Bupropion and Depression: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Bev...
• May 11, 2012

Bupropion for Depression "My doctor prescribed Wellbutrin XL with the hopes of it helping me with mild/moderate depression as well as a severe lack of energy. Wanting to avoid the common side effects of SSRIs (namely weight gain and sedation), my doctor and I were both hopeful that Wellbutrin would work for me, as it is an atypical antidepressant. Along with mood improvement, Wellbutrin affects most people with an upsurge in energy, and even sometimes weight loss. Unfortunately, it affected me in a totally opposite way. I gained approximately 10 lbs. in the one month I was on Wellbutrin! Very discouraging! I think the worst thing of all was that I could barely function from day to day and just getting out of bed was arduous. I've never had that before. As for my moods, I found myself feeling even more depressed and prone to drastic mood swings. My doctor and I ultimately decided Wellbutrin was not for me."

• Mis...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 31, 2019

For Depression "I have taken bupropion 300 mg for 9 years (for depression) and have done well. I know that with a different manufacturer, it will work differently. I took brand Par Pharm the whole time, but in Sept., they changed it, and I didn't notice because the pills looked the same except for the imprint (A102). I was taking it for 3 weeks and started going down, down, and depressed. I did get it changed, but I am told I can no longer get Par Pharm. All I do is Google it and find out from people who are in the same position. Bupropion works with a manufacturer that works for you, and someone else, maybe not so much. Do you know where it comes from? Don't change if you find the right one."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 11, 2021

Bupropion for Depression "I suffer from low mood and anxiety. I had read about Wellbutrin in the past, but only recently my doctor recommended it. I'm quite fit, exercise, eat well, get as much sleep as I can, as I believe they are the three pillars to manage your physical and mental status. This Wellbutrin seems to be a magic pill. Day 1. Motivation increased immediately, and WANTED to do physical work at my parents' place. After that, I had terrible anxiety and depression for the rest of the day and was fatigued. Day 2. (Today) Totally motivated, fully social, no anxiety, I feel myself, getting numerous things done, but all in a controlled way. I'm 46 and have my libido back big time. I'm actually shocked. My doc said to take 1 tablet as soon as I wake up (150 mg SR) for 3 days, then switch to 2 tablets from day 4. I know this is ridiculously early to write on here, but give this med a go! (Insomnia only drawback)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 4, 2022

Bupropion for Depression "It’s worth a try. Easy to come off of. I’ve cold turkey quit many antidepressants. Insomnia will probably be your worst side effect. Sweating, agitation, restlessness, trouble focusing, and even increased depression and anxiety are common too. It’s an NDRI like Ritalin but much weaker and less selective. I think jogging, drinking lots of water, and an energy drink or coffee or two is more effective. Don’t expect much, but it’s definitely better than SSRIs, SNRIs, antipsychotics, etc."

• Gre...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 18, 2014

For Depression "I've been taking the generic bupropion SR 150 mg manufactured by Mylan Labs (blue pill) three times a day for over ten years. When I switched pharmacies, I was given another brand and reassured it was exactly the same. It is not. Within a day, I felt like I'd been hit by a truck: despair, depression, vivid nightmares, increased appetite, getting up in the morning felt like trying to awaken from a coma, bloating, headache, intense sugar cravings resulting in binging. To avoid feeling that awful, I'll gladly pay the additional $20 for the Mylan Lab generic. Please don't believe it when they try to tell you these two meds are the same."

• Gre...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 18, 2014

For Depression "I've been taking the generic bupropion SR 150 mg manufactured by Mylan Labs (blue pill) three times a day for over ten years. When I switched pharmacies, I was given another brand and reassured it was exactly the same. It is not. Within a day, I felt like I'd been hit by a truck: despair, depression, vivid nightmares, increased appetite, getting up in the morning felt like trying to awaken from a coma, bloating, headache, intense sugar cravings resulting in binging. To avoid feeling that awful, I'll gladly pay the additional $20 for the Mylan Lab generic. Please don't believe it when they try to tell you these two meds are the same."

• bel...
• November 2, 2015

Bupropion for Depression "I've been battling depression for years now. I am now 42. About 10 years ago, I tried Wellbutrin XL 150 mg once a day. It's the only antidepressant I've ever tried, and it worked wonders! I wasn't sad anymore, I lost weight, and I was happy. Then, a few years later, it was changed to generic, and life wasn't the same. I was sad all the time, gained weight, basically depressed. Flash forward to a few months ago. Found the Wellbutrin site that assists with getting the name-brand drug for $50 a month. I have now been on Wellbutrin XL 300 mg once a day for three months now. I still don't feel as sad or down. Life is definitely looking up more often than not, but I have not lost any weight this time, which in turn makes me depressed. I will continue."

• Sta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 4, 2022

Bupropion for Depression "I went into this endeavor quite excited, knowing that there would be some compromises as always, and I was ready to trade. But this drug took away everything for itself. I was taking Zoloft and, upon me complaining about feeling well but not being motivated (probably I got used to SSRIs a little bit) to get my butt up and get stuff done, smoking 1.5 packs/day. Of course, to combat SSRI SD, we agreed on trying Welloft (Z 75mg - W 150mg). I've been taking Wellbutrin for exactly 20 days, and it's been a big disappointment. I definitely intend to take it for 2 months and know for sure if it's for me or not — not a day longer! Increased anxiety, aggression, appetite, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and short-term memory issues, worse depression, chest pain, headache. Severe climbing anxiety till it peaked at day 8, then I would have a bad one sporadically. I would consider myself almost impotent now. I remember Paxil days with a smile. Will update if anything changes at the 2-month mark."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 16, 2021

For ADHD "It was combined with atomoxetine, it worsened my ADHD, developed tics, and made me forgetful, depressed, irritable, no libido, erectile dysfunction, unmotivated, brain fog, no emotion or feeling empty, difficulty breathing. The 2-month experience was terrible, I had to stop it immediately."

• Ohm...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 28, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "When I had a difficult time getting a refill due to insurance issues, I missed a few days and talked to my doctor about trying to go without. I take Xanax ER 2mg and Lamictal 200mg, both twice daily. I was fine for about 2 weeks. When I spiraled downward, it was bad. I ate, slept, and cried. I never missed a day of work, but I sure felt like running out of there. Finally, things worked out with insurance. I am actually glad to take a 3rd medication, realizing how it helped me. It has been about 6 weeks since I took my last dose. I begin again tomorrow. So, my story can be summarized as depression and frustration levels returned within 2 weeks of stopping bupropion XL 300mg. Don't just stop!"

• Txt...
• May 31, 2011

Bupropion for Depression "Just started Wellbutrin after a hysterectomy. My hormones were all out of whack, and I was possibly suffering from slight to moderate depression right before the surgery. I have been on it for 8 days, and I already feel much better. I can't wait to see how I feel after a month or 2. I stopped crying and am much more leveled off. I am still a little withdrawn at times, but I am going to make myself get out there and get back into the normal swing of things. I am on 150 mg."

• sun...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 18, 2015

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "Was on 150 mg 2x daily and became increasingly jittery, like too much caffeine, also more anxious, depressed, and irritable. It felt like bad speed, just didn't work for me. I just started on Citalopram, hoping that will help anxiety and depression."

• Not...
• February 1, 2010

Bupropion for Depression "Celexa and Zoloft made me feel detached from life, so I wanted to try Aplenzin. At first, I thought it was the wonder drug. I felt alive, full of hope and energy. I cared about my future and could get things done. I was so happy, possibly euphoric. I stood up for myself and felt in control. I thought I had found the answer. That was on the low, intro dose (174?). Then I went up to the middle recommended dose (348?). All that good stuff disappeared. Can't sleep, feel like I'm on the verge of panic attacks. Found myself watching the colors on TV, and the colors owned me. Never had this experience before. Mood swings and deeper depression now. Want that good feeling back. Have a call in to the doctor about going back to a lower dose."

• 25a...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 8, 2019

For Anxiety "I was on Zoloft, and it worked amazingly for my anxiety, but it was causing sexual dysfunction. My doctor had me try bupropion. The first week, I didn’t really notice a change, but by week two, I was depressed for the first time ever and cried every single day after work for no apparent reason. An absolutely exhausting medication I will never ever take again."

• And...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 21, 2022

Bupropion for Depression "I take Seroquel 50 mg in the am and 150 mg at bedtime. I take Clonazepam 1/2 mg in the am and 1 mg at 3:00. And I take 150 mg of Wellbutrin XL in the am. Seroquel helps me fall asleep. Clonazepam (Klonopin) gets rid of some anxiety. But I feel awful, always fatigued, depressed, irritable, moody, lonely, quick to anger, and self-non-social. My psychiatrist said, “There’s no magic pill, take a walk outside.” I have no desire to talk to people, never mind going outside. What am I supposed to do?"

• Boo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I used Wellbutrin for a 'practice quit' about 9 months before the big day to amass a strategy to stop smoking. At first, I didn't think it was doing anything. About two weeks into it, I was stuck in a meeting with no opportunity to smoke and didn't notice the urge until the meeting was over. That was it. I knew that this would be a key component in my effort to kick the habit. As of New Year's Day, I've been smoke-free, and I feel fine and have avoided the depressive side effects of not smoking. Cravings are easily dealt with and pass quickly. I feel confident that my life as a nonsmoker will be pure liberation, thanks to Wellbutrin's mood-elevating effects. Best of all, I still feel like ME!"

• Gwe...
• July 30, 2017

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "This is for anxiety/major depressive disorder and BPD. The side effects suck. Since I've been on Wellbutrin, I've had severe dizzy spells and severe insomnia where I stay up all night and get 2-5 hours of sleep in the morning, on good days. My appetite suppression is not as extreme as other medications I've been on, but I have lost 5 pounds on it. I like eating, so I don't like that. I had my first self-harm episode, and it had been over a year, and it was over something insignificant that happens all the time. It gave me depression. I personally haven't experienced a good thing about this med, but I'm giving it another month or two to work. I'm hopeful."

• Che...
• November 5, 2022

For ADHD "I used this with Cymbalta. I wanted to see if it would help my focus. Before I took it, I was feeling pretty good. After I took the maximum dosage, which caused constipation for weeks and made me terribly depressed and angry. I got off the entire dosage and felt nicer and less depressed in a few days! This medicine made me into a monster."

• JC2...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2017

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I was prescribed Wellbutrin 2x a day after Celexa stopped working after being on it 5 years. Within a few days of taking the Wellbutrin, my anxiety was back, and depression was worse. Had trouble staying asleep because my mind was constantly racing. Definitely did not work for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 9, 2022

For Depression "I've been on bupropion XR for nearly 10 years with little to no side effects. About 2 years ago, it was starting to lose its effect, whether due to my body getting used to the medication or events in my life, my doctor increased my dosage from 300 mg to 450 mg, and that is working very well. I still have the occasional sad, stay-in-bed-all-day days, but they are pretty rare."

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2019

Bupropion for Depression "I have had depression and anxiety for about 5 years. I was taking Zoloft for most of those, and I felt like it kept me stabilized. I have gained about 50 pounds in the last 5 years. I started thinking about it, and it all started around the time I started taking medication, so I thought maybe this whole time that was the reason. Someone recommended this medicine for weight loss, so I told my doctor, and we decided to give it a try. For 4 weeks, I was on 150 mg. I felt miserable, angry, always fighting with my family, more depressed than ever, hopeless, etc. I told my doctor, and she suggested upping the dose for another 4-6 weeks to see if that improves everything. I've been taking the higher dose for about 3 weeks. I've been balling my eyes out. I can't even go into my house without feeling an overwhelming wave of depression hit me. I feel like I can't spend a minute alone. I feel angry all the time. I think this medicine has pretty much been bad for me and will be talking to the doctor again."

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2019

Bupropion for Depression "I have had depression and anxiety for about 5 years. I was taking Zoloft for most of those, and I felt like it kept me stabilized. I have gained about 50 pounds in the last 5 years. I started thinking about it, and it all started around the time I started taking medication, so I thought maybe this whole time that was the reason. Someone recommended this medicine for weight loss, so I told my doctor, and we decided to give it a try. For 4 weeks, I was on 150 mg. I felt miserable, angry, always fighting with my family, more depressed than ever, hopeless, etc. I told my doctor, and she suggested upping the dose for another 4-6 weeks to see if that improves everything. I've been taking the higher dose for about 3 weeks. I've been balling my eyes out. I can't even go into my house without feeling an overwhelming wave of depression hit me. I feel like I can't spend a minute alone. I feel angry all the time. I think this medicine has pretty much been bad for me and will be talking to the doctor again."

• 30F...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 18, 2016

For Anxiety "I have been on these meds for about 3 months now for anxiety on 150 mg. At first, I felt on top of the world, it was great to go on with my day with reduced anxiety. But I still felt some unpleasant adrenaline, so I confirmed with my doc to increase to 300 mg, hoping it would completely eliminate the adrenaline that was left. After 2 weeks on 300 mg, I became severely depressed and still feel that minor adrenaline. I will go back to the 150 mg again and go back for a reassessment."

• Aid...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 26, 2022

Bupropion for Seasonal Affective Disorder "For the first 5-7 years, this Wellbutrin worked 100% for SAD; the only side effect was memory problems, but it didn't matter because I was doing so well. I was taking 300 mg/day year-round. After 6 years or so, it started to not work as well. 450 mg helped for one winter, but the next winter it only helped for around 2 weeks. I tried going off it one summer (in case I had built up a tolerance) and felt 'blah' all the time, and going back on it, it only took that away initially. For the last 2 years or so, I felt that blah-ness while on 300 mg/day; a constant low-moderate grade depression/apathy/numbness, and mental emptiness too. It completely stopped working for SAD. I hope others who benefit like I did initially don't experience this too."

• Kim...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 17, 2018

For Smoking Cessation "Initially prescribed for smoking cessation, 300 mg. Worked really, really well. Then I had a pleasant side effect in which I lost 40 pounds. Really decreased my appetite. Then, to my dismay, the weight returned. Fell into deep depression. Tried so hard to get back to the no appetite stage, to no avail."