adderall withdrawal?

There is limited clinical data on the effect of Wellbutrin on Adderall withdrawal. One case study described a patient who used Wellbutrin to help with Adderall withdrawal and had reduced cravings and fewer withdrawal symptoms.

Some studies have shown that Wellbutrin may help patients with an addiction to methamphetamine, an often-abused stimulant similar to Adderall. Wellbutrin may help these patients succeed in stopping using methamphetamine, for example, by reducing cravings. Other studies have shown no change in methamphetamine use.