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An Overview of Adderall
Adderall is a prescription medication that is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. The United States Federal Drug Administration classified Adderall as a Schedule II controlled substance, which means that it has valid medical value but also has a high risk for misuse and dependence.
What Is Adderall Used For?
Adderall is mainly prescribed by a healthcare provider to help manage Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Adderall works by increasing neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, thereby increasing alertness, focus, and attention.
Because Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant, it can also be prescribed to help treat an individual with narcolepsy, which is a sleep disorder in which an individual is uncontrollably sleepy during the day and prone to falling asleep out of nowhere.
Side Effects of Adderall
While Adderall does have legitimate medical uses, there are also side effects. Some of these side effects can include:
- Insomnia: While Adderall can be used to treat narcolepsy, it can also cause insomnia and keep someone awake longer than intended, particularly if it’s taken later in the day.
- Dry mouth: Taking Adderall can cause dry mouth. This can be alleviated by drinking fluids and chewing sugar-free gum.
- Decreased appetite: Some people who take Adderall may experience a decreased appetite.
- Headaches: Headaches can be prevalent when a person first starts taking Adderall or adjusting their dosage. While headaches can be expected, talk to your doctor if they persist.
- Anxiety: Some people become nervous or anxious when taking Adderall. This should be discussed with a doctor as it can mean the dosage needs to be adjusted.
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure: Because Adderall is a stimulant, it can sometimes lead to a faster heart rate and hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Stomach issues: The use of Adderall can sometimes result in nausea, stomach pain, or constipation. This can be alleviated by drinking plenty of water and eating food that is rich in fiber.
Serious Side Effects
While the above side effects are relatively harmless, taking Adderall can result in more severe side effects. In some cases, it can lead to a person having hallucinations. Some people can also have an allergic reaction to it.
They may also experience seizures, and the medication may have a negative impact on their mental health. Some people can also experience heart palpitations, chest pains, shortness of breath, and excessive fatigue.
An Overview of Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin, generically known as bupropion, is part of a class of medications known as norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). Wellbutrin works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, both of which are neurotransmitters that are pivotal in regulating mood and stabilizing emotions.
Why Do People Take Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin is an antidepressant medication that is primarily prescribed to people who suffer from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The medication can also be prescribed to a person who is trying to quit smoking.
Side Effects of Wellbutrin
Like any other medication, Wellbutrin comes with potential side effects. These side effects can include:
- Dry Mouth
- Tremors
- Increased sweating
- Ringing in the ears
- Headaches
- Appetite loss
- Fast heartbeat
- Constipation
- Sore throat
- Nausea
- Insomnia
Serious Side Effects of Wellbutrin
While using Wellbutrin can be beneficial for some individuals, there are also a few serious side effects to be wary of before taking the drug.
These side effects can include hypertension, hallucinations, confusion, behavioral changes such as irritability and agitation, and even suicidal ideation.
The possibility of seizures can be of particular concern as research suggests that 1 in 1000 patients who take the medication can experience seizures, four times as much as other similar antidepressants.
Wellbutrin Precautions
Wellbutrin or bupropion can be incredibly helpful for some people, but it’s not recommended that everyone take it. It should only be taken with a doctor’s prescription.
Certain people, such as breastfeeding mothers, people with a history of seizures, individuals with a history of heart problems, people who have dealt with eating disorders, and those who just quit drinking, should avoid the medication.
Individuals who have Bipolar Disorder should also avoid taking the medication as it may trigger a manic episode.
Dangers of Combining Wellbutrin and Adderall Together
Separately, Adderall and Wellbutrin can have a positive impact on a person’s life as they both manage debilitating conditions. There’s even some evidence that suggests there’s overlap in their positive effects on people, which may suggest that the drugs can complement each other quite well.
However, it is not recommended that an individual take Wellbutrin and Adderall together as taking both drugs presents many potential risks, especially because some of their side effects are similar, and taking the medication together can increase the risk of these side effects. Some of these risks include:
Increased Seizure Risk
One of the primary concerns of taking the two medications together is that Wellbutrin and Adderall may increase the risk of seizure. Seizures, though very rare, are already a concern with both medications individually—the chances of seizure increase significantly when both drugs are taken together.
Appetite and Weight Loss
Wellbutrin may cause loss of appetite; more than a quarter of people who take the medication report losing weight. Similarly, some individuals who take Adderall also report a decrease in their appetite.
Combining these medications can enhance their individual appetite-suppressing effects and lead to a pronounced loss of appetite that can result in malnutrition and severe weight loss.
Potential Liver Damage
Both medications present a very slight risk for liver damage. Adderall by itself rarely causes liver damage, but its potential to do so increases when taken in conjunction with other medications. Wellbutrin, for its part, can lead to lasting liver problems, and those who have existing liver problems are warned to be careful when taking it. Combining these medications may increase their potential for damaging the liver.
Cardiovascular Issues
Wellbutrin and Adderall can both cause cardiovascular issues such as hypertension and increased heart rate. When the drugs are taken together, their cardiovascular side effects can be exacerbated, which could lead to severe heart problems or even sudden cardiac arrests.
Serotonin Syndrome
Serotonin Syndrome is a condition in which the body has an excess of serotonin. While serotonin can be essential in maintaining optimal physical and mental well-being, having too much of it can be life-threatening.
This condition can manifest in a variety of ways, such as agitation, confusion, tremors, increased heart rate, and muscle rigidity.
Overlapping Side Effects
Taking Wellbutrin and Adderall together can increase the severity of their side effects, especially if the side effect is shared between the two. Headaches, insomnia, dry mouth, nausea, tremors, dizziness, and other shared side effects can worsen when the two medications are taken together.
People At Most Risk For Adverse Outcomes
While the risks of taking these medications together can be dire, not everyone is equally vulnerable to undesirable outcomes.
The people who are most vulnerable when taking these medications are the elderly, people who have a history of seizures, patients with conditions that affect the central nervous system, and people who are undergoing alcohol or drug withdrawal.
Reducing the Dangers Of Both Medications
While there are risks to taking both medications, it is possible to combine them, especially if a healthcare professional determines that it is the best course of action for a specific patient. However, to reduce the risk of the medication, a patient can do a few things that include:
- Not taking them at the same time: Taking the medications at different times may reduce the risk of drug interactions. This should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
- Taking them as prescribed: Taking the medications prescribed by a healthcare provider may decrease the risk of dangerous side effects.
Be Open and Honest with Medical Professionals
Other medications or substances may increase or decrease the risk of drug interactions between Wellbutrin and Adderall. As such, patients should be open with their healthcare providers regarding what medications or substances they are taking and in what doses.
Patients who are wary of being honest should know that federal law legally prevents doctors from reporting their drug use to law enforcement.
This honesty should also extend to any side effects they experience. Being able to detect adverse side effects early on can help prevent medical emergencies down the line.
Patients should regularly follow up with their healthcare providers so that they can be properly monitored and changes either to their medications or dosages can be made.
Patients should also present their doctors with as thorough a medical history as they can on both sides of their family. This will help determine whether or not a doctor will prescribe a certain medication.
What To Do When Accidentally Combining Adderall and Wellbutrin
In case someone does ingest a combination of Wellbutrin and Adderall, either by accident or intentionally, it’s not necessarily the end of the world.
The adverse effects described above are relatively rare. So, the first thing to do is to monitor the person. The most serious side effect to be on the lookout for is a seizure.
In case a seizure does happen, you need to remain calm. If you panic, your thoughts will race faster than you can catch them and you won’t be able to do anything. If a person does have a seizure, make sure they are safe.
Keep anything sharp or breakable away from them. Loosen tight clothing and put something soft under their head. Once their convulsion stops, turn them on their side so they don’t choke on their vomit.
Contact emergency services immediately. Try to remember everything you can leading up to the seizure, including the substances that they took. These details can be crucial in helping medical professionals render aid.
Always Seek Professional Guidance
With any prescription medication, it’s important to always seek professional guidance. Adderall and Wellbutrin may increase the quality of a person’s life, but they can both be misused like any other drug can.
If you’re misusing drugs, or someone you know is, contact us now, and we’ll help get you or your loved one on a path to wellness.
