I have been on bupropion 350XL for about 2 1/2 months for depression & fatigue. After the first week I had tons of energy and depression subsided. After 1 month of being on medication, I noticed that I was getting so tired again and still got pretty sad. I can deal with being sad as I don't feel like it is this heavy could as it was before, but need the increased energy and motivation back. I was previously prescribed (at separate times) Zoloft, Celexa, and Cymbalta which all turned me into a sleeping zombie. So my doctor prescribed the wellbutrin for energy. I want the energy back that I had when I first started taking this... has anyone increased their dose over 350mg and been successful with this? Or added any other medication?
Wellbutrin 350XL effects of increased energy wearing off after 1 month. What can I add?
Question posted by wbbp6810 on 29 Sep 2016
Last updated on 24 September 2019 by GAGirl1981
3 Answers
GAGirl1981
24 Sep 2019
XL does not have a 350 mg tablet. XL has 150 mg, 300 mg and max dose of 450 mg. Hope you got your question answered as this is an old post.
Malleus Maleficarum
4 Oct 2016
I would strongly recommend talking with your prescribing physician before increasing your dose on your own. Most consider 300 mg/day the maximum dose. Rarely, the dose can be raised to 450 mg/day, but the risk of seizure increases dramatically.
As far as adding something? I would think it a much better idea to replace the Bupropion with something like Provigil, methylphenidate (Ritalin) or possibly Adderall (amphetamine salts.) Bupropion itself is a distant relative of amphetamines and the stimulant Diethylpropion. If you combined these drugs with Bupropion, you run a much greater risk of side effects like dangerously high blood pressure, psychosis, and so on, than if you were taking only one drug. Depending on your age and personal health situation, you may have a difficult time getting your doctor to prescribe controlled stimulants. Additionally, you will likely face the same problem of decreased efficacy over time.
I've been on Bupropion twice, around 6 months each time. Both times were for smoking cessation. The first time around, I had a strange sensation of pressure behind my eyes, but did quit smoking. The second time around, I felt much like you: increased energy, a much better mood, and greater focus. Like you, it only lasted for a month or so. I increased my dosage to 375 mg. a day, and shortly thereafter suffered a seizure. I was walking, and that's all I remember. I woke up, heart pounding, severely bruised, and extremely disoriented. I was told I simply fell over in mid-sentence and started flopping around, convulsing for around two minutes. I am very thankful someone was around to call EMS, and that I was not behind the wheel of a car at the time!
I started weightlifting and running again, and it has been very helpful, insofar as more energy, better mood, and easier relaxation. If you're able, it's worth a shot! Lifestyle changes are much easier and safer, in the long run, than popping pills.
wbbp6810
4 Oct 2016
Thank you for your help! Yes, I was very afraid of having a seizure when I first started the medicine even on 150mg, so I would not increase it at all until I talk with my doctor who I will see in about 2 weeks.
I have wondered about getting on something like Adderall, but I still would need something for depression. Since the old anti depressants I was taking made me so tired, my doctor told me I seemed ok mentally/emotionally (I felt I was fine too) and I could come off the anti depressants if I wanted. Even a few days after lowering the dose the feelings of helplessness and being sad for no reason came back. I do agree that even if I were prescribed to a stimulant, it's efficiency would decrease over time which is a bummer if I found something that actually worked. I don't know why this happens in some people (me) and not to others.
I am sorry about your seizure, that is definitely not something I really want to risk and definitely not experience!
I would love to get back into working out but that is part of the problem. I was in ICU for a week after a bad car accident at the beginning of the year (which led me to getting on these meds a few months later) and had several physical injuries. Even though I feel mostly healed I still have problems with my knee and wrist which make it hard to do a lot of physical activity. I know there are still certain lower impact exercises that I can be doing, but again it's like I just have no energy to do so.
Inactive
29 Sep 2016
You could consider raising your dose to a maximum of 450mg/day. Since about 2/3 of users get good but not excellent results from their antidepressant you might discuss with your doctor adding on medications like Abilify or Rexulti. They work in their own right but also act to booster the effects of the antidepressant.
I'm sure it feels frustrating, but you're still very early on in your treatment regimen and there are lots more avenues to explore. Hang in there!
Related topics
wellbutrin, depression, bupropion, major depressive disorder, fatigue, medication, energy
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