Will this get better ? Doctor said to take it for 4 to 5 weeks to feel full effect . I switched to this drug for the energy and weight loss and depression ... Once it's in full effect will the drowsiness go away and be energy ? Is this normal ?
I have been on 100mg of Wellbutrin daily for 5 days and I am like a walking zombie?
Question posted by ashjack14 on 31 Aug 2015
Last updated on 15 April 2019
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9 Answers
Saddd1
16 April 2019
Day 6 150 time released
A COMPLETE zombie.
Not a good feeling. Hope you found something that works. This was my last hope
WildcatVet
16 April 2019
"Side effects have been reported to be generally mild and transient. They are most common during the first 2 weeks of treatment and decrease in intensity and frequency with continued treatment. They generally do not lead to treatment cessation."
Danni926
11 Sep 2015
hello ashjack14... it must be overwhelming to get so many different replies from all of us, including myself now, but i really agree with so much of what everyone has told you! i have been taking wellbutrin xl, 150 mg, for over 2 years now and can say without hesitation, for myself, though it took a while for me and therapy has really helped, as well, wellbutrin has been just wonderful and has truly helped me to finally have a life without debilitating depression. i didn't get the instant results i was impatient for, but slow & steady helped wellbutrin win the anti-d race once it really got into my system after 2 months - AND helping me to "modify" some of my awful habits, like not getting enough sleep. i now feel the need to take better care of myself by getting more sleep and eating a healthier diet - these things have been key as well, and wouldn't have been possible without taking wellbutrin, for me : ) Good luck to you and let us know how it is going with your new med. Dani
Danni926
11 Sep 2015
Oh, and I do appreciate the increased energy and stamina i get from Wellbutrin. An overall 12 lb. weight loss that i have maintained in the last year plus has been a nice side effect, too! Dani
MeggieGirl
8 Sep 2015
Wellbutrin is known to have more of a stimulating effect, and there has been a pharmaceutical company combining it with Topamax to develop a weight-loss drug that is not yet FDA approved. The depression should help a lot, as Wellbutrin specifically works to raise levels of dopamine, which is the "happy" neurochemical, and none of the other typical antidepressants can provide this 'service'. Wellbutrin is also known to be one of the few antidepressants that doesn't seem to "chemically castrate" people (a horrible, horrible side effect of antidepressants where no matter what is done, there is just no feeling).
All that being said, some antidepressants cause people to zombiefy, and that is NOT what you want out of an antidepressant. This is likely temporary for you, and with ANY antidepressant, you want to give it 4-8 weeks to "settle in", especially if you are still titrating up in dosage. If you are "without feeling", i.e. unable to feel emotion, cry, etc. then this is not an desired effect. Doctors want us to still be able to feel a range of emotions.
I would personally suggest that you give this medication (which is truly wonderful and life-changing for MANY people) a chance, and only after a few months, analyze how it is affecting you cognitively, physically, etc., then report to your doctor, and have a discussion as to whether you still feel zombiefied and need to discontinue or move to a different medication. It's good that you're asking questions early, because many people who are depressed are just relieved to no longer feel depressed, and don't realize until years later that they have been like the walking wounded. Catching it early is a really smart thing. Just give it a little more time - this is normal.
ashjack14
9 Sep 2015
I chose this pill for the stimulation and weight loss , I'm actually not taking it dor depression ... I am going to keep taking it for another month to get the full effects and then reanalize ... I'm taking it for my anxiety ... I was on citalipram previously for anxiety but it gave me major weight gain so I weened myself off completely and a month and a half later after taking nothing I started the Wellbutrin and like I said it made me a zombie rather than give me energy but j know that could turn around once I stay on it for six to eight weeks ...
MeggieGirl
9 Sep 2015
I think there's a really good chance that you'll be very happy with Wellbutrin and will adjust to it. Even people who aren't depressed respond well to added levels of dopamine (like I mentioned, it's the "happy" neurochemical, and it also helps people focus - I believe people take Adderall for Dopamine). I think you will get the weight loss benefits. I gained 68 pounds on other meds over a period of about 8 years, and 85 pounds dropped off me in the first 7 months after I started Wellbutrin. I will add that I also started counting calories using MyFitnessPal, so they probably both worked together and I had fantastic results. The weight has stayed off without any issues. I personally didn't get any help with anxiety - or maybe my anxiety was just that severe, I also had to take Klonopin concurrently. The majority of the people I've spoken with only had good things to say about it.
question12
6 Sep 2015
I am on wellbutrin also. I definitely had an increase in energy, but most anti-depressants take several weeks to really kick in. Before starting the medicine I would sleep most of the day but now I am able to get through most days without napping at all and with a normal amount of sleep at night. Definitely give it some more time as long as you are not having any negative reactions.
KJHINORBIT1
6 Sep 2015
Hello question 12,
It sounds to me like you tolerate Wellbutrin very well. It also sounds like you take it for depression, which is the same reason I used to take it. Stay in touch with your Docs and they will probably test your blood for any problems with your liver and any other interactions. Good luck and be well!
effexorforlife
4 Sep 2015
Yes, the zombie state you mentioned will get better... Give it time. I've now been on Welbutrin for over 15 years. It has been the key to my med "cocktail" and has worked wonders for me... Give it time, I'm sure you will be pleased with your results.
khunlob
1 Sep 2015
I tried a multitude of SSRI's and suffered awful side effects on each; libido loss, living in a constant fog etc. The closest to success for me was Zoloft. The doc then prescribed me to also take 300mg of Wellbutrin to counteract the Zoloft side effects. Worked awesome for me, so much so that we weaned me off the Zoloft and for the last 18 months have been going solo on the Wellbutrin. I still have anxiety, however the Wellbutrin is just keeping my head above the depression waters, without the side effects of an SSRI. My current life situation is also the worst it has ever been. So my experience has been very positive. Perhaps a combo is right for you. Of course the doc is the best to advise in this regard. Just thought I'd share my experience if it helps. Wellbutrin dos have good reviews; it's a personal thing though as we all know.
chuck1957
1 Sep 2015
ashjack14 have alot of good answers But for the record you can't compare mg on different drugs like what i seen here it's like compairing apples to oranges so don't get them confused because of the mg..they are totally different drugs.
ashjack14
1 Sep 2015
Yeah that was what I was thinking ...
chuck1957
9 Sep 2015
The hardest part is the start of these new medications, but most of these side effects go away, If you can stick with it or call the Doctor and let him/her know what is going on.Wishing the best for you my friend. It's not fun, but it well be in time this well be controlled stick with it.
KJHINORBIT1
31 Aug 2015
Ashjack14, in answer to your question, it really depends on your reaction to Wellbutrin. Some people tolerate the drug quite well, but others have a hard time with it. I was in the second group and never got used to it. It made me sick to my stomach and would give me diarrhea too. Not only that, but I felt like I was on another planet, which was scary. There are many drugs out there for your conditions so don't hesitate to tell your doc what is up!
ashjack14
31 Aug 2015
I previously was on citalipram 10mg .. Weened myself off and now on this which is 100 mg so it's a huge diff ... So should I just give it a month ? I was seven thinking of taking half a pill for a coup weeks till my body got adjusted
LaurieShay
31 Aug 2015
Yes, this is normal. The side effects will subside over the next couple of weeks and it will take upwards of a month or so for full effect. Don't be surprised if the doctor increases your dosage as well.
ashjack14
31 Aug 2015
Should I take half a pill to build up tolerance for a couple weeks ? I'm walking around in a fog ... So it's normal to feel no energy at first u think ? That had been my only side effect so far
LaurieShay
31 Aug 2015
Really should follow your doctor's instructions. You will most likely adjust in time. If you don't gradually feel better, you could talk to your doctor about your symptoms.
Related topics
wellbutrin, depression, weight, doctor, energy, zombie, drug
Further information
- Wellbutrin uses and safety info
- Wellbutrin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Wellbutrin (detailed)
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