{"id":6122,"date":"2019-10-03T09:00:32","date_gmt":"2019-10-03T13:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=6122"},"modified":"2020-07-29T15:17:30","modified_gmt":"2020-07-29T19:17:30","slug":"wellbutrin-for-adhd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wellbutrin-for-adhd\/","title":{"rendered":"Wellbutrin for ADHD"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have you tried to manage your attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD) with stimulant medications, like <\/span>Ritalin<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>Concerta<\/span><\/a>, but not had any luck? Wellbutrin could be your solution\u2014and don\u2019t let the fact that it\u2019s an antidepressant scare you off.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Wellbutrin?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Wellbutrin<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>bupropion<\/span><\/a>) is an antidepressant that is sometimes used off-label to treat symptoms of ADHD. It\u2019s approved to treat depression, seasonal affective disorder, and to help people quit smoking. It works by blocking dopamine and norepinephrine from being reabsorbed into the brain. That increases levels of these neurotransmitters, which can help boost mood and alleviate other symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is Wellbutrin FDA-approved for ADHD?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Wellbutrin is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ADHD.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are many stimulant medications that are FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Stimulant medications are considered the first-line treatment for ADHD because they alleviate symptoms for <\/span>70% to 80%<\/span><\/a> of people. Non-stimulant medications are second- or third-line treatments that patients can try if stimulants don\u2019t work. FDA-approved non-stimulants that treat ADHD include: <\/span>Strattera<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>atomoxetine<\/span><\/a>), <\/span>Intuniv<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>guanfacine<\/span><\/a>), and <\/span>Kapvay<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>clonidine<\/span><\/a>).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Antidepressants, like Wellbutrin, are prescribed off-label to treat ADHD because they increase dopamine and norepinephrine\u2014two neurotransmitters that are commonly low in ADHD brains. It\u2019s legal, and accepted practice, to prescribe medications <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> if research shows they could help a condition. Some <\/span>research<\/span><\/a> shows that Wellbutrin works for people with ADHD, ages 18 and older.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDifferent ADHD meds work for different people, and against different symptoms,\u201d says Melissa Orlov, author of <\/span>The ADHD Effect on Marriage<\/span><\/i><\/a>. \u201cSome symptoms of ADHD can be better managed with Wellbutrin than others.\u00a0 And some don’t tolerate stimulants.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Does Wellbutrin help ADHD?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201c<\/span>Research says that it does, though at lower effect levels than many stimulant meds,\u201d explains Orlov. \u201cBut if it works for you, then whether or not it works for others is irrelevant.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Stimulants don\u2019t work for everyone, and some people can\u2019t take them because of another health condition, such as certain kinds of heart problems. If you or your child are among the 20% to 30% they don\u2019t help, or stimulants cause serious side effects, Wellbutrin might be a good option.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBupropion is an excellent choice for individuals with ADHD who have co-occurring mood disorders, such as depression, and would like to try one agent. Data suggests bupropion improves not only the depression but also the ADHD,\u201d says <\/span>Timothy Wilens, MD<\/span><\/a>, chief of the division of child and adolescent psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBupropion is also an excellent second-line choice for individuals who have substance use issues and\/or concerns of misuse of stimulants and who the practitioner, family, or patient themselves wants to avoid stimulants,\u201d Dr. Wilens explains. \u201cWhile not as effective as a stimulant, bupropion used at standard antidepressant dosing can be helpful in mitigating the symptoms and impairment related to ADHD.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Dose and forms of Wellbutrin for ADHD<\/span><\/h2>\n

Wellbutrin XL is the form most commonly prescribed for ADHD, since it lasts throughout the day.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wellbutrin is one brand name of bupropion. Other names include: Aplenzin, Budeprion SR, Budeprion XL, Buproban, Forfivo XL, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, and Zyban. SR indicates sustained release, XL indicates extended release.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bupropion is available in the following <\/span>forms and dosage options<\/span><\/a>:<\/span><\/p>\n