Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder User Reviews (Page 3)

• abc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 14, 2015

"I have been on bupropion XL 300 for around 6 months and I'm really glad that I stuck through it. For me, it definitely got worse before it got better. Around the second and third month, my anxiety had me on edge, and I had a very short temper. The positive definitely outweighed the negative though. I'm no longer sleeping all day, I finally have the energy to work out and carry out basic activities, and no more emotional eating. As a result, I've lost 25 pounds, and it has really helped me with my confidence. Not every day is great, but that's just part of life. I'm no longer irritable, and my anxiety is not perfect, but manageable. I finally feel like I'm taking control of my life. If you can stick it out past the 3-month mark, I think it's worth a try."

• Tch...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 13, 2014

"I have been taking it for a week and have tons of energy! I am excited and happy. I am getting a lot done and it is great. I do have trouble with winding down at night though. This is the reason for the rating of 9 otherwise it would have been 10."

• Joy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 2, 2020

"I’m a 39-year-old female who was prescribed Wellbutrin/Bupropion without a psych evaluation, and as soon as I started taking it, I began having dreams and sexual desires. I continued thinking things would change, but they got worse. Weeks later, I began to hallucinate and even forgot where I parked my car after going shopping one day and ended up calling the police and reporting it stolen when it wasn’t. I also started seeing things that weren’t there and having really dark thoughts. This drug took over my life and caused me to make irrational decisions, like up and moving 1,200 miles across the country for no apparent reason whatsoever. A situation I regret! I got a second opinion and was taken off of Wellbutrin immediately and given a psych evaluation. I was given Prozac and Trazodone but no longer take them. I just got a puppy, I changed my diet and lifestyle, and learned coping mechanisms. I will never take another pill if I can help it."

• cnt...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 21, 2014

"I was diagnosed with major depression several years back. I've been on almost everything out there. I would try the medicine and hate the side effects or how it made me feel and taper myself off. Wellbutrin came on the market and I asked to be put on it. I take 300mg every day and up until recently, it was working great. As I age, other emotional problems occurred (anxiety disorder) that Wellbutrin was not helping with, and Effexor was added. Wellbutrin is the ONLY psychotropic medicine I've not had any side effects with and have stayed on as long as I have. It also helped me quit smoking after being a 25-year, 1-pack-a-day smoker."

• AHa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2019

"After previously being on the commonly prescribed SSRI, Prozac, the enormously unhealthy weight gain and a regression in progress prompted a change in medication. My professional thought we’d give Wellbutrin a try. It’s only been two months and I’ve quickly bounced back to the best I’ve felt in over a year (compared to months later on Prozac, but it could be attributed to better knowledge and expectations). But the weight loss has been absolutely dramatic. I’ve lost at least 40 pounds that I’d steadily gained over the last year in no more than two months."

• Hor...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 11, 2017

"My personal experience may differ for others, but the best combo for me so far has included Wellbutrin XL 300mg. Many years receiving mental health services (27 years). Had to stop SSRIs. Wellbutrin, however, helped increase my motivation, I had none. It was so bad I laid in bed for months from severe depression, I was immobile for so long that both legs filled with blood clots and I was near death! I survived on blood thinners and was in the hospital for over a week. With Wellbutrin, I had no weight gain, I lost the 50 pounds other meds helped put on me! Lowered cholesterol, quit smoking as a nice bonus, and had no sexual issues, in fact, it helped in my opinion."

• Jon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2023

"I was afraid to take it at the beginning because of the side effects. I started with the 150 XL for 10 weeks, and now I'm on the 300 XL for about a week. I had and still have zero side effects. I can't say I 'feel' the drug working (no insomnia, no energy boost, etc.), it feels like a placebo to me, but after a week or two, all my dark thoughts are gone. No more hopeless thoughts and feelings down with no hope that things will get better. I haven't had a bad day feeling depressed for the last 7 weeks. It took me years to admit to myself I need help and medication. I decided to ask my doctor for Wellbutrin because I wouldn't take SSRIs because there is a high risk it can cause sexual dysfunction. If you are dealing with depression, I highly recommend Wellbutrin XL. Just try it, it could change your life."

• jay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2014

"I have battled with bipolar depression for many years, and all my problems peaked now that I'm back from Afghanistan. I've been on many different medicines through the years. I started taking Wellbutrin approximately 3 weeks ago, and it is now starting to take effect. The only reason it didn't get a higher score from me is because the medication just started to kick in and it's not at its full effect. I work as a paramedic and have also dealt with many people with everything from bipolar to schizophrenia. Anyone that's been in this situation knows that there are initial effects, but the people who say it is working after a day or two are experiencing a placebo effect. These medicines affect chemicals in your brain, therefore, they take time to take full effect."

• Sha...
• August 21, 2019

"I started taking Wellbutrin XR 150 mg after having major depression and tried several other medicines over 3 years. Other medicines worked well but partially, with side effects including sexual ones. Before Wellbutrin, I had no interest in doing lots of basic things I used to do. After I started Wellbutrin 150 mg, positive signs started just a few days after, with the peak after 4-5 weeks. Wellbutrin gives energy and motivation to do things. The only drawback is that this energy sometimes continues even after midnight. So sometimes I could stay awake until morning without feeling tired or mentally exhausted when I go to the office, which led to some mild anxiety. To overcome this issue, my doctor gave me another medicine to help with it. And now all is perfect. Note: you may not face the same side effects I had. Finally, I have no sexual side effects with Wellbutrin, unlike with my old medicines."

• Alw...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 25, 2023

"My experience with Wellbutrin is very positive! I was suffering from major depression (horrible mood, pessimistic, could not enjoy anything, really bad thoughts) with panic/stress disorder. I was in a dark place for many months. I tried multiple SSRIs, gave them time but none worked. Then, my doctor suggested 150mg of Wellbutrin daily. After 1 month, I was feeling a bit better but still in a depressive mood. Then, I went to 300mg. After 2 months, I saw a big difference. I could enjoy things, be present, focus on things I love, think a bit more clearly, become more optimistic about the future. I wake up happy to be alive most days. Of course, there are still some bad moments where things get dark, but it's quite easy to get through them and not let them affect my entire mood long term. Side effects: Buzzing in ears (went away), increased libido (can be a good thing), restlessness (went away), irregular heartbeats, and sweating. Give this drug a try together with therapy!"

• Key...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2023

"I tried this after Prozac, Lexapro, Celexa, Zoloft, and Cymbalta. Worst one. The worst. I've been on 150 XL for a month and a half, and I can't eat without my stomach tensing up and bile going to my stomach. My menstrual cycle is all messed up, I am tired and spacey, I have horrible diarrhea and anxiety, I feel like utter trash. I think I'm done with antidepressants."

• Vet...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 9, 2014

"Was very depressed and hadn't slept in 4 days. Was diagnosed with manic depression and insomnia. Was put on Wellbutrin XL and trazodone for sleep. They both have been a miracle for me. No side effects from either except for dry mouth."

• sam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 19, 2024

"Depression or MDD, whatever I had, almost took my life away. Whatever positive reviews you've seen, I experienced all or most of them. At first, I did have insomnia, trembling hands, low appetite, but didn't have anxiety. Additionally, I felt like my heart chakra opened. All my life, I've been scared of cold water, but now I feel like the warmth inside me is sufficient for me to not bother about the cold hitting my body, haha. But the best part for me was it worked within 2 hours of taking that first dose. If it had taken more than a day to start working, I wouldn't have survived. This medicine has fixed probably 95% of all the problems I had in my life, whether it was self-esteem issues or an inability to focus, or even executive dysfunction, etc. everything was fixed. It fixed an addiction of more than 10 years in one shot as well. I cannot say enough for this medicine. I want to see what else it will do wonders for in the future. I hope you take this medicine if you need it, and I hope it works."

• TDS...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 12, 2019

"I had been on Prozac for a year to battle some severe depression and crying daily. It worked well for the first couple of months, but then I noticed it made me feel just 'blah' and negative. I couldn't get emotional either way... angry or sad. I also didn't want to do anything and gained 25 pounds, plus horrible sexual side effects. I got sick of it finally and asked my doctor for something different. He started introducing 150 mg of Wellbutrin for 2 weeks while I reduced the Prozac. The Wellbutrin started working after about a week. My mood was a lot better and I had more emotions. I also feel more motivated to eat right, work out, and improve my appearance. I'm now on one 10 mg Prozac in the morning and 2 separate doses of Wellbutrin (300 mg total). In about a week, I'll drop Prozac and see how it goes. I've only had a slight headache sometimes and a little trouble sleeping, but overall, no side effects with Wellbutrin. Very happy so far."

• abb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 14, 2021

"I appreciate this space and every person's experience. I've been 10 days into this medicine, and I'm sleeping better. Depression is horrible, the crying, fear of death, losing my family, friends, pets. I want to be happy. I read how many found happy. I want to know that feeling. I pray that my outcome is like many of your stories. Thank you all for the encouragement in your personal stories you've graciously shared. Abby."

• Lor...
• November 5, 2015

"I was taking 300mg every day, the generic for years, along with Xanax for anxiety. My doctor upped the dosage to 450mg every day. I just got the name brand and it's completely different! My life has new meaning, the generic is not half as good. I no longer need the Xanax and have no problems going out or living my life now. This medication (name brand Wellbutrin) should be available to anyone that needs it. The generic is horrible, loaded with side effects: shaking, headache, nausea, and extreme bouts of anxiety that do not occur with the name brand! I am shocked the generic for this medication is permitted to masquerade as the equivalent is not even close!"

• Kik...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 8, 2020

"I've lived through a lot of trauma, I have been on Wellbutrin XL for 10 years and recently stopped for 10 months. Today is my 6th day back on it, and I am feeling less anxious about my circumstances in life right now. It has helped me daily get out of bed, control outbursts, and overall keep moving forward. I would say I am lucky to have this medication."

• tir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 20, 2020

"Like most people with depression, I have tried a lot of meds. But after a great deal of research, I have found a great combination for myself. I refuse to take SSRIs due to zaps and sexual side effects. But when I combined Wellbutrin XL 150 mg with Sam-E 400 mg every morning, good things have happened. Depression is better, and my fibromyalgia has subsided a great deal. Try it. You might like it. Just be cautioned, you may need something to help you sleep. But these two make you much more active."

• BVa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 13, 2019

"Wellbutrin worked very well for me and did so in a matter of weeks. I started at 150 mg SR per day and felt somewhat better. When increased to 300 mg XL, I felt virtually normal. I don't know if it saved my life, but it certainly let me feel life was worth living. The only side effects I have had are slight weight loss and somewhat more energy. Both of these side effects are actually welcome."

• Lin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2019

"Once I started taking Wellbutrin, it was wild. I forgot what it was like to feel anger and lust. I forgot what it was like to not feel exhausted for no real reason. Even small things like listening to music became wonderful again. I was very manic when I first started taking the medication. I could feel myself being reckless and putting myself in dangerous situations. I'm also more aggressive on Wellbutrin, but it's just something I have to be aware of and learn to control. I stopped taking my anti-anxiety meds after taking Wellbutrin, too, because they made me wildly dizzy when I took them with Wellbutrin. Additionally, I can be anxious/have irrational thoughts now, but it's nothing from which I can't talk myself down. Overall, my self-esteem and sense of well-being have vastly improved. I'd highly recommend Wellbutrin to anyone whose family has a history of mental illness. I think the boost of dopamine and norepinephrine really helps with MDD."

• Imp...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 2, 2016

"This has been a lifesaver! Totally changed my life. I have tried SSRI, many kinds, to deal with my MDD with horrible side effects. Only slight headaches with Wellbutrin. I am very pleased with the results. It's been almost 2 months, no sludge on the brain! THANK YOU! I am GRATEFUL!"

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2015

"I had a rough time starting young with major depression and anxiety since middle school. My freshman year, I started taking Lexapro. It was the worst possible thing that could've happened to me. Worst side effects ever. I gained over 40 pounds. I was tiny and petite to being around 125 to 170. Tried switching from many multiple different meds, still gained weight. Then my doctor finally put me on Wellbutrin, started off with the low dose and didn't really help much. She upped me to 150. I had hyperglycemia and finally got over it and got off of metformin. I am starting to finally lose some of that weight and about to look great for senior year. I highly recommend this medicine. It makes me not hungry anymore. I'm so happy now!"

• eye...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 11, 2016

"Wellbutrin XL has been great for me. I have been on it for a few months and have completely noticed the difference in my lifestyle and my libido. My doctor was giving me samples of the brand name, but she ran out and my insurance wouldn't cover the brand. My copay for the brand was $1300.00. I could not afford that, so she reluctantly put me on the generic. It was horrible. Worst experience of my life. Worst side effects ever. Luckily, I came across another pharmacy, and they fill your Wellbutrin brand name for $50 a month. It's been great! Back on Wellbutrin and feeling amazing!"

• Bri...
• November 20, 2014

"I'm male, 54 years old and weigh about 180 lbs. The first time I tried Wellbutrin, it was 150mg twice a day. It was too much for me. Side effects: Jitters, hyperactive, constant bouncing of knee when sitting, clenching teeth, weight loss, tinnitus, insomnia, dull headache in back of head. I decided to quit Wellbutrin but recently resumed using it. I only take 75mg in the morning (5 AM) then 75mg at 11 AM. They are the 'SR' type. I will continue using this dose until my body adjusts and then I may up the dose to 150 twice a day. For me, starting at 300mg a day was far too much. I believe starting lower, I will be able to remain on this."

• Pur...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 24, 2019

"It took a month or so, but honestly, the best medication I've ever been on. I tried over 15 different things before, and finally, Wellbutrin allows me to feel happy, and depression is much more manageable. I will say, side effect wise, I have a decrease in appetite and have lost around 12 pounds in 4 months. I am also more easily angered based on my menstrual cycle."