I have been on the generic Wellbutrin for depression for about 3 to 4 months now and have packed on a significant amount of weight. I cannot get enough sleep, but I notice that I toss and turn all night long. Has anyone else noticed that this is a side effect of the medicine?
Does Bupropion make you gain tons of weight and also make you a very restless sleeper?
Question posted by brfyock2010 on 24 Aug 2012
Last updated on 25 June 2023
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
96 Answers Page 6
Shan5555
20 July 2016
I have been on Bupropion for about 5-6 months for smoking cessation and have gained roughly 20 pounds. I was going through a lot of life changes at the time and didn't realize the drug must be the culprit until recently. I stopped taking the med a couple days ago. For those of you that experienced the same thing, did the weight come off easily once discontinuing the med?
Inactive
28 July 2016
Shan, were you successful in quitting smoking while taking bupropion? Don't you think it's possible that the weight gain was a result of weaning off cigarettes, where gaining weight is a common adjunct to smoking cessation?
gypsyrose5150
9 June 2016
Yes very much so Lyrica gave me 35pds ask to ween off & suggest ambien for sleep the extended release plus no side effects
tinaellen
8 June 2016
I've been on Wellbutrin 300 for about 2 months and gained 10 pounds, which has now only added to my depression. I know it's supposed to, if anything, make us lose weight. It's definitely had an adverse effect on me, 100% without a doubt. The extra 10 lbs on my tiny frame is causing me pains. So that's it. Done with it. ;(
Inactive
8 June 2016
Well, sad to say I have experienced a change in the effect of my wellbutrin since I had my last prescription refilled. I have recently been experiencing carb craving and it all settles around my waist. I noticed that when I went to 300mg, I started having more side effects. I went back to 150mg. Even though it's still the same generic I've been taking all along, I am having side effects since my last refill that I had not been experiencing before. I am just about done with these meds, because it seems like, sooner or later, the adverse side effects outweigh the benefits. Bummer...
Inactive
26 April 2016
I have taken Wellbutrin off and on for several years. I am currently taking the bupropion SR version which is manufactured by Mylan pharmaceuticals. I can say that I have tried several generic ones as well as the brand name one. Here is what I can tell you from personal experience: There is DEFINITELY a difference in these. They have the same chemical makeup, but different fillers. But what I found out is that when the patent ran out on the Wellbutrin brand name, they kept the TIME-RELEASE mechanism, and the generics can't duplicate it exactly. So, some of them dump out a bunch at once at certain intervals, causing some people extreme anxiety, headaches, etc. One of the XL versions by Par pharmaceuticals gave me a ravenous appetite and caused a huge carb-craving. So I can speak from personal experience, as a "guinea-pig" patient, lol. I've tried many of the generic brands.
both SR and XL, and people, Yes, there is a definite DIFFERENCE in the effectiveness, and also in the side effects of each and every one of them! So, yes, it's true, some people gain weight on it, and some lose weight on it. Some people get very tired on it, and some feel quite energized on it. Everyone is correct. You can thank the crooked pharmaceutical companies that claim they are giving you the identical generic of the brand name Wellbutrin - technically, yes, but not really... The good news is that I have currently lost 23 lbs. on the SR version. YAY! "G"
Pbrobert55
21 March 2016
I have gained weight and cannot loose it. I work out 2 times a day 5 days a week and have not lost a pound. I sleep but experience restlessness..
Moonstrong
6 March 2016
I have a binging problem. It comes on when I am stressed or very anxious. I had it under control but since I started Wellbutrin my anxiety is so much worse and I am binging again. I am very sensitive to medication. I am one of those people who get the "rare" side effects. My pill book states that a rare side effect of Wellbutrin is weight gain or increased appetite. The "common" side effects states weight loss or decreased appetite. I believe it really depends on the person. I am going to Dr next week to talk about discontinuing Wellbutrin.
Ldy101
28 March 2016
Are you taking the XL? I the SR made me lose, but the HL has had me gain 10 lbs in 3 months. Appetite is through the roof.
Soulece
15 April 2016
I have packed on a a good 15 to 20 pounds since being on bupropion and I'm already diabetic. I can't control my appetite at all it's worse than being on prednisone. I loathe myself and can't fit into half my clothes and I thought I had depression before this sure didn't help.
sadbird
22 April 2016
omg! I just logged on to try to find out if others are experiencing the same thing! I went on Wellbutrin XL 4 weeks ago, and my appetite is through the roof! I have already put on 8 pounds!!! this cannot be normal!? can it? I switched from Citalopram to Wellbutrin especially for the weight loss -- citalopram increased my appetite and I noticed I gained 10 - 13 pounds sneakily in 10 months... so I had the doc switch me to Wellbutrin- and now it's insanity! I eat all the time, I'm constantly hungry! my satiation center in my brain is constantly craving food!!! what the hell! so depressed even more than before -- I don't think docs even know how to help me...
Sarahjaxon
21 June 2017
Same here with the binging problems. I feel like I'm going crazy cause my Dr keeps saying I should have decreased appetite, but my binging episodes are through the roof
Retiredandbored
18 March 2018
Same here, mine say. ACT for the brand and are 150xl. Would a different brand be any different. I’m crying and gaining weight!
karielle
28 Jan 2016
Yes it does make you gain weight. I had night terrors as well. I am a writer. I found that my thinking could not shut off at bedtime. I was restless and slept when this drug wore off. I was always more anxious too. Once I stopped it I felt normal. No more nightmares. My boyfriend noticed that I no longer talked in my sleep. Bad side effects.
CrissyM
18 Sep 2016
Karielle, you mentioned talking in your sleep because of this med, which makes me wonder if that's what is causing me to talk in my sleep. It's so bad the neighbors complain. (I'm in an apartment.) And I have PTSD, so there's no telling what I'm saying.
cmk287
12 July 2017
For those of you who gained weight, what is the pill description?
I gained weight on round white A-102 which is made by Anchen.
I have more energy since I started oval off-white 142 which is made by Actavis. I don't think it's the placebo effect, because I thought all brand and generics were the same. I was trying to figure out why I felt differently and traced it back to the pills.
The FDA reported that Watson and Teva's version of Bupropion did not meet its bioequivalence standards--apparently manufacturer does matter.
givemeashrubbery
24 Oct 2017
I have been gaining weight constantly on generic 100 mg buproprion little pink pill made by Apotex, my pharmacy just refilled me with totally different looking pills they are bigger, round red and stamped with a 192. They look kind of wonky, not clean like pharmaceuticals usually look.
I called the pharmacy and they said there was a shortage on my usual brand. The brand they gave me was Heritage pharmaceutics.
I honestly never thought of there being a difference in side effects from generic brands due to inactive ingredients.
CyberJane
26 Jan 2016
I have taken by bupropion Sr and xl. They've always helped me lose weight until I started getting one called bupropion xl HCL. Sometimes they don't mark it and you just have to guess. I started getting "the different kind" when I was about 37 or 38. It makes my butt immediately bigger and makes me gain weight. It is like prozac. It also makes me lethargic and I can no longer run. (I was in really good shape.) I have asked the pharmacy, the pharmaceutical company, my doctors over and over and over. I'm assuming they either don't know or are not allowed to tell me why I can't get the regular kind.
It is terribly frustrating.
Inactive
17 Feb 2016
Jane, I tried different generic versions of both bupropion sr and bupropion xl. The bupropion xl made by Par pharmaceuticals made me gain weight and caused me to have carb cravings. The most effective generic I have found, and am currently taking is bupropion sr by Mylan pharmaceuticals. It decreases my appetite. From what I have learned on these forums, the formula for the generics is supposed to be equivalent to the formula for the brand name, but people react differently to the fillers that are used and the time-release mechanisms vary from one generic version to another.
Gemjunior
27 Nov 2016
I'm on wellbutrin and I'm an absolute cow from it. Definitely makes you gain weight. Definitely will try the SR version rather than my current 300mg XL. Thanks for the info.
kd1219
4 Dec 2016
I think G mc is right. I've been in Wellbutrin generic for a few years and I did ok. I didnt lose weight but I didn't gain any. That generic was a peach colored round tablet.
A couple of weeks ago the mail order pharmacy sent me a different generic - same medicine and same dosage - but this one is a round purple tablet. In 2 weeks I've already gained weight. I am overweight already and this has started to cause me to have trouble moving around and even breathing.
I don't know what company makes this one but it has to be this Wellbutrin. Every thing else is exactly the same. I've actually ate less recently.
What company makes the Wellbutrin generic you are taking??
JaxLaurie
7 Jan 2017
I am having a similar problem. I switched from 20mg of generic Lexapro to 300mg of bupropion XL HCL about a year ago. CVS was my pharmacy and the pill was small, white and round. It caused me to gain a significant amount of weight - 30 lbs in 8 months! I never gained weight on Lexapro, but did on the bupropion, even though my Dr. insisted it was "weight-neutral" and could not be causing the weight gain. I have since switched my pharmacy to Publix and the pill is now larger and oblong. Obviously, Publix and CVS use different pharmaceutical companies. However, the new pills from Publix are causing me to gain even more weight - 10 more lbs in 2 months. Additionally, the new pills are also causing me blurry vision, headaches and all of my joints are constantly in pain (someone above had the same experience). Obviously, it's the different fillers that are being used.
Both made me gain weight, but the one from Publix added a whole new layer of problems (including constant exhaustion and breathlessness). I stopped taking the bupropion and went back to my generic Lexapro. Within a few weeks, my joints stopped aching, my vision stopped being blurry, the headaches stopped, my sleep and energy level improved, my breathing improved and the weight started coming off.
Inactive
14 March 2017
Ditto! My butt exploded overnight also. This is a second antidepressant for me. And it has helped tremendously so I am wanting to stay on it. I have had a serious anxiety problem with other antidepressants. I have started drinking chamomile tea during the day as it helps with any anxiety caused from that Wellbutrin. I am actually taking the generic version. In other comments people have indicated a sleeping problem with it. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder 1 when I was 10 years old. I have never enable to sleep well. In fact it is easy for me to stay awake for days at a time. The only thing that helps me sleep is a tremendous amount of exercise.
Rachsinsea
1 Jan 2016
I actually believe they are making a false claim that it may cause weight loss. I know a few girls who are on it and have gained at least 10-20lbs. I was on it only 3 months and gained 12lbs. I stopped it because gaining weight will only make me more depressed and hate myself. I think they should be sued because they are tricking people into believing it promotes weight-loss when it actually does the exact opposite. No one I know has ever lost weight from this medication.
ariestarie
26 Jan 2016
I have to agree with you. I have been on Wellbutrin for a little over two years and have gained 20 lbs! I haven't changed my eating habits whatsoever in that time and once I started to notice the weight gain I became even more conscious of what I was eating. I have yet to loose any of the weight so I have decided to stop taking it all together. My only fear is that I will continue to gain weight after stopping it as that has also been a reported side affect of stopping it.
Ldy101
28 March 2016
When I took the SR I lost, but with the XL , I've gained! It's XL for extra large appetites!! Honestly the XL has made my joints ache, my cycle stop, my vision blurry, And my libido zilch. Add my expanding waistline and gee, this pill is perfection!!Not! ;-)
Soulece
15 April 2016
I'm bupropion and can't stand the side effects I eat constantly, can't sleep, can't fit half my clothing now, and just feel disgusting. My doctor is like see you in a couple months and I'm sure you'll have a big smile on your face, uh no I loathe myself.
Adreamer
6 Aug 2016
I lost 15 pounds in 2 weeks with it
karielle
15 Dec 2015
Yes exactly the same thing happens to me. My covers are all over the bed from tossing all night and I am exhausted daytime. I am a writer, so I peak at nnight. I am trying to be creative daytime. No way. Night is when ideas come out. So to regulate my day/night dysfunction my MD put me on Belsomra for sleep at night. It did nothing. I can't zip my jeans.
Stellar2018
24 May 2018
I'm a writer too! I totally understand this. I hated it!
LJ32
27 Oct 2015
I am so relieved to know that someone else experiences what I have been - I have been on it 6 weeks and have gained 9 lbs it really doesn't seem to be helping my depression or anxiety and I think i am going to ween myself off - I feel gross
Camiles56
8 Aug 2017
I am glad to hear that others have also experienced weight gain on bupropion I thought I was the only one. My doctor, like others, doesn't believe it could cause weight gain. My weight is higher than it has been in my entire life.
Memeann1956
8 Oct 2017
I've been on wellbutrin for almost two months I'm very irritable and have also gained weight even though i eat very little and healthy.
16850dvh
23 Jan 2015
I have taken numerous antidepressant recently my Dr put me on a thyroid medicine which he said is and additive to my anti depressant he said even with a healthy thyroid the medication could increase my mood along with keeping weight off not only do I feel so much better I have rapidly started taking off the weight my only change was the thyroid medication
Phebsisme
5 Dec 2015
What medication is that? I've been convinced of a thyroid problem. The previous dr had said my levels were slightly off. Can you tell me the process to get your dr to listen? Also the type of meds?
MrsHynco
23 Dec 2015
I'm on Wellbutrin XL and Armour Thyroid... I've done nothing but gain over the past two years. I exercise 5-6 days a week and eat healthy. I'm thinking the Wellbutrin may be the culprit.
Itismetlc
31 Dec 2015
What is the thyroid medicine called? I want to see if my Dr will let me try it.
Delila
10 Dec 2014
Hi, the majority of antidepressants have this side effect. They tend to leave you with an increased appetite and reduced metabolic rate, so it is a double whammy. The only way to keep your weight stable is to keep within the government recommended daily calorie intake, or even reduce this by a couple of hundred calories, and take regular exercise... I know this is sometimes easier said than done, especially if you are feeling depressed, but this really is the only option to maintain a comfortable weight...
new2drugs999
13 April 2016
I have a very good diet and have dropped then gained it all back and more in 2 months. I think I will take myself off. To the people who are saying they dont get answers from their Dr. It is your decision to take the meds and you can request a change in medication as well.
rebeca1949
7 June 2016
I have gained fourteen pounds in the two months I have been on Wellbutrin. My doc said it was not the antidepressant but he couldn't tell me what it might be. Also, I take Xanax for anxiety. However, I have restless legs, really restless legs and have a hard time with any medication. I have not had a full night's sleep since I started this drug. Again, doc said it wasn't the Wellbrutrin. I am fed up with doctors. My plan is to increase my exercise program and cut back on the dosage of Wellbrutrin. I am so tired of doctors who do not listen. They put me on Mirapex for my restless legs so I could sleep. One of the top five side effects is insomnia! Thanks a lot, doc.
Adreamer
6 Aug 2016
It could be the Xanax they say it doesn't cause weight gain but when I was off my welbutrin for a while and took Xanax I gained 20 pounds In a matter of 2 months
KillMeNow
3 Dec 2016
If your doctor leaves you feeling the same or worse while dismissing your concerns and additional symptoms, he/she culd use a reminder that he/she works for YOU. The medical profession is FOUNDED on the ability to "LISTEN" to patients. I once saw a doctor who, after spending all of 3 minutes with me and asked 0 questions, left me feeling belittled and insignificant due to his dismissive attitude. As I walked out, the front attendant informed me that the charge for the visit would be $175. I realized, as I started writing my check, that doctors have a JOB like the rest of us. And, this doctor did NOT deliver. I closed my checkbook and politely told the office worker that I was dissatisfied with the doctor's service performance and refused to PAY a doctor for making me feel worse than when I came in with only his words and behavior. "If the 'doctor' has a problem with this, tell him he does have the recourse to take legal action.
I would be happy to see him in court."
I would like to think that my action made even the tiniest impact on the doctor and his practice, ultimately helping those who sought him out aaaafter me.
Amom2go
26 April 2019
I have never had a weight problem but I'm only 5'2 and gained 20 pounds in 7 months on bupropion.. generic Wellbutrin. I was fine the 1st few months and then started becoming a little witch from about 2 o'clock in the afternoon on I also had a hard time with constant sleep through the night and vision changes that never went away. There are exceptions to what it supposed to be if you're someone that is highly sensitive to meds.. l this might hit you harder than most people. My mother was on celexa for 15 years and has perminent heart problems from it I'm trying to go completely off stuff now and try some essential oils that have helped recently Because on top of type one diabetes I can't handle any more problems
Amom2go
26 April 2019
I have never had a weight problem but I'm only 5'2 and gained 20 pounds in 7 months on bupropion.. generic Wellbutrin. I was fine the 1st few months and then started becoming a little witch from about 2 o'clock in the afternoon on I also had a hard time with constant sleep through the night and vision changes that never went away. There are exceptions to what it supposed to be if you're someone that is highly sensitive to meds.. l this might hit you harder than most people. My mother was on celexa for 15 years and has perminent heart problems from it I'm trying to go completely off stuff now and try some essential oils that have helped recently Because on top of type one diabetes I can't handle any more problems
Inactive
8 Dec 2014
So true.
They told me that the possible side effect would be wight loss, but now after a cupple of months taking "welbutrin", I gained weight about 5 kgs.
The Problem is that the doctor just doesn't want to accept it!!!
magszymanski
11 Sep 2015
Mine too!!
AmpleKnawledge
26 Aug 2016
Oh my goodness, same here. Doctors can be so frustrating that way. If something is not written in their literature it simply can't be. My doctor refused to believe Wellbutrin made me gain weight (my only change was that I exercised a bit more to try and avoid this) and that it left me feeling worse. The sad part about that is you're then left out there to fend for yourself because your doctor simply won't listen.
Inactive
26 Aug 2016
Ample: This is a comment I left here several months ago.:
GM G mc 17 Feb 2016
"Jane, I tried different generic versions of both bupropion sr and bupropion xl. The bupropion xl made by Par pharmaceuticals made me gain weight and caused me to have carb cravings. The most effective generic I have found, and am currently taking is bupropion sr by Mylan pharmaceuticals. It decreases my appetite. From what I have learned on these forums, the formula for the generics is supposed to be equivalent to the formula for the brand name, but people react differently to the fillers that are used and the time-release mechanisms vary from one generic version to another."
Ample, if you look at the dates of these postings, this is an old site. There are many of current ones that you can be a part of. Just join the wellbutrin group and other groups that interest you, and you can interact with people who are currently posting in real time. Let me know if I can be of help. "G"
Hilbil
12 Sep 2016
Taking generic now and packing on the pounds. It's really pissing me off. The insurance company won't cover extended release anymore. I've always had name brand without an issue.
Inactive
12 Sep 2016
Hilbili : Do you mind me asking what generic you are taking? the SR(slow release) or the XL(extended release). You can find the name of the pharmaceutical company on your prescription bottle. I would be curious to know which one it is, as I have tried many, and had different reactions with each one. Thanks. G
Hilbil
13 Sep 2016
They are by Sandoz ...
Hilbil
13 Sep 2016
SR 150 twice a day
Inactive
13 Sep 2016
Hillbil: I have tried many of the generic bupropion sr 150mgs. The best one I have found, for me, with the most benefit and the least side effects, is bupropion sr, 150mg twice a day, by Mylan pharmaceuticals. I didn't have a problem with weight gain with this one, although some of the other ones were a problem in that respect.
Hilbil
13 Sep 2016
Thanks !! Will call around to see who carries that generic !! Wish insurance wasn't such a nightmare and covered it like they use to... Never had this issue with name brand.
Inactive
13 Sep 2016
I agree. It's not fair. Where I live, I get mine at CVS pharmacy. Walgreen's also orders it if you request it. Your current pharmacy will probably order it for you if you ask.
i1der2
28 April 2017
I have been on Celexa for a very long time with no side effects. My doctor decided to add Wellbutrin and I have gained 10 lbs. I have voice my concern and everyone said I was wrong. Wellbutrin makes you lose weight... it must be my low thyroid... it must be that your metabolism slowed down when you quit smoking 8 months ago... anything but the wellbutrin. Today I am cutting my dose in half and we will see. I am eating practically nothing... tried no wheat, no sugar, lots of p.h. balance water, now we shall try cutting down on the Wellbutrin.
Wits end
1 Sep 2017
I started taking Wellbutrin XR about two months ago, and in the first 4 weeks I gained 21 pounds. I have since put on 5 more. I weighed 122 and I now weigh 144. I am also very irritable and I don't sleep well at all. Not long before this I STARTED TAKING SEROQUEL AT BEDTIME. I DON'T HAVE AS MUCH ANXIETY, BUT I AM CONSTANTLY IRRITATED AND I FEEL DEFENSIVE ABOUT EVERYTHING.
cvmorris
22 May 2018
Yes I gain so much weight on Wellbutrin and cannot lose it, and yes all doctors say it does not cause you to gain weight, but I did and when I mention that other people are complaining about weight gain also the doctors say they are not my patients ... Oh I might add I walk five miles a day plus gym with trainer .. I guess people need a doctor degree to get doctors to listen to them.
DebraDudney
12 June 2018
Yes, the doctor will argue that this could not be causing the weight gain. I am glad to have found this site. Taking myself off immediately.
kansasbabe
25 July 2013
I have been on Bupropion for several years and gained weight. I used to go to the gym three or four times a week and follow a moderate diet. That helped me lose 150 lbs. But a couple of years ago my arthritic knee caused me to stop doing regular exercise, and walking is painful. In addition, I developed atrial fibrillation and heart arrhythmia. Three CVs failed. The ablation is so far successful. I've been following a weight-loss regimen for six months, but my weight is up 40 lbs since I cannot exercise much, even with strict attention to weighing and measuring. My doctor said bupropion is weight-neutral. However, the heart meds don't cause weight gain. It has to be the Bupropion. I am glad to know about others' weight problems. Does stopping the Bupropion reverse the weight gain and make it possible to lose weight again?
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wellbutrin, depression, sleep disorders, bupropion, sleep, weight, generic
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