ADHD vs. Depression. And Vyvanse vs. Wellbutrin. (Patient Perspective)

A few days ago, I decided to set to private the few videos I've made to date on the subject of preparing Vyvanse water. I did that because I was receiving a number of comments about them and didn't want to disappoint those trying out the drug for the first time.
In place of that, I wanted to record a video explaining (from a patient's perspective) how the ADHD vs. depression diagnostic process can actually be a difficult one for clinicians. It's taken me over a year of trying out different medications to find a drug that I think and hope will prove to be the right one.
Having taken both psychostimulants and Wellbutrin, I also wanted to offer my perspective on the differences between the two as medications. Or rather how they felt to me.
This video represents my experience as a patient only and is in no way intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are concerned about your mental health, a doctor is the best place to start.
By: Daniel Rosehill (danielrosehill.com);
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[@kitdrawsalot]

I never felt a stimulated feeling from Wellbutrin or loss of sleep. I do feel like my mood and thought process is better on Wellbutrin.

[@DanielSRosehill]

It's crazy how the same drug can affect different people in such different ways

[@PCLHH]

Same

[@ci6516]

@@DanielSRosehill it is a stimulant , but many with adhd feel calmer with stimulants . I know for me that is the case, when wellbutrin kicks in i get so calm that i can take a nap. Everyday, 4 hours after i dose, i can take a nap. I eat even more now.

[@PCLHH]

I was on Methylphenidate. It didn't work for me much. It was too heavy on my oversensitive system. So I tried Bupropion and it felt like I could actually find it in me to do boring tasks, even on days I was feeling down. I guess every ADHD-Brain is different.

[@okflo]

What a great video. Clear, concise, extremely relatable, by far the most relatable compared to the hundreds of videos I've sifted through trying to find what's right for me. Went through Lexapro, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Zoloft, Adderall, and each finds its own significant problem in the fight of life. Its extremely interesting you mention that Wellbutrin affects the Nicotinic receptor. I've noticed Stimulants like Vyvanse and Adderall often leave a feeling of oral fixation. I've found myself smoking many days I didn't want to smoke simply because of their come downs. Anyway, thank you, I'm gonna talk about this to my psych :)

[@okflo]

Also, there was a very interesting psychological shift in this video once you shifted from talking to the past to catching up to the present moments, describing current experiences. Very layered :)

[@DanielSRosehill]

Thank you for your kind words. Glad that the video was useful!

[@mattiavelli]

Wellbutrin is used for nicotine withdrawal; I think it's called Zyban for that purpose although bupoprion is just bupoprion.

[@visionvixxen]

I have the oral fixation problem when they wear off and need to crunch eat or chew gim

[@kimberleymarkova3641]

I came to the conclusion that Dopamine was the only thing effective with depression,severe depression, forget serotonin, use,ess, but with depression, anwiety and ADHD, the Ritalin solves part of the problem whilst making others worse (anxiety goes through the roof). SSRIs I am persuaded largely contributed to a SAH I almost didn't make it back from a few years ago. To control the anxiety I take prescribed benzodiazepines. Stimulant medication should make you regularly check your blood pressure and see a cardiologist.

[@DanielSRosehill]

What drug did you settle on?

[@kimberleymarkova3641]

@@DanielSRosehill Ritalin extended release, not every day, countered, also not every day, by a benzodiazepine. This way I can get up, take the dogs out, clean sort of, have confidence again, focus my thoughts, control stammering and a few hours later when my anxiety rockets, take a benzodiazepine hence keeping the focus, yet with decreased anxiety. This is merely in order to be able to function. Despite this regimen the depression and physical exhaustion remain présent. Physical pathologies are excluded as à cause.

[@TaxusBaccata-c4n]

I'm in agreement with you. I have severe depression and have an appt with a doc next week. I know from having steroids and taking dexadrine (both dopamine agonists) that I should try Wellbutrin. I hope I can get it, because Lexapro just isn't working.

[@Lobo59470]

The Wellbutrin was the answer for me for about 25 days. Day 26 was a dark day and I assumed it was a side effect and would go away. 4 days later I was afraid to be alone. I just finished a full month of adderall and it again feels like the answer. Kinda helped with emotional regulation as well. Curious on the future and how the possible need for an antidepressant would interact with adderall. We’ll see

[@elinmansson5535]

They say it doesn’t have stimulering properties but it definitely gives you energy..

[@DanielSRosehill]

I personally felt very little difference between taking classic ADHD stimulants (I tried Ritalin, Concerta, Vyvanse) and Wellbutrin. From my layman's understanding, all are involved in dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition, although I'm sure that doctors have reasons for using them slightly differently. Personally, all made me stress out, edgy, and irritable, without really doing much to improve my focus (the reason I took them). It's been a while since I recorded this video, so I can't remember exactly what I shared, but I'm trying a very different approach of working on anxiety and general wellbeing. It's early days yet, but I feel a lot better overall! What I was hoping to get through with this video was that focus issues can have various causes, including mood disorders, and don't always indicate ADHD. Obviously speak to your doctor, etc, but it took me a year just to learn this!

[@mccannger]

I quit both SSRIs and SNRIs cold turket. Experience was not pleasant, but do-able in my opinion. Neither SSRIs nor SNRIs did anything positive for me at all ... and lots of negative things. If your doctor or psychiatrist is suggesting one of those, give it a go. If it doesn't work for you, I'd suggest changing to a totally different type of antidepressant, e.g. NDRI like Wellbutrin or an MAOI like Moclobemide. My doctor and psychiatrist kept bouncing me between SSRIs and SNRIs and it wasted a year of my life! Turns out I'm ADHD and like Daniel have suffered with dysthymia for years (10 approx). Wellbutrin has been a game changer for me!

[@Amandasbarros]

I have ADHD and I'm taking Wellbutrin but I think is making me have blackouts. I don't only forget what I'm doing like before but I also do things in autopilot. I was taking my driving exam today and I knew how to parallel park, but I blinked in the middle of it and everything was wrong. I had no idea what I did wrong bc it was like I wasn't present. I fixed the problem after a while because I didn't remember what I did, so I didn't know what it was wrong! I parked but then the time stopped so I didn't pass the exam. I feel like I'm not real, like I'm not me. I don't know if I should stop. I don't know what to do bc I'm not exhausted anymore but I'm not idk. I can get stuff done now but it takes so much more time. That's how it is? I never took meds before so I don't know. I'm better but I don't feel like I am

[@brobroant6205]

Stop taking them immediately if you’re having blackouts

[@Brikid]

Talk to your doctor! I hope you're feeling better 6 months out.

[@64daisy46]

I get that exact feeling of not feeling present/real and feeling like I’m basically on autopilot, except I’m not taking any meds yet. It’s something called derealization/depersonalization . However I’m going to be starting Wellbutrin soon so I’m hoping it doesn’t get worse .

[@questionsbyavirgo4045]

How does it affect your hypersexuality or hypersexual something I know how to roll I mean Vyvanse definitely had me out there. But Wellbutrin seems to take it all away.

[@Amandasbarros]

@@questionsbyavirgo4045 really? I heard that it may happen but for me it was the other way around - I never wanted so much like when I started taking the meds LOL- however not with people which is weird, I had the will to but I would totally freeze of overstimulation if someone was with me ..... I'm sleeping better at night currently and I don't have the blackouts anymore, how long have you been taking it? It gets better after 3 months

[@melaoh1054]

I love the effect I got from Wellbutrin. Worked better for me than Vyvanse (I have ADD and anxiety/depression). However I got very bad muscle cramps in my legs and feet on Wellbutrin.. it was so bad I had to stop taking it, which sucks since the effects were so good otherwise.. 😢

[@DanielSRosehill]

Sorry to hear. Keep pushing on!

[@dearquan]

Try Prozac

[@MilestoneVids]

Sounds like you were low on magnesium and dehydrated

[@marysalyer6656]

When I took Wellbutrin it was like taking a sugar pill. I actually took it with Vyvance. It did nothing for me. I am still taking Vyvance now along with Zoloft. The only issue I have with Vyvance is that it gives me a crash in the afternoon.

[@ishouldbesleeping1354]

Wellbutrin name brand is great, but the generic doesn’t work as well. I took it for a decade.

[@sophiashouse7320]

Wonderful video! Do you have any updates by chance? On how you feel? Or if you are still on the medication?

[@DanielSRosehill]

Hey Sophia! Thanks for checking it out! Indeed, I'm still taking Wellbutrin. It's a curious drug. The longer I take it the more I'm learning about its properties. For one, it doesn't play nice with alcohol or caffeine (the reaction with alcohol is more extreme although I drink far more coffee so this is where I've had to make the biggest adjustment). I also seem to periodically go through bouts of tiredness (paradoxically) that last a day or two. My theory is that it's because I've been impatient and trying to get too much "out" of the drug by adding coffee to the mix. So it's been a slow process of adjusting those habits. Other than that it's going pretty well. Objectively, I've tackled so much in the last month, including changing my diet to try improve my post-gallbladder symptoms. So I think it provides an interesting pathway out of depression: relief, I guess, by tackling the obstacles that are standing in the way of our happiness rather than directly just making us feel better (if that makes any sense). Daniel.

[@imd_azv]

Hey! Great video :) I take vyvanse 20mg with sedoxil (a benzo), but I still feel quite a lot of anxiety and depression. I was thinking about changing to wellbutrin, but afraid that will give me social anxiety. (1) Did you have this side effect? (2) overall, how is it going? Are you still on wellbutrin? Thanks :)

[@imd_azv]

(3) also, did you have any withdrawl from vyvanse?

[@lauranydb7979]

No, I am on 350mg Wellbutrin daily, not time released, and it can give alittle nervousness, otherwise fine.

[@visionvixxen]

On vyvanse I was less prone to rebound depression etc// so fcpnfusonf…. Also couldn’t sleep. Wellbutrin and caffeine was better but then stopped worked or caused me to cycle after two years. I’m so overwhelmed by all of and currently don’t know what to take because I’m on Prozac and Adderall but it’s not working.

[@darioruiz8487]

Thank you for sharing your experience, going through same problem with Vyvanse i feel depressed once they wear out, I’m starting Wellbutrin next, but dr is keeping me on both. Are you taking both?

[@DanielSRosehill]

NP. Just taking the Wellbutrin now. I still need a tiny bit of caffeine to get to really get everything I can out of my brain so I'm going to ask about the possibility of going to the top dose (450mg).

[@darioruiz8487]

@@DanielSRosehill Im been drinking coffee with me Vyvanse, I will stop coffee now that I’m adding Wellbutrin xl 150mg to see how actually affects me. I’m hoping for the best

[@DanielSRosehill]

Good luck with it! I'm still also very much in the process of finding out my right mix. It's fickle business. You obviously want to be stimulated enough to get the focus/energy you're looking for. But too much is also a very bad thing. It's a trialing process. And needless to say, one best undertaken with a doctor!

[@elinmansson5535]

I have the same issue with Vyvanse…

[@darioruiz8487]

After month of Wellbutrin, I’m having bad side effects I’m getting angry for little things and too talkative, my focus is worst than with no meds. I’m talking to my dr today in regards yo Vyvanse I read some studies that say 1 in 25 have this bad crash experience same for adderall, I’m going to ask my doctor to take me off of both wb and vy, and try concerta.

[@MultiStar84]

Not sure if you’ll read this, but I took it for 4 days and have been in a funk, I also take adderall. Idk what happened but I broke out in hives on my arms. It made me super tired even with adderall and my doctor told me to take it at night to see if it works… not sure if I should still go for it.

[@shefelilit2921]

thank you! am currently on wellbutrin +ssri & rlly dont like them together but got prescribed sertralin first & my psychatrist wants to be careful with stopping that one, but i hope its happening soon

[@Phoenix-tq8lt]

Why don’t you like them together?

[@visionvixxen]

That caused me to go into depression adding lamictal helped a bit but for some reason Wellbutrin plus SSRI’s make me a nitcase

[@digxx]

Anyone getting brain fog and crazy tiredness from wellbutrin?!? How the heck is this stimulating for some?!?

[@Grind24hours]

I do 300mgs a day(Wellbutrin), for three months, I can't feel a thing.😢 I hear that bupropion is a "ritalin-light", is this true? Great video!

[@Mmcermes]

Foe me methylphenidate keeps me focused and I can definitely feel it...on wellbutrin I'm in rage mode 24/7

[@visionvixxen]

The problem is when you develop tolerance to these / that’s when you compensate w caffeine and one day you just crash and it all falls apart

[@CryptbloomEnjoyer]

I just got started on Wellbutrin, just took it for the 5th time. I am definitely getting up and working in the morning easier. I have yet to see any help with my depression but I think it just needs some time. Are you still on it?

[@DanielSRosehill]

Best of luck! I ended up going onto the higher dose (I think 300mg?) but then coming off it. As a quick route out of depression, I found it incredible. But over the long term I found the anxiety intolerable and my blood pressure was pretty high also. Ultimately, I preferred being on an SSRI. Although I could use some of the weight loss and when you need a kick to get going (or out of a hole) it's incredible stuff. I would take it again if my doc advised, although probably the lower dose. Remember: whether you stay on it long term or not, trying out different meds is all part of the journey that will eventually lead to finding what's right for you!= and your body!

[@visionvixxen]

@@DanielSRosehillthe thing is there is no permanent right. Your hormones and life are always changing…. So is your tolerance and so what worked in the first few months mau not so so later. It’s really frustrating and almost adds another layer to your manageent

[@mrs.rogersneighborhood]

To me, Wellbutrin feels like a stimulant, even though they swear it's not...but I believe that is somehow a stimulant.

[@DanielSRosehill]

Wellbutrin felt more stimulating to me than the dose of Vyvanse I was taking (which, at 50mg, was considered moderate). Apparently they both work on both norepinephrine and dopamine so (from my layman's perspective) it also puzzles me a little why Wellbutrin is classed as an atypical and not just lofted in among the ADHD meds (there's a lot more detail than that, though). Apparently it has to do with how it performed on clinical trials: poorly for ADHD but decently for depression. And so that's the indication the drug company licensed it for. In any event, it felt pretty much the same as all the ADHD meds that I took: same benefits and same drawbacks, although the anxiety was actually worse and basically why I stopped. I'm sure for some people it's a useful medication. But I've found SSRIs more helpful - in spite of their side effects.

[@l21n18]

@@DanielSRosehillso what do you take now?

[@DanielSRosehill]

@@l21n18 Lexapro!

[@HallsofAmenti999]

@@DanielSRosehill so did you stop Wellbutrin? Was it causing more anxiety?

[@HallsofAmenti999]

I've tried almost everything under the sun, Vyvanse so far the best for ADHD and Wellbutrin close second but the latter made me angry af so now I'm coping with mi bye meditation, nature, animal therapy also Vyvanse a bit. All the antidepressants caused too many unpleasant side effects and changed who I am so I'm at a point in my life were working on myself without meds is the best option and I should point out i don't drink anymore and am clean from substances. For anyone reading this it's you're journey and meds may help but I think the best way is to believe in ourselves and deal with this naturally, all these meds change who we are and I've wasted years back and forth all the side effects plus believe me when I say they also take away parts of us we want to keep like creativity! Good luck 🤞

[@visionvixxen]

You shouldn’t have jumped so high up. Just to feel better… you need to wait a couple weeks and yes Wellbutrin first hour makes you very energized..

[@essentialoilunicornfam5150]

Have you looked into the effects of trauma and Polyvagal theory?

[@DanielSRosehill]

I have not unfortunately!

[@essentialoilunicornfam5150]

@@DanielSRosehill I recommend looking into this. Your symptoms may be related to your vagus nerve.

[@DanielSRosehill]

Thanks for the tip will check it out!

[@seancrane8880]

Ironically, you used the very tool to tell us about setting videos to private that you could have used to simply write out a disclaimer for all of the Vyvance videos!? Makes no sense at all to me as the more opinions we have to draw on the better AND the presence of all your videos does something to tell your story.

[@alancohen810]

We're there any comedowns with wellbutrin? If it feels like vyvanse why is it considered non addictive?

[@DanielSRosehill]

During the day - for me, none. Coming off - tired and a bit depressed for a week or two. A key difference versus stimulants is that Wellbutrin is designed to be a steady state / "24 hour" medication. That might be why it's considered to have lower abuse potential. Subjectively they felt similar but others will report differently!

[@DanielSRosehill]

(Also worth noting: when Wellbutrin came out and the Instant release formulations were more popular there were reports of it being sold on the street!)

[@alancohen810]

@@DanielSRosehill I have a history of substance abuse and I'm struggling to control my use of vyvanse and dexamfetamine. So I'm pretty desperate to hit dopamine and norepinephrine in a non addictive way, in a way that creates no high to chase. The only two drugs that seem to meet the requirements are wellbutrin and straterra

[@visionvixxen]

It is addictive and you do build tolerance but it seems to r see at in your bloodstream much longer and maybe less stimulating than the other. It’s kind of a thing you do but doesn’t waver much throughout the day

[@Ace-jh2fn]

I just now trying

[@questionsbyavirgo4045]

He doesn’t actually start the topic until 10:15

[@DanielSRosehill]

Sorry for the rambling - my videos are a work in progress

[@visionvixxen]

Thank you so much for letting us know before wasting the first ten minutes 🙏

[@kimberleymarkova3641]

3:57 ditto for Methylphenidate

[@Rob.S-]

That's not an Israeli accent. Subbed.

[@DanielSRosehill]

Absolutely true, my accent isn't Israeli. I was actually born in Ireland. Life has a funny way of throwing unexpected surprises our way, doesn't it?

[@kimberleymarkova3641]

​@@DanielSRosehillyup, sounds south of Dublin 🎉