It seems that Bupropion may block Dexamphetamines overall central effects. Now from a theoretical stand point, you may have believed that Bupropion increases the central effects of Dexamphetamine because it inhibits the reuptake of dopamine and noradrenalin, both of which Dexamphetamine stimulates the production of (along with serotonin).

Apparently not, when looking at research conducted into using Bupropion as a rehabilitation treatment for Methamphetamine addicts. This places a big question mark over whether or not it is worth using an adjunct treatment of Bupropion with Dexamphetamine, which people, including myself, are doing, especially when considering the fact that it also increases the risk of seizures.

"The research team hypothesizes that Bupropion reduces the effects of methamphetamine by preventing the drug from entering brain cells, where methamphetamine can produce release of neurotransmitters that cause feelings of euphoria."

http://www.futurepundit.com/archives/003151.html

"Preliminary tests show that the use of the antidepressant Bupropion can help in the treatment of methamphetamine addiction by reducing the meth "high" and reducing cravings prompted by visual cues."

"Those who took the bupropion reported feeling less high the second time they were given the intravenous meth."

http://alcoholism.about.com/od/meth/a/bupropion.htm

Obviously Methamphetamine isn't Dexamphetamine but their primary mechanisms of actions are the same nevertheless.

Any thoughts or experiences?

It would be incorrect to say that the Dexedrine does not work when one is taking bupropion. The bupropion would inhibit the Dexedrine from releasing dopamine from vesticles, but it would do nothing to inhibit Dexedrine from its reuptake inhibition of dopamine/norepinephrine. Remember that bupropion is a dopamine antagonist which is why it would do this. Also remember Dexedrine only releases the monoamine neurotransmitters at high doses... perhaps those at which an ADHDer might be prescribed them (higher on the dosage end of 60mg+) but definitely not at the doses I am personally prescribed (no more than 10mg per dose). Hope this helps.

The addiction/craving response is something of separate response mechanism. In simple terms, thwarting a craving is an independent action. Lessening that does not mean that the Methamphetamine itself is "blocked" over-all.

Also, for an addict or an habituated person the sense of euphoria is in part, related to satisfying the craving. If the craving is greatly reduced or eliminated the cycle of use can more easily be broken. A component of the high has been eliminated.

There may be more that is happening, but we don't know yet.

It would be incorrect to say that the Dexedrine does not work when one is taking bupropion. The bupropion would inhibit the Dexedrine from releasing dopamine from vesticles, but it would do nothing to inhibit Dexedrine from its reuptake inhibition of dopamine/norepinephrine. Remember that bupropion is a dopamine antagonist which is why it would do this. Also remember Dexedrine only releases the monoamine neurotransmitters at high doses... perhaps those at which an ADHDer might be prescribed them (higher on the dosage end of 60mg+) but definitely not at the doses I am personally prescribed (no more than 10mg per dose). Hope this helps.

Interesting - that certainly does help, thank you. I suppose it would do nothing to inhibit the release of noradrenaline though, which would explain why people have been getting more anxiety from the combo. It is also interesting to know that it only becomes a significant seizure risk at higher doses when it becomes an MAOI inhibitor. Very unfortunate that it is also a dopamine antagonist, I suppose it keeps dopamine at higher levels than if you were taking nothing, but also blocks the excessive release of dopamine ... odd question to ask I know, but does it also block the dopamine that gets released during orgasm? :confused: I wouldn't want to end up with less intense orgasms ...

No, it increases behavioural response to dopamine. This is why it helps people with drug cravings and smokers trying to quit. Most claim it increases orgasm. Didn't notice this personally but Im pretty messed up in that arena. Dopamine antagonist doesn't mean it keeps dopamine low... but it stops dopamine from being wasted by preventing it from being released... it does NOT stop it from being inhibited from reuptake.

I would think that the Wellbutrin causes the AMP to act more like Ritilan by enhancing the reuptake process, and as Ritilan is less neurotoxic (as Rit is a reuptake vehicle w/only slight release of DAT and NE). Also, if WB is taken consistently, there should be more DAT and NE available in the Neurotransmitter synapse to be utilized. And as was mentioned before, the AMP release reflex is not appreciable until doses of 60mg or greater, so the benefits experienced from AMP ingestion at a general theraputic dose for ADHD is primarally AMP's reuptake capaibility, of which WB would streghthen add additional reuptake/blockage coverage.

recruit ,

what is DAT? From the looks of it wellbutrin along with stims should really only increase the efficacy of the stimulants and decrease adhd symptoms. Shouldn't cymbalta theoretically do the same , yet only with the serotonin boost-

Hollywd,

DAT stands for Dopamine transporter. Yes, in talking to my Dr., and cousin, who is a Registered Pharmacist (PHD), Wellbutrin potentiates Adderall's/Dex's Dopamine effect and extends it's duration. Beacuse of this the Adderall dose does not have to be increased as often to sustain the desired effect, preventing tolerence. Also, because Wellbutrin is still stimulating the CNS, when Adderall wear-off, there is no crash and the patient still benefits from having an ADHD med functioning.

Because of the effect and longevity, many Dr.'s seek to reduce the number of milligrams amphetimine is perscribed for, and increase the Wellbutrin (as WB is less likely to cause tolerence). Also, I am sure that the chance of anxiety would be lessened. If somebody wanted to take dose of Adderall/Dex greater than 60mgs however, the WB would be preventing the dopamine release (by blocking it's reuptake) that occurs at higher rates, so it would likely interfere with those seeking the Euphoria - usually accompanying the higher doses. However, it would still make the AMP more effective at it's reuptake process, and lessen the neurotoxicity associated at higher levels of AMP.

Because of the benefits provided many more Dr.'s are perscribing the Adderall/WB combo - not to mention that Wellbutrin would likley avert possible amphetimine induced depression. Also, it appears that because Wellbutrin is an Amphetimne byproduct/analog, it synergizes effectively with Adderall - and they complement eachother (i.e., vs. an SSRI, which may actually reduce the dopamine production propensity). However, with Wellbutrin any increase in CNS, by another stimulant, will lower the seizure threshold - this has to be factored. It is my understanding that in the book, Driven to Distraction, the author reccomends this combo for long-lasting daily coverage, and as an alternative to Vanyase and Straterra.

Hollywood,

I know nothing about Cymbalta. I have heard that folks use Effelexor as an alternative to WB. I think it covers the NE and Seratonin - and I think that Effelexor also belongs to the chemical class of aminoketones as Amphetimine, Ritialn and Wellbutrin. So it might be a more syergistic match.

I've reenageged using celexa myself so all my transimitters are hit longer and the anxiety from the WB is reduced. Now I take 50-60 mgs Adderall, WB XL 300 and 10 mgs Celexa. Unfortanetly, still wind up taking 600+ mgs No-Doz and 240+ mgs Sudafed (the real stuff) - even when I know I need to cut back (when I get upset, which being out of a job causes, I feel like I have to take a pill - so I am trying to offset by taking Ginseng and Ginko instead, which are more healthy). At least I don't drink:D

recruit,

thanks for the informative response. Now wonder I'm able to play video games more aptly when I take wellbutrin in combination with stims. I also seem to crave less sweets...."impulse control". What's with the no doz and sudafed? I'm guessing it helps you focus-

Ritilan is less neurotoxic (as Rit is a reuptake vehicle w/only slight release of DAT and NE)

Ritalin does not release any DAT or NE. And much evidence suggests its more neurotoxic than amphetamine.

Hi,
RecruitDir nailed it. Also works well with Vyvanse...Ken

Or maybe it doesn't do a thing for you. That's been my experience, maxed out on the drug for 2 months, then quitting cold turkey. btw, going to 600mg of SR Wellbutrin increases seizure risk by 10x (I believe). I do believe I felt a little bit of added anxiety. Maybe.