ADHD Treatment Treating ADHD With Wellbutrin By Jacqueline Sinfield Jacqueline Sinfield Facebook Twitter Jacqueline Sinfield is an ADHD coach, and the author of "Untapped Brilliance, How to Reach Your Full Potential As An Adult With ADHD." Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 27, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine. He is the medical director at Alcohol Recovery Medicine. For over 20 years Dr. Umhau was a senior clinical investigator at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Learn about our Medical Review Board Print Sturti / Getty Images Table of Contents View All Table of Contents How Wellbutrin Works for ADHD Why Take Wellbutrin for ADHD? How to Take It Side Effects Warnings and Interactions Frequently Asked Questions Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an antidepressant sometimes prescribed to adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although stimulants are the first-line treatment for ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattentiveness, second-line treatments such as Wellbutrin are more appropriate for some people. If a person with ADHD also has depression, for example, a clinician might prescribe Wellbutrin in conjunction with a stimulant such as Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) or Ritalin (methylphenidate), or alone to address both conditions. How Wellbutrin Works for ADHD Wellbutrin is a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). It helps improve concentration and focus by keeping the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine available to the brain’s neurons for a longer time. Wellbutrin does not influence serotonin, so it works differently than many other types of antidepressants. Effectiveness Studies of Wellbutrin's effectiveness are ongoing but generally positive with regard to ADHD. One review of recent research found that, overall, Wellbutrin decreased the severity of symptoms better than a placebo. Other studies have been promising, too, with many indicating that Wellbutrin works as well for some people as stimulants. For this reason, many clinicians continue to prescribe Wellbutrin as an off-label treatment for ADHD. What Is an Off-Label Treatment? Off-label treatment is the practice of prescribing a medication for a condition other than that for which the FDA originally approved it. It's a common, legal practice. For example, Wellbutrin XL is FDA-approved to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and the SR form is approved for depression and smoking cessation, but clinicians often prescribe these medications off-label for ADHD. Results In contrast to stimulant medication, which starts to work in about an hour, like other antidepressants, Wellbutrin can take several days to produce noticeable benefits and up to six weeks to reach full effect. This means it can take several weeks to find the most effective therapeutic dose. How Long Does It Take for ADHD Medication to Work? Why Take Wellbutrin for ADHD? Although stimulants are the most effective treatment for ADHD, your doctor might prescribe a non-stimulant, second-line medication like Wellbutrin for a few reasons: Effectiveness: Not everyone who takes stimulant medication finds relief from their ADHD symptoms. History of medical conditions: Sometimes, an underlying medical condition makes the use of stimulant medications problematic. Such conditions include heart problems, sleep disorders, and psychiatric conditions such as substance use disorder and bipolar disorder. Tolerance: Some people do not tolerate stimulant medications and experience severe side effects. Other non-stimulant medications for ADHD include Strattera (atomoxetine) and Catapres (clonidine). Wellbutrin and Smoking Cessation Wellbutrin and Zyban are brand names for bupropion. Wellbutrin has been approved by the FDA as an antidepressant, and Zyban has been approved to help people stop smoking. If you smoke cigarettes and are prescribed Wellbutrin, you might find that it also helps you cut back or quit. It does not contain nicotine, but some people who smoke report that it decreases their desire to smoke. How to Take Wellbutrin for ADHD Wellbutrin is available as a tablet that you can take with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole, without crushing or breaking it. Don't take more than your prescribed dose; doing so raises your risk of seizures and other side effects. If you have trouble remembering when to take Wellbutrin, set an alarm on your phone or clock, use a pillbox, or ask a friend or family member to remind you. Forms of Wellbutrin Wellbutrin comes in three formulations, all in tablet form: Wellbutrin (buproprion): Immediate release, taken two to three times dailyWellbutrin SR (buproprion SR): 12-hour extended release, taken twice per dayWellbutrin XL (buproprion XL): 24-hour extended release, taken once per day Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL are time-release formulations. This means the drug is slowly released into the body over many hours and stays at a consistent level in the blood. The SR formulation lasts 12 hours and is taken twice a day, while the XL version lasts 24 hours and is taken once a day. Taking the XL version can help a person comply with the dosing regimen because there is less opportunity to miss a dose. Doctors most commonly prescribe Wellbutrin XL so that it's most effective throughout the day and the possibility of side effects is reduced. A typical daily dose is around 150 mg per day, although the starting dose is often lower. The upper dosage limit is 400 mg per day. Generic versions are available and cost less than Wellbutrin. Stopping Wellbutrin Don't stop taking Wellbutrin abruptly. Although this medication is not habit-forming, stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, achiness, and sleeplessness. Instead, talk with a healthcare provider first; they will likely decrease your dose safely and gradually to help you avoid withdrawal symptoms. How Long Does Withdrawal From Wellbutrin Last? Side Effects People taking Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, and Wellbutrin XL have reported: AgitationAnxietyConstipationDizzinessDry mouthExcitementHeadachesIncreased motor activityInsomniaJoint achesNauseaTicsTremors There is also a risk of seizures in people who are susceptible to them or who have a history of eating disorders. Notably, Wellbutrin is much less apt to cause sexual side effects such as erectile dysfunction and decreased libido than other antidepressants. What to Know About Wellbutrin (Bupropion) Warnings and Interactions All drugs have risks, which clinicians weigh against benefits when they prescribe them. Wellbutrin is no exception. Warnings Like other antidepressants, Wellbutrin carries the FDA's black-box warning for the increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors in children, teens, and young adults. Wellbutrin hasn't been tested adequately in children or adolescents, so the FDA has not formally approved it for pediatric use; however, existing research indicates it's safe, effective, and well-tolerated in these groups, so clinicians frequently prescribe it. Studies on Wellbutrin's effects on human pregnancy are lacking, but animal studies suggest that this drug may affect fetal development. Wellbutrin is passed into breast milk, but current research, although limited, suggests it's not harmful to nursing babies. As a result, Wellbutrin is generally not contraindicated if you're nursing, but as with any medication, you and your doctor must weigh possible risks against benefits. If you’re pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with a healthcare provider about your options. Always discuss the benefits and risks of Wellbutrin (or any medication) with your healthcare provider and inform them of any side effects you experience while taking it. Interactions Wellbutrin is known to interact with about 100 other drugs, so make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other drugs you take. For example, you risk severe effects if you take Wellbutrin with: EliglustatIsocarboxazidPhenelzinePimozideRasagilineSelegilineSelegiline transdermalTranylcypromine Drinking alcohol while taking Wellbutrin increases your risk for seizures. A Word From Verywell Although Wellbutrin is not a first-line medication for ADHD, it can be helpful in treating ADHD symptoms, particularly if you have coexisting conditions such as depression or anxiety. If you are interested in Wellbutrin as part of your ADHD treatment, discuss it with a healthcare provider to decide if it is a good option for you. Frequently Asked Questions How effective is Wellbutrin for ADHD? Recent research has shown that Wellbutrin (buproprion) and other non-stimulant drugs can reduce symptoms of ADHD, but more studies are needed to definitively quantify their effectiveness. Learn More: Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications Why is Wellbutrin a second-line treatment for ADHD? Wellbutrin is an antidepressant medication originally developed and typically prescribed to treat depression, though it has been shown to help reduce symptoms of ADHD in some people. Stimulant medications like Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) are the first-line treatments for ADHD. What if Wellbutrin doesn’t work for my ADHD? If Wellbutrin doesn't help with your symptoms of ADHD, your doctor might prescribe a first-line ADHD medication such as Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) or Concerta (methylphenidate) instead. Non-pharmaceutical approaches such as therapy can help, too. Does Wellbutrin give you energy? As a norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), Wellbutrin is effective in combating fatigue. According to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, it's one of the most energizing of the non-SSRI antidepressants. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 14 Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Hamedi M, Mohammadi M, Ghaleiha A, et al. Bupropion in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A randomized, double-blind study. Acta Med Iran. 2014;52(9):675-80. Maneeton N, Maneeton B, Srisurapanont M, Martin SD. Bupropion for adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: Meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2011;65(7):611-617. doi:10.1111/j.1440-1819.2011.02264.x Barrickman LL, Perry PJ, Allen AJ, et al. 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Maneeton N, Maneeton N, Maneeton B, Srisurapanont M, Martin SD. Bupropion for adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: Meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2011;65(7):611-617. doi:10.1111/j.1440-1819.2011.02264.x Berigan TR, Harazin JS. Bupropion-associated withdrawal symptoms: A case report. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 1999;1(2):50-51. doi:10.4088/pcc.v01n0205 Patel K, Allen S, Haque MN, Angelescu I, Baumeister D, Tracy DK. Bupropion: A systematic review and meta-analysis of effectiveness as an antidepressant. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2016;6(2):99-144. doi:10.1177/2045125316629071 Kweon K, Kim HW. Effectiveness and safety of bupropion in children and adolescents with depressive disorders: A retrospective chart review. Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci. 2019;17(4):537-541. doi:10.9758/cpn.2019.17.4.537 Bupropion. In: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). National Library of Medicine (US); 2006. WELLBUTRIN® (bupropion hydrochloride) tablets. GlaxoSmithKline. Speak to a Therapist for ADHD Advertiser Disclosure × The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Verywell Mind receives compensation.