wellbutrin? experiences with med

Submitted by an LD OnLine user on

Our pediatric neurologist suggested we consider a trial of Wellbutrin for our 10 yr old. He has ADD - inattentive, dysgraphic, auditory processing. We have done trial of Ritilan (kindergarten) which turned him in to a zombie, and Dexedrine (3rd grade) with mild success, but had short incident where he was pulling his hair that we are not sure if it was related to medication. Once off Dexedrine he was more social interactive at school. He has been off meds for 1 year, but still had significant trouble concentrating, focusing, and finishing work.

I’d like to hear from people who have some experience with Wellbutrin - good or bad. I’m very nervous about trying meds again. I’m going to visit Dr. Amen’s site. I don’t know anyone who has tried Wellbutrin, although my husband did use Zyban for a short while and I believe they are the same medication. Thanks

rosie

Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 04/06/2002 - 3:08 AM

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Yes, it’s the same ingredient as Zyban. My child took it for a year or so in middle school and had no adverse effects. It seemed to help “take the edge off” of her irritibility. There is some research evidence that it is effective for ADHD symptoms. Remember it is not as fast acting as Ritalin or Dexedrine— he’ll need to try it for at least 6 weeks to know if it makes a difference (though you should see some difference in less than that time— of course I am not an MD, so go with what yours tells you)

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 04/12/2002 - 4:00 PM

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Dear Rosie, My son who was adopted in Aug, of last year, was diog, with adhd when he was about 4 yrs of age, Brandon was very premature with lots of problems, but meds never seemed to help him. His Doctors has him on wellbutrin and adderall with no change, yesterday got info back that he also has capd, wich would explain why meds don’t work. Maybe you shoold have him tetested by an audioligst for capd.

Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 04/14/2002 - 5:41 PM

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Rosie,
I am an adult with ADHD and take wellbutrin… when first diagnosed, I took ritalin which made me feel “driven” as if I’d consumed 2 pots of strong coffee. Because I also have a low level depression (DYSTHIMIA), the wellbutirn seems to even everything out. Wellbutrin interects with chemicals in the brain in a differnt way. The other meds you mentioned were stimulants, welbutrin is not. This medication works by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. It was found that smokers on Wellbutrin had little desire to smoke…and easily quit. That is where Zyban came from….it is exactly the same med… different name.
Georgia

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 04/17/2002 - 1:40 AM

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Thanks for your message. I’m glad to hear about your success with Wellbutrin. Have you had any negative side effects? Do you feel like it is something safe to take for the long term? From what I’ve read it seems the worst side effects can occur when someone stops taking some of the higher dose tablets abruptly. Does it make you “feel” any different? or do you notice that you can concentrate and complete things more easily?

Thanks again
Rosie

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 04/17/2002 - 1:47 AM

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My son does have CAPD among other challenges. ADD-inattentive is still a predominant problem for him though. He has worked through many of his CAPD problems using FastForward and other therapy programs. It is difficult to distinguish or separate the behaviors that are processing versus attention. It is clear that our son is delaing with both. Treatments/therapies that help improve attention can also help the CAPD and visa versa. How old is your son now? You mentioned 4 years old? That seems awfully young to have a CAPD or ADD diagnosis. Language therapy helped our son a great deal when he was young. Good luck.

Rosie

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