Wellbutrin & Adderall: Can You Take Them Together?

What Is Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin, with the active ingredient bupropion, belongs to the class of medications called norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs).¹ This medication works by influencing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, two chemicals thought to be involved in mood regulation. Wellbutrin is FDA-approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and smoking cessation.

How Does Wellbutrin Work?

Wellbutrin works by influencing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These chemicals play an important role in attention, focus, mood regulation, and motivation. Dysregulation of these chemicals may lead to anxiety symptoms and depression symptoms. By changing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, individuals with depression may see improvement in their symptoms.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription medication containing a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It belongs to the stimulant class of medications. Adderall works by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These chemicals play an important role in attention, focus, and impulsivity. Dysregulation may lead to symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). By increasing these levels, individuals with ADHD may see improved concentration and reduced hyperactivity.

How Does Adderall Work?

Adderall works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Imbalances of these chemicals in the brain may contribute to attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). By increasing these levels, individuals with ADHD may see improvements in their ADHD symptoms, such as improved focus, attention, and impulse control.

Can You Take Wellbutrin & Adderall Together?

It is possible to take Wellbutrin and Adderall together, but this must only be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

There are many reasons why someone might take these medications together. Someone may take these two medications to treat co-occurring disorders, such as an individual with ADHD and depression. Individuals may also take one or both of these medications when it has not been prescribed to them. This is especially true for Adderall, which carries a high risk of misuse. Taking these medications without the guidance of a healthcare provider may pose serious health risks.

What Happens When You Use Wellbutrin & Adderall Together?

When used together, Wellbutrin and Adderall can potentially interact. Both medications increase norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Combining them may produce an additive effect on these chemicals, potentially intensifying the individual effects.

Are There Any Benefits to Combining Wellbutrin & Adderall?

Combining Wellbutrin and Adderall may offer benefits for some individuals. Some of these benefits are due to the similar way these medications impact the brain and body.

Some potential benefits of using these medications together include:

• Better control of co-occurring conditions: Living with both ADHD and depression can worsen your overall quality of life. Gaining control over each of these conditions can have a better impact on your quality of life than addression only one of your conditions.
• Potential for lower doses: Because these medications have similar impacts on the body through different mechanisms, a lower dose for each medication may be needed when taken together. This could lower the risk of side effects caused by each medication.

What Are the Side Effects of Using Wellbutrin & Adderall Together?

The main side effects of using Wellbutrin and Adderall together are due to their interactions in the body and their similar effects on the body. Both medications increase norepinephrine and dopamine, and taking them together may further increase these chemicals in the brain.

Also, both medications may prevent the elimination of the other drug, leading to increased levels of both drugs in the body. This increased level may increase the risk of side effects caused by each medication.

Common side effects of Wellbutrin include:¹

• Nausea
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Dry mouth
• Insomnia
• Dizziness

Common side effects of Adderall include:²

• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Dry mouth
• Abdominal pain
• Rapid heart rate
• Increased blood pressure

*All medications, including Wellbutrin and Adderall, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

Serotonin Syndrome: A Serious Potential Side Effect

Influencing norepinephrine and dopamine levels is the primary function of Adderall. However, it may also increase the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is also involved with mood regulation. Medications that may prevent the breakdown of Adderall, such as bupropion, may increase the risk of excessive serotonin in the brain.^2,3 This leads to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include:²

• Rapid heart rate
• Hallucinations
• Agitation
• Delirium
• Coma
• Elevated body temperatures
• Tremor
• Nausea
• Vomiting

*All medications, including Wellbutrin and Adderall, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

How Is Serotonin Syndrome Treated?

Most commonly, serotonin syndrome symptoms are mild and resolve shortly after stopping the drugs causing the symptoms. In some cases, individuals may require supportive treatments with sedation, antipsychotic medications, and IV fluids. Severe cases have required individuals to be sedated and paralyzed with breathing support.⁴

Alternatives to Mixing Wellbutrin & Adderall

If there are concerns about the potential interactions or side effects from mixing Wellbutrin and Adderall, there are alternative treatment options. These alternatives include trying different medications that may have a decreased risk of interacting. Other options include non-medication options, such as different types of therapy.

Wellbutrin Alternatives

There are many alternative options to Wellbutrin when treating depression. This includes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as sertraline, escitalopram, and fluoxetine. Other options are non-SSRI antidepressants, such as duloxetine, venlafaxine, and mirtazapine.

While these medications are alternatives to Wellbutrin, they may still interact with Adderall. Non-medication options are also available as an alternative or add-on treatment. This includes therapies, such as CBT for depression.

Adderall Alternatives

Adderall alternatives are available. This may include other stimulant medications, such as methylphenidate or dexmethylphenidate. Non-stimulant medications can be used to treat ADHD, as well, including guanfacine and atomoxetine. These medications, however, may still have some interactions with Wellbutrin.

Therapy treatments, such as CBT for ADHD, can also be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to Adderall.

How to Reduce the Risks of Taking Wellbutrin & Adderall

Reducing the risks associated with taking Wellbutrin and Adderall includes several strategies. These strategies include maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider and strictly adhering to the prescribed dosage.

It is also important to never stop taking either of these medications abruptly, as doing so may cause antidepressant discontinuation syndrome or Adderall withdrawal.

Ways to reduce the risks of taking Wellbutrin and Adderall together include:

• Discussing all medications and substance use with your prescriber: Taking other medications or substances may increase the risk of interactions between Wellbutrin and Adderall. To decrease this risk, your healthcare provider must know all medications and substances you may be taking.
• Taking medication as prescribed: To decrease the risk, closely follow the instructions of your healthcare provider and pharmacist. Never stop taking these medications without talking to your healthcare provider.
• Getting a dosage adjustment: When these medications are taken together, some individuals may require changes in their Adderall or Wellbutrin dosage. This should only be done under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
• Adjusting the timing for taking each medication: Taking Wellbutrin and Adderall at different times may help decrease the risk of negative interactions. For example, Adderall could be taken in the morning, and Wellbutrin could be taken at night. Only do so after discussing it with your healthcare provider.
• Close monitoring of side effects: Be aware of the potential side effects and closely monitor for them. Early recognition and management can help decrease the severity of interactions. Follow up regularly with your healthcare provider: Regular follow-up visits with your healthcare provider will allow them to monitor your progress and make changes if necessary.