Adderall is a medication that is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. This medication is a combination of two substances: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. These substances work together to increase activity in the central nervous system, improving issues like hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Wellbutrin is the brand name for bupropion, an antidepressant medication that is used to treat depression and works as a smoking cessation aid. This medication may also be prescribed off-label to treat symptoms of bipolar disorder, ADHD, and sexual dysfunction that are related to the use of SSRIs.

While both medications are helpful in treating specific mental health conditions, they are not intended to be mixed together. Mixing Wellbutrin and Adderall can lead to an array of complications that may cause life-threatening consequences.

What are the Risks of Mixing Wellbutrin and Adderall?

While both medications can increase attention and improve impulse control, they are not intended for simultaneous use. Using these drugs together can lead to an array of risks, including seizures, dangerous levels of weight loss, liver damage, and heart complications.

Seizure Risk

Wellbutrin is an antidepressant medication that already comes with a risk of experiencing seizures. According to studies, 1 in 1,000 patients has had a seizure as a result of Wellbutrin use.[1] Because of the risk of seizures, individuals who take this medication must be aware of interactions with other substances.

Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant, which means it also increases someone’s risk of experiencing a seizure. When someone takes both Wellbutrin and Adderall, their risk of suffering from a seizure increases substantially. This can even occur in individuals who have never dealt with a seizure before.

Weight Loss

Wellbutrin is known to cause weight loss, so much so that sometimes it is prescribed off-label as a part of a weight loss program as the medication suppresses one’s appetite. According to a study, 28% of people who take Wellbutrin lost over 5 pounds while on the medication.[1] While this can be beneficial for some individuals, others may lose too much weight, causing nutritional issues.

Because Adderall is also a stimulant drug, it is known to reduce appetite and cause weight loss. When someone takes both medications at the same time, they could lose a significant amount of weight. This could cause them to be unhealthy and lead to malnourishment.

Liver Damage

While Adderall is effective in treating certain conditions, using this medication could lead to dependency or drug abuse. Adderall is not known to cause liver damage when taken at the recommended dosages, however, people who abuse this drug can experience significant liver damage. When it is combined with other medications, the liver damage associated with this medication can increase.

Wellbutrin comes with a warning regarding liver damage. If a patient already suffers from liver damage, especially cirrhosis of the liver, this medication could worsen their condition. Wellbutrin has also been linked to long-term liver issues like liver failure and chronic hepatitis.[2]

Heart Complications

According to the FDA, Wellbutrin is linked to high blood pressure. The report states, “Some people get high blood pressure that can be severe while taking Wellbutrin. The chance of high blood pressure may be higher if you also use nicotine replacement therapy (such as a nicotine patch) to help you stop smoking.”[1]

Patients who have previously suffered from heart-related illnesses are not recommended to take Wellbutrin in any circumstance due to the risk of heart complications.

Adderall is also known to increase an individual’s likelihood of experiencing heart complications. Some of the cardiac-related illnesses associated with Adderall abuse include:[3]

Hypertension
Elevated heart rate
High blood pressure
Heart palpitations
Tachycardia

When Adderall and Wellbutrin are combined, the risk of experiencing a cardiac emergency increases tenfold. The most concerning danger related to this drug combination is sudden death by the cause of a heart attack.

Addiction

While Wellbutrin is not known to be habit-forming, taking these drugs in combination could lead to a substance use disorder. This is because both substances can increase energy levels and feelings of euphoria. When someone begins abusing these medications, their mind and body will begin to become dependent on the mixture of drugs.

Adderall is a known drug of abuse. Many individuals who do not suffer from ADHD take this medication to stay up for long hours, oftentimes to study for college tests. Because of this risk of addiction, it is best to avoid mixing Wellbutrin and Adderall.

Finding Help for Prescription Drug Abuse

If you or a loved one take Adderall and Wellbutrin, you are at risk of developing an array of health complications. Mixing these drugs can lead to seizures, liver damage, dangerous weight loss, and heart complications. You may become addicted to the energy and euphoria that these medications cause.

If you or a loved one are struggling with prescription drug abuse, a professional addiction treatment program can help you overcome prescription drug abuse. Contact Addiction Intervention today for more information on how to get started.

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