I am supposed to be starting out at 100 mg for first few days and increase to 200 mg if well tolerated. I ended up breaking the pills in half and only taking 50 mg for first two days because I am terrified of having a seizure. I am already feeling side effects on this low dose, jittery, tremors, restlessness but feel tired at the same time. Is this normal? Also, is anyone taking this as a migraine preventive? That is why I am taking it as well as being depressed.
Has anybody experienced seizures with bupropion (wellbutrin)?
Question posted by arcahigas on 6 Dec 2013
Last updated on 20 March 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.
35 Answers Page 2
kaykel123
20 Feb 2017
I just started on Wellbutrin but now I'm scared because I do have a seizure disorder
Inactive
20 Feb 2017
Kay, the percentage of people who suffer seizures while taking wellbutrin is minimal. I have taken it for about 20 years off and on with no problems. I even took as high of a dose as 450mg (150mg SR 3 times a day) to help to quit smoking, with no problems. I quit, then doc put me back to 300mg dose.
lchambless
5 Feb 2017
I was recently put on Wellbutrin and never had it explained that there was a small chance of having a seizure. I began with 100mg and the dosage increased to 300mg within a couple of weeks. A little over 2 months later I had my first seizure. I have had 9 seizures in the past month with an injury each time, including a fractured ankle. I was seeing a psychiatrist while out of town for 3 months, he was sure my seizures were a subconscious effect due to high levels of stress. I went to a neurologist and the testing began. I have had a MRI, 72 hr EEG, 72 hr EKG and went back to my psychiatrist once home. The first thing she said was, "Why did the neurologist not take you off of Wellbrutrin?" She immediately began the detox and it has been nearly 1.5 weeks since my last seizure. I am now on 100mg and the withdrawals aren't the best, but a lot better than the seizures.. My doctor said that in the past 20 years she has only had 5 patients that have had seizures due to Wellbrutrin and I am one of them. The chances are low but definitely a possibility.
cassaayy83
18 Oct 2016
I started taking Wellbutrin about 9 weeks ago for my anxiety. I started with a 150 mg extended release tablet once a day. About 3 weeks ago, I was still having severe anxiety as if I was not taking any medication at all, so I called my doctor for an up in my dosage. I was on 300 mg, 2-150 mg tablets twice a day 8-12 hours apart. I've always been pretty dizzy on this medication, but I typically can get light headed and things of that nature so I did not think anything of it. After being on the 300 mg for three days, I forgot to take it one day for my morning dose. In the afternoon around 5 (mind you, I wake up around 12 on a normal day) I was driving home and had a seizure and was in a car accident. Honestly, I do not remember anything from that day or some days after. I was sent to the ER, I had MRI's, EEG, EKG, Heart Echo and many others. They have found nothing so it has all been related back to my medicine.
I am a sophomore in college and only 5'2 so this medicine may not have been right for me to begin with, but I have no history or family history with seizures, so it has been a scary experience. I have been taken off of it and been put on a new medication. Be very cautious when and if you have to use this drug. I lost 20+ pounds on it for the short time I was using it as well. Be careful if you are prescribed this drug.
Inactive
18 Oct 2016
I just wonder if having seizures while taking wellbutrin has anything to do with the generic version versus the name brand? I can't take name brand because insurance won't cover it, and cash price where I live is $1139.00 per month!
Ds1127
10 Oct 2016
I was prescribed Wellbutrin for smoking cessation. It made me very agitated, angry and apparently suicidal. I ended up taking about 22 of them at 150mg each and had six seizures as a side effect. I have no history of depression or any suicidal thoughts or tendencies. Nor did I have any history of seizures. I would not recommend this drug to anyone as I now have to deal with the effects of the seizures for the rest of my life.
Inactive
11 Oct 2016
Hi Ds:
I am so sorry you felt suicidal, and I am sorry that you overdosed on a medication that is meant to help you to get better, and, in this case, to help you to quit smoking. It is not surprising that you have suffered from seizures after taking almost a whole bottle full of wellbutrin, as that is bound to happen, along with many medications that would be consumed under the same circumstances! It's a shame that you didn't notify your doctor when you had this tendencies towards being suicidal, and have the opportunity to work with him/her on your treatment. He could have possibly augmented your wellbutrin with another medication in the meantime, to help you to get through the start-up effects successfully. I am certainly not surprised that you had seizures, given your circumstances. On the other hand, I have taken wellbutrin successfully, off and on, for the last 16 years, and have never had to suffer from a seizure from this medication.
I also was able to quit smoking successfully years ago with the help of wellbutrin. I am sorry things didn't work out for you. But I still recommend this medication to others who are suffering from major depression, GAD, anxiety/depression, smoking cessation, etc. and many many more situations. This is a safe and effective medication when used in the proper doses, with the supervision of a doctor. Best wishes. "G"
Mamacita65
23 Feb 2017
My 22 year old daughter took Wellbutrin for anxiety. After being on this drug she had an 8 minute seizure. Now her EEG shows up with brain abnormalities and seizure activity. We just got this news today. She will now be on anti seizure medicine for the rest of her life. We have already been reading the side effects of the new drug. It is terrifying, especially for a young girl with her future ahead of her. May I ask what effects you have that will be for the rest of your life? We were told the only reason she could possibly have a seizure is if she drank alcohol. Since she is a non drinker we thought she was in the clear.
mariepr
13 April 2017
My 22 year old daughter was prescribed this med increasing the dose from 150 to 450 within 7 days. She ended up having seizures and ended in the hospital. After being released another psychiatric received her in her office as an emergency. Thanks God her sister is a neurologist, taking a different meds to stabilize her including anti seizure. MRI with contrast and Electroencephalogram is already schedule. DO NOT TAKE THIS MED!!!
Christamarina
26 Sep 2016
I just wanted to respond that I have been on the maximum dose 450mgXL (taken 1x a day), since 3/15. I haven't had any seizures whatsoever, and no side effects whatsoever. I very gradually increased my dose with my doctor's supervision from 100mg to 450mg in a 4 month time period. The Wellbutrin has been very helpful with my clinical depression. It especially helps me with motivation. I am very sorry to hear of people experiencing such a horrific side effect. But for those who do manage to try the Wellbutrin and find it helpful, it truly has been a life-saver for me! Even though the idea of getting seizures scares the heck out of me, for now, the idea of my depression worsening scares me more, so I'll continue to take the risk. The drug has changed my life too much for the better.
I just wanted to mention my positive experience with Wellbutrin, to emphasize the fact that each individual reacts to each anti-depressant so differently. Everyone needs to be extremely careful regarding any medication's side effects, but also perhaps with a doctor's very close supervision, certain medications may positively impact one's life.
amylynsmith
26 Sep 2016
I have been taking 300mg of bupropion for 3-4 months now. I have no history of seizures in my life and this past Thursday I had one at work. I don't remember anything before I woke up on the floor with a lot of people telling me that I was okay. I was in the hospital for 3 days after having a lot of tests that all came back negative. I was immediately taken off of the Wellbutrin and told to avoid levaquin for infections and tramadol because they can also cause seizures. I am officially done trying anti depressants for an anxiety problem. Good luck to you and it is a legitimate concern. I hope you get it worked out!!
Breadfin
22 Oct 2016
Yeah, I would use caution when using this drug. After a couple years of using I suddenly experienced a Gran Mal X 2. I got to ride in an ambulance, spent 4 days in the hospital, and nearly bit off my tongue. I was completely distorted. I couldn't remember the day, my girlfriends name, or what city I was in. They basically had to strap me down to the bed for 1.5 days so that I would stop taking the IV's out of my arms. Run as far away from this drug as you can. No history of seizures either within me or my family.
Watchmedobetter
19 Sep 2017
Omg so similar to me. I was put in an ambulance didn't remember my boyfriend or sister, the date, or where I even was. The worst feeling of confusion it was like a bad dream. There was no history of seizures in my family and I am a generally healthy person.
PatrickMadison
7 Oct 2017
I've been hospitalized 5 times due to Wellbutrin so far this year. My doctor is taking me off it. My problem is that I was taking it due to depression relating To my MS. It was the only drug I've taken that helped improve my mood and energy level. I'm really hoping that I can find another drug to replace it. If anyone has ideas I'm all ears.
Rondamay1
16 Sep 2016
The nurse practitioner at my doctors office prescribed me wellbutrin 6 years ago for depression. I started with 150 mg once a day. About a year ago I went to see a psychologist and she increased the dose to 300 mg once a day. Just this last Saturday, I had my first ever seizure. I went to a neurologist and he said that with all the medicines available, he can't believe doctors are still prescribing wellbutrin, there are many studies out about it causing seizures. So I would not recommend this medicine.
Inactive
16 Sep 2016
I have re-read all the comments here and I am wondering if it has anything to do with taking the Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion XL) 300mg. once a day tablet.
I have taken Wellbutrin SR and Bupropion SR 150mg, either at 150mg once a day or 150mg twice a day; Never had a seizure after over 15 years, off and on, of taking it. I didn' like the 300mg XL when I tried it, a couple of times. It works on a different time-release mechanism.
I am sorry for those who have had a problem with seizures.
kates2424
18 Oct 2016
I agree w the time release being the difference. I was on standard Wellbutrin for years w no problems. Well, except for the fact that it wasn't helping my depression and they kept raising the dosage and then changed it to the extended release. When raised from 150 to 300 is when I started having seizures
sakurauchiha
13 Aug 2016
i have been put on bupropion recently and i have had a seizure. never had one ever in my life, but it happened. i was drinking with some friends the night before the seizure and the hospital staff that was taking care of me was saying that alcohol and buproprion of a really bad mixture. My doctor never told me. so yes. i have experienced a seizure. i have also been taking fluoxetine for the past 3 years and still am, and nothing has ever happened. just, be careful.
Mparsons1
5 Aug 2016
This may come a little late for you but maybe this will help another. I had experienced a seizure while taking Wellbutrin. I do NOT suffer from epilepsy nor does anyone else in my family that I am aware of. I was prescribed this drug when I was 19, mind you I'm 36 now but I wanted to quit smoking and this drug was or still is used used for smoking cessation along with depression. I sat down on the couch to call my father, hung up the phone and the next thing I remember is the EMS standing over me. I explained that I was napping but according to them I was not. I woke up in the hospital the next day with a black eye from hitting my face on the coffee table but I was okay. My guess is somewhere down my genetic line a family member suffered from epilepsy or it just short circuited my brainwaves for no known reason. Point being... I'm super healthy and an athlete and yes be vigilant with ALL drugs consumed. God Bless!
Austin0289
19 May 2016
I have been take wellbutrin for about 5 days now 150mg twice a day and today I had a seizure ended up in ER for about 5 hours was advised to stop taking the med and follow up with my doctor if I knew this would happen I would have not taken it its not worth it
kates2424
19 May 2016
I was on the same dosage and had a seizure but it took about 3 months before I had my seizure. I also stopped taking it immediately. Looking back over the 3 months I was on that dosage my brain and mind felt super heavy and I did not feel normal, but I never feel "normal" so I just ignored it.
They put me on lamactil which is an anti-convulsant and also for bipolar. And I'm back on Prozac on the side. So far so good. It's been 1.5 years and I've had no further problems.
You should be fine - I am always extra careful now reading labels and side effects of drugs though. When the doctor told me "Oh yeah, 300 mg of Wellbutrin commonly causes seizures." I was like WHAT??? I would seriously rather be depressed than at an elevated risk of seizure.
Good luck to you.
Luker76
19 June 2016
I was on Welbutrin XR 150 mg 1 a day from 2004-2009 (if memory serves me right) I also had seizures ending up in the ER, having to see a Neurologist, I even had to have a Hysterectomy cause the seizures were happening each month on the first day of my periods in the beginning, the doctor suggested hormones inside of the Welbutrin. I am still taking Topamax 50mg 3x day as a precaution even though I haven't had a seizure since I stopped the welbutrin 2 yrs after the hysterectomy.
I was only 32 yrs old with a full hysterectomy
Gaels
18 Oct 2016
I took wellbutrin for over 20 yrs.As after total removal of thyroid as it messes with your serotonin levels, but they never start you out on such a high dose at once, it took months on lower dosage before raising a few times to getting me to 150 2x a day and than I took one of safe time releasing forms. I would think your starting suddenly on that dose would cause seizures.
Sparky1983
13 April 2016
Yes, I experienced a seizure after being on Wellbutrin for 3 months. I was taking 300 mg daily and on no other medications and have no history of epilepsy, so they ER doctors were certain it was caused by the Wellbutrin. I have never experienced anything so scary in my life. I was extremely confused and disoriented afterward and had fallen and split my head open right under my eyebrow which left me with 7 stitched and a black eye. The doctors told me to stop taking it immediately. I haven't experienced anymore episodes but they still took my licence away for 6 months. I would not recommend this drug to anyone. I can't even imagine what would have happened if i had been driving when it happened.
kates2424
13 April 2016
Same here on 3mth/300mg Extended release Wellbutrin seizure. I had a couple in one day but the neurologist said it really only counted as one big one because I wasn't aware of these small ones during the day. The scary thing was, I was babysitting my 5 and 3 year old niece and nephew. They didn't say anything to me but they told my sister I was flipping around like a dead fish. I had no recollection. Later that evening I drove to my company Christmas party and had the big one in front of like 500 people, but luckily not when driving.
No one ever told me to stop driving but they did take me off of Wellbutrin right away and put me on lamactil.
It's sad because the lower amount of Wellbutrin did help me quit smoking. It just didn't get the depression so they kept raising the dose.
meowmix71
19 March 2016
Yes, I had a seizure at 400 (or 450, I forget which) the max recommended dose a year ago. Wellbutrin (bupropion) worked great for 4 years, but as it slowly got less effective, my initial, lower was raised. At the max dose, I had a seizure and concussion resulting; my daughter witnessed it and was traumatized. I have no recollection of it, just thought I had woken up in bed, but my head hit the side table and left a gash above my eyebrow. Lost my drivers license for 6 months. Spent a day in ER; had MRI, EEG, tests rule out anything and everything else. Docs all concluded it was Wellbutrin. Had taken other SSRI's for many years before, all which eventually stopped working too, but for me at least, they were not seizure inducing.
Based on my personal experience I obviously can't recommend this drug to anyone. Had I been behind the wheel when it happened, it could have hurt others too. This is a tough one for me- I know when you need medication, you need it, and sometimes it is tough to find one that works. Wellbutrin really worked initially. I know at lower doses, it is less likely to cause seizures, but for folks who downplay the risks of Wellbutrin-- they are real.
violetjewell
13 Feb 2016
The FDA removed Wellbutrin from shelves for several years due to its increased risk of seizure above the 300 mg level. This is documented by the FDA themselves and is easily found with google research. My daughter and I were very pleased with wellbutrin up to 300 mg but her dr moved her up to 400 and she immediately had a grand mal seizure followed by a smaller one a few days later. As soon as she discontinued use no more seizures occurred. Read up on it as bupropion and the seizure effect.
Darla1381
9 Feb 2016
Hi. I've been on Wellbutrin for years. I had a seizure in 2014. They hospitalized me. Their conclusion was that it was my "medication". However, they were not specific and could not pinpoint a particular Rx. (I'm on quite a bit of medication). My psychiatrist, wondering if it could be the Wellbutrin, lowered it to 300mg. In December I had multiple seizures and was hospitalized again so they could do an array of neurological tests. Everything was ok. Neurologist decided the problem was my Wellbutrin. They said they would contact my psychiatrist in order for him to be aware that I needed to be tapered off. They set my appointment for the following week. Before my appointment, I had a a WRETCHED episode! Starting seizing at my hair salon and they had to call 911, then on to the ER, to awake to hear the Dr say NO more Wellbutrin. Haven't had an episode since. I say all this to say...
Yes, every med has risks that come with it, but if a Rx is well known for a specific bad side effect- I will not take it anymore. I'm on many other meds. It wouldn't surprise me honestly if seizures was a side effect of all of them. It is not a primary side effect though. There are so many meds out there. If I have a concern, I talk to the prescriber about my options. There are always options.
Redbluegreenyellow
24 May 2015
Yes! I had issues when my Wellbutrin was raised... three times when it was raised to 300, I actually had symptoms (I could not point to an object without missing it, my voice was slurred, my walking was not straight) that the ER diagnosed as having a stroke (TIA) and I was put on anti-stroke medication, even though my cholesterol and my blood pressure are both extremely low, I exercise and normal weight and do not smoke. When it was raised 450, I had that same set of symptoms, followed an hour later by a grand mal seizure. I was given meds again seizures.
Unfortunately no one checked my medication. He was unbelievable that in my computer reading, that I read that Wellbutrin can lowers ones seizure threshold and It was I who called the doctor, not the other way around.
I do have to say that before I was put on this medication, the psychiatrist had asked me if I ever had had seizures, which I hadn't. But in the year and a half of the stroke/seizure related activity, no one ever put 2+2 together.
I have been taking and continue to be taking Effexor XR for depression for several years.
Sagiscorpius
19 Dec 2015
I take effexor xr and wellbutrin together... I seizured
SeizureQueen
27 Dec 2015
I had seizures as well when I was on Welbutrin and the doctors at the hospital refused to believe it was my medication. lol and behold as soon as I stopped the medication the seizures stopped. The seizures infrequently return, now years after taking the medicine. But I understand your frustration, no one put 2+2 for me either and I had to suffer for it.
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wellbutrin, seizures, migraine prevention, bupropion
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