Does Wellbutrin Make Vyvanse Less Effective? (3+ Facts)

By Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)

Page last updated: 07/02/2024 | Next review date: 07/02/2026

Author bio

Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.

Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:

Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.

Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)

Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.

Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil

Professional Experience:

2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department

Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.

2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.

She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz

Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.

2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department

She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.

2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.

Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.

Education:

2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo

2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo

2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo

2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes

The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:

Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.

Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.

Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.

Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.

Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.

Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.

Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.

Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.

Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.

You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.

Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii

Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital

Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital

CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists

Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)

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In this article, we will discuss the effect of Wellbutrin on the efficacy of Vyvanse. What are the side effects of combining Wellbutrin and Vyvanse? We will also talk about the ways you can minimise the side effects.

Does Wellbutrin make Vyvanse less effective?

Yes, Wellbutrin can make Vyvanse less effective; by raising the levels of Vyvanse it can lead to side effects and decrease its effectiveness.

Wellbutrin (Bupropion) is an antidepressant used to treat depression. Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine) treats attention-deficit/hyperactivity (ADHD) in children above six years of age and adults.

In clinical practice, a combination of antidepressants and CNS stimulants are used to treat depression in individuals with ADHD. (1)

What are the potential drug interactions between Wellbutrin and Vyvanse?

Taking Wellbutrin and Vyvanse together can increase the risk of side effects caused by individual drugs, which can be harmful.

Seizures:

Bupropion is associated with an increased risk of seizures. The appearance of seizures is strongly associated with Bupropion dose. Taking drugs like Vyvanse along with Bupropion can increase the risk of seizures. (5)

You are at a higher risk of experiencing seizures if you have a seizure disorder history, are an elderly patient, or are undergoing alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Your physician may alter your medication and offer alternatives to prevent potential side effects.

Cardiovascular events:

An increase in the level of Vyvanse can affect cardiovascular functioning, and you may experience palpitation, increased heart rate and increased blood pressure. In some cases, chronic Vyvanse use causes cardiomyopathy.

You may also have a risk of getting oedema, abnormal ECG, shortness of breath and chest pain. If you experience any of these side effects, approach your healthcare provider.

Vision disturbance:

Amphetamines like Vyvanse and Bupropion cause vision disturbance. It is an infrequent side effect. However, side effects of drugs can vary from person to person.

The visual disturbance caused by these medications subsides within a few days. Make sure you consult your healthcare physician if you have any visual changes.

What are the factors to consider while using Wellbutrin with Vyvanse?

By combining Wellbutrin and Vyvanse, you can safely manage your symptoms. Since Wellbutrin and Vyvanse increase dopamine levels in the brain, this combination can be used to treat ADHD. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are specific measures to follow.

Cardiovascular disease: If you have hypertension or tachycardia, it is better to avoid this combination as it can increase the risk due to its synergistic effect.
Seizure disorder: This combination will increase the risk of seizures in patients with a history of seizure disorder

How can you minimise the side effects of Wellbutrin and Vyvanse?

Minimising the side effects caused by co-administration of Wellbutrin and Vyvanse involves working with your healthcare provider to make proper adjustments to your treatment and lifestyle.

Know about your medication: If you are taking Wellbutrin and Vyvanse, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects.
Foods to avoid: Alcohol increases the risk of side effects like seizures, hallucinations, delusions, anxiety and behavioural changes when taken with Bupropion, and an increased risk of cardiovascular side effects with Vyvanse
Regular monitoring: Attend follow-up appointments and monitor for unwanted symptoms regularly.
Food and Hydration: If Bupropion and Vyvanse cause nausea or vomiting, they should be taken with food.
Caffeine: Avoid caffeine-containing products since they exacerbate side effects like jitteriness and increase heart rate.
Right dose at the right time: Take your medication as prescribed by your physician. Do not stop taking your medication without informing your physician since it may cause withdrawal symptoms and worsen your condition.

Conclusion

This article discusses the potential interaction and side effects of Wellbutrin when used alongside Vyvanse. If you experience any side effects that may pose a risk to your health, consult your healthcare provider for appropriate intervention.

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References

1.-

Turgay A, Ansari R. Major Depression with ADHD: In Children and Adolescents. Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2006 Apr;3(4):20-32. PMID: 21103168; PMCID: PMC2990565. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2990565/

2.-

Hill S, Sikand H, Lee J. A case report of seizure induced by bupropion nasal insufflation. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2007;9(1):67-9. doi: 10.4088/pcc.v09n0114a. PMID: 17599174; PMCID: PMC1894833. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1894833/

3.-

Fava M, Rush AJ, Thase ME, Clayton A, Stahl SM, Pradko JF, Johnston JA. 15 years of clinical experience with bupropion HCl: from bupropion to bupropion SR to bupropion XL. Primary care companion to the Journal of clinical psychiatry. 2005;7(3):106. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1163271/

4.-

Coghill DR, Caballero B, Sorooshian S, Civil R. A systematic review of the safety of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate. CNS drugs. 2014 Jun;28:497-511. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40263-014-0166-2

5.-

WELLBUTRIN (bupropion hydrochloride) [package insert]. Greenville; GlaxoSmithKline; 2009. Available from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/018644s039s040.pdf

6.-

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) [package insert]. Blacksburg; New River Pharmaceutical; 2007. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/021977lbl.pdf

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Does Wellbutrin make Vyvanse less effective? (3+ facts)