I was on Prozac fpr 15-20 years, and was put on Bupropion XL 150 mg. daily about a month ago. I still feel the same as before I was put on this? Just Blah. Do you think it is because the prozac is still in my system?
Wellbutrin XL - How long does it usually take to feel any effects?
Question posted by joelyn28 on 27 March 2014
Last updated on 4 September 2015
Added 27 March 2014:
I also have NO energy and all I want to do is eat!
3 Answers
Inactive
30 March 2014
While I am speculating and could be dead wrong, the prozac/fluoxetine probably stopped working for you after all these years and it may even be causing sedative effects that would make the intended beneficial effects of bupropion harder to notice. Personally, I can feel some effect from bupropion as soon as one or two days back on it-after being off of it for a couple weeks. But as far as taking it for the very first time, you should notice a pretty obvious but mild stimulant type effect within two weeks, if not sooner. Bupropion is by far the quickest mainstream prescription antidepressant to take effect once started, even at a low dose. I recall the XL 24 hour version doing very little when I tried it-and I believe that the reason was the time-release mechanism worked TOO WELL, preventing the intended absorption of the drug from my gut into my bloodstream. I probably excreted partially or completely unabsorbed tablets during bowel movements.
But I can't say that with 100% percent certainty. I certainly notice and respond better to the 12 hour SR formulations than the XL version.
-sweaty
joelyn28
30 March 2014
The Dr. raised my dosage to 300 mg. a day. I have kinda noticed a little bit of a change. So., you think the SR would work better? And also , I am spose to take 150 mg. 2x day, should I take it all at once or space it out. I am trying to avoid the insomnia that alot of people have talked about. Thanks for your comment.
sara12345
1 April 2014
Another good resource for your questions, like about the insomnia, is the pharmacist. And it is always important to give each antidepressant the best try before going on to another one. So glad that you got the dose increased. Good luck.
4N Substances
28 March 2014
Hi Joelyn,
Bupropion is a widely prescribed and popular med for depression. It seems to work well for many people with few side effects. Before you give up, please talk to your Dr about dosage and what else is going on in your life. Keep us posted. Good luck.
4N Substances aka Frenchie
joelyn28
28 March 2014
Thanks for your reply. I called my Dr. yesterday but he hasnt called me back yet. I am hoping he will up my dosage. Im not going to give up, but wish I would start having some positive effects from it!! Like , energy, weight loss, etc...
Liz1956
5 Sep 2015
Jocelyn
I hope that you are not still waiting for thar ah ha moment. I have seen change in my husband but it took 6 months. KEEP YOUR HEAD UP. GOOD LUCK
LaurieShay
27 March 2014
You have been on the medication long enough to know whether it is working. The usual therapeutic level for bupropion XL is 300mgs daily. The Prozac is no longer in your system.
joelyn28
27 March 2014
Thanks for your answer! I dont go back to the Dr. for 3 months for a checkup. So I wont be able to have him up the dose until then, or should I call him???
LaurieShay
27 March 2014
I would call him.
joelyn28
27 March 2014
I will do that! Thanks again!!
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prozac, wellbutrin xl, bupropion
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