I just started taking 75mg twice daily of generic Wellbutrin (insurance wont cover brand name). I was just wondering how long before I start seeing results?
How long does Buproprion take before it starts improving my depression?
Question posted by jad1ed on 7 May 2011
Last updated on 9 September 2018
3 Answers
hope316
8 May 2011
Hi jad1ed,
You may start seeing some improvement in a week, but generally it takes about 2 weeks before you should expect to see any real difference - everyone's brain chemistry is different, so it's impossible to say exactly how long it will take, or what effect it will have.
As for increasing the dosage, I recommend waiting 3-4 weeks to really see how well your current dosage is working. I tend to need higher dosages on most medications, just because I have a higher tolerance for medications in general... However, it's best to use the lowest dosage that works for you, because you may find you need to increase the dosage later if you notice that the medication isn't working as well as it was before - and there's only so high a dosage that can be prescribed...
I was on Wellbutrin for awhile, it did help, but only in combination with another anti-depressant. It's good, though, because it has fewer side effects than many anti-depressants.
Good luck and take care!
Hope316
jad1ed
10 May 2011
Thank you for that info Hope316. Its always helpful to hear different people's experiences!
pmenashe
25 July 2014
I was on 150 mg of effexor for about 10 years and recently it stopped working so my doctor up it to 300 mg and added lexapro which made me feel worse. All I did was cry so I got off of it and my psychiatrist added Wellbutrin. I've only been on it for 2 days. I am so frustrated because I'm not feeling connected to myself. Does anyone feel the same way and if you do does Wellbutrin help with dissociation?
jdeclercq
29 Oct 2016
I've been feeling more disconnected from myself too since increasing my dose.
Mar-sha
9 Sep 2018
Hi hope! I have a high tolerance to meds. Once I had a colonoscopy and I was feeling it! The doc had to double it up.i hope this med will kick in on 75mg twice a day, for about three weeks. Depression is horrendous! Ruins your whole life and I havea supportive family and friends. I have always been positive person. The deck of cards collapsed as my doctor said .i do have and had a lot of medical problems. I have an abnormal fear of dying and I overthink everything. Than you.hope you will be ok.
Inactive
7 May 2011
Hello jad1ed. I was on buprorion, for some time, before my insurance kicked in. The difference in generic/non generic, was in my case nil. I could not tell the difference, one from the other. I believe you'll find it a very comfortable medication to be on, with very little side effects. I hope that it helps you. best of wishes to you.
jad1ed
8 May 2011
Thank you pledge for that info..that calms my nerves a little bit. I have been on it for 4 days and do not feel any effects so far. My psych said I can increase the dosage from 150mg/day to 300/day if I need to, but I dont know if I should wait longer for the drug to start working.
Inactive
8 May 2011
Hi jad1ed. In answer to your question about waiting longer to up the dose. You could wait another week, if you like. It will take seven days at least for the drug to begin working. It also, if you prefer, as your dr. said, can increase it to the 300mg. The 300mg is the so called maintence dose that a lot of people prescribe to on a daily basis. Either way, Its no picnic to feel depressed. You'll feel better, jad1ed, just a bit of patience. You'll see. best wishes
LaurieShay
7 May 2011
Hey jad1ed,
It takes a week to reach a steady state in the blood and may take as long as a month or so to reach comlete effectiveness. I too take Wellbutrin and just had my dosage increased for 150 to 300 extended release formula. So give it some time and don't be surprised if the doctor has to up the dose a bit.
Best wishes,
Laurie
jad1ed
8 May 2011
Thanks for the reply Laurie. I have tried many different drugs in the past, and then decided I was tired of meds, and stopped altogether. My depression has recently become unbearable. Do you find Wellbutrin to be helpful with the depression?
LaurieShay
8 May 2011
Yes, I do, although I take another antidepressant, Pristiq, along with the bupropion.
jdeclercq
29 Oct 2016
I just got that same change in my Wellbutrin, I've been taking it for 2 years now first 75mg and then to 150mg and I had no problem with it. Now my depression is back in full swing if not worse than before so my doctor upped it to 300mg. I've been taking it for 3 days, today will be the 4th day, and I've felt nauseous, extremely dizzy, low appetite and not being able to finish meals, and my depression improved in the first day but now it feels worse?? How long should I wait it out? Has anyone else had this? I'm wondering if I'm sick or it's just the meds and I'm concerned cause I've taken this med for two years why would my body fight a higher dose? I know it's a lot thanks in advance.
LaurieShay
30 Oct 2016
I would give it a week or so for your body to adjust. If your symptoms persist or get worse, please contact the prescribing doctor.
giggy2
27 March 2017
Hi jdeclercq. what did you end up doing? I have the same symptoms and I am on a day number 5. I am not sure if I should keep taking my 150 dose or ask for something different. I feel like an agitation increased and sadness did not improved.
Related topics
wellbutrin, depression, generic
Further information
- Wellbutrin uses and safety info
- Wellbutrin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Wellbutrin (detailed)
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