Hi, I'm a newbie. I just wanted to share that I've been on Wellbutrin for 1 year. Wellutrin alone does not work well for my depression and it gives me anxiety, plus insomnia. My doctor added Lexapro to take with Wellbutrin and it seemed to even me out but did nothing really for the depression. After trying this combo for about 9 months, I requested a change since it wasn't helping. Now I take Zoloft with Wellbutrin and I feel great!! I think this is my magic bullet!! I am very sensitive to drugs so I only take 50mg of Wellbutrin and 25 mg of Zoloft (both generic). I take them together in the morning and no side effects so far. I have energy, my mood is great, no anxiety, and I can focus at work. So far, so good! It has only been one week with this new combo and it may be too soon to tell how it will help me in the long run, but I wanted to share my experience thus far.
Has anyone else had good success with this combination??
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.
43 Answers Page 3
HA
HalfPint416
4 June 2016
Hi all,
Wellbutrin has been added to my combo recently and at the moment I'm very optimistic of what to expect. I'm currently taking 150 mg Zoloft, 150 mg Wellbutrin and 15 mg of Buspar 4 times a day. I've been on Zoloft off and on for 12 years and although it worked great for me at first, it has not had the same effect over time. Zoloft has had crazy side effects for me these past few years (I'm now 25) and my psychiatrist looks at me like I have no idea what I'm talking about when I ask if maybe I should switch. My feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and crying spells stopped, but I still had zero motivation or energy. My social anxiety was through the roof, I was hardly able to go to work, and I started having anxiety attacks while driving or in crowded/noisy places. Buspar has changed my life as far as my anxiety is concerned.
I couldn't even recognize how bad it was up until it started to get better, my obsessive thoughts and internal negative dialogue eased up tremendously. It's not like other anti anxiety medicine, I don't feel groggy or less able to function. I've just started the Wellbutrin in hopes to raise my energy and motivation, I've felt more motivated the past few days, but I'm waiting to see if that is maybe just a placebo effect :P With any medication, especially psych meds, it can take a few weeks before you start to feel the change, so if you've just started hang in there! But, like always, if you have any serious side effects that started shortly after starting, you should talk to your doc ASAP!!
Votes: +1
IN
Inactive
30 Aug 2016
I feel the same way about Buspar. It has been one of the best medications I have ever taken to treat anxiety. I've been on it for over aa year now, and no sign of anxiety. I had great success with wellbutrin also. I don't think it's placebo effect either. I'm glad both medications are working for you also, HalfPint! "G"
BE
BeamerBoy
18 May 2016
I have tried Wellbutrin (aka Zyban) and what that did to me was a night in the hospital crisis unit. That drug made me hit rock bottom and my family doctor sent me straight to the hospital. I turned violent and suicidal from that drug and is not for me. My Psychiatrist has tried without success Prozac and about 10 others before hitting my drug of best success so far. I now take 200 mg Sertraline hydrochloride (Zoloft) with dinner plus 1 mg Clonazepam in the morning and in the evening and so far so good - its been about 3 weeks now and I now feel about 5 out 10 on a scale of 10 I have been around 3 and as low as1 at times. Depression and anxiety combined is very scary and I have been dealing with it for along time.
Votes: +0
LA
LabluesMom
2 May 2016
I'm on wk 5 Zoloft 100 mg... still upset tummy but trying to ride it out few more weeks hoping not to change again... his next suggestion is paxil. Ive already done cymbalta, effector, lexapro. I asked MD today about adding wellbuterin to address the chronic fatigue but he reluctant to add on. Is that normal practice to keep trialing one drug after another? I keep reading people success with dual meds. Please advise.
Votes: +0
BE
BeamerBoy
18 May 2016
Hi, for me I take 200 mg Zoloft and 2 mg Clonazepam daily and that combo so far so good for me - I see an improvement with my depression and anxiety. Depending on your situation it may very well be normal for your Doctor to trial & error one different medications until the one with your name on it is discovered. Wish you the best of luck!
MA
marcar
19 May 2016
Hi LabluesMom, It is very common practice to add wellbutrin to an ssri. Zoloft alone made me exhausted! I now take 150mg slow release wellburin with only a little Zoloft. I can function all day long and I can still sleep at night. Depression is under control. I'm not jumping for joy but I'm not depressed. Yes, it's also common to trial many antidepressants before finding the best one for you. Don't despair. Something will work out for you!
KI
Kikchik
13 Oct 2016
Oh wow! 2 mg clonazepam would knock me out for 12 hrs. Lol but there's nothing better for panic relief. I take .5 mg at night to sleep
I'm currently taking 200 MG Zoloft and 300 MG Wellbutrin XL. Neither one alone helped with my depression. I had anxiety and insomnia prior to being on these meds so those aren't anything new to me. I've tried pretty much every antidepressant there has been on the market for the past 20 years. And this seems to be the only combination that has ever worked for me. There are some negative side effects, however there are more positive side effects and those greatly outweigh the negative, so I just stick with it.
Votes: +1
JE
Jesse7
19 April 2017
Hey thank you for your feedback. When you said there were some negative side effects from the combo did you mean like alittle shakiness ? I'm feeling that way. I've only added the Wellbutrin to the Zoloft like 3 weeks ago. Is this normal??
GI
gidebbie
15 Aug 2017
Hi, I have been on zoloft 50mg for a few years. Recently having bad anxiety so much that it is debilitating. My dr increased my Zoloft to 100mg yesterday. I've also been on Wellbutrin 150mg for about 2weeks. These are both once a day. Feel so shaky all the time. Will this get better?
TA
Tag5783
30 Nov 2015
Hi everyone. I am newbie as well. I've been on Zoloft a few years at 75 mg, and now 50 mg... my dr added Wellbutrin for smoking cessation but said I may end up liking the combo together and don't have to stop taking Wellbutrin after I quit smoking. I am really worried about the seizure risk. Mainly because I am still partying a lot and drinking... I am still kind of holding onto the youth I have left, and I know I know the easy solution is "just dont drink" but I want to know about what the risk level actually is... anyone have any idea? I am taking 150 mg of Wellbutrin, just started yesterday so I have 2 doses in me. Not too bad so far but it's obviously early. I am supposed to up the Wellbutrin next week to 400 mg daily but I don't want to as I know the risk of seizure goes up from there. So I may not do it.
Votes: +0
HE
HermanLo
16 Feb 2016
Try Champix to stop smoking
TM
Tmac50
21 March 2016
I'be been on Zoloft more than fifteen years. But after awhile it wasn't enough and my Dr added Wellbutrin. All the antideppressants say not to drink alcohol. I thought that maybe it was because it would effect your intoxication level. But it is the opposite. When you drink alcohol (and I did, a lot at one point!) it almost is like it completely negates the effect of the drugs. Almost like you are not taking the anti deppressants! The alcohol completely messed up the balance I had with my Zoloft/Wellbutrin combo. I gave up alcohol completely and it took a very long time to get better.Now I take 200mg of Zoloft and 400mg of Wellbutrin for depression and 100mg of Trazodone to sleep. All of which sounds like a lot but I think everyone metabolizes the meds differently. But the main thing I want to say is don't give up, keeptaking your meds if your doctor wants you to and keep your Dr appts. These doctors go to school a long time and know a lot. Sorry for rambling!
JA
JackieW75
8 Oct 2017
Tmac50 I so agree with you. I've saw it first hand with my dad. He's struggled with major depression and anxiety since teenage years and he's now 60. He was on Effexor for many years and honestly would never imagine by looking at him he had major depression. He was so outgoing and talkative. He would start a conversation with anyone. He was an occasional weekend drinker with the guys that lived on his street. Well two years ago he fell into a major depression episode. He doesn't talk to anyone anymore, not even myself which we talked multiple times a day. I'm 37 and I feel like I lost a piece of me. But on the other hand Do sympathize with him because he's a good man and I've always struggled. It wasn't until I got postpartum depression I was put on Zoloft two years ago. But now he's tried everything and nothing is working.
The doctor told him that drinking all them years really messed with the medication to the point where antidepressants may not work. I do want him to try Wellbutrin though with his antidepressant. I myself am on 200 mgs of Zoloft and it helped but I'm not 100 percent after two years. I was recently added Wellbutrin and am finally going to start it. I hope it works as well for me as I does for so many others:)
Has anyone else taken a year to find the right meds? I'm on 200mg of Zoloft and 150mg og seroquel
Votes: +1
MA
marcar
14 Nov 2015
Yes, it can take a very long time until you can find what works best for you. I'm still experimenting with Wellbutrin & Zoloft. Together these seem to be the best combo for me with minimal side effects. Good luck to you! Take as long as you need :)
CH
Chilly9677
19 July 2017
I'm 40 and been trying to get the right meds since around age 17.
BB
BB8_roll
5 Aug 2018
I am 48 and has been looking for the right combo since i was 15. Never give up. Keep rolling!
I haven't started the Wellbutrin yet nervous that'll it will spike my already bad anxiety. I am scared that my depression won't ever go away. It's been a year of mes trials.
Votes: +0
MA
marcar
16 July 2015
Hang in there. I do believe that if you find the right medication it can definitely be lifted. For me, though, I do have an active "faith" life., so I take care of myself spiritually as well. Without God I couldn't make it.
HE
HermanLo
16 Feb 2016
You have to try combinations of drugs. For example : 1)Venlafaxine + Remeron 2)Fluoxetine(Prozac) + Remeron 3)Wellburine + Remeron 4)Venlafaxine + Wellburine + Remeron
MM
Mmei
16 Feb 2016
I have tried all sorts of combos. I don't think I will ever recover
LA
LabluesMom
19 May 2016
I have been trying different meds for a 9 months now and feel worse than ever. I'm afraid tell MD I don't like the Zoloft and he'll switch me again. The transition between meds is horrible. I feel like you that this is no way to live. I feel your pain and wish I had answers.
SP
sprite37
15 Sep 2016
I also have horrible anxiety and have been taking Zoloft for a while, I have had good luck with it my Phyc prescribed Wellbutrine for me last week and I have not felt this good in 10 yrs. So much more energy and focus I pray it never ends
Hi. I'm back. No more Zoloft for me. I'm still on the Wellbutrin but this time with Prozac. It's a great combo for energy & motivation! The downside is insomnia :( I can't go into a deep sleep without a sleeping pill. I didn't want to add more pills to my regime, but unless I find an SSRI that will help me sleep I'm stuck with this combo of pills. I have a doctor appointment tomorrow. I will let you all know if we go a different route.
Votes: +0
BE
berry5033
21 July 2015
I do know that trazedone is for sleep but also depression as well. I take melatonin for sleep which is a chemical our bodies naturally produce to make you feel sleepy . It's sold in the vitamin section at the pharmacy . Plus it's all natural! Good luck.
MA
marcar
7 Aug 2015
It's me again. Guess what? Back on Zoloft & Wellbutrin. I had horrible insomnia with prozac. :( It's only been 3 days back on 50mg of Zoloft so I will update when I feel a significant difference.
MA
marcar
16 Feb 2016
I did try Trazadone for sleeping/depression and it was awful :( Horrible side effects during the day.
I have been trying every med known for major depression and anxiety. I'm now on Zoloft and doc was thinking of adding Wellbutrin next week. I've been majorly depressed for a year now and nothing is working. Please help with words of encouragement. I feel like nothing is gonna work. I've tried Effexor, Prozac, remeron, celexa and now Zoloft.
Votes: +0
DA
dave4004
10 July 2015
Don't despair, Mmei. Keep experimenting. Life is hard! Take walks. Eat well. Stay connected.
MM
Mmei
10 July 2015
My depression has a considerable amount of anxiety. I can't keep going on much longer
DA
dave4004
10 July 2015
I'm not qualified to help you, Mmei. I wish I were. Please see a doctor or therapist. You state you have lived without major depression, so I'm guessing you can live without it again.
CY
cynthia30
14 Nov 2015
You will be alright, I promise. I have been right where u r and am looking for a different antidepressant. I will pray for you..
MM
Mmei
14 Nov 2015
Thank you. How many have u tried? I sometimes wonder if these meds in certain people make our condition worse
MA
marcar
14 Nov 2015
Hi there. Are you doing ok with Zoloft? I'm on Zoloft with Wellbutrin and this seems to be the only combination that doesn't give me horrible side effects. I have enough energy during the day, I can concentrate at work, and still sleep well. Good luck to you! I hope you find the right dose and/or combination. It can take a very long time, so be patient and never give up! :)
MM
Mmei
15 Nov 2015
I'm ready to not take anything. Life shouldn't be like this. Med after med for almost two years with still disabling depression and anxiety. Ready to throw in towel.
MA
marcar
15 Nov 2015
You can try that too. I weaned myself off of everything last October 2014, but the depression came back and I couldn't function very well. My only complaint on zoloft/wellbutrin is that I feel a little emotionally numb. I only take 25mg zoloft with 75mg wellbutrin (both generic form). I still have room for an increase in dose if I need to do that. Good luck to you and I hope you get better!
MM
Mmei
15 Nov 2015
Well my depression and anxiety are already disabling and no med has helped so I don't know what else to do
MM
Mmei
17 Nov 2015
OK. Like an idiot I accidentally took two doses of zoloft today. One in the morning. Thrn I took a nap and when I woke up I thought it was morning and took another dose. Am I going to be okay
GI
Giona63
15 Nov 2017
You'll be fine my dear. There are so much stigmas around mental health. We should treat it as any other sickness. You should keep trying and mainly believe in yourself. Don't let your mind play you games. Everything will be fine for sure.
MS
Msyvonne0701
2 Jan 2018
Hi Mmei, I was reading on Zoloft and well butrin being taken together. I came across your comments and felt drawn to yours. I know it's been several years since you posted it but praying things have turned to a positive note for you.
DK
D K Critz
9 June 2021
I too am in the exact same boat as you. Just want to encourage you to never give up. We must hang on and forge ahead. We will eventually find the magic combination.
DK
D K Critz
9 June 2021
I too am in the exact same boat as you. Just want to encourage you to never give up. We must hang on and forge ahead. We will eventually find the magic combination.
DK
D K Critz
9 June 2021
I too am in the exact same boat as you. Just want to encourage you to never give up. We must hang on and forge ahead. We will eventually find the magic combination.
I am also a newbie to meds but no stranger to depression... My psychiatrist started me on Zoloft 100mg and it was good for a minute then I just platoed. I went back to him and we bumped it up to 150mg and that almost seemed like it made things worse... My last visit with him was extremely successful, I was bumped up to 200mg of Zoloft and 150mg of wellbutrin.. This has been my MIRACLE! I have never felt better! I had really bad side effects starting out with wellbutrin but it is literally the other side of the hill, I haven't been this happy in 8 years! I will say though that I have noticed a loss of appetite and a little weight loss, which for me is probably a good thing:) anyway this is a great combination for me!
Votes: +5
KM
KMT0129
5 July 2015
I have been taking Zoloft for a long time for my panic disorder and it has worked great. However, I was exhausted all of the time. My doctor put me on 150mg extended tabs of Wellbutrin. I've been on it for 3 weeks and have been having negative side effects as well and I'm curious how long these lasted for you. My friend took it (she suffers from depression) and felt like a million dollars immediately. I don't want to give up on it, but the side effects are driving crazy- not literally! Thanks!
MA
marcar
14 Nov 2015
Awesome! So glad to hear that!
PA
Padi531
1 Feb 2016
I'm currently going to start on Wellbutrin 75mg, 200mg of Zoloft, 15 mg remeron, and 4mg of Xanax. I'm just not sure if I can take them all at the same time? Or if I space the timing. I've taken them all before but not together it was always either or. I was taking 8 mg of Xanax with 200mg of Zoloft, and tapered down to 4 mgs and added remeron and now Wellbutrin. I just dislike taking so much meds :( I feel so lost n tired!
MA
marcar
16 Feb 2016
I understand the feeling. When I take Zoloft during the day, I too fell lost and tired. Hang in there, and keep experimenting with what works best for you. I now take the Zoloft at night & only Wellbutrin during the day. No more tired feeling during the day & I'm very productive!
ME
Menser
26 March 2016
Does wellbutrin make you nervous?
KN
knelson68
3 June 2016
Im a.newbee... my.doctor started me on topamax 100mg. Daily and 100mg zoloft. But after a year It was not helping for my depression. I just felt hopeless sinking into major depression. Now she added 150mg welbutrin after reading some comments Im hopefull this lifts me out of the dark hole... thx
SA
SadCindy
10 March 2017
becca0305... ARE you taking Wellbutrin "sr"... or "lx"
TI
tippy10
8 Jan 2018
Hi, are you are the generic welbutrin? I cannot afford brand name and the generics are awful. Thank you.
SO
soniayunuen
28 June 2018
Hi - I have been taking Zoloft for about 2years 150mg, we just talked about Wellbutrin and I started taking it yesterday 150mg. I slept late today and feel super groggy. Wondering if these are some of the initial bad side effects, and how long did it take for them to go away. I took my second pill one this morning. How long have you been on this combination?
Thats great! Ive found a good combo with Zoloft and Wellbutrin myself. I take 100 mg of zoloft a day and 300 of the wellbutrin a day. It works great for me!
Votes: +6
SA
SadCindy
18 May 2017
You are very lucky. U CAN LIVE LIFE AGAIN.
HA
Hayleym4
29 Sep 2018
What time do you take them?
LE
Lesmeister99
4 June 2019
How long did it take to feel great on Wellbutrin and Zoloft?
LE
Lesmeister99
4 June 2019
How long did it take to feel great on Wellbutrin and Zoloft?
LE
Lesmeister99
4 June 2019
How long did it take to feel great on Wellbutrin and Zoloft?
LE
Lesmeister99
4 June 2019
How long did it take to feel great on Wellbutrin and Zoloft?
LE
Lesmeister99
4 June 2019
How long did it take to feel great on Wellbutrin and Zoloft?
I was thrilled when I read this post by you. I too am very sensitive to meds and I am trying to find the magic bullet. Not only that, but I am currently taking half of a 50 mg Zoloft and cutting a 75 mg Wellbutrin in 2/3 a day. Is this still working for you? I have anxiety and depression. Wellbutrin alone makes me have panic attacks and Zoloft alone makes me tired. Would love to hear from you!
KKJ
Votes: +2
MA
marcar
22 Nov 2014
Hi KKJ, I'm sorry to hear about the depression & anxiety. I finally weaned off of everything. It's been 7 weeks exactly. If it wasn't one thing, it was another with the side effects. I didn't realize how bad my sleep was until I came off the wellbutrin. I sleep beautifully now, and that alone helps the depression go away!! The zoloft was making me tired & lazy! I was better off without it!
The first month off of the medication was rough and I had my low moments, but I think I passed that hurdle now! Good luck to you!!
MA
marcar
14 Nov 2015
Hi KKJ, I'm back on Zoloft & Wellbutrin. I have to come to accept & realize that I need antidepressants for life :( I experience the exact same side effects that you do, tired on Zoloft alone and too anxious on Wellbutrin alone. I believe that Zoloft-Wellbutrin is the best combo for me without nasty side effects. Good luck to you! I hope you are doing well,
Marcar
MB
MBJ72
25 Oct 2017
Post was a long time ago, but I take Zoloft before going to bed and Welbutrin when I wake up you With something to eat.
TI
tippy10
28 March 2018
Hi, I have been on drugs for so long, I don't even know who I am anymore. I am on 200 mg of sertraline, generic for zoloft for years. That is the max amount. I have been getting worse. The last few years I usually don't even get up 4 - 5 days a week. I hate being this way. I cannot plan anything as I never know how I am going to feel. I have valium for the anxiety which works great when it gets overwhelming, but it does nothing for depression. I was trying so hard to get brand name Wellbutrin, i've only tried the generic as that is all my insurance will cover. A couple of weeks ago a friend started taking 50 mg of sertraline. He said I used to wonder how you could just lay in bed all day, not bathe and just sleep all the time. For the last 3 days he hadn't been out of bed or bathed and he was only on 50mg. He really should have never been prescribed an antidepressant in the first place. He has real life issues that are causing him to feel this way. Some drs.
just throw a pill at it and that's it. Well, after discovering my friend felt that way I really began to wonder if it was my antidepressant that was making me feel this way. I am now weaning myself off of sertraline. I am doing it slowly and the way it has been advised. I am taking 150mg which I take at night or earlier in the eve. I will do that for 6 weeks and then go down to 100 mg and so on. I may or may not seek counseling, I haven't decided. I want to know who I am without these drugs. If I have to take a little something for depression I will consider it as I have had depression all my life. But this was so eye opening for me when my friend went thru what he did after only 1 week and 50mg. I don't really know what the future holds but for now I feel like I am taking a step in my own health care. If I need someone to talk to, I have someone lined up. I can't really tell how I am yet, but I think it is going to be a positive change. Maybe this will help someone else. SKT
LE
Lesmeister99
4 June 2019
I'm on my 3rd day of 100mg of Zoloft and 150mg of Wellbutrin. I feel nothing. I'm hoping by the 7th day I feel something. I feel extremely depressed. No motivation, crying spells, lots of fear. So afraid it's not going to work. Can somebody help me?
I'm so happy to hear you have found a combo that works for you! I've been on zoloft for two years ago but it wasn't working enough so my dr added Wellbutrin but it didn't help and made me shaky. I'm now just on the zoloft again. Waiting to see my psychiatrist to see what to do next cause zoloft isn't cutting it for me. It's great when you find a combo that works, best of luck! :)
Votes: +1
MC
Mcroberts
1 Feb 2014
Hi I take 200mgs of zoloft and 30 mgs of busperione. With mirtazipine 45mgs at night. It seems to be working have the odd blip but nothing like it was.
ME
Menser
26 March 2016
Ive tried different meds im on zolft and wellbutrin now but nothing seems to work i am nervous all the time
EM
EmileyCarroll
22 June 2016
You need to add klonopin in there before you go to bed & you will feel calm... Meds like Zoloft & Wellbutrin take time to work, give yourself time to get used to it & get past the side effects & you'll be golden.
BE
BeanElizabeth
4 Jan 2017
I've been on a combo of Zoloft and Wellbutrin for a little over a year. I recently had to have the Wellbutrin increased (I'm already maxed out for the Zoloft) and I am shaking so badly that everyone around me has commented on it. I have an appointment with my psychiatrist in February so I'll tell him about it. I'm just scared that he's going to switch everything and I'll have to start over again. I don't want the feeling of balance to disappear.
Is the shaking side effect dangerous?
SA
SadCindy
10 March 2017
The person who found her "magic bullet" combo... so lucky..Last year my increase of Zoloft 75mg, to 100mg December, then 125mg in February worked... increased to 150mg, body could not handle it. Stuck in depression, a shut-in. My Dr agreed to let me try Wellbutrin sr... scared to death due to the anxiety... have not even picked it up. QUESTION: are you on Wellbutrin lx... or sr ???
SA
SadCindy
18 May 2017
Zoloft is not working for me this year 2017. Worked 2014, 2015, 2016 (took 125mg in winter, moved down to 75mg..no depression.) I am beside myself and still in depression, May 2017. So now the next move is to add lowest dosage of Wellbutrin sr to my Zoloft, now at 175mg. Feeling hopesless.
TI
tippy10
8 Jan 2018
Hi, I have maxed out my dose of 200mg a day on zoloft. My dr. recommended welbutrin. It is outrageously expensive, ins. only comes generic. Generic did nothing for me. I am trying to find a dr. who takes Medicare but am having no luck. Meanwhile, the depression grows worse. Any suggestions?
