PlainPill

Bupropion vs Modafinil for mood

Short answer: For mood, more users report improvement with Bupropion — 70% of 172 reports, versus 64% of 125 for Modafinil.

Bupropion has 411 meta-analyses and 617 randomized trials on PubMed; Modafinil has 155 and 297.

Based on 444 reports about Bupropion and 1,613 about Modafinil. Not medical advice.

Bupropion
Medication
Modafinil
Medication
Users say it helped41%helped271 reports · high confidence50%helped936 reports · high confidence
Verdict
Mixed
Mixed
ResearchAResearch: StrongAResearch: Strong
Meta-analyses / RCTs411 / 617155 / 297
Mainly used for
Focus
% reporting improvement
71% (62)86% (689)
Energy
% reporting improvement
81% (57)93% (485)
Mood
% reporting improvement
70% (172)64% (125)
Anxiety
% reporting improvement
15% (34)30% (87)
Sleep
% reporting improvement
38% (8)21% (94)
Common side effectsanxiety, insomnia, irritability, tinnitusinsomnia, anxiety, headache, tolerance
Typical dose reportedNot listedNot listed
Bupropion
Latest review conclusion

Our findings represent the most comprehensive available evidence base to inform patients, families, clinicians, guideline developers, and policymakers on the choice of ADHD medications across age groups. Taking into account both efficacy and safety, evidence from this meta-analysis supports methylphenidate in children and adolescents, and amphetamines in adults, as preferred first-choice medications for the short-term treatment of ADHD. New research should be funded urgently to assess long-term effects of these drugs.

Lancet Psychiatry, 2018 ↗
What a user said
“It really helped. I went from being suicidal to having hope and motivation within 3 days of starting the medication.”
Full Bupropion profile →
Modafinil
Latest review conclusion

Our findings represent the most comprehensive available evidence base to inform patients, families, clinicians, guideline developers, and policymakers on the choice of ADHD medications across age groups. Taking into account both efficacy and safety, evidence from this meta-analysis supports methylphenidate in children and adolescents, and amphetamines in adults, as preferred first-choice medications for the short-term treatment of ADHD. New research should be funded urgently to assess long-term effects of these drugs.

Lancet Psychiatry, 2018 ↗
What a user said
“It did make me focused and alert. I was working two jobs at the time and needed every ounce of energy I could muster.”
Full Modafinil profile →

Related comparisons

Percentages come from first-hand user reports and are not clinical outcomes. Talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or combining anything. How we rate