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Bupropion for Depression User Reviews (Page 2)

Brand names: Wellbutrin XL, Wellbutrin SR, Forfivo XL, Aplenzin Budeprion Budeprion SR

Reviews for Bupropion

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • MJa...
  • February 6, 2021

"I was diagnosed with Bipolar II and C-PTSD in 2015. I tried a handful of different medications, but I was also dependent on alcohol. I stopped drinking August 2020 and soon after went med-free (supervised) to see where I was at. What appeared to come about was depression mostly. When I started 150mg bupropion HCL XL, within 48 hrs I felt more energy, more activated emotions, less fog. It caused me to be more agitated and angry at first, but I knew it was because I was coming from complete numbness to actually having some feelings. I am now a month in and I feel happy about where I am with my mood. I say definitely give it a chance, especially if you are not a fan of SSRIs. Give it a few weeks and log your feelings. Being on this is far better than where I was in my depression. I wanted to share my experience and feelings because it has given me some hope and I want to share that with others."

8 / 10
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  • Hey...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 30, 2014

"This is the best thing ever. I was suffering from no desire to go to work. I couldn't wake up, I was always late, I lost my motivation to accomplish things. I was antisocial and really just hating myself and life. I was also flustered, confused, feeling out of control, and miserable. I started Wellbutrin, and by the third day, I could REALLY feel the difference. My mind started to clear, I wasn't hazy, my motivation was back, and I could wake up early. This has been an answer to prayers. The study of the brain and body with science is amazing. I'm very thankful."

10 / 10
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418 Report
  • Sar...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 17, 2017

"This has become my miracle medicine. Some days I wonder if it's too good to be true!! I've battled depression and anxiety on and off for years. My doctors over the years kept giving me different SSRIs, and those made me like a zombie, barely able to get out of bed. With a toddler, that's just not an option! I've been on it for about 6 weeks now, and let me tell you the benefits: I'm HAPPY - like I have a desire to move and do things, as opposed to sitting on the couch after work, not wanting to do a thing until bedtime. It's almost like I'm on speed. I'm SO productive at work and home. I'm sleeping better - I was worried it would keep me awake, but nope. Sex drive thru the roof. I've lost 10 lbs so far from suppressed appetite and working out!"

10 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • It...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 25, 2014

"My wife passed away and I went into a deep depression. I was put on Wellbutrin and told by my nurse it would be at least 4 weeks. In just 3 days, and I was feeling great, clear-headed, I smiled, I ate normally."

10 / 10
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  • dep...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 10, 2014

"I have been on bupropion for about a year, 150mg taken every morning. I noticed a difference on day 2. Everything was just normal. Not bad normal, but good normal, like you woke up after having a really good sleep - and like a weight or pressure has been lifted. It's really hard to describe. Everything seems better. I kid you not. Music sounds clearer, looking around outside, it looks clearer... like I am out of a fog. So... I tried an experiment while I went on vacation. Didn't take anything for 2 weeks. My mood slowly returned to negative. Little things ticked me off, that shouldn't have. I decided to go back on. Same effect on the next day, mood lifted. It gives me slight insomnia, but also takes away some appetite. Great."

10 / 10
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  • Woo...
  • October 2, 2020

"I began Bupropion about a year ago. It took a while to kick in. Waiting eight weeks for the hoped-for effect was like waiting eight months. I had tried another med and it left me with negative sexual side effects, which is why the doctor suggested Bupropion. I've been taking a low dose of Viagra. Honestly, I don't know if I need it, but Viagra works. I told my doctor that I'm okay but don't seem to feel any drastic change from when I first began the med. She suggested upping to 300 mg extended release. After a week, I began to feel better, but I don't know if it is from the med or the high of knowing I made the attempt at trying to feel better. Wishful thinking is a good way to put it. So here's my question: Since I was already taking Bupropion at 150 mg/day extended release, should I expect the new dosage of 300 mg to take eight weeks to fully kick in? Has anyone had this experience?"

9 / 10
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234 Report
  • Hon...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 26, 2016

"Wow! I have been taking Wellbutrin SR 150 mg for one week (started October 15, 2016) then 2nd week taking 150 mg at 12:00. I have never taken any medication for my mild depression, easily agitated, sweating the small stuff, slightly obese (209 lbs), too tired after work to play with the kids diagnosis. Then, OMG, my life is forever changed. In my second week on Wellbutrin SR 150 mg twice per day, I am down to 203 lbs. I didn't realize how much agitation and sadness I was trying to manage on my own. I am a lot calmer when stressful situations arise, play with my kids & exercise. I feel like there is always a song in my heart. Unless somebody does something really STUPID to PISS me off! But even then, I can forgive faster! God, I'm happy."

10 / 10
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  • Wel...
  • November 27, 2016

"My experience with SSRIs has been terrible. I've been on Cipralex and Sertraline, and they haven't worked at all. My doctor was really excited for me to try this one, and I finally caved. The first few days were normal, and the side effects were minimal (dry mouth, constipation, low appetite, a bit of drowsiness), but all that was manageable and went away pretty quickly. By the 9th day, I woke up, and I just knew something was different. It's like my eyes were open, and I had my life back. Having had depression for about a year, I always felt this grey cloud and weight constantly taking over my body and life. By the 7th week, mood and motivation were wonderfully back. I have my life back. Please try this if you can."

10 / 10
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  • new...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 20, 2013

"I was deeply depressed. I slept a lot. I lost interest in work (and I am self-employed). I suffered from chronic procrastination, lost many clients, and went through trouble with my bank, a tough period. I tried SSRIs like sertraline and Lexapro, but they didn't help me rise up and boost my motivation. Since I have discovered after 50 years that I am also suffering from ADD. I read about Wellbutrin. I tried 150 mg with no significant change for a month and then switched to 300 mg. What a change! I am full of energy, focused, full of self-confidence, working full hours, and enjoying writing."

10 / 10
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  • Jus...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 4, 2018

"This medicine saved my life. I have been on 300 mg for a few months now and I feel like me again! A couple years ago my son was diagnosed with cancer, he beat it, but the fight left me as an empty shell. I didn’t even realize how bad I was struggling just to make it through the day. When I first started Wellbutrin, I thought I had made a mistake, but my husband and I agreed that it would be best to give it a chance. After about 4-5 weeks, everything suddenly seemed better. I have energy, I’m sleeping well, I wake up early and feel rested, my libido is back, and I lost about 10 lbs of the weight I put on while my son was sick. I am not just feeling better, I am genuinely enjoying my life. I’m happy, my husband is happy, and life is good. I’m so glad I stuck with it."

10 / 10
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240 Report
  • Tam...
  • December 15, 2019

"I have taken Wellbutrin on and off again over several years. I suffer mostly from seasonal depression. I just started taking it again, having been off of it for a year. The results have been great. I immediately felt better. I really just need to take this consistently. It's also helped relieve my anxiety, given me a lot of energy, helped me focus, given me a positive outlook, and confidence. It also gives me what I call a burst of happiness. A huge difference on the first day."

10 / 10
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  • Hel...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 4, 2017

"This medication has changed my life. I have been on Wellbutrin XL 150mg for 3 months. From being completely reserved and unable to motivate myself to socially interact, I am now willing and able to easily socialize. I have lost close to 10 kg in this time as well. I also had debilitating anxiety and paranoia which are just no longer featuring in my daily life. I am able to exercise and work out with excitement and enjoyment again and find it hard to imagine how bad my coping skills were before this med. It also increased my mental alertness and ultimately my confidence. No side effects, doesn't even feel like you are taking medication."

10 / 10
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  • Vin...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 21, 2015

"Update: checking in on week 5 at 300mg of generic XL made by Par Pharmaceuticals. I can't say enough positive things about this medicine. I have had practically no bad side effects except a slightly more noticeable 'ringing' in my ears. It is not bothersome and I only notice it in complete silence. On the plus side, it is virtually a new outlook on life, absence of any sad or hopeless feelings, reduced anxiety, tons of all-day energy, focus, and enthusiasm, increased libido, desired weight loss, and a shift in personality. I feel like I did when I was younger and full of hope, plans, and happy to greet the day. My jobs are more fulfilling, relationships improved, confidence restored. People notice! I had no idea I was that depressed. Amazing!"

10 / 10
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  • J C...
  • June 20, 2019

"I'm late 40s, female, married with kids. My doc cycled me through just about every antidepressant out there (and no generics either, just the straight stuff) but they all killed my libido stone dead. Then we got to Wellbutrin XL, 150 then 300mg/day. I noticed the new, improved sexy me within the first week. Honestly, I have never been this quick or easy to satisfy... husband and I both love it. He adores pleasing and on this drug, I just about wear him out. 3-4 times a week which is 3-4 times better than before! I also have lost a lot of appetite since going on Wellbutrin XL, created some unexpected weight loss. I can see where this works for weight loss or quitting bad habits. I don't crave anything now... except sex, lol. It doesn't do much for anxiety, but works well for the depressive component. For anxiety, the best for me was Pristiq, but that was a libido-killer. No anti-depression drug is perfect for everyone. This worked the best for me, though."

10 / 10
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212 Report
  • Mdc...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 4, 2014

"I suffer from major anxiety to the point where it feels like my chest is going to crush itself from the tension. I also have tendencies to get panic attacks at random times along with a feeling of doom and gloom ever hanging over my head. While I never reached a point of suicidal thoughts, I did have weeks and sometimes months of listlessness where I didn't want to do anything, see anyone, or be anywhere. I felt like nothing mattered. After being on Wellbutrin, I am happy to say these incidents haven't occurred again. Unlike other medicines I have tried in the past, this one has had zero personality effect. I feel like myself, the one who was always trying to bust out of the anxiety-ridden zombie that I was."

9 / 10
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306 Report
  • Lau...
  • May 1, 2021

"I was given Wellbutrin XL in addition to Zoloft to help treat depression and help with ADHD. It took me a good 4 weeks of regular use to make a decision if I was happy with it or not. I almost quit a week in, 2 weeks, 3 weeks in because I was feeling numb. I had to make myself laugh. I was boring to be around. But then literally one morning about a month into it, I noticed immediately. I was motivated, hopeful, focused, could think clearly. I could hear myself thinking. And actively planning and executing. I thought maybe for a few days I was just having good days but it's been like this ever since. Sure, I still have low days or not so great weeks but that's being human and I can get through it. Overall, I'm so glad I stick with it. Please note that I did not have suicidal thoughts or was in a deep low spot. I was just, numb. So don't think I dealt with suicidal thoughts and pushed through it. Please talk to your Dr if you feel lower after beginning the med."

10 / 10
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146 Report
  • Dee...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • December 15, 2019

"I have suffered with anxiety and depression since I was around 16 years old. I am 32 now, and I have tried many different antidepressants, none of which really helped until I was put on Wellbutrin about a year ago. It took a little while of me taking it before I really noticed a difference, but I stuck with it, and I am so happy I did. I have completely given up smoking cigarettes (I have been smoking regularly since 18), and it has saved my marriage. My mood has changed completely! I feel so thankful for life now and I look forward to the future. Wellbutrin saved my life."

10 / 10
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185 Report
  • ABa...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • August 17, 2020

"I had bipolar disorder with depression and psychotic symptoms. I was put on Abilify 15mg, but I got tardive dyskinesia. The dosage was lowered to 10mg and then 5mg. I stopped with the psychotic symptoms immediately. But I was still depressed and not enjoying my life. So they added 150 mg extended-release Wellbutrin, and I got much better. I felt a little nauseous when I first started taking it, but that stopped a few months into treatment. I still was requiring daily 1 to 2-hour naps to get through my day. Then my medicine was increased to Wellbutrin 150mg SR two times a day. Finally, I felt like myself again. I had energy and felt like I could take on all my responsibilities again. It worked beautifully with Abilify for me. Hope it works for you!"

10 / 10
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167 Report
  • Tes...
  • January 14, 2019

"I started taking generic Bupropion XL 150 mg once a day 8 days ago. The anxiety and depression I was feeling were paralyzing me from moving in any direction. I tried every natural option I could research. On day 1, I felt different, motivated, and better immediately. In the days following, side effects started. Heart palpitations, anxiety, fear of everything, nightmares, a rash on my neck, eye twitching, staring into space thoughtless, unable to make decisions, fear of leaving the house. Day 8, and I’m feeling much more at peace. I’m more focused on myself than issues I have with others. No insomnia and feeling less tolerant of binge drinking to calm down. I want to exercise, clean my house, set goals, eat clean foods, and I feel everything is going to be okay. My self-confidence is improved, and orgasms unaffected. I am hopeful that Wellbutrin was exactly what I needed to be the healthy person I need to be, no matter what happens in my life. I just needed a boost and reset."

8 / 10
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195 Report
  • Gsi...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 20, 2014

"After starting Wellbutrin, I didn't notice any effects until week 5. I am now on week 9. I feel so much better than before. My self-image and self-confidence have skyrocketed. My libido increased. I am so much more optimistic and happy too. Honestly, can't say enough positive things about Wellbutrin."

9 / 10
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295 Report
  • Gon...
  • April 26, 2014

"I was under severe anxiety and depression from intolerable conditions at a hostile job for years until I was so sick. Their antics pushed me to go. I then went into a deep depression, sleeping a lot, having a lack of energy, feeling like nothing was ever going to be right again. I withdrew myself from family, friends, and activities. I finally decided to go on Wellbutrin XL after talking it over with my psych because I have multiple health problems and couldn't take other kinds of antidepressants. It saved my life. No weight gain. I'm focused, alert, not depressed, happy, and have a job again. I am visiting family and friends too. Not sleeping a lot anymore. Try it."

10 / 10
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276 Report
  • Al8...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 12, 2017

"Day 1 of taking Wellbutrin XL, I was the most positive I've been in a long time. I had a very vivid, colorful dream that first night, the first time I've ever dreamt in color (that I can remember). The dreams subsided after day one, but the medication continued to make me feel better. I'm about 2 months in, and it's been absolutely amazing in treating my depression. My motivation has drastically skyrocketed, and I feel more positive and optimistic about life."

9 / 10
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225 Report
  • Hap...
  • December 18, 2008

"My husband had a long (undiagnosed) history of depression. The final straw was when his brother died in December 07. Declining for the next 5 months, withdrawing more and more, not wanting to work, go anywhere, short-tempered, paranoid, until finally he attempted suicide (not the first time). Doctor prescribed Wellbutrin 75mg 2 x daily for 3 months. He's been a different person on the medicines. He says 'it makes him feel like he SHOULD feel, like he felt as a happy child, instead of what he's become over the years.' It helps with mood swings, helps him not overreact to small irritations anymore. He increased to 3 x daily after a slight slump. Don't try to stop without doctor's advice. He tried that and went back to his depression again."

10 / 10
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364 Report
  • Sha...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • December 18, 2012

"I am a dancer and for the past 5 years I have struggled with anorexia and bulimia. I began noticing signs of depression as early as 13. I felt hopeless, unloved, unworthy, and extremely alone. After 5 years, I decided that I needed to change. In the spring, I got a bi-weekly therapist and saw a physician and got a prescription for Wellbutrin. Within two weeks, the therapist herself determined that I would be fine and no longer needed therapy. I have not had one bulimic episode since. I went from leading a reclusive, regimented life to a fun-filled, exciting one. I made many new friends and went from feeling so low that no one could possibly love me to finding the love of my life. Get help; this medicine changed my life!"

10 / 10
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305 Report
  • Anonymous
  • August 10, 2009

"I'm 26 and have been taking this medication for about 9 months. The first few weeks it made me shaky and thirsty. It immediately got rid of my sweet tooth, and it's true food doesn't quite taste as good with it, but I'm happier with that being the case. Before I took the medication, I had been severely depressed for nearly 15 years and couldn't bring myself to take antidepressants. I finally hit an incredibly stressful period in my life last year that made me feel completely hopeless every minute of every day. Wellbutrin does not make me 'happy' and 'laughing like a kid' as some other users say, but it does make me feel like I am back to the same level that most people are on, kind of right in the middle, which is 100 times better than where I was."

8 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.