Bupropion and Dry Mouth: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 31, 2016

For Anxiety "Suffer from anxiety and panic attacks since I was a young woman. I've been on many different meds. Have landed in the ER six times in my life thinking I was having a heart attack, as these mirror each other in symptoms. Have taken Paxil for 15 years. When I landed in the ER again six weeks ago, my Paxil was raised to 60 mg. I saw Doc in a follow-up, and we decided to try Wellbutrin...the generic. I have been slowly going off Paxil, as you must do, and starting the Wellbutrin. It is now four weeks, and I am up to 200 mg of Wellbutrin and down to 20 mg of Paxil. ONE MORE WEEK, and I am done. Wellbutrin does have some side effects, i.e., dizziness, Wausau, dry mouth...otherwise, I have been doing pretty well. Time will tell."

• hpa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 5, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I started Wellbutrin - bupropion HCl XL ER, 24 hrs, 300 mg. So far, I have noticed that my suicidal thoughts have gone away. It's like my brain was wiped clear, it's refreshing. I can focus better. I don't really feel like I need a purpose to wake up and do stuff anymore. I can just enjoy each moment and not have to worry so much about future stuff. It saved my life, I guess. Before, I was thinking about, planning, and visualizing my suicide almost constantly... I have had some side effects, though: dry mouth and constipation, for sure. But I can manage with more fiber/fruit and drinking water."

• Anonymous
• July 30, 2011

Bupropion for Depression "I started on Wellbutrin XL 150 mg after severe depression set in after a traumatic life change. I could feel a difference within a few days. After 5 weeks, I was still mopey but much better than I was before Wellbutrin. My doctor increased my dose to 300 mg, and I felt much better within a week. I have been on that dose for 4 weeks now, and I feel good. I need to take the advice of exercising while on it to see if it helps increase my happy mood. Side effects were severe dizziness after standing up, but that is now mild. Night sweats, hot flashes, and dry mouth for a few weeks, but that went away. Insomnia increased with dose increase, however, I do not feel overtired from getting less sleep (6 hrs a night). I would definitely recommend."

• Ver...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 31, 2015

Bupropion for Depression "I've been on Wellbutrin XL 150 mg for 7 weeks now (adult ADD and comorbid depression). I experienced some of the common side effects, such as dry mouth and loss of appetite, but everything came back to normal after a few weeks. Sadly, I haven't noticed much change in terms of mood or attention/focus... It hasn't worsened, but it hasn't improved either. Then again, I know this is a low dose. I saw my doctor today, and he switched my prescription to Wellbutrin XL 300 mg. I'm starting tomorrow, and I hope it will work better for me. I'm eager to give it another try since I've seen a lot of positive reviews on here :)"

• wan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 28, 2015

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I've been on bupropion 150 SR once a day for 8 days. So far, I'm only feeling side effects: dry mouth, sweating, jaw clenching. It has not lifted my depression or energized me. Celexa and Zoloft used to work for me but then slowly stopped working. I'll try to stick it out for a few more days. I was really hoping that this med would work for me. I feel that I may be drug-resistant to A/Ds. I also take 1 mg Klonopin to sleep and to lower anxiety."

• Anonymous
• January 13, 2010

Bupropion for Depression "31 years old and have never taken any kind of medication other than birth control. Recently went through some tough stuff and finally broke down after almost a year of feeling terrible and talked to my doctor. Started taking Wellbutrin about a month ago, and I haven't felt this good in years. I started feeling better almost immediately. I am motivated and focused and like my old self again. In addition, I stopped smoking completely about a week after I first started taking it. Only negatives are I am having a REALLY hard time getting enough sleep, and the dry mouth is bad but only on occasion. I really hope that the insomnia gets better because although I feel great, I know it can't be good to have such little sleep long term."

• IDK...
• July 6, 2018

For Anxiety "I don't know how I feel about Wellbutrin. I was prescribed it due to anxiety. I think it's helped a bit with it, but there are still some situations I get in and need to take an Ativan to calm me down. I definitely noticed the side effects: could not sleep, sore throat, felt sick, dry mouth. The third day I was on this, I had the biggest panic attack I've ever had. I was going to stop taking it but thought I might as well try it out for the month. As for smoking, I still have a smoke here or there, but I definitely notice I don't crave them as much as I did before. Also, I've had three people tell me I've lost weight since I started taking it, so I suppose it helps with that as well. I still do crave junk food, though, I've read in a lot of reviews people stop craving it. That's not the case for me! Maybe less than I used to, but not completely. The side effects I listed earlier are gone now (this is my third week on it)."

• Los...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 15, 2017

For Panic Disorder "I've been back on this (150 mg) for 5 days after being on it a few years as a teenager and taking a 4-year break. I'm not seeing any Beginning This Drug stories, so I'm adding mine! I have borderline and complex PTSD, as well as some undiagnosed odds and ends of symptoms (delusions and hallucinations). - Day 1 hit me like a truck. Weird visual warping and feeling hazy and clumsy, but not sick. In a good mood! - Weed appears to hit faster and harder, but no ill effects otherwise. - Dry mouth. - Racing thoughts are slow and quiet for the first time in years. - Suicidal thoughts still there, but different. - Fear replaced by static."

• Per...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 2, 2017

Bupropion for Depression "Been on it for one week. 150XL, dry mouth. Lost voice. Insomnia. But I was up and Adam, chipper and slaying at work!!!! Like being on speed!!!! Went down to 75mg to try and see if it helped. ...Constant muscle spasms and a feeling of hypertension in my arms. Heart rate seems higher. Just feel not worth it. Plus, did you see the withdrawal experiences? Atrocious. Getting off before it's too late. Don't need high blood pressure this young."

• Anonymous
• June 9, 2009

Bupropion for Depression "This is the only medicine that worked for me in the last 12 years, but after 3 months of feeling normal again, it stopped working. The side effects that bothered me most were dry mouth and headaches. Tried it a second time and had severe headaches that nothing would relieve."

• FZa...
• October 25, 2013

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I am 40 years old, 123 lb. I was recently diagnosed with PMDD. I didn't want to try antidepressants before; I was prescribed Paxil but never took a pill because my depression was only lasting a week to 10 days max. I was having trouble falling asleep and have problems at work (perceived discrimination). Those problems worsen depression during the luteal phase (12-15 days before period). I was sleeping only a few hours at night. My doctor prescribed Wellbutrin 150 mg; in the pharmacy, they gave me bupropion extended release. I felt the change in mood the first day (great on this areas) and also noticed dry mouth, and my sleeping problems worsened. Medicine was prescribed only for use during luteal phase; I am afraid of what can happen after I stop."

• dad...
• May 31, 2010

Bupropion for Depression "I'm 50 years old and got started on Wellbutrin XL (generic) about 14 days ago. Side effects are severe dry mouth and headache. I do feel somewhat better but am holding off still on giving rave reviews. Dry mouth is stronger during the night and then the headache comes in the morning. My morning suicidal thoughts have lessened, and I've noticed that I am whistling more, so I feel better, but I still have some lethargy."

• JM1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 9, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "I have been taking this medication for almost 2 weeks. I was extremely skeptical because of everything I have read and heard about this medication. I have been smoking since I was around 18 years old, I'm now 30. Anyway, the first 3 days were rocky, and I almost quit taking it, but realized it was just my body adjusting. It has had a positive effect, no adverse side effects, just mild ones like dry mouth and tiredness. I don't recommend it for someone who has severe depression or other psychological issues that could cause adverse effects. I take 150 mg 2 times a day. I do not use any other nicotine replacements. I do not go to therapy. Lastly, I haven't had a cigarette in 3 days."

• Blo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 18, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "I have been on Wellbutrin for almost a week. Obviously, all medications come with the risk of side effects, but having chronic bronchitis and smoking a pack a day, I figured the benefit outweighed the risks. Since starting this med, I am itchy, emotional, and have dry mouth when I sleep. I sleep well, but only about 4 or 5 hours. The emotional thing is intolerable! I want to cry about the most random things, my thoughts automatically go to the worst-case scenario. Is this at all normal? Please tell me it wears off. Or should I call my Dr. and try something else for smoking cessation?"

• Ell...
• April 22, 2016

For Depression "I have been off and on antidepressants for years. I finally got to the point with being on bupropion 150 mg for over two years, but my depression kept worsening. My doctor finally changed my prescription to bupropion XL 300 mg, and my life has drastically changed. I have so much more energy now. Before, I just wanted to sleep all day. Now, I am up and active all day and actually want to take better care of myself and my home/family. It's been amazing -- add in my 24-pound weight loss so far in four months, and I'm finally looking forward to my future! My major side effects that bother me are dry mouth and ringing in my ears. I also notice that my PMS has worsened, but the positives definitely outweigh the negatives!"

• ADH...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 22, 2021

Bupropion "I have Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder. I’ve tried SSRIs, Abilify, and Lamictal before, and while they did help somewhat with depression, they did not help with executive function and enjoyment of hobbies/interests in the way that Wellbutrin does. As for side effects, it does cause a bit of dry mouth and lack of appetite for water (especially if combined with Ritalin). I have lost 15-20 lbs on it in 8 months, but I think that’s not the drug so much as because food is no longer my main source of dopamine; I’m not eating more than I need to anymore. The first week, I had sensory experiences in dreams I didn’t think I could have (temperatures, textures, complex emotions, etc.). They weren’t all nightmares; most of them were kinda fun and cool actually, but they were a little disorienting when I woke up. That went away though within a week and only happens now if I take it right before I go to bed or nap during the day. Even then, the dreams are really not as vivid as when I started it."

• Azi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2022

Bupropion for Smoking Cessation "I'm 57 and quit smoking in 2000, and it's been more than 22 years! I was skeptical I would be able to quit, but Zyban worked like magic! The good thing is I could still smoke while I was taking it, but 2 days later cigarettes tasted awful, and I had no urge to smoke. Quit completely and never went back. I'm here to share my experience and help others. You can quit with Zyban. Side effects: felt lightheaded and dry mouth, but drank a lot of water."

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2017

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I've been taking this medication for under 6 months now, and I have gained 10 lbs while taking this drug. I don't feel like I have increased energy than before, like some other people described. I feel more irritable and anxious at times, still can't sleep at night. I get the dry mouth side effects and occasional constipation. I'm taking 300 mg XL once a day. I am getting more depressed with gaining weight on this drug! I was taking Lexapro before and didn't find it helped me feel less depressed and experienced a lot of nightmares or weird dreams while taking Lexapro!"

• Anonymous
• January 13, 2010

Bupropion for Depression "I've only been taking Wellbutrin XL for about a month, but it works better than the other drugs I've tried. I'm still not 100%, maybe like 70% back to my old self. The side effects I have are dry mouth, ringing ears, and headaches. I haven't lost any weight like other people have said they have. I'm not that concerned with that part. I'm petite. I take 150 mg, and I'm 18."

• Cla...
• January 6, 2021

Bupropion for Depression "I have been taking Wellbutrin for almost 4 weeks. I was advised by my therapist and OBGYN to take this for my sex drive and overall happiness. First 2 weeks - I had tons of side effects. Headaches, dry mouth, dizziness, stomach ache, lack of appetite, and insomnia. The lack of appetite did help me lose 5 lbs the first week, but I felt super sick anytime I didn't eat and had to force food down to feel better. I may have had a little more energy, though. Third week - started to feel better! Side effects lessened, and I had a sex drive for two days. Fourth week - feel terrible again. I have most of the side effects back except loss of appetite and insomnia. I am sleeping fine and probably gained all my weight back. And no sex drive. I am on my period, so I don't know if that is having an effect or not. I just don't know if I should keep at it or give up..."

• Joh...
• November 26, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "For this is the reason I most commonly check out medication on this site, I will refer to the time it took for bupropion to work: to my surprise, it took exactly 18 days. The thing I found quite striking is that on the eighteenth day, it started having a huge effect within just a few hours in the morning. Thereafter, it kept working till today. Because side effects are a huge deal in antidepressant medication, I should add: for me, it was quite easy to deal with them. I had a headache once in a while, but could treat it with aspirin, and I did not sleep so well for a few days. Dry mouth is what stayed the longest, but that seems pretty acceptable compared with depression."

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 11, 2019

For Depression "I’m a very depressed person who tends to eat to cope with my feelings, so the first time I took bupropion, it really helped me control my eating habits, and I lost a good amount of weight. Until the side effect symptoms kicked in: headaches that lasted all day, restless nights, and the worst dry mouth, along with a sore throat that wouldn’t go away. After a few weeks of experiencing these, I stopped taking this medication. It wasn’t until a year later (now) that I gained over 20 lbs from my depressive eating, that I've decided to start it once again. Now, on the third day, I don’t feel any better emotionally, and physically, my headaches are back, and the restless nights are too; but I've lost 4 lbs, and food is just food. I don’t get the urge to stuff my face with food because I’m sad, and in all honesty, I think I’m going to continue to take this even with all the side effects. I think bupropion is worth it."

• Mac...
• July 21, 2016

For Depression "Well, it's been one week. I'll just say that since day one for me still on 150xl brand name Wellbutrin, the energy is ridiculous. So far, I sleep at night, wake up, and I'm out of bed. This past week, I've helped build a sunroom with my brother, went to a wedding, gone out with friends, not feeling like when talking to people that I just want to leave and get home. I mean, this is only one week, and so far all of this fantastic stuff?! I feel better than ever. I just hope that once in full swing it's even better. Still smoking (which I hope this kills that habit), still eating ok, some constipation, headache first couple days, no dry mouth, some sweating, once my heart beats fast, I did get some twitch. I drink coffee, and I'm fine. More to come......"

• Anonymous
• December 7, 2009

For Depression "I just recently began having panic attacks and becoming depressed (within the last 3 months). When I went to my doctor, he put me on Lexapro. Horrible! I took it for 3 days, and it made me feel like a zombie. He then put me on Bupropion XL, and I feel like my old self again. It took about 4 weeks to take full effect, but if you hang in there, it is a great thing. I have had some side effects like dry mouth, trouble sleeping at night, and really strange dreams, but the longer I am on it, the lesser the side effects are becoming. I still have to take the occasional Xanax, but all around, I feel great. I am so thankful that I didn't have to go through all the other depression medications to find the right one!"

• dra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2019

For Depression "I've been taking this medication for about a week. At first, I was shocked at such a difference it was making in motivating me, but I started experiencing side effects. Dizzy spells, muscle twitches, dry mouth, scary thoughts, numbness in one hand. I personally believe I'm better off without it! The side effects have scared me to not touch another medicine. :/"