I am 25 years old & have had depression for years, probably on & off since I was 11 or so. It became very apparent when my mom died 4 years ago (of the same cancer that killed my dad when I was 12). I started taking Celexa that same year when my mom was diagnosed. She (and my older brother) both suffer(ed) from depression & needed meds. Before going to the doctor & learning of my "chemical imbalance," I couldn't even go to work, I lost 2 good jobs in a row & the Celexa completely saved my life. I was only on 20mg a day for about 4 years & then I moved, got an awesome job, became blissfully distracted & stopped taking them altogether. I was amazed with how well I could function without anti-depressants & refused to get back on my Celexa & go back to all those sexual side affects & weight gain... no way! But in the past several weeks, I have had many, many total melt-downs; crying hysterically & having such intense fits of anger I have put holes in walls & torn down the metal towel rack in the bathroom! (What I really wanted to do was smash my fists into the mirror.) I get so upset/cry so hard for so long, I literally can't breathe. My husband & best friend are the only people on the planet who know I'm anything other than bubbly, outgoing, happy as can be--total social butterfly. It's so hard to pretend you're on top of the world everyday when you feel like there's nothing to live for. So I started taking Wellbutrin after a doctor told me it would increase my sex drive & may even take off a few pounds. Both have proven to be true already, but I don't know if I can get over "the hump." The first 4 or 5 days were great--tons of energy, happy as could be, super productive, but now after 10 days, I am absolutely miserable, more depressed than I've been in a LONG time. Constantly crying, feeling totally empty, worthless, alone & my stomach's sick with grief. I spent the whole first hour of work today trying to hide my tears, running to the bathroom when I couldn't hide them anymore. The worst part is that I don't think I can ever come clean to my boss or co-workers... not only do they totally not get depression in general, but they'd never even believe someone as happy & wonderful as me could possibly need meds. I am so afraid I will lose my job, (which would cause 100 times more stress than I'm under now) I think about going back to no pills at all, but I really want to give these a try. (I know I need something.) I am still only taking the dosage for the initial week, 150 mg/day (1 pill) because I'm afraid to go to the 2 pills & make things doubly worse. Or do I need a higher dose? I'd love to stick it out & see, but I don't know if I can. I can't even afford to go to the doctor & talk about what's happening or try something different. Just spillin' my guts made me feel a little better for tonight though. :)
My Wellbutrin seems to be making me more depressed! HELP?
- Asked
- 24 Jan 2010 by dj2623
- Updated
- 5 August 2019
- Topics
- wellbutrin, depression
Forgot to mention, it's Wellbutrin SR
22 Answers
If you go off of it, it could get worse. Considering what has been going on in your life. You may have to see your doctor up to 3 times a week to get you through this spell. He/She may have to increase your medication till you get to where you need to be.
Do not consider this as something bad. This is a learning experience. You now are learning that you have true friends around you. So pick yourself up and on Monday give your doctor a call and deal with it. Your work is very important, but it is ony going to work if you become more proactive in your treatment.
Don't give up. I do not see this in you. You are a fighter to get better and you will feel better. Stop beating yourself up...
Contact me off line and I will be there for you.
Hi, I was on Wellbutrin also and the same thing happened to me. I felt fine one week and the next week I was a basket case, crying for no reason! I went to my p doc and she upped my dose and I felt worse, more anxiety and it just didn't work for me. Eventually realized the only thing I liked about it was the energy. It helped my depression but had breakthrough crying spells and it could be the anxiety that increased which was a side effect. I was also irritable on it. It effects everyone differently though, so maybe you should give it more time, I am not sure how long you have been on it, but 4 to 6 weeks is the amount of time it takes most people to get the full effects. Good luck!
I have been on wellbutrin and now for the past ten years Prozac. For break through I use benedryl. It just takes that edge off.
Are u still taking Wellbutrin? Wonder how that ended up for u..and did you try going back on Celexa?
I am experiencing the exact same thing. I have been on Wellbutrin 150mg for 9 days. At this point, there is no way that I will increase the dosage to 300mg per day. I am more miserable now than I was before. I experience uncontrollable crying spells and a sense of internal desolation. I have never been on any type of anti depressant before. I don't know what to do. I have called the prescribing physician and am waiting for a call back. I was hoping that this medication would work. The first week, I had more energy and self motivation. I am on the second week and feel like being alone all the time. I HAVE NEVER FELT THIS WAY IN MY LIFE ! I have been reading all of the postings on various websites about the med in hopes of finding some type of solace. I wanted to remain on the medication for at least 14 days in hopes that things would begin to turn around... I don't know if I will be able to hold out much longer.
Okay so antidepressants can take about 4 weeks to kick in BUT the side effects can happen the first DAY that you take the med. a lot of people are saying take a benzodiazepine and i dont think this would be a good idea for depression Specifically. If its anxiety mainly then yes but since your depressed no... (benzos can help anxiety but it depends on the person and which neurotransmitter the medication works on... depression can be from seratonin, norepinephrine, gaba, dopamine, histamine, and i think cortisone) anyway i think you should try a different antidepressant (zoloft of paxil is my first recomendation since the withdrawals are low to none).
ANY antidepressant is dose specific (didnt notice any change untill 150mg zoloft and i started at 50mg) so you may want to try moving up but its really just trial and error with any medication
Zoloft is great, actually it was one of the best meds that completely leveled me out... however it causes a lot of weight gain and sexual dysfunction which she said she would never again go back to.. also Zoloft has crazy withdrawal symptoms. It’s one of the worst withdrawals you can go through with antidepressants
i am on wellbutrin and lexapro and i'm getting worse. i've been on it for three months and it hasn't helped me
I had Wellbutrin added to my Cymbalta about two weeks ago and I have the same feelings that others have on this board. I don't want to see or talk to anyone and feel completely empty.
Has that changed at all now?
I've been depressed for about 3 years now. I went thru a traumatic experience which I think was the start. I have no desire for anything. Don't want to leave the house, don't want to do anything. I feel dead inside. I'm a Christian and I feel worse because I'm letting God down. I'm begging Him to heal me. I started on Wellbutrin about 20 days ago. I felt good for about 3-4 days. Since then I feel worse! What should I do? I'm in a really bad place.
Do you have insurance? If you do, tell your doctor that Wellbutrin is making you more depressed. He may prescribe a different antidepressant for you.
I just started bupropion 10 days ago and I'm experiencing some of the same feelings and side effects. I took this several years ago. I had been on citalopram for several months and when I told my doc that I felt like it wasn't working and I was just having more bad side effects, he prescribed the bupropion to take with the citalopram. For several years, I took nothing. I got off any and all anti-depressants for quite a while. During those several years, I've been through quite a lot. Had to deal with my ex husband for a number of months holding up parenting in court. My current husband was diagnosed with cancer and had to go through chemo. The list goes on. And through it all, it was just like I became numb. I just dealt with one bad set of circumstances after another. I was feeling tired, lethargic, and just basically downright sad most days. A few months ago I went to my primary doc and requested blood work.
I thought for sure there must be a hormone issue or something. Everything came back fine and completely normal except my vitamin D which was extremely low. I wasn't even within the low normal range. My doc told me to take a high dose of vitamin D daily. I did that for about 3 months and still I wasn't feeling up to par. I did some research and read some reviews online about Wellbutrin. I scheduled another appointment with my doc and told him I wanted to try it. I figured no big deal since I had taken it before (even though it was in conjunction with something else). At that appointment, he also gave me a prescription for generic lexapro (10mg). He said often times you need both because they work to balance one another. It made sense bc bupropion effects dopamine and norepinephrine. While drugs like citalopram and lexapro effect serotonin. I got both prescriptions filled. But I had already made up my mind that I was only going to take the bupropion bc i didn't want to go back to needing 2 pills. But I also wanted to have the lexapro in case I really needed it. This whole last week has been pretty bad. I'm trying to tolerate it the best I can but I can tell I'm becoming increasingly more agitated and anxious. I've had a couple of days where I've just cried. I've decided to give it at least 1-2 more weeks depending on how bad it gets and then I may start including the lexapro. However, there is a part of me that really wants to continue to wait it out bc if I add the lexapro, how will I know what's working. Like if I just give the bupropion a little more time, maybe I'd come out on the other side and feel amazing. But if add the lexapro maybe that's what I needed all along just by itself and I never should started with the bupropion. But how will I ever know if I just take both? If I were you I would go back to your doc and discuss the possibility of adding something else or stopping this drug altogether and trying something else. Good luck and I hope you get some relief.
Oh my goodness, you all took the words right out of my mouth hence why I went online looking for an answer to my question, can Wellbutrin make you more depressed. I feel numb, lost, sad, irritable, no energy and I cannot think of anything that I want to do to make me happy, I have no desire. I've only been on for five days, I am 51 and going through menopause, I just quit a job that was only part time at that making minimal money with a nine-year-old to support, I feel like I am losing it!! I've been on Prozac 40mg for years and never had any side effects from it and felt that it did work up until about a year ago and they upped my dose to 60 MG, now my doctor put me on the 150 of the wellbutrin XL and decrease the Prozac to 20 mg! Ughhh this so stinks... I guess I have to give it a bit more time
This is incredible because I feel the same way. I can't stop crying. I feel like no one will ever love me and I have no hope. I'm 20 and I've been on it for 2 1/2 weeks. Does this feeling go away? This is horrible but it's helping me lose weight which I've struggled with my entire life, but I'm feeling suicidal and that was never an issue for me before. A part of me wants to stay on it no matter what to lose weight and then get off of it, but I'm not sure I can do it.
I had this too! I tried for 10 long days. I had complete brain fog. Could barely function at all. No energy, stomach pain, constipation, etc. my depression actually seemed the better option. Stopped it Monday. Done. Still have dry mouth and dragging my wagon but I know it takes time to get out of my system. Too bad it didn't work.
Wow my story is similar. 54 and started Wellbutrin 1 week ago. Felt better first 5 days and then oh no. Sad, beyond what I felt initially, no sleep, anxious (wasn't before medication) quit my job today because I can't concentrate and it makes me feel worse. I notice your post was a while ago. I hope you are feeling better.
I figured I should give an update. I never stopped taking it. I've been on welbutrin XL for over a month. I think that it was worth all of the pain that I went through. I feel so much better. I'm motivated, have energy, more sociable, less anxiety, more positive out look, I've lost 20 lbs, never laughed so much in my life, and it has the weird side effect of making drinking and smoking/drugs seem completely unappealing. It figures such good result only comes after such severe pain. I think they should put a warning on the medication and provide a support system for people starting it. I have Welbutrin sweats, though. I get completely drenched in the slightest heat. Its gross and I cant straighten my hair anymore, but I rather be sweaty and happy than dry and sad/anxious. If someone has any questions let me know.
Hi
This sounds familiar!!
I am also 50 and have been on Welbutrin for 4 days now and l lie in bed not wanting to get up at all.
No energy
Crying Spells
I feel ILL
and before I had moments of sadness but I did laugh and I did have moments of happiness.I did have some energy.
Im going to QUIT this drug soon(maybe tomorrow)
I cant live like this anymore.I would rather be happy some of the time than none of the time.
Forget it.
I also am not intersted in sex and gaining weight.
Hello?Anyone Else?
Hi
This sounds familiar!!
I am also 50 and have been on Welbutrin for 4 days now and l lie in bed not wanting to get up at all.
No energy
Crying Spells
I feel ILL
and before I had moments of sadness but I did laugh and I did have moments of happiness.I did have some energy.
Im going to QUIT this drug soon(maybe tomorrow)
I cant live like this anymore.I would rather be happy some of the time than none of the time.
Forget it.
I also am not intersted in sex and gaining weight.
Hello?Anyone Else?
I've been on 150 mg of wellbutrin for 1 month now, and, I too, feel worse. I didn't even get any of the energy I've heard some talk about. I've been having crying fits several times a day now as well. My husband says to just wait. Don't think I can. I know I'm not helping with your question, but I vote for getting off of it. Neither one of us are taking an anti depressant to feel worse.
I totally agree with you and stopped taking it!! Got myself fish oil and b complex and staying on my Prozac... also doing more aromatherapy and feel tons better!!! Essential oils are great and the zen, lavender and eucalyptus candles are wonderful!!
Anita1126 - would you mind sharing more about the fish oil and B complex? I want to start looking into more natural alternatives. The Wellbutrin is not working for me either.
Thanks!
So freaking crazy. I literally searched this because I've been wondering the same thing since i started taking Wellbutrin again for about two to three weeks. i just feel in a slump. Initially i stopped taking it because i couldn't sleep (the daytime energy was really nice though), but then i had a couple
bad weeks and knew i had to get back on. No more insomnia but i'm just down all the time. I don't wanna quit again but i can't live my life like this.
I had similar problems when taking Wellbutrin XL. I switched over to Wellbutrin SR and all the problems subsided.
Oops! I just re-read the initial post. Many times I have dosed down to one 150mg tablet of Wellbutrin SR only once a day. It could mean lowering any side effects you may be having and yet still be effective for you. You could discuss this with your doctor.
Thanks, G. I'm taking the 150 sr.
Sorry. I'm taking the xl. Maybe i'll have a chat with doc. Thanks.
Hi jw: No problem. The XL never worked for me. Too many side effects. The Wellbutrin SR made a world of difference! Please keep posting about your experience? Thanks
I feel your pain. Crying uncontrollably, inconsolable, desolate, alone, like I'm not even present in this life. Anger fits. I thought Wellbutrin was supposed to help not hurt. Been on it now for 5 weeks. 4 weeks at 150 then 1 week at 200 and it is NOT helping me. I was on Zoloft for 8 years then my doctor thought I had a case of "serotonin burnout" so he (a general practitioner) prescribed Cymbalta. Major constipation so then Lexapro (prescribed by a Psych Doctor, then because of side effects it is now "Wellbutrin 150 for the first 4 weeks then 200 for the past 7 days.
I thought I was going crazy. I been taking 300mg 24hr sa for 3 months. I have never cried this much not even when the relationship broke up. Every little things makes me cry. If I am not crying, I am extremely irritated and frustrated by everything. I have yelled at my friends and my dogs for no reason. I have strong desire to throw things and break them when I am angry. Before Wellbutrin, I was taking Celexa for 8yrs. Nothing bothered me. I was numb to everything. My sex drive was completely gone. I was gaining weight. So, I asked my doctor to switch to Wellbutrin because I read that it will help with weight loss and bring back the sex drive. The medication worked and I was happy in the beginning. But then the crying fits started followed by the anger. I am so relieved to know that those crazy emotional breakdowns are the side effects of the medication and I am not the only one going through.
Now, I dont know if I want to go back to Celexa or stay with Wellbutrin. Feel numb or emotional. Combining Zoloft and Wellbutrin did not work for me. Hopefully, my doctor will figure out.
I am a 32 year old Male. I've been on Wellbutrin 300mg XL for 6 weeks now. Before, I've been on 5 different SSRIs over a year which gave me horrific side effects. For the last three weeks I've been suffering from crippling depression, crying everyday multiple times a day. I can't sleep for more than an hour without waking up. My sex drive is completely dead. My stomach has been in knots and I have diarrhea most of the time. I'm miserable all the time, and can't take care of myself or my dog right now and am staying with my parents for the extra help. It's like I no longer care about life or myself. It's putting a strain on my relationship with my partner too. I spoke to my doctor and he refuses to take me off of it or reduce it, as he feels it's helping my anxiety - but I don't think crippling depression with all the bad side effects is worth being less anxious.
Also, I think complications with other meds caused the majority of my anxiety anyway. Because of all this, yesterday I made the decision to stop taking Wellbutrin against my doctor's wishes because the quality of my life has degraded so much I'm really suffering.
Hi there, sorry to hear about what you're going through but I have also just started taking welbutrin XL 5 days ago and I was already on Prozac for a month but now starting to feel much more depressed than usual, I don't feeling worthless and like I wanna die. I know your pain. How do you feel now that you stopped taking it?
Ugh, all of this. I was taking paxil for the last 15 years, and it was sorta working, but I was actually just numb. My doctor weened me off the paxil and started me on welbutrin. First 150mg, then after two weeks up to 300. Paxil has a terrible withdrawal period so I wasn't sure if that was the problem. Does anyone here have any experience with taking welbutrin for 6 months? Does it get better?
I have been feeling more depressed since I've been on the generic brand of Wellbutrin too! I've been taking it for just over a month. I needed something to level out my moods and it helps with that but if I focus too long on any emotional issue whether it's positive or negative this seems to intensify that mood. Seriously, I find myself elated-which is great-when I am thinking of a happy event or engrossed in a funny show, but if I dwell on anything sad or my worries start to creep in, I feel overwhelmed by sadness. I believe it is a mood enhancer, and as long as I keep my thoughts in neutral territory, or at least lighter topics, than I'm able to keep the depression at bay! Must be nice to just keep a carefree attitude all the time
Further Information
- Wellbutrin Information for Consumers
- Wellbutrin Information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details)
- Side Effects of Wellbutrin (detailed)
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