Vyvanse and Wellbutrin: can you take them together?

People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are almost three times more likely to develop depression than the general population. Treating both conditions is important, but are there effective treatment options that can simultaneously help treat ADHD and depression?

Vyvanse and Wellbutrin are two different medications that can work synergistically to treat symptoms of ADHD and other comorbid mood disorders, like depression. If you have ADHD and experience depression, this combination of medications might be right for you.

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Can you take Vyvanse and Wellbutrin at the same time?

If you have 2 or more mental health issues, effective treatment may require multiple medications — 1 for each condition. For example, you can take certain ADHD medications alongside some antidepressants to treat both ADHD and depression. One such combination is Vyvanse and Wellbutrin. 

Vyvanse is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant commonly used to treat ADHD symptoms. Wellbutrin is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) that works as an antidepressant. If you’re diagnosed with both ADHD and depression, your healthcare provider may prescribe these meds together. In general, you can take Vyvanse and Wellbutrin at the same time if it’s safe to do so in your specific situation. 

The combination isn’t well studied, and some people don’t tolerate it well. As a result, experts recommend providers prescribe Vyvanse and Wellbutrin together only on a case-by-case basis. It’s important to share your health history with your provider, as well as how you’ve reacted to similar medications in the past. This can help them determine whether it’s safe for you to take Vyvanse and Wellbutrin at the same time.

When it comes to asking your provider about Vyvanse and Wellbutrin, it’s helpful to understand what they are and how they work compared to each other.

What is Vyvanse compared to Wellbutrin?

Vyvanse and Wellbutrin are different medications approved to treat different conditions. Vyvanse is a stimulant medication. It’s a prodrug — its active ingredient, lisdexamfetamine, is converted to dextroamphetamine in the body. For reference, dextroamphetamine is the active ingredient in brand-name drug Dexedrine. It’s a type of amphetamine used to treat ADHD. 

As a stimulant medication, Vyvanse increases the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter (brain signaling chemical) that stimulates the CNS, improving alertness, concentration, and cognition. Dopamine is another neurotransmitter that’s crucial to the brain’s reward center. It plays a role in motivation, satisfaction, and pleasure.

As a result, Vyvanse produces feelings of euphoria and well-being in addition to helping improve concentration and attention span and reduce hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors. But, like all stimulant medications, Vyvanse is a federally-controlled substance due to its addictive nature and risk of dependence. This means when and how it’s prescribed, and who it’s prescribed by, is government-regulated.

On the other hand, as an NDRI, Wellbutrin is an atypical antidepressant. This means it’s often used when more traditional antidepressants have failed. Like Vyvanse, it increases the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. But, instead of increasing the production of these neurotransmitters, Wellbutrin prevents what’s already there from being taken back into your brain cells. So, there’s more norepinephrine and dopamine available for the brain to use. Overall, this leads to a more balanced mood and improves symptoms of depression. 

What conditions do Wellbutrin and Vyvanse treat?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves medications for specific uses. If a medication is prescribed for an unapproved use, it’s considered off-label prescribing. Here we cover Vyvanse and Wellbutrin’s approved uses, and what they can be prescribed off-label for. 

Conditions Vyvanse treats

Vyvanse is FDA-approved to treat symptoms of ADHD in people older than 6 years. And, it’s sometimes prescribed off-label for treatment-resistant depression. 

Vyvanse is proven effective in treating the core symptoms of ADHD— inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Studies show it also improves executive functioning, or the mental processes needed to set and achieve goals, solve problems, and regulate emotions. Because emotional dysregulation in ADHD is common, Vyvanse proves an effective ADHD treatment that’s mostly comprehensive (therapy may also be needed).

Conditions treated by Wellbutrin 

Wellbutrin is approved by the FDA to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). Its extended-release formula is also approved to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Off-label uses for Wellbutrin include:

• ADHD
• Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction
• Depression associated with bipolar disorder
• Obesity
• Smoking cessation

Wellbutrin may also be helpful for OCD and anxiety that often present with symptoms of depression. How it treats depression symptoms isn’t fully understood, but studies show it’s effective. In a review of Wellbutrin trials, depression scores improved in 24 out of 27 studies.

How do Vyvanse and Wellbutrin work together?

Though they use different mechanisms, Vyvanse and Wellbutrin increase the available amounts of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Because of this, Vyvanse and Wellbutrin have a synergistic (cooperative) effect when used to treat ADHD and depression. 

ADHD is often comorbid with other mental health conditions, including many varieties of depression, like SAD. These 2 medications may be suitable for people who have ADHD and comorbid depression. But, taking the Vyvanse and Wellbutrin together increases the risk of certain side effects.

Here’s a breakdown of the potential benefits and drawbacks.

Benefits of taking Vyvanse and Wellbutrin together

• Vyvanse and Wellbutrin may be prescribed together to help treat ADHD and depression in people who have both conditions.
• The 2 medications may have complementary effects — Vyvanse can help improve focus and attention while Wellbutrin improves mood and reduces symptoms of depression.

Risks of taking Vyvanse and Wellbutrin together

• Combining Wellbutrin with Vyvanse may increase the risk of side effects, such as high blood pressure, heart palpitations, serotonin syndrome, and insomnia.
• Both medications can increase the risk of seizures, and combining them may further increase this risk.
• Taking Vyvanse and Wellbutrin together may increase the risk of drug dependence and abuse.
• Some people may experience an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors when taking Wellbutrin.

How to take Vyvanse and Wellbutrin together

Typically, if you’re prescribed Vyvanse and Wellbutrin together, you take each medication as you would if prescribed individually.

Vyvanse comes in oral capsules and chewable tablets, though the oral capsules are more commonly prescribed. They’re available in 7 doses — 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 milligrams. Usually,  people start on a daily dose of 10 milligrams. If you tolerate it well, your provider will gradually increase your dose until you find 1 that’s effective at reducing your ADHD symptoms. 

Wellbutrin dosing is a little more complicated. It comes in oral tablets and is available in 1 standard- and 2 extended-release formulas (Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR). The standard release formula comes in 75- and 100-milligram doses. The recommended starting dose is 200 milligrams daily, given as 100-milligrams twice a day. After 3 days, your provider can increase your dose to 300 milligrams, if needed. 

Wellbutrin XL comes in 150- and 300-milligram doses. It’s recommended you start with 150 milligrams daily in the morning. The target dose is 300 milligrams per day given in 1 dose. Wellbutrin SR is available in 3 doses — 100, 150, and 200 milligrams. Its recommended dosing schedule is the same as Wellbutrin XL, except the maximum dose is 400 milligrams given as 200 milligrams twice a day.

Your healthcare provider will help you determine the right dose and schedule if you take Wellbutrin and Vyvanse together. They’ll also counsel you on the potential side effects.

Potential side effects and cautions if you take Wellbutrin and Vyvanse together

While each medication has its own side effects, taking Wellbutrin and Vyvanse together requires added precautions. 

Risk for addiction

Both Wellbutrin and Vyvanse have addictive properties. As a CNS stimulant and a controlled substance, Vyvanse is known to be habit-forming. Also, Wellbutrin shares some qualities with amphetamines, like Vyvanse. This means the risk for addiction is greater when you take the 2 medications together.

Increased seizure risk

Studies show Wellbutrin may increase the risk of seizures. Research also provides evidence of a relationship between stimulants, like Vyvanse, and increased seizure activity in people with epilepsy and ADHD. You shouldn’t take Vyvanse or Wellbutrin (individually or in combination) if you have a seizure disorder or are at risk for 1.

Additional and overlapping side effects

Wellbutrin and Vyvanse each have their own side effects, and some of them overlap. See how Wellbutrin side effects compare to those of Vyvanse.

Serotonin syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is a toxic build-up of serotonin in the body that can be fatal. It occurs most often when starting a new medication that elevates serotonin levels or as a drug interaction between 2 medications that boost serotonin levels, like Vyvanse and Wellbutrin.

Serotonin syndrome happens just hours after taking a new medication or increasing the dose of your current medication. Seek immediate medical care if you experience the following symptoms when you start or are taking Vyvanse and Wellbutrin: 

• Seizures 
• Muscle twitching and tremors
• Stiff muscles
• Fast heartbeat 
• Loss of coordination
• Diarrhea 
• Flushing (warmth, redness, and swelling of the face)
• Confusion 

Drug interactions with Vyvanse and Wellbutrin

If you take Vyvanse, Wellbutrin, or both, it’s important to be aware of the potential drug interactions. Both Vyvanse and Wellbutrin interact with and shouldn’t be taken with the following:

• Antidepressants, including tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
• Antipsychotics
• Antihypertensives (high blood pressure drugs)
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

In addition, you shouldn’t take Vyvanse with extended-release guanfacine, urinary acidifying or alkalizing agents, adrenergic blockers, antihistamines, and seizure medications like ethosuximide or phenobarbital. 

Wellbutrin also interacts with CYP2B6 inhibitors and inducers, type 1C antiarrhythmics, digoxin, dopaminergic drugs (Levodopa, Amantadine), and alcohol. You shouldn’t take any of the drugs mentioned here while also taking Vyvanse and Wellbutrin.

Bottom line: make sure our provider or pharmacist knows about all the medications you’re on before starting a new one or a new combination of medications.

Discover the right medication(s) from a provider on Klarity Health

If you’re struggling with symptoms of ADHD and depression, a qualified mental health professional can determine if you’re experiencing 1 or both disorders and the best treatment. Find a provider on Klarity Health today for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan that includes medication if needed.