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Wellbutrin User Reviews & Ratings

Wellbutrin has an average rating of 6.8 out of 10 from a total of 757 reviews on Drugs.com. 58% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 23% reported a negative experience.

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Reviews for Wellbutrin

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • ali...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • March 20, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "Like others on this site, I have tried so many antidepressants. SSRIs take away any sexual feeling for me, and I tend to put on weight and not have the best self-image with them. Bupropion is the only medication that really allows me to feel my feelings, and talk more easily in social settings. After your adjustment (some insomnia for a few weeks) it actually helped me to sleep better. It took me a few times of trying this medication to really get it to work for me. It helped with my anxiety rather than making it worse, but depression was my biggest problem: hopelessness, fatigue, etc. This medication makes jokes funny, trees prettier, and makes me feel emotionally stronger. Remember that it takes courage and patience to get help and to stick with it until it works."

10 / 10
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  • Kai...
  • October 10, 2018

For Depression "I had an odd situation where I was not really depressed with sadness but I just felt nothing. I never got angry, never got happy - never wanted to do anything besides lay in bed. I tried to fake it as much as possible but I couldn’t anymore. I stopped answering my phone, lost all interest and motivation. I had taken all the antidepressants on the market but they made me feel crazy. My hands shook and I felt out of my body. I started researching the symptoms of low dopamine and I had almost all of the symptoms - poor memory, poor concentration, excessive worrying, lack of motivation - and overall just not giving a $#|+ about anything. I asked my doctor for Wellbutrin. In a couple of days I was calling old friends, kicking butt at work, and motivated for life again. My problem all along was dopamine not serotonin. I am thankful I figured it out. DON'T GIVE UP. Read about brain chemicals - dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine - and make the choice based on research."

10 / 10
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  • And...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • July 31, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "Give this medication a fighting chance! I almost quit a month in, but I am SO glad I didn’t and toughed out the negative side effects. When I started, I felt dazed and sedated but wired and jittery at the same time. My insomnia was horrible. Other side effects I experienced included tinnitus, horrible anxiety, hand tremors, heart palpitations, and a really short temper. I desired nothing, but had the energy to do everything - weird combo. OKAY, now for the GOOD, and things I think people should know before giving up this medication - the side effects last a LONG time (two and a half months for me) but they DO all go away. I was now able to get up early to work out, got into cooking, lost weight, and felt hopeful about life. Sex also got WAY better now that I could stop living in my head, which was a huge plus. For the first time in a long time, I can really say I feel happy. So give it time!"

8 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • str...
  • January 17, 2015

For Depression "I am a 35-year-old woman who has taken meds for half her life. I struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder, intrusive thoughts, and overall depression. Wellbutrin. I take 150mg a day. It has changed my life. I have less obsessive thinking, more motivation, and for some reason care way less about what people think."

9 / 10
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  • ZTa...
  • March 12, 2014

For Depression "Five months after my daughter's fatal car accident, my Dr. suggested Celexa for my depression. I took it for 6 months. It made me worse. My Dr. thought that Wellbutrin might be better. It has really helped. Just after 3 weeks, I've noticed a big difference in my life. I take 200mg per day, and now I can finally get on with my life knowing that someday we will be together."

9 / 10
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  • Cou...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 23, 2021

For Depression "Background: depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, seasonal depression. I went with Wellbutrin because it had the least side effects compared to most depression medications and it was recommended by many people. I must say it really has been life-changing. When I started Wellbutrin, it made me think much clearer. While I still do get thoughts, they are not intrusive. My mood is stable, and I feel generally happy! Week 1- sensitivity to caffeine, racing heart for one day, increased energy, appetite decreased. Week 2- energy balanced out, appetite low. Week 3- appetite back, energy consistent, mood improving, felt happy and no intrusive thoughts. Week 4- I feel great! I do sometimes experience ringing in my ear, but nothing that is bothersome. Overall, this medication has saved me. I recommend taking this medication while seeing your therapist. Both of them together have really pushed me in the right direction."

10 / 10
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  • F21...
  • June 14, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "This drug Wellbutrin has been life-changing for me. After trying SSRIs and SNRIs that didn’t work, it did the trick. Yes, it sucks at first; the side effects are horrible, but you have to give it time. And on these meds at first, I got the head zaps, anxiety like I had never felt before, heart palpitations, lack of appetite and weight loss, headaches, nausea, severe insomnia - the whole nine yards. But after about 5 months on 300 mg, I turned a corner and feel better than ever. I can focus, I’m not tired but can sleep if I need to, my anxiety largely went away, I’m happy and can orgasm too. All the side effects pretty much subsided, save for the appetite one... I still don’t have to eat if I don’t want to, but I’m not repulsed by the idea of food anymore. So seriously, it isn’t a conventional drug and it’s bad initially, but PLEASE stick with it. Don’t expect it to work overnight... these things take time. I promise you will get results. You got this. Hang in there!"

10 / 10
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More FAQ

  • Anonymous
  • October 25, 2014

For Depression "I am not a proponent of Big Pharma, and have always had to try to 'deal' with my problems on my own. I have a really excellent diet, exercise, don't smoke, eat an organic diet - I'm just saying I really take care of myself. I have had anxiety (with a little bit of depression) all of my life. I was diagnosed with PTSD a few years ago, as I was having severe anxiety about being accepted into nursing school, and if I would be able to handle the stress and constant pressure, and I also have concentration problems. I have been off and on SSRIs, which have been nothing but terrible for me... Paxil, Zoloft, & Prozac, of which made me feel like a zombie. Wellbutrin is GOLD. Not tired, less irritable, not panicky. It has changed my life."

10 / 10
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  • KB8...
  • October 6, 2014

For Depression "Well, I am very pleased to tell you that I started Wellbutrin XL 150mg for depression and anxiety, and I can honestly say that it is a miracle drug! I started feeling much better after just one day. I could not believe it. It has been 30 days now, and I have not had even one side effect. My depression went away almost right away, and the anxiety took a couple of weeks. But 30 days later, I feel completely myself again. This medication is definitely doing its job 100%."

10 / 10
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  • jkn...
  • January 1, 2015

For Depression "Before starting Wellbutrin, I was so depressed, crying all the time, no motivation, no energy, no ability to make decisions or follow through with them, no desire to go anywhere. I've been taking Wellbutrin for about 3 weeks and within 5 days I was noticing a difference. The crying has stopped, I'm more motivated, I have more energy, and I'm making decisions I couldn't before. I have been active, forcing myself to go to the gym, but now I'm more eager to go. Wellbutrin has made a huge difference for me."

9 / 10
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  • Can...
  • September 5, 2020

For Depression "I was a 250-pound, fat, and happy married man until I was diagnosed with stage 3B cancer. My wife and kids convinced me to see a psychiatrist and get treated. Anyway, he started me on Wellbutrin (Bupropion generic) at 200mg per day. He said this med has been around a long time, and it's very safe and effective. Note that I don't have anxiety. After a week on Bupropion, I would sing on the way to work and was unable to wipe the smile off my face. After about 6 months, these feelings wore off, but I was still better than before. My psychiatrist upped the dosage to 300mg per day. I take two 100mg pills at 9 am and then one 100mg pill at 2:30 pm. Overall, I'm happy. It worked for me. The only side effects are a little insomnia twice per month and ringing in my ears four times per month, which lasts for hours each time. The ringing is very low. I get my generic meds for a 90-day supply each time, and my insurance charges me $24 for that 90-day supply (300mg/day)."

9 / 10
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  • The...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 1, 2020

For Depression "I'm on day 3 of Wellbutrin. So far, it's been miserable. I'm on the lowest dose and still having horrible stomach side effects. I can't eat, I have no appetite, severe diarrhea with intense stomach pain. I'm also exhausted but can't seem to sleep more than a few hours at a time. My mouth is dry and my eyeballs feel like sandpaper. And to top it all off, just looking at my husband arouses me. I'd actually enjoy that side effect if I could stay off the toilet. I'm gonna try to stick it out in hopes that this will pass. I know I need to give it some time."

2 / 10
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  • ras...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 27, 2020

For Depression "After a break up with my girlfriend and one true love of my life, I went to a really dark place and had serious suicidal thoughts. I was first put on Brintellix, then Valdoxan, and three weeks ago on Wellbutrin. It's been six months since the break up, and after using this med for 3 weeks, I'm finally able to enjoy life again and have energy to get through the days with pleasure. This med has so far been a life saver for me. The first two weeks were hard, and I had serious insomnia, but now for the first time in 6 months, I don't need Ambien to sleep anymore. I seriously recommend this med, at least for me it's working perfectly so far. Just give it time to start working, and you will feel better."

10 / 10
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  • It...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 25, 2014

For Depression "My wife passed away and I went into a deep depression. I was put on Wellbutrin and told by my nurse it would be at least 4 weeks. In just 3 days, and I was feeling great, clear-headed, I smiled, I ate normally."

10 / 10
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421 Report
  • Anonymous
  • March 30, 2021

For Depression "Saved my life and marriage after I had severe PPD and PPA. I would still have some bad anxiety every once in a while but overall totally worth it. I also found that Benadryl really helps if you have anxiety with this at night. I was able to gain the confidence to start my own business and actually believe for the first time in my life I could truly accomplish something. I pray this med helps others like it’s helped me."

10 / 10
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  • dep...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 10, 2014

For Depression "I have been on bupropion for about a year, 150mg taken every morning. I noticed a difference on day 2. Everything was just normal. Not bad normal, but good normal, like you woke up after having a really good sleep - and like a weight or pressure has been lifted. It's really hard to describe. Everything seems better. I kid you not. Music sounds clearer, looking around outside, it looks clearer... like I am out of a fog. So... I tried an experiment while I went on vacation. Didn't take anything for 2 weeks. My mood slowly returned to negative. Little things ticked me off, that shouldn't have. I decided to go back on. Same effect on the next day, mood lifted. It gives me slight insomnia, but also takes away some appetite. Great."

10 / 10
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  • new...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 20, 2013

For Depression "I was deeply depressed. I slept a lot. I lost interest in work (and I am self-employed). I suffered from chronic procrastination, lost many clients, and went through trouble with my bank, a tough period. I tried SSRIs like sertraline and Lexapro, but they didn't help me rise up and boost my motivation. Since I have discovered after 50 years that I am also suffering from ADD. I read about Wellbutrin. I tried 150 mg with no significant change for a month and then switched to 300 mg. What a change! I am full of energy, focused, full of self-confidence, working full hours, and enjoying writing."

10 / 10
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  • Sal...
  • April 26, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "Wellbutrin was amazing to me. I was on it for depression, but I stopped smoking after. I used to smoke a lot a day. It gave me enormous energy and improved my depression a lot. I am thankful to the scientists who developed this drug. Don't let the negative reviews scare you. Try it and you will not regret it."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • June 15, 2011

For ADHD "I've been on Wellbutrin for over a year now, and I will probably be on it for the rest of my life. I have a dry mouth occasionally, food doesn't taste as good as it used to, and it makes me sweat a little more than normal, but without this medication, I would be in a fetal position, in bed, and crying most of the time. I would never even consider going off of it. I've tried for just a couple of days, and the old symptoms of sadness start to set in. I took Zoloft for a while, and it made me gain weight, and I just wanted to sleep all the time. I was a zombie. If it weren't for Wellbutrin, I would probably be a recluse. Nothing interested me, and I didn't want any social interaction. Now, I can't wait to get out and be around people. GOOD!"

10 / 10
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  • Hap...
  • December 18, 2008

For Depression "My husband had a long (undiagnosed) history of depression. The final straw was when his brother died in December 07. Declining for the next 5 months, withdrawing more and more, not wanting to work, go anywhere, short-tempered, paranoid, until finally he attempted suicide (not the first time). Doctor prescribed Wellbutrin 75mg 2 x daily for 3 months. He's been a different person on the medicines. He says 'it makes him feel like he SHOULD feel, like he felt as a happy child, instead of what he's become over the years.' It helps with mood swings, helps him not overreact to small irritations anymore. He increased to 3 x daily after a slight slump. Don't try to stop without doctor's advice. He tried that and went back to his depression again."

10 / 10
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  • Pr2...
  • December 23, 2019

For Depression "Okay, I came back to rate again. It has now been about a little over a month on Wellbutrin and wow, it has saved my life. It was like a total switch in the way I think and feel every day! For years and years, I’ve been depressed, but this year was so bad. I didn’t care about myself. I was also so unmotivated, crying multiple times a day even while at work. I’d be triggered by anything and start having anxiety attacks. Now, I can finally say I am happy with my life! It’s like I can see my life clearly now, it’s no longer a fog. I don’t obsess over all the negative things. I have energy to go to the gym often and eat right, and I’ve lost over ten pounds. I have goals again and I have my self-confidence back. It feels unreal. I did miss a few pills every other day for about a week and a half, and I felt a difference. I cried once, and I was also binge eating. But I went back to normal once I went back to taking all my pills on time."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • August 10, 2009

For Depression "I'm 26 and have been taking this medication for about 9 months. The first few weeks it made me shaky and thirsty. It immediately got rid of my sweet tooth, and it's true food doesn't quite taste as good with it, but I'm happier with that being the case. Before I took the medication, I had been severely depressed for nearly 15 years and couldn't bring myself to take antidepressants. I finally hit an incredibly stressful period in my life last year that made me feel completely hopeless every minute of every day. Wellbutrin does not make me 'happy' and 'laughing like a kid' as some other users say, but it does make me feel like I am back to the same level that most people are on, kind of right in the middle, which is 100 times better than where I was."

8 / 10
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  • Sar...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 17, 2017

For Depression "This has become my miracle medicine. Some days I wonder if it's too good to be true!! I've battled depression and anxiety on and off for years. My doctors over the years kept giving me different SSRIs, and those made me like a zombie, barely able to get out of bed. With a toddler, that's just not an option! I've been on it for about 6 weeks now, and let me tell you the benefits: I'm HAPPY - like I have a desire to move and do things, as opposed to sitting on the couch after work, not wanting to do a thing until bedtime. It's almost like I'm on speed. I'm SO productive at work and home. I'm sleeping better - I was worried it would keep me awake, but nope. Sex drive thru the roof. I've lost 10 lbs so far from suppressed appetite and working out!"

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 2, 2012

For Anxiety "I take Wellbutrin for help with the management of stress, and it works wonderfully! I used to be in a bad mood and very tired after work, which was not good for my kids or husband. I take 100mg at 6:00 am and another 100mg at 2:00 pm, and it makes a HUGE difference in my mood, energy level, and diminishes my cravings for chocolate. What I like the MOST is how I have energy ALL DAY LONG now. I used to be so tired all the time, even though I was not depressed or sick. Now I have energy even after a long day of work. I must drink 50-60 ounces of water daily, or I have bad muscle pain. But so long as I get enough water, I feel fabulous and definitely recommend this for others who have a hard time with stress and low energy levels."

10 / 10
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  • sad...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 22, 2019

For Depression "Wow. What an amazing drug. I have been on Cymbalta for about 5 years. It was a lifesaver after a really bad period but began to lose its effectiveness. My doctor added Wellbutrin 200mg and I feel like my old self again. Lots of energy, no feeling like the day is too hard to attack. No more feelings about giving up. No need for my daily nap. Wish I would have tried it 20 years ago, could have saved a lot of needless pain. I am 40 now and have only been treated for depression for the last 5 years. If anyone out there feels sad all the time for no reason, go to your doctor. It doesn't have to be that way. Anyway, loving Wellbutrin."

10 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.