Integrative & Functional Medicine and ADHD: Are there alternatives to Ritalin? Wellbutrin another medication capable of dopamine/norepinephrine modulation.

Part II: ADHD and Dopamine/Norepinephrine modulation - Ritalin and Wellbutrin

Ritalin and Wellbutrin—two medications that affect brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine, but in very different ways.

🧠 How They Work

	Ritalin	Wellbutrin
Type	Stimulant	Antidepressant (NDRI)
Dopamine Boost	Strong	Moderate
Norepinephrine Boost	Moderate	Moderate
Onset	Fast (30–60 min)	Slow (1–2 weeks)
Serotonin	None	Minimal

What They're Used For

• Ritalin is FDA-approved for ADHD and works quickly to improve attention and reduce impulsivity.

• Wellbutrin is approved for depression and smoking cessation, and used off-label for ADHD, especially with coexisting low mood.

Pros and Cons

Ritalin Pros:✅ Fast, potent focus aid✅ Proven ADHD treatment

Ritalin Cons:❌ May cause insomnia, anxiety, appetite loss❌ Controlled substance

Wellbutrin Pros:✅ Non-stimulant, less abuse risk✅ Helps with energy, mood, and smoking cessation

Wellbutrin Cons:❌ Slower onset❌ Can worsen anxiety or raise seizure risk

Which Should You Choose?

• Need quick, strong ADHD relief? → Ritalin

• Battling focus + depression/fatigue? → Wellbutrin

• Concerned about stimulants or addiction risk? → Wellbutrin

Bottom Line

Ritalin is best for classic ADHD symptoms.

Wellbutrin is great when low motivation, mood, or energy are also in the mix.

Reasearch: Can Wellbutrin (bupropion) treat ADHD as well as Ritalin (methylphenidate)?

Results

A total of 146 subjects in four RCTs comparing bupropion with methylphenidate in the treatment of ADHD were included. The pooled mean changed scores of the Iowa–Conner’s Abbreviated Parent and Teacher Questionnaires and the ADHD Rating Scale‐IV for parents and teachers of children and adolescents with ADHD in the bupropion‐ and methylphenidate‐treated groups were not significantly different. Additionally, the pooled mean changed score in adult ADHD between the two groups, measured by the ADHD Rating Scale‐IV and the Adult ADHD Rating Scale, was also not significantly different. The pooled rates of response, overall discontinuation, and discontinuation due to adverse events between the two groups were not significantly different.

Maneeton N, Maneeton B, Intaprasert S, Woottiluk P. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials of bupropion versus methylphenidate in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment. 2014 Aug 1:1439-49.