What is Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin is a brand of bupropion, a commonly used antidepressant. It was first approved for clinical use in the United States (U.S.) in 1985. It is one of the most frequently prescribed antidepressants in the English-speaking world. It is mainly used to treat and prevent depression and as a smoking cessation aid.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) belongs to a class of medications referred to as aminoketones. It works by affecting the way your body produces neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which are crucial to our moods. Neurotransmitters are a type of chemical messenger used by your body. Wellbutrin is less likely to cause weight gain or sexual dysfunction than an SSRI, but it can trigger seizures in those who are susceptible.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a prescription medication that contains two drugs: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It belongs to a class of medications called stimulants. It’s most commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s also used to treat narcolepsy.
Adderall is considered a first-choice treatment option for ADHD. Studies of Adderall and Adderall XR show that the drugs improve attention and focus, and reduce impulsive behaviors. Between 75 percent and 80 percent of children with ADHD will see improved symptoms with the use of stimulants such as Adderall.
Adderall is also effective for increasing daytime wakefulness in people with narcolepsy, although there is little related research available.
As a central nervous system stimulant, the effects of the medication can be positive when Adderall is taken as intended, but for people who may use the drug without medical supervision, the effects can be dangerous.
Wellbutrin Vs. Adderall: How each medication is taken?
Since Wellbutrin and Adderall belong to different drug classes, they also have different dosage regimens:
Typical dosing for Adderall IR: When taken for ADHD by adults and children 6 years of age and older, the typical starting dose of Adderall IR is 5 mg by mouth once or twice daily.
Overdose symptoms may include restlessness, tremor, muscle twitches, rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, panic, aggressiveness, muscle pain or weakness, and dark-colored urine. These symptoms may be followed by depression and tiredness. Other overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, uneven heartbeats, feeling light-headed, fainting, seizure (convulsions), or coma.
Typical dosing for Wellbutrin SR: The typical starting dose is 150 mg by mouth once daily in the morning. After 3 days, your provider might raise your dose to 150 mg twice daily with at least 8 hours between doses. The maximum dose is 400 mg per day.
Typical dosing for Wellbutrin XL: The typical starting dose is 150 mg by mouth once daily in the morning. After 4 days, your provider might raise your dose to 300 mg once daily.
Overdose symptoms may include muscle stiffness, hallucinations, fast or uneven heartbeat, shallow breathing, or fainting.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 for both medication overdoses because they can be fatal.
Does Wellbutrin Give You More Energy Than Adderall?
Yes, Wellbutrin can give you more energy than Adderall because it is a norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) with the most energizing effects. Doctors often prescribe Wellbutrin for patients whose depression symptoms are more “melancholic” or “sluggish,” because it can give patients an energy boost and remains the most effective of the non-SSRI antidepressants against fatigue.
Adderall on the other hand is an amphetamine, which also makes people energetic. However, it has a calming effect on people with ADHD. In people who don’t have ADHD, Adderall produces an excess amount of dopamine, which can cause users to experience feelings of euphoria and increased energy levels, as well as possibly dangerous physical and emotional side effects.
While both Wellbutrin and Adderall can increase energy levels, they do so through different mechanisms, and the degree of energy boost can vary depending on the individual. Some people may experience more energy with Adderall, while others may find that Wellbutrin provides more energy or that the two medications have similar effects.
It’s important to note that both medications have the potential for side effects and can interact with other medications or health conditions. It’s essential to speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication, and to carefully follow their instructions for use.
Side Effects of Wellbutrin
Common side effects of Wellbutrin include:
- agitation,
- dry mouth,
- insomnia,
- headache,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- constipation,
- stomach pain,
- dizziness,
- ringing in the ears,
- vision problems or blurred vision,
- loss of interest in sex,
- sore throat,
- muscle pain,
- itching or skin rash,
- increased sweating,
- increased urination,
- tremor,
- changes in appetite,
- weight loss or gain,
- joint aches,
- strange taste in the mouth,
- diarrhea, and
- seizures (especially at higher doses).
Side Effects of Adderall
Side effects of Adderall include:
- agitation,
- anxiety,
- blurred vision,
- constipation,
- diarrhea,
- difficulty having an orgasm,
- dizziness,
- dry mouth or unpleasant taste in the mouth,
- excitability,
- fear,
- fever,
- hair loss,
- headache,
- heart palpitations,
- impotence,
- increase blood pressure,
- increased heart rate,
- irritability,
- loss of appetite,
- loss of interest in sex,
- nausea,
- nervousness,
- restlessness,
- sleep problems (insomnia),
- stomach pain,
- tremor,
- vomiting,
- weakness and
- weight loss,
Adderall may cause serious side effects including:
- aggression,
- chest pain,
- feeling cold,
- hallucinations,
- hostility,
- lightheadedness,
- muscle twitches (tics),
- new behavioral problems,
- numbness,
- pain,
- paranoia,
- seizures (convulsion),
- skin color changes to fingers or toes,
- trouble breathing,
- unexplained wounds,
- vision changes,
Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above.
Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:
- Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
- Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; and sudden dizziness, lightheartedness, or passing out;
- Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors.
This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.
Can I take Wellbutrin and Adderall together?
No, combining Wellbutrin and Adderall can increase your risk of seizures. In addition, Wellbutrin should not be taken with or within two weeks of taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These include phenelzine (Nardil), tranycypromine (Parnate), isocarboxazid (Marplan), and selegiline (Emsam®). Wellbutrin is associated with seizures in four out of 1,000 people treated with 450 mg (the standard dose in adults is typically 300 mg). That risk increases almost tenfold for those taking between 450 mg and 600 mg a day.
