Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, has become a common neurological disorder worldwide. In this condition, the patient feels difficulty focusing, struggles to keep track of things, makes hasty decisions, and shows restlessness. Various types of treatments and medications are given to the patients for their easy and early recovery. Strattera is one such type of medication that is very effective in alleviating symptoms. On the other hand, Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that is prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD with mental disorders. In this article, we explore the difference between Strattera vs Wellbutrin for ADHD and some queries like Can you take Strattera and Wellbutrin together for ADHD, Is it safe to use Strattera and Wellbutrin for weight loss, and which is better for ADHD, Strattera or Wellbutrin?
What’s The Difference Between Strattera and Wellbutrin?
The medications Strattera and Wellbutrin differ from each other with respect to how they act on the body, for what they are used, and their side effect profile. Strattera is an NRI and serves the primary indication for the treatment of ADHD. It takes its time to work with no stimulant action on the body, with common side effects including tiredness, nausea, and reduced appetite. Conversely, Wellbutrin is an NDRI used mainly for the treatment of depression, seasonal affective disorder, and smoking cessation. This drug is also used off-label for ADHD. It provides greater stimulation and may cause insomnia or anxiety, but generally does not result in sexual dysfunction. Wellbutrin increases seizure risk at high doses; Strattera does not.
What is Strattera?
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription drug used to treat patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This was first approved on November 26, 2002, and is available in the form of a capsule. Strattera is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that healthcare professionals commonly prescribe for the treatment of ADHD. This is a brand-name medication, but also available as the generic drug.
The reason behind how Strattera cures ADHD is not very clear, so it is believed that since it increases the level of norepinephrine in the brain, it can help ease the symptoms. The amount of drugs must be taken as prescribed by the doctor. An overdose can lead to serious consequences such as high blood pressure, drowsiness, hallucinations, and muscle tremor.
Benefits of Strattera
- Unlike stimulants, who disrupts the level of dopamine in the body, which can be fatal, Strattera helps the patients in slow recovery without much negative effect. It also does not possess any reinforcing effect that would make the patient addicted.
- Strattera does not require tapering, i.e., gradually lessening the dose to avoid side effects. It does not possess the risk of side effects due to sudden discontinuation.
- Stimulants show a very quick reaction by being fully effective on the first day of intake, but they fade on the next day. Changes can be seen within one week of taking Strattera, and continuous use of the dose daily for a year can result in full recovery.
What is Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin (bupropion) is approved by professionals as an antidepressant. This was first approved on December 30, 1985, and is available in the form of a tablet. It is an aminoketone mostly used for managing major depression and seasonal affective disorder. Wellbutrin can be an option for adults with ADHD along with mental issues. This drug has shown effective results against ADHD in case of adults, but it is not recommended for children since its safety has not been confirmed yet.
Benefits of Wellbutrin
- Increases the level of neurotransmitters in patients that help in treating depression. It is also useful in cases of patients who do not respond to other antidepressants.
- Some antidepressants can cause significant weight gain in patients, but no such symptoms are seen in patients consuming Wellbutrin.
- Since 30% of people with ADHD do not respond to stimulants, doctors use Wellbutrin for their treatment. People with mental disorders like depression are also told to avoid stimulants since they can trigger them.
Side Effects of Wellbutrin vs Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine) and Wellbutrin (bupropion) are non-stimulant medications commonly used in mental health treatment, but they have different side effect profiles due to their distinct mechanisms of action.
Side Effects of Strattera
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty in urinating
- Constipation
- Weight loss
- Skin rash
- Itching
- Dry mouth
- Erectile dysfunction
Side effects of Wellbutrin
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle pain
- Ringing in the ears
- Fluttering heartbeat
- Inflammation of the throat
- Constipation
- Rash
- anorexia
Can Strattera and Wellbutrin Be Taken Together?
Wellbutrin, being a well-known antidepressant, alters the level of neurotransmitters, which in turn regulate mood, emotions, and behavior. If an ADHD patient without any history of mental disorder takes Strattera and Wellbutrin together, it alters the level of neurotransmitters in their bodies, causing their ADHD symptoms to worsen. Strattera is also known to have an interaction with antidepressants and heart medications, i.e., it doesn’t produce the expected results if taken together, resulting in increased side effects.
Which is Better for ADHD, Strattera or Wellbutrin?
In medication, the term “better” is entirely subjective since it is totally dependent on the patient’s condition, medical history, symptoms, and the way the body responds to it. Both Strattera and Wellbutrin are used for the treatment of ADHD, but ultimately, the condition of the patient decides which medicine suits them the best. Strattera is approved by health professionals and is often preferred for the treatment of ADHD in adults and children. It helps in easing the symptoms by increasing norepinephrine, which increases attention and focus. Wellbutrin is used for the treatment of ADHD patients with underlying mental conditions. It is the best replacement for a stimulant (Adderall, Ritalin) because it cures the patient gradually and completely, unlike stimulants, which are faster but ineffective.
Conclusion
We have discussed both Strattera and Wellbutrin and found out that each of them can be used to treat diseases like ADHD and depression. Strattera proves to be most efficient while treating ADHD and is the best alternative to stimulants, which have serious side effects. Wellbutrin is mostly an antidepressant, but it is also prescribed by doctors for ADHD to patients having mental disorders. It is also prescribed to patients who do not react to other antidepressants.