Does Wellbutrin help with ADHD?
Wellbutrin can help improve ADHD symptoms, especially in adults who don’t respond well to stimulant medications. This is because the active ingredient bupropion increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels, which are often low in ADHD, though its effects are typically weaker than first-line stimulant treatments.
Key takeaways
Wellbutrin (bupropion) is prescribed off-label for ADHD, particularly for adults with stimulant intolerance or co-occurring mood disorders like depression.
Research suggests Wellbutrin helps ADHD symptoms, but at lower effect levels than stimulants, which work for about 70%-80% of patients.
Wellbutrin carries an FDA black box warning for increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in young people.
Wellbutrin vs. stimulant ADHD medications |
||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Wellbutrin (bupropion) | Stimulants (e.g., Adderall) |
| FDA-approved for ADHD | No (off-label) | Yes |
| Drug class | Antidepressant | Stimulant |
| Neurotransmitters | Dopamine, norepinephrine | Dopamine, norepinephrine |
| Effectiveness for ADHD | Moderate | High (first-line) |
| Best for | ADHD with depression, stimulant intolerance | Most ADHD patients |
| Misuse risk | Low | Higher |
Expert perspective
Timothy Wilens, MD
“Bupropion 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. Bupropion 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.”
Expert bio: Timothy Wilens, MD, is chief of the division of child and adolescent psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Want a deeper dive? Read our full analysis of Wellbutrin for ADHD
Prescription details
Brand name: Wellbutrin
Generic name: Bupropion
Drug class: Antidepressant
Savings tool: Check Wellbutrin prices at pharmacies near you
Medical disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your psychiatrist or healthcare provider before making changes to your medication regimen.
Sources
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) stimulant medications as cognitive enhancers, Frontiers in Neuroscience, Sec. Neuropharmacology
Timothy Wilens, MD, chief of the division of child and adolescent psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital
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