Wellbutrin is sometimes prescribed for ADHD.
While not typically the initial medication of choice, it may be recommended if your current medication is malfunctioning.
Despite not having approval, these medications are used legally and have shown promising treatment benefits when used off-label.
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When people do not respond well to stimulant therapy, other medications may be used, such as Wellbutrin.
Why Is Wellbutrin Used for ADHD?
Wellbutrin can help manage ADHD symptoms without the risk of developing a chemical dependence.
Is It Effective?
There have been limited studies of Wellbutrins use for ADHD in the past decade.
Another review of trials found low-quality evidence that bupropion helped control ADHD behaviors compared with a placebo in adults.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
However, a few older studies of adults that took place over six-week periods showed some benefit.
However, these results are dependent on different factors, such as dosage and age.
Side Effects
Like most medications, Wellbutrin can cause side effects with use.
It contains a boxed warning from the FDA due to a potential increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior.
Anyone treated with this drug should be monitored for suicidal thoughts, behavior, and attempted suicide.
Always speak with your healthcare provider before starting Wellbutrin.
Give them your most updated list of medications to review before starting treatment.
These can include antidepressants, other bupropion products, and systemic corticosteroids.
Forms of Wellbutrin include:
Wellbutrin comes in tablets and can be taken with or without food.
A typical daily dose of Wellbutrin is about 150 milligrams (mg).
You will start with a low dose which is gradually increased until you achieve the maximum efficacy.
Studies show doses ranging from 150 mg to 450 mg daily may be helpful.
Sustained release Wellbutrin is typically taken as a 150 mg dose once or twice per day.
Extended-release Wellbutrin is taken as a 300 mg dose once per day.
These medications may be effective in helping with the behaviors associated with ADHD and improving mental alertness.
Summary
Wellbutrin, and its active ingredient bupropion, are sometimes considered for off-label use in ADHD.
Bupropion can also be helpful for treating depression in people with ADHD who also have MDD.
The author would like to recognize and thank Jaycob Mathew Pena for contributing to this article.
Food and Drug Administration.Wellbutrin label.
Ford-martin, P. A.
(2021).Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
In K. H. Nemeh & J. L. Longe (Eds.
),The Gale Encyclopedia of Science(6th ed., Vol.
A Popular Off-Label Treatment.
2017;10(10):CD009504.
Published 2017 Oct 2.
DailyMed.Label: Wellbutrin SR- bupropion hydrochloride tablet, film coated.
DailyMed.Label: Wellbutrin XL- bupropion hydrochloride tablet, extended release.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2017;10(10):CD009504.
