Bupropion and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Mka...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2019

Bupropion for Depression "So, over the last year, I had noticed my anxiety has spiraled out of control, and I was beginning to feel depressed a lot. My doctor suggested Wellbutrin SR 150 mg for about 2 weeks, then I moved up to 300 mg. I’m totally impressed, I have no depression whatsoever since the first day I began Wellbutrin, and I went from getting headaches every day due to TMJ to very rarely having a headache. I still have some anxiety, so we’re working on taking care of that."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 23, 2019

For Anxiety "I’m literally lying in bed after 5 days of reacting to this medication. I started this for smoking and anxiety. I did a slow wean off Lexapro and started on Wellbutrin 150 mg once a day and then increased to two times a day. Symptoms include: dry mouth, dizziness, vision problems, flu-like symptoms (weak, tired, nausea), ringing in the ears, sensitivity to light, smells, and extreme headache. The dizziness is the worst, hence why I have been in bed for 5 days. The doctor advised me to get off it, so I’m about one day without it. I still feel the same. I'm waiting for this to get out of my system. I have had to cancel work and have been completely useless to my family. Hope this can help someone else who may be experiencing these issues."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 8, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "I got depression and anxiety after one summer of abusing ecstasy and acid. This was 2003. For quite a while I didn't medicate as I was still in denial. After about 2 years of suffering, I started taking Lexapro. It didn't do much. I began to get severe headaches. After 2 years, I switched to Zoloft. Kept waiting for things to get better but they just got worse. I began to put on weight. To feel better, I was binge eating junk food. I became sickly bloated and had terrible OCD. Eventually, out of desperation, I switched doctors 2 years ago and he prescribed Wellbutrin XL. Thank God. The fog began to clear up, I felt optimistic, less anxious, lost weight. I am almost 80% better. Living a normal life. Wellbutrin saved my life."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "I just wanted to say that I had a lot of these negative symptoms when I was on the generic 'Bupropion' (headaches, vivid nightmares) but after switching to the 'name brand only' I no longer had those horrible side effects. It's hard to tell in these reviews which people are taking the generic version (which was horrific) and who is reviewing the actual Wellbutrin SR. The name brand worked so much better!"

• Tas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2023

Bupropion for Depression "This is an honest review. It is not a horror story. It is to help prevent someone else from having my experience. I was an avid user of this medication since January 2023. I started with 150 mg. I had minor headaches and mild relief for like 8 hours. Then, a crash would happen where I felt depressed like clockwork every day without reason. I moved up to 300 mg. It helped me to stay mellow for the entire 24 hours, which I found great. I started 300 mg in February. Come March (this month), I started to have severe shortness of breath. I was eating and didn't have a heart condition. I don't have any severe allergies. I am healthy outside of my mental health struggles. I would be eating and struggling severely to breathe during and after the meal. I took emergency allergy meds thinking I had developed one out of nowhere. I took iron pills thinking I had low levels (Google will lead you down a rabbit hole). I thought I was suffering from GERD (acid reflux). I was going insane. It was the pills."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 13, 2014

Bupropion for Depression "I started taking Wellbutrin about two weeks ago. The first week was fine, but in the second week, my blood pressure became elevated along with uncontrollable muscle tremors, trouble concentrating, overheating in my face, difficulty concentrating and speaking, dry mouth, sweating, and headaches. I had to quit taking it."

• Hap...
• September 2, 2010

Bupropion for Panic Disorder "I started taking Wellbutrin SR about 2 weeks ago and I am already noticing a difference. I had a lot of anger, frustration, stress, and small panic attacks with uncontrollable crying. Now, since I have been taking it, I am much calmer and I am able to determine what is worth worrying about and what is not. I could not do that before. The crying has stopped, and I no longer feel stressed or angry. The only side effect I have is a mild headache, a little insomnia, and extreme thirst. Those I can deal with versus what I was dealing with. I am definitely going to keep taking it."

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

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "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."

• Lor...
• November 5, 2015

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "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!"

• del...
• March 18, 2017

Bupropion for Smoking Cessation "I'm taking Contrave, which contains Zyban. Immediately, my cravings were dramatically reduced. I was completely shocked because I've been trying to quit for 30 years without success. I'd always get the most unbearable tension headaches and give up. Finally, I asked my doctor for help, and she prescribed this. It's been almost a month now, and I've only smoked a few times. It tastes horrible now, and I'm not craving them at all unless I get really stressed out. But when I do, I don't enjoy it anymore. I encourage you to try it. If you get side effects, reduce the dosage till your body adjusts. Increase very gradually. Hope this helps! Good luck!"

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

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "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!"

• Mou...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 15, 2017

Bupropion for Depression "I have been on Wellbutrin SR prescribed off-label for major depressive disorder for about 3 years now. Initially, I had the same kind of side effects that are common, such as headache, some anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. The side effects diminished and pretty much went away after about a month, and I take my second dose at midday so that it doesn't impact my sleep. Overall, this medication has made a huge difference in my quality of life and has stopped me from experiencing cripplingly low moods and huge rapid mood swings. It continues to work as well now as it did at the start of treatment. It has also helped me to focus and concentrate on a task in a way that I found hard before. My main concern has been the impact on short-term memory."

• Bri...
• November 20, 2014

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "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."

• Anonymous
• December 10, 2012

Bupropion for Depression "I was first prescribed Pristiq and found it to seriously affect my interest in sex. I was then switched to Wellbutrin. I have been on this medication for 2 months now. At first, I had severe headaches and almost gave up. I'm glad I didn't because I am feeling much better. I do find it hard to sleep some nights, but hopefully that too will pass. I also feel nausea occasionally. My moods seem much better, negative thoughts creep up but quickly go away, and I feel more content. I am currently on 150 mg."

• Rln...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 29, 2023

Bupropion for Depression "I was on bupropion for 12 weeks, and I was experiencing fatigue, GI issues, and headaches. My doctor suggested I try Wellbutrin XL name brand to see if it would make a difference and gave me samples to try. Immediately, the side effects went away, and I had tons of energy. However, my insurance would not approve for me to take name brand even after a PA. So, I am forced to go back to generic, or I have to switch medications all because of insurance bureaucracy. So, my doctor is putting me on a medication that is similar to Wellbutrin that is newer and just came out. Insurance should approve it. However, this costs more than the Wellbutrin name brand. So, long story short, generic is not the same as name brand."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 15, 2020

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I started Wellbutrin after taking Zoloft for about 6 months but had to stop because I gained 30 lbs in 3 months and was retaining water like crazy. Wellbutrin definitely stopped the water retention, and I’ve lost about 6 pounds since starting it about a month ago. Unfortunately, I have to stop taking this one too. I was hoping this would be the one— I’ve been back and forth on a lot of meds, but nothing has worked. I felt severely angry and would lash out. I’ve never been that way. I am convinced this medication has caused me to have anger problems when I never had them before. Coming off the medication hasn’t been great, super emotional, tired, lots of headaches, and irritability, but after day 12, I’m finally feeling better."

• Jet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2013

Bupropion for Depression "This medication makes me feel weird like my brain is dehydrated, loss of appetite, constant headaches and a jittery feeling that was uncomfortable at times. Reduced smoking cravings and made smoking really gross. Had a few drinks on New Year's... bad idea, sick for days."

• lon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 28, 2015

Bupropion for Smoking Cessation "Before the first week was up, and before I even increased my dosage, I went from smoking almost 2 packs a day to less than 5. When I tried to avoid smoking altogether right away, I had very bad headaches and felt a little achy. I think it does help to taper down some so your body can adjust to the change in nicotine levels. I have tried many times and many methods to quit smoking. Zyban is by far the best."

• Mac...
• December 11, 2019

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I started taking 150 mg about two years ago, quickly went up to 300 mg. My motivation went back to a normal level, and I started painting, drawing, and cooking again. My only issue was that I started getting daily headaches (after I had been on it for six months). My doctor put me on 150 mg, which got rid of the headaches, but my motivation got worse. I felt like I could do things I couldn’t when depressed, but also like I needed to convince myself to do anything extra. My doctor then gave me 5 mg of Lexapro on top of the Wellbutrin, and it’s good. Recently got my blood work done for being fatigued, sleeping a lot, and brain cloudiness - it’s because I have a severe vitamin D deficiency. I highly recommend getting your blood work done if you feel like this suddenly loses effectiveness. A low vitamin D level can also cause depression, which probably made it harder for me to feel better even on medications. Also, look into getting this prescription from Walmart, it is apparently $9."

• Jen...
• October 15, 2014

For Anxiety "I was on Lexapro for about 6 months before my doctor switched me to Wellbutrin due to weight gain and sexual side effects. I experienced intense headaches for the first few days, and dry mouth for the first 2 weeks. Both have since gone away. I have also lost 11 pounds in one month, which brings me just below my pre-Lexapro weight. I would attribute much of this to the reduction in appetite I have experienced with Wellbutrin, as well as increased metabolism. My anxiety is under control and I feel great!"

• Kat...
• May 26, 2018

Bupropion for Depression "I was suffering from adjustment disorder, mixed anxiety and depression. I’ve dealt with anxiety before— but a life transition triggered a massive downward spiral filled with panic, sleeplessness (yet still too much sleep), decreased focus, extreme apathy, no motivation, suicidal thoughts, unrealistic fears, etc. PCP suggested Wellbutrin XL 150 mg, I desperately agreed. I felt like medication was my last hope. Within 2 weeks, I felt like I was able to function (improved motivation). Within a month, my anxiety and other symptoms were under control. I experienced side effects for the first week— headache, some impulsivity. And for the first month, my sleep schedule was disturbed (I tried moving the time I took Wellbutrin... sometimes it helped, but the side effect was gone by month 2 anyway). Wellbutrin saved my life. I’ve been on Wellbutrin for 4 months now. It doesn’t fix everything of course, but it really helps me combined with healthy coping and CBT."

• PBa...
• January 6, 2020

Bupropion for Depression "I was hesitant to take Wellbutrin due to the negative side effects I read about, and I have never been on any sort of antidepressant before. The first week was not good and had a lot of side effects, the worst being a headache, ear pressure/pain, and flu-like symptoms. Has it helped? I’m definitely not as weepy and a little more optimistic, but it has not helped my anxiety much. I do have more energy. I still cry at times, but not as long or much, and I still have all my range of emotions and get annoyed with my family and worry about everything. I was hoping to lose some weight or for it to help increase my sex drive, but nope, no positive side effects for me. I guess I was expecting Wellbutrin to do much more, but maybe my dose is too low or I need more time. I am not prepared to deal with further side effects of a med increase, but I guess I will just have to take it day by day and see what it brings. Just not sure about it yet and hoping for more."

• Sad...
• December 10, 2015

Bupropion for Depression "I started taking it about 3 weeks ago at the 150 mg dose for depression. The first week I felt very little change, but that was actually a plus as many antidepressants I have tried have made me feel physically terrible and mentally kind of... sketchy? But with Wellbutrin, I only had minor headaches when smoking (not surprising considering its original use was as a cessation aid) and some very vivid dreams. At this point, I am really starting to feel a change; random weeping has gone down to once this past week rather than every damn day; I’m starting to feel hopeful about the future again, showing more interest in my past hobbies, and feeling grateful. The only downside is it has really increased my acne, so I had to step up my skincare game."

• Rae...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2022

Bupropion for Depression "I had very high hopes for this medication. My brother takes it, and it’s magic in a bottle for him. He does very well, no side effects at all. So I have GAD, PTSD, panic disorder, and depression. I take Xanax to help control the anxiety and panic, and I’ve been taking it for 15 years. I’ve had no side effects with that. I lost my mother a few months ago and noticed that my depression was getting worse, and so I decided to try Wellbutrin. I have been on this for a little over 17 days now, and I decided today was the stopping point. I know this is just my experience, and maybe due to my particular medical problems, this medicine just was horrible for me. I could not eat, I can’t hold water down, the nausea is crazy, dry throat, dry eyes, headache, constipation, thoughts of death like OCD fixated on death. My stomach hurts so bad, I’m getting the chills, then hot flashes. I have GERD and hypothyroidism, and maybe this isn’t something that works well with those conditions. Not for me."

• Anonymous
• December 3, 2012

Bupropion for Depression "This drug was not for me. It's very stimulating. It made me aggressive, angry, and irritable. It had several unpleasant side effects, like headache, heavy head, agitation, and fatigue. Strange shock sensations in the brain, loss of appetite, unwanted weight loss, insomnia, broken sleep, nightmares, trembling, and dehydration. And with all that, it never lifted my mood at all. It made me completely dysphoric. I cried daily, screamed at my husband and kids, and hated myself and my body so much I had thoughts of self-harm. In the past, I have taken SSRIs and never experienced anything as negative as this. Although the sexual side effects on others were atrocious! That is one thing Wellbutrin didn't cause, sexual dysfunction. I am a 31-year-old female."