ADHD can affect daily life in many ways. It can cause trouble focusing, acting without thinking, or feeling restless all the time. While doctors often use stimulant drugs to treat ADHD, these do not work for everyone. Some people cannot take them due to side effects or health problems. In these cases, doctors may look at other options, such as Wellbutrin.
This article explains what Wellbutrin is, how it works, what the research says, and whether it could be the right choice for managing ADHD symptoms in adults.
What Is Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin is the brand name for a drug called bupropion. It is an antidepressant. Doctors also use it to help people stop smoking. The drug was first made in 1974 by a company called Burroughs Wellcome. That company later became part of GlaxoSmithKline. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved bupropion in 1985.
Over the years, different forms of the drug were released:
- In 1996, the sustained-release (SR) version came out. People usually take it twice a day.
- In 1997, bupropion was also approved to help people quit smoking.
- In 2003, the extended-release (XL) version was released. People usually take it once a day.
Before the year 2000, bupropion was sometimes called amfebutamone.
FDA-Approved Uses:
- Depression in adults
- Seasonal affective disorder (a type of depression that happens during certain times of year)
- Smoking cessation (to help people stop smoking)
Other Uses (Not FDA Approved):
- Sexual problems caused by other antidepressants
- ADHD (mainly in adults, sometimes in children)
- Depression in people with bipolar disorder
- Weight problems or obesity
Why Do Some Doctors Choose Wellbutrin for ADHD?
Doctors usually start ADHD treatment with stimulant drugs like Adderall or Ritalin. These drugs work well for many people. But not everyone can take them. Some people have side effects. Others have health conditions that make stimulants unsafe. For example:
- Some people have heart problems.
- Some people have a history of drug or alcohol use.
- Some people feel too anxious with stimulants.
- Some people have other mental health problems, like depression or bipolar disorder.
- Some people do not get better with stimulants.
For these people, doctors may try a non-stimulant medicine like Wellbutrin.
How Does Wellbutrin Work?
Wellbutrin changes the level of certain chemicals in the brain. These chemicals are called dopamine and norepinephrine. Both are linked to attention, mood, and energy.
After the brain sends out these chemicals, it usually takes them back in quickly. Wellbutrin slows that process. So more dopamine and norepinephrine stay active in the brain. This may help with focus, energy, and impulse control.
Wellbutrin is in a group of medicines called NDRIs. That stands for norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors.
Can Wellbutrin Help ADHD?
Yes, Wellbutrin (bupropion) may help with ADHD symptoms in some adults, but the current evidence is limited and not very strong.
Researchers reviewed six clinical studies with a total of 438 adult participants. All of these studies tested long-acting forms of bupropion at daily doses between 150 mg and 450 mg. The treatment periods lasted between six and ten weeks. These studies found that:
- Bupropion helped reduce ADHD symptoms to a moderate degree in some people.
- More participants taking bupropion showed noticeable improvement in overall condition compared to those taking a placebo.
- Side effects were not much different from those seen in the placebo group, suggesting similar tolerability.
However, the overall quality of the evidence was rated low for the following reasons:
- Small sample sizes
- Lack of detail in study design
- Possible bias in some studies
- Unclear long-term results
- No research yet in adults diagnosed using the latest (DSM-5) ADHD criteria
Because of these limits, doctors cannot say for sure how well Wellbutrin works for ADHD in general. But for adults who cannot take stimulant medications—or who also have depression or substance use concerns—Wellbutrin may be a possible treatment option.
More high-quality research is needed to confirm its effects, identify who benefits most, and understand long-term safety. For now, Wellbutrin is one possible alternative for adult ADHD, but not a first-line treatment.
Dosage
Doctors usually start with a low dose and increase it slowly. This helps avoid side effects. Many adults take around 300 mg per day. Doctors usually divide the total dose into smaller parts, not more than 150 mg each time.
There is no FDA-approved dose for children with ADHD. Some say children may start at 3 mg per kilogram of body weight daily, which can be titrated to a maximum of 6 mg/kg daily. The maximum recommended dose is 150 mg.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
Wellbutrin does not work right away. It may take 3 to 7 days to start helping. The full effect may take several weeks. Some people feel better after 4 to 6 weeks. Signs of improvement include better sleep, more energy, and less sadness.
It is important to keep taking the medicine even if the results are slow. Stopping too soon can cause problems. Always talk to a doctor before changing the dose or stopping the medicine.
Common Side Effects of Wellbutrin
Like all medicines, Wellbutrin can cause side effects. Some are mild. Others may be more serious. Here are common side effects:
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling dizzy
- Dry mouth
- Feeling anxious or restless
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Sweating
- Muscle twitching
- Feeling weak or tired
Many side effects get better after a few days or weeks. But if they don't, the doctor may change the dose or try another medicine.
Serious Risks
The FDA gives Wellbutrin a "black box warning." This is the strongest warning. It means there is a risk of serious harm.
In some people under 25 years old, Wellbutrin may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or behavior. This includes teens and young adults. Doctors and families should watch closely for any changes in mood, thoughts, or behavior. If someone feels very sad or has thoughts of hurting themselves, they should get help right away.
Some people may also have:
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Rash or hives
- Trouble breathing
- Fainting
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
Anyone with these symptoms should stop the medicine and call a doctor immediately.
Who Should Not Take Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin is not safe for everyone. Doctors avoid giving it to people with certain conditions. These include:
- A history of seizures
- Eating disorders, such as bulimia or anorexia
- Bipolar disorder
- Heavy alcohol use or risk of alcohol withdrawal
Also, Wellbutrin should not be taken with:
- Other drugs that have bupropion (like Zyban for quitting smoking)
- Certain antidepressants called MAOIs
People who take other medicines should tell their doctor. Wellbutrin can interact with many drugs.
Other ADHD Treatment Options
There are many treatment options for ADHD. Doctors usually try stimulant drugs first. These include:
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)
- Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall)
- Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
- Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
Some people use non-stimulant drugs. These include:
- Atomoxetine (Strattera)
- Guanfacine (Intuniv)
- Clonidine (Kapvay)
Non-stimulants may cause fewer problems with addiction. They are also used for people who cannot take stimulants.
Therapy can also help. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one example. CBT helps people learn new habits and ways of thinking. It can support better focus and lower stress.
Final Thoughts
The FDA does not approve Wellbutrin for ADHD. But doctors may still use it for adults who cannot take stimulant drugs or who have depression and other mental health issues. Some studies show that Wellbutrin may help with ADHD symptoms, but more research is needed.
If you or someone you care about is thinking about Wellbutrin for ADHD, talk to a doctor. The doctor can explain the risks and benefits associated with the procedure. It is also important to check for other health issues before starting the medicine.
