Bupropion and Depression: What Users Say (Page 3)

• nyc...
• February 21, 2020

For ADHD "I was put on Wellbutrin in place of Adderall after being on Adderall for several years and after a stressful relationship ending. I was having mood swings and just feeling lost. The first couple of days off of it, I noticed nothing. The 3rd day, I had racing thoughts, the urge to talk over people, and a really difficult time sitting down because I felt like I needed to move. The 4th day, things got awful. From this point until day 15, I was severely depressed, had dark thoughts, felt completely unlike myself, and experienced such immense sadness I was unable to function. I stopped the medication, and after 2 days, I felt back to normal. I don’t really identify as being depressed, this medication made me feel what I imagine being depressed feels like. I gave it a go one more time a couple of weeks later. The 1st day, I felt great. The 2nd day, the crushing sadness set in. Wellbutrin was not a match for me."

• Ste...
• July 31, 2015

Bupropion for Depression "Was having some anxiety and depression issues due to many life factors. Was told that Wellbutrin would be a good option and that it was fairly mild. The first few days had the euphoric feeling everyone talks about, but this ended in 2-3 days. After that, anger kicked in to the point where I was taking walks at 1 a.m. to calm down and relax. From there, the weirdness kicked in. A feeling that's hard to describe, but life got very flat. Didn't feel anything, just flat. I felt like I had a lobotomy or something. At a party last week, a friend asked if I was stoned as I looked out of it. Then I forgot to take it one day, and I felt great that day-joy, emotions, had fun. I then took it the next day and felt horrible. Cold turkey and happy, not for me."

• t20...
• December 29, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I take bupropion SR. I suffer major depression all year, but it's worse in fall/winter. If the dose is too high, it makes me cloudy & I feel stupid. The right dosage is critical. Without it, I'm miserable, won't get out of bed, hate being near people, & sleep constantly. I'm never happy, and if I am, it only lasts a few minutes. With bupropion, it's a little less severe. I still want to be alone & sleep, but not as bad. Before taking it, it felt like a heavy grey blanket covered me. Colors appeared duller. Imagine having a transparent gray cloud between you & everything else. After taking the bupropion, that cloud/blanket goes away. Colors become brighter, back to normal. You don't have that feeling of using every ounce of energy just to hold a conversation or brush your teeth. I hate that feeling. If you're reading this, then you know what I'm talking about. I'm sure there's better meds I don't know about, but I don't want to try anything else as long as I know this one makes me feel just a little bit better."

• jcw...
• October 3, 2014

For Anxiety "I've been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, with a secondary diagnosis of Depression, for almost 2 years. I used to be on 200 mg of Wellbutrin, but recently was switched to 300 mg of the extended release due to a relapse in anxiety/depressive symptoms. I've noticed that I've had more energy since switching, and my mood has been elevated. HOWEVER, be extremely careful with alcohol consumption!!!! My tolerance lowered, and 8 hours after I stopped drinking, I ended up in the hospital for uncontrollable vomiting. Depressive symptoms and stomach issues persisted for 4 days after being hospitalized. For me, not drinking isn't a big deal since I don't really drink much to begin with, but if you're a huge social drinker, be careful!"

• Ms ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2015

Bupropion for Depression "Switching from another antidepressant to Wellbutrin XL made my depression worse. I became very hostile. Ugly mood changes. Changing from one antidepressant to another is the worst thing that I ever did in my life. Some family members are not speaking to me because of my hostile actions toward them. Every day I used was a sad day."

• Con...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 12, 2023

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I’m conflicted about how to review this. After trying many meds for MDD, I was feeling pretty helpless after all of them either failed or caused intolerable side effects, including increased lack of motivation to the point of not being able to get out of bed, extreme fatigue with the same consequence, social awkwardness (which is outside of the norm for me), extreme, fluctuating emotions, brain zaps, and memory issues. Meds I’ve tried for MDD include Lexapro, Pristiq, Celexa, and Zoloft, with each having various levels of the payoff of improvement in symptoms while causing the worsening of others. This drug did feel different and better in some ways — more energy and less general lethargy that affected my job, somewhat of a mood uplift, and more motivation. However, it did cause me more emotional volatility, making me more short-fused with others, and it worsened my ADD. In the end, I chose to discontinue this med, as it wasn’t worth the trade-off and was borderline dangerous."

• Pho...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 3, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "I had weaned off Effexor in October as I was tired of the side effects. I wanted to go the natural route with exercising and eating better to see if it would help. Unfortunately, I have been going through a hard time and needed something to help me through this. I started on Wellbutrin XL, 150 mg, about 2 weeks ago. I honestly can't tell if it is helping or not. I feel about the same mood-wise... very sad, crying a lot, no appetite, sense of failure, and no hope. I know things can't change immediately but was hoping I could be one of the individuals that experience positive results. Hope this changes eventually."

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 29, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I’m so happy I started taking Bupropion XL. The nagging, negative thoughts that tell me I’m not good enough are gone! The heavy feeling of overwhelming, deep sadness is lifted! It’s better than SSRIs - I don’t feel like a zombie like I did when I took Zoloft years ago - and I’ve lost 10 pounds! The negatives? It took FOREVER for the positive effects of bupropion to kick in. I’m talking about a full 8 weeks... and it’s a very difficult 8 weeks full of crazy mood swings, irritability, and feelings of hopelessness. But STICK WITH IT! Once you’re past the 2 month mark, it’s smooth sailing. Things just continue to get better. I’m now 4 months in, and I feel like I’m still improving each week! I’m so happy to feel like myself again!!!"

• Rec...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 20, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I am recovering from a methamphetamine addiction. Methamphetamine attacks your dopamine receptors, so trying to quit tends to send people into a spiral of depression, causing relapse. I've been taking 300 mg of Wellbutrin SR in the morning and 150 mg in the evening. I feel great! No depression, no anxiety, actually, I quit taking my two anxiety meds because I no longer need them, no more short fuse, I'm happy and finally can return to normal living without being held back from a horrible bondage. I'm 27, went back to school, and received my degree in applied science paramedics. I know everybody is made different, and medication can have different effects, but I think it is a wonderful recovery medication."

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2021

Bupropion "I personally had a horrific experience with this drug, which was prescribed for anxiety and OCD. I had migraines, itchiness all over my body to the point I scratched myself bloody, insane stomach cramping, I couldn’t even think about food or I would literally gag. I couldn’t eat without feeling like I was going to full-blown puke after. I was super shaky, had really bad outbursts of anger and sadness, and my depression has never been worse. The suicidal ideation was powerful and never made me feel so depressed in my life. I wasn’t getting out of bed unless I had to use the bathroom. This medicine personally debilitated me, and if you have issues with being a person that always gets every side effect (like me), I would highly recommend steering clear!"

• DeG...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2023

Bupropion for Depression "I am a 52-year-old man, and I have been experiencing constant headaches/migraines and degenerative neck/spinal issues with an unknown cause. To manage my symptoms, I have been taking various medications that have different side effects, leading me to feel depressed. Additionally, I have been smoking for over 35 years. In an effort to address both my depression and potentially quit smoking, I asked my primary care physician to prescribe Wellbutrin XL. Although I had no intention of quitting smoking, I began taking 150 mg once a day. Surprisingly, after only two weeks, I woke up one morning and decided to quit smoking. I did not experience intense cravings or mood swings during the transition. It has been a month since I quit smoking, and although my depression has not completely subsided, I am feeling alright. The only obstacle I have encountered is that many things taste bitter, even water. Nonetheless, my smoking habit is going away nicely. I recommend giving Wellbutrin XL a try if you are considering quitting smoking, even if you do not have the intention to do so. It worked for me."

• Liz...
• October 30, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "I am an 18-year-old female. I started taking Wellbutrin about 7 months ago for depression/anxiety. Honestly, I haven't noticed much of a difference. I think it has helped me control my emotions a bit more, though I feel more stable. I've just started my first year of college, and I've had a rough time, but I think the WB helps keep my meltdowns to a minimum (sort of). I was hoping to lose a bit of weight, but I didn't really notice any loss of appetite. I've DEFINITELY noticed that if I forget to take it for a day, I feel absolutely miserable. Even if I take it a bit off schedule, I feel sad for a day. Also, if I drink a bit too much, my hangover is AWFUL, and I feel very sad the next day. Keep the drinking to a minimum or don't."

• Anonymous
• August 31, 2009

Bupropion for Depression "After 7 years on Zoloft, it had stopped working. I was experiencing mood swings and sadness/depression. My doctor weaned me off Zoloft and prescribed Wellbutrin. The first few weeks, I immediately noticed an increased sensitivity in all my senses. There was kind of a wind tunnel effect in my ears, my body was more sensitive to touch (great for my sex life), I became hypersensitive to noise/vibration (a negative), and I had a keener sense of smell (not always positive). I had trouble getting or staying asleep. I stayed on it for six weeks, but when my fuse got shorter and I became very hostile and angry, I was weaned off of Wellbutrin and changed to Celexa. It's been 2 weeks, and so far, so good."

• RN ...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 4, 2019

For Anxiety "Taking 150 mg of this medication has helped me with anxiety and work-related stress. I have taken it for two years. Attempts to increase dosage resulted in nervousness and depression. I did initially have insomnia and dizziness. Dizziness resolved within a week. Insomnia took several months but was tolerable because the medication initially, and for several months, increased my energy level and alertness. It freed me from being overwhelmed with job stress, which I internalized."

• lov...
• November 28, 2011

Bupropion for Depression "I was prescribed generic for Wellbutrin 10 days ago. I felt great the first couple of days, but the last couple of days I feel really depressed, constantly crying and yelling at my husband and kids for no reason. Just left a message for my doctor to call me back to see if we can change either the dosage or the medication period."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 11, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "I started on Lexapro, which worked at first for me, then, a month later, made me feel like a zombie because I was so drowsy. So, my doctor started me on 200 mg of Wellbutrin a day. The first few days were fine, and then after about a week, the crazy suicidal thoughts started. Then came the mood swings and short fuse. After 2 weeks of this medication, I couldn't stand anyone around me or even myself. I didn't want to be talked to or even looked at, I felt depressed, life wasn't worth anything. So, my doctor changed me to Prozac 20 mg, and so far, it seems to be a good fit."

• aid...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 8, 2023

Bupropion for Depression "This was my 'miracle drug' for severe seasonal affective disorder for maybe 6 years before it stopped working. The first dose was very overstimulating, but I had medications to counter that. The only side effect I noticed at first was short-term memory loss, but it didn't matter if I couldn't remember yesterday because I had a life I was able to enjoy. But as it stopped working, my memory got so bad that I couldn't read for two years because halfway through a sentence I'd forgotten what I'd read, let alone the sentence before it, so I couldn't string them together. In the end, I was taking 450 mg/day and was feeling very flat, unmotivated, mentally vacant, and emotionally numb - basically the opposite of how I felt when it was working at first. Now I am off of it and I noticed that my compulsion to play online games completely disappeared. Wellbutrin does still work when I increase the dose, but only for about a week. This winter I will try TMS."

• Mon...
• April 3, 2020

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "So I’ve taken Wellbutrin once before because my antidepressant (Prozac) was giving me sexual dysfunction. So my doctor said that I’ll add on Wellbutrin to see if that gets better. And I never really noticed a difference with that. But this medication gave me tinnitus (ringing in the ear) and a headache that drove me insane. Oh, also it made me more depressed."

• Kje...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 13, 2019

For Anxiety "I was on Lexapro 10 mg for 2 years to help with anxiety and depression. It did help but seemed to be the cause of my 15 lb weight gain. I asked the doctor for something else that wouldn’t cause weight gain, and he gave me 150 mg Wellbutrin. It was fine for the first week until I developed severe anxiety, depression, tinnitus, and mild dizziness. I was crying several times per day and felt like everything was going wrong in my life. I tried to distract myself from the racing and anxious thoughts, but nothing seemed to help. I will be stopping Wellbutrin and asking the doctor for something else for anxiety. Maybe another SSRI with less weight gain. If you have any anxiety, I don’t recommend this drug. It may work for depression but not for anxiety."

• Jj4...
• September 28, 2019

For Depression "I feel great on bupropion. I’ve been taking it for 4 weeks now for depression, and I’m definitely in a better mood. I’m more motivated to do things, and my loss of interest in things I used to love doing is back with a vengeance. This medication is life-changing! Also, when I began taking it, my sex drive was through the roof. It’s leveled off a bit now, though. And it has also helped me lose a couple pounds thus far. My appetite isn’t nearly as big as it was before starting bupropion. Love it!"

• Per...
• February 18, 2021

Bupropion for Depression "I have mostly managed my depression/SADD/PTSD for years with exercise, light box, and talk therapy. My doctor and I recently agreed the lowest dose, 100 mg, of Wellbutrin would help me out of a particularly low winter. I tried 150 mg years ago for a few months. The jittery side effects made me look forward to getting off it then. However, now I have no side effects, sleep great, my focus on work is back, and find it easier to do my usual lifestyle routine to address my depression. I appreciate having Wellbutrin as a tool to use when I really need it. One caveat, I do find that if I have more than 2 drinks, the following days I get pretty down. Also, exercise + Wellbutrin = self-esteem × libido, just sayin."

• Dd2...
• November 25, 2015

For Anxiety "I have PTSD and anxiety disorder. I have been on bupropion HCl ER XL 300 mg and clonazepam 1 mg Teva. Both medications taken together are terrible. My symptoms are memory loss, anxiety, tiredness, problems sleeping, panic attacks, and depression. I feel like the bupropion causes anxiety and my new panic attacks. Yes, losing weight is great at first, but I'm in need of changing these medications. Watch yourself, make sure it's right for you. Also, headaches or migraines."

• Lay...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 31, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I often read these comments related to weight loss with bupropion and wonder just what I am doing wrong. I have been on this medication for over 3 years with 'NO,' I mean no weight loss, only weight gain. I watch what I eat, starchy foods are mostly always eliminated from my diet. Exercise isn't consistent, but it's some weekly, and still no weight loss. I started taking this mainly for depression but emphasized the need for something that would not lead to weight gain as most antidepressants do. My heart is saddened as I have more weight gain since starting, and this is definitely leading to an increase in my depression, even with the medication. I just don't get it. I am older, so I know that increases my struggle alone, but there should be some loss. I tried to take naltrexone along with bupropion for weight loss, which is the other ingredient in Contrave at one point, unfortunately, I felt terrible, so I stopped. The bupropion is fair for depression control but not great for me."

• Meg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 16, 2013

Bupropion for Depression "I was given this to combat the extreme loss in libido I get from taking SSRIs (Lexapro). It fixed the problem and made me function quite normally once again, but made me have big waves of depression. Definitely not the medicine for me, but if you're looking to recover sexual functioning back, this is worth a shot."

• Sun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 2, 2016

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I was 26 years old and taking Wellbutrin for about 5 months. Within those 5 months, I became increasingly unmotivated, less energetic, and my depression worsened. I had terrible mood swings and was generally unpleasant to be around. My thoughts were not my own anymore, as I had horrific thoughts that were scary and confusing to me. Then came the night that I swallowed an entire prescription bottle of it. My thoughts were that either it would finally work and make me happy or it would just kill me so I wouldn't suffer anymore. I am obviously still here, and I am so grateful for that! I stopped it and was put on Paxil. So much better for me! I'm a happy girl again!"