From the Research
The typical starting dose of Wellbutrin (bupropion) for adults with ADHD and anxiety is 150 mg once daily in the morning, using the extended-release formulation, as supported by the most recent study 1.
Key Considerations
- The dose can be increased to the target dose of 300 mg once daily after 3-4 days with good tolerance.
- Some patients may require up to 450 mg daily (the maximum recommended dose), but dose increases should occur gradually with at least 3 days between adjustments to minimize side effects.
- Wellbutrin should be taken in the morning to avoid insomnia, and patients should swallow the tablets whole without crushing or chewing them.
Mechanism and Efficacy
- Wellbutrin works by inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters involved in attention and focus regulation.
- While Wellbutrin can be effective for ADHD, it may potentially worsen anxiety in some individuals due to its stimulating effects, as noted in a study comparing bupropion to SSRIs in the treatment of anxious depression 2.
Monitoring and Adjustments
- Close monitoring during the initial treatment period is essential, especially for anxiety symptoms, insomnia, and blood pressure changes.
- Full therapeutic effects may take 4-6 weeks to develop.
- The efficacy of bupropion in treating ADHD has been demonstrated in several studies, including a review of its effects on depression, ADHD, and smoking cessation 1, and a study on its use in adults with ADHD 3.