My doc changed my Wellbutrin generic 75 mg instant release that I have been on for 3 weeks. I am now on 100 mg SR sustained release. We changed because the instant release was giving me one big hit which made my anxiety do through the roof. It is day 5 of the 100mg SR, anxiety is better and my depression is slowly lifting, but it has effected my sleep. I take 12.5 mg of amitriptyline to help with the sleep but would like to be off of it soon. Has anyone gotten past the sleep and anxiety issue with WB and how long did it take.
By the way my member name should be 'little if any patience' ;) Any comments or suggestion welcome. Thanks so much.
How did Wellbutrin affect your sleep?
Question posted by janiebme on 4 March 2016
Last updated on 10 March 2016
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Answers
chuck1957
4 March 2016
Janie; for right now I would not worry about getting off of the amitriptyline focus on the Wellbutrin that is the one you well be on for sometime sounds like you are already getting some results. most it can go both ways make them tired or wire you up. But this is common the first 2 weeks is when you get the worst of side effects but within one to two weeks most of the side effects go away and you continue taking about the same time each day you reach the full benefits of this medication at 6 to 8 weeks. And hopefully, the sleep part for you is just a side effect see if it get better in the next weeks or so.
janiebme
4 March 2016
Hi Chuck-
You are right as usual :) Thank you! I have to give it more time for the side effects to settle. I had not heard about being tired on Wellbutrin until I read others comments about it. I do not think I could sleep without the Amitriptyline at night right now. Did I start over with the side effects when the dosed was upped 5 days ago, can that happen?
chuck1957
11 March 2016
Jamie; Sorry been down again But by now if you were getting the side effects they normally are not as bad as when you started and last for a shorter period of time I sure hope that is the way it is working for you. Stick with it, you are almost to the peak level for most on this medication And sure hope you get to feeling much better.
Gigioverton
4 March 2016
Oh, I'm the same way -zero patience lol. I'm not taking Wellbutrin. I'm taking lexapro but I do know these drugs take some time to get used to. I'll be on this for 2 more months then I'll slowly get off of it. The dr told me today that we have to give them some time to work. You will get better I promise just take it one day at a time. God bless you.
janiebme
4 March 2016
Hi Gigioverton-
Thank you for the reply :)
My doc wanted to put me on Lexapro. I had taken it before, had bad start up on generic, not bad on brand name... go figure? Could not get past the fatigue it caused. Did it make you sleepy or tired during the day and did you put on weight? A lot of the post I have read complained about the weight gain. If I may ask why are you getting off of it?
Gigioverton
5 March 2016
The start up was rough and that was about 2 weeks total. After day 17 I started feeling amazing. No weight gain and no tiredness. I even work out after work and feel great. If anything, I've lost 5 pounds. I only got on it because I had a rare issue I would say. I had general anesthesia and was given Benadryl in my IV. I had a panic attack and woke up from the surgery with anxiety that just never went away. My dr. Told me he doesn't see me on this permanently. Maybe 3-4 months max then we can slowly take it down. I just don't want to be dependent on it if that makes sense. Have you always struggled with anxiety? How are you feeling today?
janiebme
5 March 2016
Hi Gigioverton-
No I have not always struggled with anxiety. It was brought on by a trauma in 2012. I knew about stress, as we all get stressed with life at some time or another. But I had no idea that your fight or flight could get turned on and not shut off. The anxiety can cripple you psychologically and long term do damage physically. I did not know so many people suffer from it. It is comforting to know that I am not alone in my struggle. We struggle with the condition and with the meds that treat it. We also share information and support on this forum. I hope your anxiety goes away after you wean off the Lexapro. My prayers are with you and all of us.
janiebme
5 March 2016
Hi Gigioverton-
I forgot to tell you how I am doing. Better, but not as well as I would like. I am going into my 4th week of Wellbutrin but only 5 days on the increase of the Wellbutrin SR. Still having some side effect. So I am trying to be patient... Ha!
Gigioverton
6 March 2016
You will get better with time. I am praying for you and everyone else. Are you able to work and get out? I couldn't work the first week on lexapro.
Related topics
wellbutrin, depression, sleep disorders, major depressive disorder, sleep, generic, sleep disorder
Further information
- Wellbutrin uses and safety info
- Wellbutrin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Wellbutrin (detailed)
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