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Wellbutrin has less side effects than other antidepressants used for ADHD |
adhd - Drugs for ADHD
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| Fewer Side Effects |
| However, it may cause these side effects: |
| Drug Interactions: |
Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an atypical antidepressant (chemical structure different from other antidepressants) that is occasionally used for ADHD and aspergers Syndrome.
Unlike antidepressants such as Celexa, paxil, prozac, and Zoloft that target the neurotransmitter serotonin, Wellbutrin does not affect serotonin. The manufacturer is unsure how it acts, but suggests it may effect dopamine and norepinephrine.
The typical starting dose is 100 mg/day with a gradual increase to a maximum of 2 doses with no more than 200 mg per dose. If a second dose is not given, may get mood deterioration at around 10-14 hours.
Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release tablet (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban SR). Swallow the pill whole. The coating is made to release it slowly in the body. Breaking the pill will cause it to be released too fast
Fewer Side Effects
It has fewer side effects such as weight gain, blurred vision, dry mouth, indigestion, constipation, cardiac problems, and orthostatic hypotension than other antidepressants.
However, it may cause these side effects:
Seizures, Restlessness, Insomnia, Headache or worsening of preexisting migraine conditions, Tremor, Dry Mouth, Agitation, Confusion, Rapid Heartbeat, Hyperactivity, Dizziness, Nausea, Menstrual Complaints, Rash, Irritability, decreased appetite, and insomnia.
Call your doctor if you have: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Drug Interactions:
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Wellbutrin. Alcohol may increase your risk of a seizure while you are taking Wellbutrin.
Zyban is another name for Wellbutrin and the combination could cause an overdose;
Anticonvulsants such as Dilantin (phenytoin), Tegretol (carbamazepine), or phenobarbital
Ulcer medication such as: Tagamet (cimetidine)
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Alcohol or some street drugs withdrawals while taking Wellbutrin can cause seizures.
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