For those who have been on Wellbutrin/Buproprion... can you rate your experience in the following areas and what dosage level you are on ? (1) motivation(feeling of getting things accomplished) (2) weight management - weight loss or weight gain (3) sex drive - increase or decrease ??
How effective is Wellbutrin on motivation/weight mgmt/sex drive?
Question posted by lowTinIllinois on 30 Jan 2013
Last updated on 30 April 2024
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.
49 Answers Page 2
Scc7788
12 Aug 2017
Hello! 29/F here. Was given bupropion 150 twice daily to quit smoking October 2016. I finally completely kicked the habit July 7 of this year! I have also noticed 1) increase in motivation; 2) I've lost 12 lbs and my appetite is greatly reduced (I feel full faster and generally crave healthier foods now); and 3) honestly, my sex drive is insane and I have noticed an increase in sensation as well. I kinda hope I never have to quit taking it.
Inactive
12 Aug 2017
Congratulations on quitting smoking! That's awesome! So glad to hear you have had such a positive experience. I have tried many different generic companies of Wellbutrin SR. One of them worked best for me than all the rest of them. Have you noticed which generic company yours are made by? If you look on your prescription bottle, it will show somewhere in little letters, the name of the generic company and it will also say "substituted for wellbutrin sr". What color are they? I am just curious if the one that worked for you is the same one that works so well for me! Then I can more readily recommend that one to other people. Mine are light green in color, made by Mylan pharmaceuticals. I have taken wellbutrin sr for years, starting with the name brand, and then taking several different generics up till the present. Wellbutrin has always been the best antidepressant for me.
Thanks in advance...
Neededsomthing
10 April 2018
Legally the generic has to be the chemical equivalent so which one should not matter, only the non medical ingredients can be different, food colour the base stuff to hold it all.
Dragana geml
4 June 2017
I am a 54-year/old female, had hysterectomy a year ago, which is about the same time my depression/anxiety had started. Tried different antidepressants, had side effects. My doctor prescribed Wellbutrin for me. I was on generic for about a week, had bad side effects like no sleep at all, and had very bad heart palpitations. Switched to brand Wellbutrin, and wow!! What a difference. I can finally get 5-6 hours of sleep at night, heart palpitations went away. I feel happy, positive, motivated , I enjoy music again, my zest for life is back. My weight is the same ( neither gained nor lost). But my sex drive is craze. I want it every day ( sometimes two times a day), and the sensation is unbelievable. I m very lucky to have a husband whose libido is very high ( he is 62). Sex has never been better! Our relationship is stronger than ever, we enjoy it like never before. I have been on Wellbutrin 150 mg XL for 4 months now and don't want to stop it. Ever!
masso
4 June 2017
It´s great to read how you got your life back..congrats!
Dragana geml
7 June 2017
thank you.
masso
7 June 2017
You are welcome.-
Neededsomthing
24 Nov 2017
How can it be the generic is supposed to be the exact medical equivalent!!!
Neededsomthing
10 April 2018
generics are chemically the same!!
A week is not long enough for side effects to go and effect to be felt
Funrey808
4 May 2017
I've been on Wellbutrin for over three weeks and definitely the anxiety and depression have significantly​ lessened. I find I don't have the interest in books and TV shows I used to have but that will probably come back it time. I have lossed 10 pounds in these weeks. My sex drive has peaked up. I thought it was ok on celexa but now I see it wasn't. For me the two biggest SE are insomnia and tremors so I wonder if this is all worth it.
Inactive
4 May 2017
Hi Funrey:
May I ask, are you taking Wellbutrin SR or Wellbutrin XL? 150mg or 300mg?
Thanks.
Funrey808
4 May 2017
150. I did ten days at 150 then ten at 300 but the 300 was way too much for me. My doc backed it down to 150. I was having blurry vision and light headedness.
Inactive
4 May 2017
Funrey: Thank you for your response. My other question is this: Are you taking Wellbutrin SR (slow release) or Wellbutrin XL (extended release) at 150mg? Just curious because I always had more side effects on the Wellbutrin XL, but I do better with the Wellbutrin SR 150mg. How about you?
Funrey808
4 May 2017
I'm on the XL. That's​ good to know the sr has less SEs. I'd like to get my php to switch even go 100. As I write this I'm shaking like a leaf.
Inactive
4 May 2017
Funrey: I also had a lot of side effects on the XL. When I switched to Wellbutrin SR (12 hr time-release), which can be taken twice a day, but I only take one 150mg Wellbutrin SR tablet each morning, and no more than that one a day. This keeps from interfering with my sleep, because the XL has a 24hr time-release, meaning that it kept being released into my bloodstream all day and all night, which would give me insomnia. I also had headaches, stomach aches, jitteriness, nausea and just a lot of side effects with the Wellbutrin XL. With Wellbutrin SR, my side effects are very minimal at start up and usually all disappear within a couple of weeks.
Funrey808
5 May 2017
Looks like my hmo only issues the sr for smoking cessation.
Hplu1958
20 July 2017
Are you on the generic or name brand? I've recently been prescribed Wellbutrin with great success except with this rash on my arm :( the pharmacist (& my own research) are 98% sure it was caused by the generic version, which I am taking. Still waiting on insurance to approve of my "side effect" from the generic... I just didn't want to give up yet. Oh and I was prescribed this for BED
mmselke
12 Aug 2017
I was on Effexor XR for roughly 8 years and was doing fine with moderate weight gain, however, I dropped too much weight due to stress, so at first the weight gain in my mind was normal. 2 years ago, i started gaining weight that was noticeable. I was told that the Effexor XR is not the reason, probably my lack of exerciser due to stress is. I come from an extremely skinny family and always was skinny. I oftentimes eat less than 1200 cal a day, so it seemed odd to me since I didn't exerciser in decades and still was naturally skinny. In January I was forced to the generic form of Effexor and started to feel even worse. After 28 pounds weight gain in two years I went to my doc and was switched to burpropion XL. I know have horrible nights, wake up so drowsy and dizzy, have an increased apatite more than before, and gained 5 lbs in one week.
At first I thought it was due to the fact that my body still is getting rid of the generic effexor, now that I am reading this post, I believe it is the burpropion XL that causes it. I even fell asleep at work while working! That never happened to me before. At this point, I feel like getting off the burpropion as well. I have anxiety and this shaking/trembling feeling is even worse than without any medication. I have no experience with burpropion 12 hour release. This weight gain from 150 to 179 is too much. I am 5 feet 10 inches and 150 was a healthy weight, 179 lbs I don't feel good. One year ago I tried to work out and after 6 weeks I weight even 10 lbs more! And no, no muslce weight gain, but a bigger gut!
Inactive
12 Aug 2017
I was not successful with the XL version of wellbutrin either. It is not at all the same as the twice a day dosing of wellbutrin sr. Less side effects for me personally, more relief and can function much better with the SR version. Personally, it is also effective for me at just the once a day dosing of SR 150mg. I don't know why, but that dose works well for me also.
mmselke
12 Aug 2017
G Mc I think I will ask to be switched. At this point, I don't want to take anything anymore and handle it naturally. Exercise is one solution for anxiety, and it will also help with the weight gain from the pills.
Tenderfoot
22 April 2017
I have just started generic Welbutrin XL 300 mg and I feel a little speedy, which is probably good since I spent the last few months as a couch potato. I have been taking Lexapro 20 mg every day for years now. I am trying to get up early and taking the Welbutrin as early as possible because getting to sleep has always been an issue for me. Well, here's hoping.
PJTKNA07
28 March 2017
Lisa49
28 March 2017
I'm taking 150mg and so far no changes in any of these. I've been taking 150 mg for a month now. I'm told to give it at least 6 weeks.
angelicadiana
24 March 2017
I was on 300mg every morning.
1 - Even while on the medication at times, I would not be able to get out of bed without crying or being able to do anything. On some days it was completely normal. I would of rated my motivation 4/10
2 - Weight loss. Oh my gosh that part was so crazy for me. I weighed 145, and went straight down to 110. I was so happy because I was insecure at the time. However, the side effects were crazy. I would see smoke when I was walking, I would have to sit down in the hallway at school because I didn't have the strength to continue, I was nauseous and could literally not eat anything. I had these side effects for 2 months even though it was only supposed to last for less than a month. I kept the weight off until I got on to celexa.
3 - sex drive. It was rarely there. It didn't really work for me in that area like i've heard it does for other people.
Overall, the med was okay. The side effects were just crazy for me.
D miller
6 March 2017
Has anyone that has been on Wellbutrin hcl xl tabs 300 mg ever smoked with this ? I have been switched from Celexa to this and havnt started yet ? Any side effects you had ??
DSM5
28 Feb 2017
Wellbutrin can cause a loss of interest in sex as one of the side effects but i have never seen it. I will see a loss of sex drive more with anti-psychotics than anti-depressants. as far as motivation, it will increase if wellbutrin is doing its job and is working for you
NancyLorrene
5 Feb 2017
I've been taking Wellbutrin for several years and am currently on the maximum dose of 450mg, it has definitely increased my sex drive. I didn't realize until recently, when my daughter mentioned her doctor added Wellbutrin to her meds to help her libido, that it was probably why my libido was high. She's on 100mg. When I relayed this information to my husband (36 years) and told him how much I take, he laughed and said that explains it. He also jokingly mouthed "help me" to our daughter. I've settled for sex once a day, but would easily opt for twice a day if my husband would cooperate. Also, I had a hysterectomy ten years ago. I highly recommend Wellbutrin.
PJTKNA07
17 Dec 2016
Well,I just started today and I can already
Feel my moods beginning to feel a whole
Lot better but at the moment I can't
Seem to fall asleep. It is almost 2AM and
I am wide awake.
Razzel1234
14 Dec 2016
I am on 300 ml since July of 2016 for major depression. So far, the only side effects have been short term - dry mouth and a certain fogginess that comes and goes. My depression has lifted and I have more motivation to do things. My general mood is also much better. My sex drive is fine. I have lost 39 lbs which I attribute to Wellbutrin. The drug seems to work by blocking cravings. I eat by the clock now because I rarely feel hungry and I don't feel the need to snack. I haven't noticed any increase in anger, mood swings or anxiety. I haven't tried to drink alcohol since I've been on the drug so I don't know if there is a problem there. So far, I can't fault this medicine. It has worked well for me and I hope I can continue on it. .
Neededsomthing
14 Dec 2016
I can drink 1 drink and am fine , same as before, I haven't tried more but it been years since I drank much more. And it gives me wicked heartburn to drink at all as I have gerd.
C090685
15 Oct 2016
I've just started Wellbutrin two days ago and so far so good. I've noticed in two days I've only eatten two meals which is a good thing ... I suffer from anxiety and so far I seem very calm.. I was on Zoloft for about 2 years and went from 156 to 194... I couldn't figure out why I was gaining so much weight ... but after talking to my new doctor it was the Zoloft ... I'm hoping that I can lose weight on this medication because I've be come over weight ... I'll keep you guys posted on my results
Neededsomthing
16 Nov 2016
How are you doing, I been taking Wellbutrin for 4 weeks and have just start to eat again but that may be PMS, my doctor says that it is not know for being for anxiety so I am on Effexor rx still ( I tried to lower that and felt worse) ...
OSUBucknut
1 Dec 2016
I have an appt Tuesday to talk to my GP about staying an Antidepressant. It's been a few years since I've taken one, and have taken them on and off. I like the idea of no sexual side effects, and the potential to stimulate a bit (diagnosed ADD, but I don't take anything for it).
I look forward to hearing how you are responding to the meds.
Neededsomthing
1 Dec 2016
I am 6 weeks in and only 150 of wellburtion with my 275 of Effexor rx, and I am still more awake, playing games and laughing with my daughters, eating less but not the almost nothing of the first 3 weeks have lost 8 pounds ( am only a size 10 and was only 50 pounds over my high school weight)
And although it could still be higher I actually have some sex drive...
Once every few months was enough on Effexor alone much to my husband's chagrin!
OSUBucknut
1 Dec 2016
Thanks! That's helpful.
Casper98204
10 Sep 2016
Started back on generic Wellbutrin a month ago after stopping abruptly a year ago. I take 150 mg of the xl twice a day. This is not how it is usually prescribed but I cannot take the 300 mg. Tried it once and ended up in the hospital with what seemed a life-threatening anxiety attack. As far as how I've fared since starting again, it has been nothing short of miraculous. I suffer from what would be defined as GAD. Very negative, judgemental, victim mentality. It had gotten so bad my wife was ready to leave. In desperation, I stared the meds again. I have always responded quickly to this med and did this time as well. It's saved my marriage and has restored me to sanity. As for side effects, I'm one of the lucky ones and havent experienced any. Sleep well, increase libido, better mood control, noticeable weight loss, and decreased appetite . One of the most noticeable benefits is a feeling of control over my emotions.
It really levels me out and I'm much calmer; it allows me to respond to emotional challenges rather than react. Before the meds my moods were always up and down. I am so grateful that out of an act of desperation, I was able to be restored to a sense of normalcy. It's sad to look back on the flimsy reasoning for discontinuing the meds to begin with; I allowed my misplaced and dubious concern with potential hair loss to sway me. My vanity blinded my good judgement Never again. This med has been the answer to so many of my problems. It may sound trite but that's what this med has done for my emotional wellbeing.
Inactive
10 Sep 2016
Hi Casper:
Have you noticed any hair loss this time around? Do you think the wellbutrin is causing it?
Do you mind telling which generic Wellbutrin you're on? Is it SR or XL? (slow release or extended release? Do you know which pharmaceutical company makes the generic version that you are taking? It will be on your medication bottle. Thanks in advance.
Inactive
10 Sep 2016
Sorry, my bad. I just read again where you said you take the xl version twice a day. so I assume it's 150mg xl, since you take it twice a day?
MeggieGirl
27 July 2016
This is certainly a very old topic, but I will chime in with my own experience with the hope that it might offer any fresh feedback to someone. I have been on the medication for approximately four or five years. For the first four years I was taking 300 mg, and did not recognize that it was a stimulant, though I was told to take it in the morning. My depression was so severe, I cannot say that say broke through and did enough to help me with motivation. Part of that might be because I was undiagnosed bipolar.
In terms of weight management, prior to taking this medication I had been on Cymbalta, and had gained a massive amount of weight, to the tune of 80-100 pounds. As soon as I started the medication, weight started to come off (68 pounds in 6 months), although I will say that I was concurrently using a program called myfitnesspal to track my caloric intake, so it's only half-fair to say that the medication did it as the other half of it was my motivation to take better care of myself... which kind of ties into question number one. I did not feel the motivation to clean my house or to have excellent hygiene, but I did feel motivation to lose weight.
In another reference to losing weight while on this medication, it's not on the market right now but they are trying to develop a combination of Wellbutrin plus Topamax, and they are finding that this is a fairly good combination for weight loss. I was also taking Topamax at the same time so that might be part of my success. If interested in taking Topamax, I will warn a new user that it also carries with it the nickname "dopeamax" because it makes you plum stupid. Until I was settled on the medication, my boss literally had to do half of my work for me for three months. I couldn't remember anything, even when I took notes on little sticky notes, I couldn't interpret what it was I wrote down. I was literally struck DUMB. It was intolerable, yet a very interesting factor in how this all worked out is that I found, all my symptoms completely went away when I switched to a different formulation. At first, I was taking two small pills at a time and then I switched to one larger pill with the combined dose together. There was something about the filler material or the way that it was released into my bloodstream more slowly as it was one pill instead of two, that made the medication give me absolutely no symptoms and only positive results.
I cannot say that the Wellbutrin resolved any of my SSRI-induced loss of libido. My doctor did give me samples of Cialis. Viagra didn't make sense for the mechanics of how a woman's anatomy worked, but Cialis did make sense to my Doctor. I don't know that it helped me to initiate intimacy, but when I was in the act of intimacy, it allowed me to have sensation and to experience multiple orgasms, when normally I always feel completely numb.
More recently, my doctor raised my dose of Wellbutrin to 450 mg, which I didn't know was possible. She added an extra 150 mg pill on top of the 300 mg, and that did make an impact on my deep depression, which worked. On top of that, she added Lamictal. I still had not been diagnosed with bipolar disorder at this point, but the reason for adding Lamictal is because I felt frustrated and irritated a lot. The medication helped me with mood swings as well as lifting my depression and assisting with social anxiety. It also helps with treatment resistant depression, so between raising Wellbutrin to 450 mg and adding Lamictal to 200 mg per day, they changed my motivation pattern, as well as changing my ability to lose weight. It did not however change my sex drive, and I continue to have issues with that problem.
Though I said the Cialis works, I still have to go through getting samples from my doctor. She wrote a prescription for the medication to me as it was legitimately something that works in a very important aspect of my life, but the insurance wouldn't cover it as I'm a female. Obviously, a prescription can be written for a significant other who is male, and that person can give me his prescription, yet that is illegal, so the whole thing just isn't fair.
Now they make something like a "pink pill" for women, yet it is a low-dose antidepressant. It's kind of ridiculous, because for men the issue of blood flow is addressed, yet for women it's all in the head (i.e, brain chemistry?) I guess it makes sense that brain chemistry CAUSED the loss of libido and numbness, but I don't feel that insurance companies should discriminate, if a Doctor finds it to be a legitimate medical need, and the prescription is a working solution. In addition, I'm already on so many different medications that I'm at risk out of the gate for SSRI-induced serotonin syndrome, so adding another antidepressant risks my life. So now I don't deserve a sex life? No, that's not fair, though I have yet to strategize a legal workaround. /SIGH!!!
Related topics
wellbutrin, depression, weight loss (obesity/overweight), bupropion, sex drive
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