Wellbutrin for ADHD.
Some people are familiar with
Wellbutrin because they take it
to treat major depression or back pain. However, some physicians
prescribe Wellbutrin for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
or ADHD.
Wellbutrin is the brand name for Bupropion, a type of
antidepressant that also acts as a stimulant. Some studies have
shown Wellbutrin is just as effective as Ritalin in treating ADHD.
Physicians often prescribe Wellbutrin for ADHD if the patient is
unable to tolerate other stimulant ADHD medications.
If you have heart problems or high blood pressure, your physician
will be particularly cautious about prescribing Ritalin or
Adderall for your ADHD so they may opt for Wellbutrin. Physicians
may also prescribe Wellbutrin to treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
and cocaine cravings. Wellbutrin is used for smoking cessation
programs and for the depressive phase of their bipolar disorder.
Wellbutrin, which has a chemical structure unrelated to any other
antidepressant medication, does not act the same was as Celexa,
Paxil, Prozac or Zoloft. Those drugs target the brain chemical
serotonin. In contrast, Wellbutrin does not affect serotonin.
Some physicians feel Wellbutrin is ideal for ADHD because they
think it may act on the neuro-transmitters dopamine and
norepinephrine.
If you are taking Wellbutrin for your ADHD you cannot combine it
with Strattera (atomoxetine). Never mix drugs unless advised to do
so by your physician. Some of the drug interaction warnings for
people taking Wellbutrin for ADHD include Monoamine oxidase
inhibitors (MAOIs), Anticonvulsant medications such as Dilantin (phenytoin),
Tegretol (carbamazepine) and ulcer medication such as Tagamet (cimetidine).
Wellbutrin and Strattera, which are used to treat ADHD, attempt to
use the same precursors to activate the reuptake inhibition of
norepinephrine.
Not everyone with ADHD will want to take Wellbutrin. Wellbutrin is
not for people who have a history of anorexia or bulimia, seizures
or brain damage. Wellbutrin causes significant weight loss in 28
percent of people who take it.
If you have ADHD, you can use Wellbutrin, with caution, if you are
bipolar disorder, have weight loss associated with depression,
kidney disease, diabetes, liver disease, are more than 60 years of
age or addicted to diet pills, narcotics, stimulants, cocaine or
over-the-counter stimulants.
People using Wellbutrin for ADHD will need to keep an eye out for
adverse side effects and reactions such as the following:
_ Restlessness.
_ Agitation.
_ Anxiety.
_ Excessive sweating.
_ Weight loss, decreased appetite.
_ Insomnia.
_ Headache.
_ Ringing in the ears.
_ Dry mouth.
_ Dizziness.
_ Constipation.
_ Nausea.
_ Vomiting.
_ Diarrhea.
_ Tremors.
_ Seizures.
_ Decreased white blood cell count.
Wellbutrin has been linked to rapid heartbeat, confusion,
dizziness and menstrual complaints. Since Wellbutrin's effects
during pregnancy are not well understood, you should not take
Wellbutrin for ADHD when you are pregnant. Wellbutrin does pass
into breast milk and could cause a serious reaction in the infant
so it is also not advised to take Wellbutrin for ADHD while
nursing an infant.
Also, since Wellbutrin may impair coordination or mental
abilities, people with ADHD should not drive or operate heavy
machinery while taking Wellbutrin.
There have been numerous lawsuits filed against the manufacturer
by patients and their families who have suffered from seizures
after taking Wellbutrin.
Some of the rare side effects of taking Wellbutrin to treat ADHD
include change in hair color, painful erections, no erections and
unusual ejaculations.
The more typical side effects of taking Wellbutrin for ADHD
include agitation, anxiety, insomnia, weight loss, headache, dry
mouth, nausea, constipation, and dizziness. Sometimes, although
not often, people taking Wellbutrin for ADHD report sweating,
strange body odor, tremor and nervousness.
Finally, since the side effects of Wellbutrin are not known in
children under the age of 18, Wellbutrin may not be safe for
children with ADHD.
In addition to Wellbutrin
side effects, there is
an issue of Wellbutrin withdrawal. The FDA
has warned that using Wellbutrin can increase the risk of
suicide and deeper
depression.
Obviously, the best way to avoid harmful Wellbutrin side effects is to avoid Wellbutrin. Consider using Deprex, the natural alternative, for
depression symptoms. Deprex quickly,
safely, effectively and gently eases depression symptoms without
the side effects or withdrawal symptoms typically associated with
Wellbutrin and other antidepressants.
Like Celex, Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft and other SSRI antidepressants,
Deprex aids in the production, increase and release of serotonin.
Unlike prescriptive antidepressant medications, Deprex is a
non-prescriptive, all-natural “antidepressant” that provides the
necessary dietary precursors to complement the body's own ability
to produce and release Serotonin. Deprex also affects
Norepinephrine activity while reducing Cortisol secretion. This
natural rebalancing of brain biochemistry calms anxiety while
easing depression - all without side effects.
Do not stop taking Wellbutrin without first
talking to your doctor. Your doctor may need to gradually reduce
the dose before stopping Wellbutrin completely. Suddenly stopping
Wellbutrin may cause unpleasant and potentially serious side
effects.
*This antidepressant drug information does not
endorse Wellbutrin, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. The
information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible
warnings, uses, precautions, drug interactions, allergic
reactions, or adverse side effects of Wellbutrin. If you have
questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your health
care provider or pharmacist. The information provided should not
be construed to indicate that Wellbutrin is safe, effective or
appropriate.
