Key takeaways
Bupropion (Wellbutrin XL, Wellbutrin SR) and methylphenidate (Ritalin, Methylin) are both prescription medications used for mental health conditions, but they have important differences. Bupropion is an atypical antidepressant used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), while methylphenidate is a stimulant used for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Bupropion is available in various forms, including immediate-release, sustained-release, and extended-release tablets, and is taken once or multiple times a day depending on the form. Methylphenidate is available as an oral tablet, chewable tablet, and liquid, and is typically taken two to three times a day. Bupropion is not a controlled substance, but methylphenidate is a controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependence. Common side effects of bupropion include headache, dry mouth, and trouble sleeping, while methylphenidate can cause low appetite, anxiety, and trouble sleeping. Both medications have serious risks, such as seizures with bupropion and heart problems with methylphenidate, and they should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
