Can Wellbutrin contribute to tic disorders?

[jesinclair]

My 18 year daughter had developed motor tics after taking Wellbutrin for about a month. She's now taking the Wellbutrin 3 times per day at for at total of 300 mgs per day. I have read that Wellbutrin stimulates that same receptors in the brain that Ritalin does.

Please write back soon as I have taken her off the Wellbutrin immediately.

Thank you very much,
jesinclair

[Zepora]

When my son was first misdiagnosed, they gave him Valium, which made him go completely berserk, like a "speed freak". Then they gave him Ritalin, which calmed him down a lot, but the "echolalia" and "copralalia" continued. Thank goodness he was finally properly diagnosed in the mid 1970's. He was then put on Haldol. Every child is different and I wish you good luck with your daughter and I agree that you really must get a proper diagnosis, this is so important.

[jesinclair]

Thank you very much for your response. I will make plans for her to see a neurologist.
I appreciate your honest insights and I hope that your son's condition improves.

[NotWhoUThinkItIs]

Yes, Wellbutrin is similar to Ritalin. Although Ritalin didn't "give" my son Tourette's Syndrome, the stimulant did cause its dormant state to wake up and come to the surface.  In my son's case, although I discontinued the medication as soon as I saw the tics begin, there was no putting that monster back to bed.  I wish that I could offer more encouraging words, but I’m sure that you need to hear the truth right now.  That being said, every child is different.  I would recommend finding the best neurologist in your area and tell him or her exactly what you have written here.  He/She will not make a diagnosis of Tourette’s Syndrome unless he has seen your daughter for one year and both motor and vocal tics have been present for one year.  Of course, there are a variety of other tic disorders.  And in your daughter’s case, hopefully this is something that will correct itself altogether.