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 4
jac82981
5 Feb 2013
I started the generic form of Wellbutrin about 3 months ago and so far I have stayed stable at weight and the libido has elevated where it was nothing before :) so I can say that I am really happy with Wellbutrin the only thing that has been a pblm has been lack of sleep but thats still better then sleeping all the time as I had been on my other antidepressant.
kdm71
2 Feb 2013
I've been on various antidepressants for the past 20 years. First switched between several SSRI meds, which always made me want to sleep all the time & eat everything in sight... plus ZERO sex drive. This led to weight gain among other problems, so my doc gradually added in Wellbutrin with my Zoloft. Eventually, taking me all the way off the Zoloft. The transition period was uncomfortable - shaky, nervous, trouble eating & sleeping - BUT this was over within a week or so. My doc gave me .5mg Xanax to take as needed up to 3 times a day, which took the edge off those initial symptoms, but really didn't need them for more than as couple weeks.
Now, to answer your questions:
1. I'm far more alert & better able to focus now, so I'd say it definitely positively affected my productivity. On SSRIs I seriously was ALWAYS sleepy.
2. DEFINITELY helped me lose weight! I had much more energy to exercise & had to remind myself to eat - especially at first. I lost about 40 lbs in the couple months after being on Wellbutrin alone.
3. While I can't say it INCREASED my sex drive, it DID take it back to NORMAL. The SSRIs totally KILLED it - I NEVER wanted sex. Now, I just feel a NORMAL, appropriate desire for sex.
I hope this helped in some way.
Btw - my dosage is currently 150mg in AM & 150mg in PM. I've been maintained on this dosage for about 14 years now.
:-)
Shifre
28 July 2013
Hi kdm71! I was wondering how long after being off the Zoloft (and so on Wellbutrin alone) you started losing weight?
lvgirlca
11 Jan 2015
Great answer
khunlob
21 May 2015
I too went from a combo of Zoloft and Wellbutrin (300mg slow release) - after dropping the Zoloft, libido returned, no noticeable fluctuation in weight, except for getting my appetite back. The SSRI's were knocking me around and thus the addition of the Wellbutrin to offset. Now on Wellbutrin only, I have no SSRI related side effects and the depression has not returned. I can't speak highly enough of Wellbutrin. Only problem after being on this course for 18 months is that it's wearing off a little. Not sure where to turn to in the non-SSRI world if I have to move on from the Wellbutrin.
tink_58
13 June 2016
Hi kdm71... Wondering if you have maintained your initial weight loss over the 14 years... or if you've lost additional weight, or gained back???
Armywife09
14 July 2016
I was browsing about Wellbutrin and came across your comment. I was on Zoloft for about 4-1/2yrs and nothing could get my sex drive back plus added about 100 lbs from it not realizing that was the case.
I stopped myself from Zolft 200mg just because I couldn't stand being a zombie all day with my kids. Your comment is refreshing to heart how well this might be!
LaurieShay
31 Jan 2013
I am on the maximum dose of bupropion, 450mgs daily. It helps with motivation and concentration. I have neither lost weight nor gained weight because of bupropion. I originally started the bupropion in hopes of it counteracting the lack of libido due to the other antidepressant I take. Didn't help.
Darleeng
14 Oct 2015
Hi LaurieShay - How is your sleep though? Do you sleep normal?
LaurieShay
14 Oct 2015
Yes, I sleep normal, but keep in mind sleep has never been a particular problem of mine. In fact, my tendency is to sleep too much. Wellbutrin can be taken at different times of the day depending on the formula: XL, SR, or immediate release. I take the XL in the morning so I get a constant level throughout the day.
cleo130
14 Dec 2016
I'm planning on going back to Wellbutrin and dropping the Zyprexa, as that has caused weight gain which I'm not comfortable with at all.
4N Substances
30 Jan 2013
Hi lowT-nice to meet you.
I switched to Viibryd from Wellbutrin/bupropion after approximately 8 yrs. I felt like it was losing efficacy and my MD agreed.
With regard to your specific questions:
1) My productivity/motivation was initially improved. This is one of the main reasons I switched to another med-I began to feel low and unmotivated.
2) No weight gain or loss to speak of. Wellbutrin generally does not cause significant weight fluctuation, and is often the drug of choice because other anti-depressants are known for weight gain.
3) Sex drive was SIGNIFICANTLY reduced on Wellbutrin. I'm delighted that it has returned on Viibryd.
I'm sure you'll receive additional replies with varying experiences. Hope it's helpful.
Best Regards,
4N Substances aka Frenchie
Related topics
wellbutrin, depression, weight loss (obesity/overweight), bupropion, sex drive
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