Bupropion and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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."

• lex...
• February 16, 2014

Bupropion for Depression "I have been using Wellbutrin XL for less than a month. The only side effects I have experienced are headaches and adverse reactions to alcohol. My depression is better, and I have more energy. I am a lot more irritable though, which is not part of my personality. The reaction to alcohol sucks because I am a social drinker: Wine gives a metallic taste in my mouth, beer causes headaches within an hour, and liquor leads to nausea and feeling the urge to vomit. I hope this goes away along with the headaches. I am scheduled for a follow-up with the doctor to discuss my progress. Maybe there is a recommendation for headaches. I forgot to mention that my appetite is more balanced, and my libido is back to normal. Both are positive!"

• Anonymous
• March 27, 2012

Bupropion for Depression "I've been taking Wellbutrin for two years for depression. My general mood, concentration, and energy levels are much improved. I have a tendency towards anxiety, but most bad, depressed, or anxious moods last approximately half an hour and then go away. Before I took Wellbutrin, these moods could have lasted days. It slightly decreased my appetite and I've lost ten pounds. Negative side effects have included dry mouth, headaches, and occasional dizziness. Despite these, Wellbutrin has improved my life a lot and I believe that the medicine is more than worth trying."

• Ma9...
• May 13, 2016

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "Heart palpitations, dizziness, night sweating, headaches, back pain, depressed and wanting to kill just about anybody was taking over my life at 50 (menopause apparently)... Wellbutrin saved my life - or somebody else's (-; No side effects other than difficulty sleeping, but that passed in about a month. No weird 'high as a kite' feeling. Just my normal self again. Taking one (150 mg) pill only in the morning."

• Itl...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 1, 2015

Bupropion for Depression "I've been on Wellbutrin SR 150 mg for depression and anxiety. I was very hesitant to try another medication after negative experiences with other meds. I knew, however, that I needed more help than therapy alone, so I decided to give WB a try. Initially, I had some insomnia, nausea, headaches, and severe light sensitivity. However, these effects passed and were mild compared to how much better I felt. Within 4 weeks, I had more energy, felt less anxious, and the depression started to lift. I felt focused, peaceful, and content. All was well until about two months ago when some anxiety resurfaced (exams). The doctor tried to increase the dosage, but the side effects were terrible. So I remain on 150 mg, but still feel much better than my pre-WB days."

• Mol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 2, 2022

Bupropion for Depression "I'm finishing my fourth day on Wellbutrin. Never tried it before. I shared with my GP that I've been having feelings of impending doom-and my sales have decreased significantly with the current economy-worrying a lot. Since self-employment and impending doom are a bad combination, she suggested I try it. I'm 64, but my husband and I enjoy an amazing sex life, and I didn't want to mess that up. And I'm fit, so I didn't want to risk gaining weight. Since starting it (150 mg), I've had a few headaches and a few short periods of nausea. Sleeping is so much fun because the dreams are so vivid. So today, I've had amazing energy-no need for coffee-didn't even think about it. I've been really happy today. Has to be the drug. I can be very difficult and blow my top over little things sometimes, and I always feel so bad afterward. I'm praying this will help me keep things in perspective and not blow things out of proportion. My poor husband has suffered. So far, I would recommend it."

• She...
• August 5, 2015

For Anxiety "Diagnosed with social anxiety disorder and GAD, I started taking this medication at 150 mg. After 4-5 weeks of dry mouth, headaches, night sweats, abnormal dreams, and a slight head jerk every now and then, my anxiety had almost disappeared. I lost 10 lbs the first 2 months but eventually gained it back, which I didn't mind. WB has made a huge difference with the physiological symptoms of my anxiety, meaning that I no longer feel physically uncomfortable, especially in social situations. My doc has increased my dosage to 300 mg after being on 150 mg for 8 months. So far, after one week on the new dosage, all the initial side effects I had when I first started taking WB have returned, but with the addition of dry eyes and blurred vision."

• Kac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 29, 2019

Bupropion for Depression "Gave me horrible headaches, flu-like symptoms, horrible rash, and severe depression. I literally felt toxic on it. I’ve heard this drug can be very dangerous, and I see why! Got off immediately, or it would have destroyed all my relationships and myself. Also caused anxiety attacks. Be very careful with this drug!"

• Rep...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 6, 2015

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "Coming from a very problematic childhood, I've been labeled everything from A to Z by psychiatrists and given a slew of meds. Wellbutrin, in my experience, has been beyond beneficial. At first, for the first week or two, I had slight tremors, irregular heartbeat, major insomnia, and headaches, but I dismissed them. I still have slight insomnia, which is why I take them when I wake up. But reading comprehension, multitasking, thought focus, and moods overall have dramatically improved! I'm one of those people that may have to take them for the rest of my life, but I'm not complaining =). One thing that does bother me, though, is dry mouth from Wellbutrin, but I take Biotene, which helps a bit. Enough to make it worth it anyways lol."

• Anonymous
• March 28, 2010

Bupropion for Depression "Wellbutrin has helped me a great deal. In response to one person who said they are having trouble sleeping...after 10 years on this antidepressant with doses going up and down by 100 mg a day. Difficulty sleeping has always been a sign of a dosage that was too high. If I have trouble sleeping, and headaches that feel tight in the back of my head, and feel easily irritated, lowering my dose by 50mg usually fixes the situation within 3 weeks."

• Msq...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 2, 2020

Bupropion for Depression "I've been on and off taking Wellbutrin from 200 mg to 150 mg for two years now. It's good for your depression. The only side effects I experience are dry mouth, mild headaches, and stomach pain. Other than that, I have no problem with Wellbutrin. It keeps me calm. I'm not overthinking about anything, I just feel relaxed and numb."

• par...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 29, 2020

Bupropion for Depression "I was prescribed Wellbutrin SR as a boost for my regular antidepressant (I have seasonal affective disorder), since I am at the top end of the dosing and didn't feel comfortable increasing. Overall, excellent medication. I don't notice many side effects, and it has helped to increase my energy/mood enough to make it bearable during the winter months. If I miss a dose, I get a headache, which does grow into a migraine if left unchecked."

• sun...
• May 24, 2017

Bupropion for Depression "The Wellbutrin XL gave me severe constipation and headaches, but the SR is working well. I have only been on it for 2 weeks and I notice an improvement in my moods, daily sleepiness, and it has NOT decreased my sex drive. Prozac worked well for me also, but it just killed the sex drive, and at my age, that wasn't acceptable. (38). I feel myself eating less, and hopefully, it may lead to a few pounds weight loss."

• Tho...
• September 24, 2018

Bupropion for Depression "I was prescribed 50 mg Wellbutrin to take 1/day for my ADHD symptoms and depression. I had read good things about this drug, so I was excited to try it, and I was hopeful about it being able to work for me. The first two days I took it, I felt better-more energy, happier outlook on life! But after the third day, I felt like I wasn't taking any pill at all. No noticeable positive effects and only negative side effects, like dry mouth, headaches, and sore throat. A week later, I decided to ask my doctor to up my dosage to the XL 150 mg. What a mistake! I started having paradoxical effects from it. I was CONSTANTLY exhausted, no motivation to do anything, and I became so irritable and angry that I would start the day already in a bad mood, and small things would set me off. It made me feel unbearably depressed, which I had not done that in many years. I can see how this may be a miracle drug for some, but definitely be wary of how it affects you. Still looking for mine.:("

• Cyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 17, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "I have little side effects, like a headache, but that is due to no appetite from this medication. Ever since I have been on it, I feel wonderful again, like I used to be. All I would sit around and cry and think I was useless, but now that is gone altogether. I'm on 200 mg, and who knows, I could have it increased if all goes well. Since I have been on this medication, I have lost 14 lbs. I have no appetite, so I have to force myself to eat, which isn't till like 4 pm. I'm so glad I'm losing weight and not gaining. Who knows, it could be a combination with my Lisinopril. I guess everyone is different, but give it a try or ask your doctor if you can take it for weight loss. My doctor put me on it for weight loss and depression... Very, very happy."

• JKL...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 11, 2013

Bupropion for Depression "I started on 150 mg for the first month and was raised to 300 mg after that. I began having weird side effects such as uncontrollable jaw clenching so hard it would give awful headaches. I also would violently twitch while relaxing before going to sleep. I experienced insomnia. Last, my sense of smell was very heightened and the smells would make me feel nauseous. I had suicidal thoughts even though I didn't ever want to do that. I continued to feel depressed, and in my opinion, it intensified my anxiety."

• Anonymous
• November 3, 2010

Bupropion for Depression "I have been battling with depression for years and recently hit a plateau while taking Prozac. Not just with my depression but with my weight as well. I did some research online about Wellbutrin, read many reviews, and decided to ask my doctor for a prescription. It was the best decision I could have made. I feel so much better, not just mentally but physically. I have finally been able to lose weight again and feel good about my life. I am not sure about others, but my side effects were a small headache and a little anxiety to begin with, but it subsided within 2 weeks. I will never switch to anything else."

• Lex...
• April 24, 2020

Bupropion "Started taking 150 mg of Wellbutrin, so far, no side effects. Dr. switched me to this medication from Lexapro after 2 years. Starting the 300 today of Wellbutrin. The only side effects so far are headaches and dizziness. Better than the other meds I have tried for side effects. Also helping with my appetite, that’s why I asked to raise it, lol."

• Anonymous
• October 23, 2010

Bupropion for Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced "I was put on 100 mg Wellbutrin for PMDD issues and stayed on it for about three years. I ended up having many side effects, such as added anxiety, horrible headaches, and constipation. I also lost some weight. However, the mood swings stopped, and I have to say sex was never better. It added to my sexual response for sure, and I really miss that part. If not for the constipation and heart flutters, I would have stayed with it."

• ind...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 11, 2016

For Anxiety "I started this med three weeks ago, I feel so much better. I was afraid to take it. I'm on 150 mg, and I've taken Celexa for 16 years, 20 mg. 1 mg Ativan and was switched to Klonopin 1 mg when needed. I like how I feel, I am more outgoing and lost 8 pounds so far. Not hungry much, just had a mild headache the first few days. Otherwise good. You never know till you try. My hubby yells out, 'Thank you, Wellbutrin,' lol, every so often. He notices a change."

• chi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 14, 2013

Bupropion for Depression "Third day on Wellbutrin and so far so good, except for the side effects. I get headaches, angry and snappy over silly things, ringing in my ears. Those are the main side effects, and they're inconsistent, up and down all along. I feel mentally alert and creative. And actually look forward to doing things. I haven't felt like that since I was a kid! Oh, and my sex drive has increased. I found I have been eating more food, probably because I've been more creative cooking in the kitchen. Just not sure if I'm into being angry/snappy with my toddler around. Hopefully that side effect subsides."

• Col...
• February 17, 2021

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I’m on day 3 of Wellbutrin XL 150 mg prescribed for ADHD. I was really nervous to start it because I don’t take any medications and live a very natural lifestyle. And I was worried about side effects. I had a very mild hint of a headache on day one (I also didn’t drink much water that day), and I feel that my head rage during exercise is a bit more excitable and fast, but my resting heart rate remains 58-62. I’ll get my blood pressure checked later today. I never have much of an appetite, so that hasn’t changed. I’m more focused, my intrusive rapid random thoughts seem to be getting caught by my internal filter instead of me just saying them. I’m more at ease, not as anxious or irritable. I’m able to slow down to go fast, feel happier, and just overall like I’m crushing life (no, not in a manic way). I take it at 7-8 am and find that I am more awake in the daytime and into the evening. I’ve been using a CBD gummy to help me sleep."

• Anonymous
• October 14, 2010

Bupropion for Depression "This medicine has done wonders for me. I've been under lots of stress for a long time: anxiety, depression, unmotivated, negative, etc. Wellbutrin XL has recharged my battery, and I feel excellent. There has also been a huge spike in the sex department. Amazing energy, so no worries there. I do tend to get headachy if I drink too much, and that threshold is far lower than it used to be. The good news is I don't really care as much about drinking anyway, so it's working out well."

• Toy...
• January 20, 2010

Bupropion for Bipolar Disorder "I have been annoyed all the time since I can remember. Always a pessimist. I figured if I expected the worst possible scenario, anything better was a win. It was as if I was at war with the world, everything was a battle. I've been on Wellbutrin for 6 weeks now, 300 mg a day in 2 doses to start. It gave me ridiculously bad headaches (I suffer from migraines already), but my mood, interest, and general sense of well-being were better. My doctor changed me from 2 doses to 3 doses a day (still 300 mg). No more headaches but slight insomnia so far: 3-4 hours a night now, usually getting 6-7 hours of sleep. And I have dry mouth as well. I will deal with the insomnia and cotton mouth. To me, this is worth it."

• Boo...
• April 2, 2021

Bupropion for Depression "Before taking Wellbutrin, I was on Zoloft, which made me really tired, and I had no motivation, so my doctor put me on Wellbutrin 150 mg. The first couple of weeks taking it, I was sick from coming off Zoloft and didn’t feel any better depression-wise, I was much worse! After a few weeks, I felt better, but felt it didn’t help my moods and anger like Zoloft did. After being on it for 2 months, I have started feeling sick, my head feels like there’s so much pressure, my heart pounds a lot, I start to feel weak. I went into the ER because I had bad stomach pain and diarrhea, I was sweating and shaky. I am calling my doctor to see what my options are. At this point, I don’t want to take any medication because I feel like rubbish."