Bupropion and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Sus...
• September 8, 2018

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I have major depression disorder and panic moments (that’s what I prefer to call them). I take 10 mg of Escitalopram and 150 mg of Wellbutrin XL spaced out by 2 hours. Wellbutrin was added as Escitalopram does not last 12 hours. I’ve been taking Wellbutrin for 2 weeks now, no side effects the first week, however, this week I’ve had: headache, nausea, my big toe gets a numbness or tingle. (I’m a runner, so this bugs me) frequent urination, a slight loss in appetite. I also get nauseous and gassy after I eat or drink coffee, and I seem to have more bowel movements but not diarrhea. Not sleeping through the night has happened twice. I can still have a panic moment if I think about things too much, so I use Clonazepam or Lorazepam when needed. I do not “feel” any different (in a bad way) since I’ve started taking it. I did try Zoloft, and it was a nightmare, so I know the difference. I would recommend trying it, but stopping if any wild side effects begin."

• IYa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 20, 2019

Bupropion for Depression "After taking this med, within a month, my skin condition got better. I used to get rashes at night and was extremely oily around my head and face in the morning. Within 6 months, I lost 8-9 kg although I did not try to. Even my appetite stayed the same. It seems like depression gave me extreme stress. Due to this, I had a horrible skin condition and weight loss problems. The physical changes were gradual and almost unnoticeable until I noticed there had been changes. In terms of mood, I still do not feel any change although people around me do. But because I had been functional, I naturally feel better and am in a better place. This medication was like: One day, you wake up and realize things have changed. 3 side effects: Sleep problem for the 1st week. I am more forgettable (ADD symptom). I have never forgotten whether I have shampooed, but now, I do at times. Also, coffee gives me a headache now."

• Ean...
• June 30, 2020

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "Let me start off by saying my body is super weird and sensitive to medication. I do not need a high dose of anything, and I typically get side effects with anything I take. I took 30 mg of Wellbutrin for about a month, and within that month was miserable. I had very bad gut pain and digestive issues, so my doctor dropped me down to 15 mg. I was on that for another 2 weeks before quitting. So, in 45 days of being on Wellbutrin, I got terrible adult acne on my face and chest, severe digestion issues and gut pain, and gained 10-12 pounds in water weight (I felt bloated 24/7 - like I was on my period), headaches, and had severe angry outbursts (which is not to my character). It is a bummer I had such horrible side effects because it really did help greatly with my depression. It also gave me a huge sex drive (which my husband loved!). But there were just too many side effects to justify staying on it."

• Gsd...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2019

For ADHD "Day 2 was great. Felt focused, motivated, cleaned the entire basement, rearranged the living room. After that, it was downhill. Sleep disruption, panic attacks at work and home, crying fits, agitated, paranoid, nausea, and headaches. They say to wait 4-6 weeks, but for the sake of my family, I’m done. If you are prone to anxiety, this is NOT for you."

• No ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2018

Bupropion "On Wellbutrin XL for more than a month for ADD. Taking Escitalopram for anxiety for many years now, and it does very well. For the attention deficit, I used to use Ritalin, Vyvanse, Focalin, Concerta… which all lower levels after a few hours, causing headaches, nervousness, impatience, and general bad feeling. Using Wellbutrin XL, started at 150 mg for 4 days and raised to 300 mg. Effectiveness is amazing. I can concentrate on my work all day long, no side effects and no feeling of the medicine levels lowering in the body. General feeling is much better, more tolerance toward other people and things that happen to you during the day. Side effects occurred only at the first days and disappeared after. On the first days, I felt slight upper stomach pain and hard stool, which drinking lots of water and taking the medicine with food made better. After a few days, these side effects disappeared. Trouble falling asleep disappeared after a few days. Now I’m on 300 mg - like it very much."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 19, 2019

For Depression "I started Wellbutrin 3 months ago for depression, anxiety, weight loss. The first week was a little rough adjusting, but a definite change in mood and eating habits, still some mood swings, but that is normal for women (especially during our phases of the month). Keep in mind, it usually takes your body 4-6 weeks to adjust to a new medicine. I am on 300 mg, and I take it every morning. It helps with appetite suppression and exercising (when you start to move, you want to keep moving), also a huge boost in libido. There are headaches sometimes and a fast heartbeat, but it is rare for me. In 3 months, I have lost 15 pounds, gained more confidence, and feel better. Also keep in mind, try to keep an open mind, it sometimes does not work right away, and it is hard to break habits. Let this medicine help you find your way, not control you."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2017

Bupropion for Depression "I have had depression for over 15 years. Started because I was in a bad marriage. Then, with my divorce and losing my job after 25 years, my depression has just skyrocketed. I am seeing a psychiatrist, and she has had to increase my Wellbutrin to 400 mg a day, and I have noticed a big difference. The only concern they have with giving me that much is the seizure side effects are much higher. But I'm being monitored, and I've been taking them for a month, and so far the only side effects I notice are frequent need to urinate, confusion, headache, skin rash, hives, or itching, dry mouth, and honestly, I can live with those! I get suicidal thoughts when I'm not on them and have attempted suicide a few times."

• Sun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 8, 2021

Bupropion for Depression "I have found Wellbutrin to be the best for me. I've tried Zoloft, Lexapro, Cymbalta, Adderall, Vyvanse, Prozac, and Strattera. These others made me too agitated or too zombie-like. No dry mouth, no jaw clenching, no yawning, no RLS, no anxiousness, no headaches with Wellbutrin/Bupropion. Feel uplifted, more my old self, laugh and love easier, and anxiety a bit better. Less achy too! My long-term memory has even improved. I don't mind the vivid dreams, kind of fun. I do have some side effects which make me wish and plead for a lower dosage to be available. I'm taking 150 XL here in the USA. I really wish they'd make a 75 XL for sensitive types like me. I often get into a hyperfocus mode with this dosage of Wellbutrin. I can get a ton of reading done, internet research, etc., but then procrastinate things of higher priority. Please, manufacturers, please offer 75 XL as well. I think you'd be helping a ton of people."

• Sam...
• January 5, 2017

Bupropion for Depression "I've been depressed for quite some years now on and off. I've had my highs and my lows. I decided to talk to my doctor to try out antidepressants even though I was so scared and skeptical. My doctor prescribed me sertraline 50 mg. I noticed my energy level increased to a certain extent, but after a couple of months, I noticed no change at all. I was just at a 5 out of 10, not going up or down, so I decided to change my meds. He then prescribed me bupropion XL 150 mg. The first 3 days were amazing, I had an incredible amount of energy. I felt the most normal I had in a whole year. Soon after, the 6th day came and I felt horrible: vomiting, headaches, confusion, night sweats, etc."

• Rut...
• July 10, 2021

For Depression "I am 50 years old, and I have been on bupropion XL (Wellbutrin) 300mg since June 15th. In the beginning, I didn't feel much of anything. Started on 75mg, but after 10 days, my Dr. put me on 300mg. I went through the normal mild side effects: anxiety, headache, feeling shaky, and my stomach felt a little off. I'm coming up on a month now, and I am feeling great! My energy level is up, I feel happier, and I am more focused at work. I still feel like myself, just a bit more level. If you are able to power through the side effects while your body adjusts, you should like the results. Everyone's body may not react the same way, hopefully, this helps you make the right decision for yourself. Depression is so difficult, and it's nice to know there are aids out there to help. Good luck!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2022

Bupropion for Depression "Almost quit taking it at first because of the headaches, insomnia, fatigue, and anger, but kept on taking it, and 2 weeks later, I’m happier, have more energy, I’m actually sleeping better than before I took it, and no longer angry. Really thankful for this medication. (P.S. Was taking 150 XL mg but didn’t notice the drastic change until I got on 300 XL mg.)"

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 18, 2022

Bupropion for Depression "I had not been on depression medicine in a very long time. I had not had good luck with Prozac, Celexa, Paxil, etc. Too many side effects. But my depression got so bad that I could not get out of bed in the morning. I had a couple of friends swear by this Wellbutrin XL, so I thought I would try it and if I can't handle it, I will stop. I remember going to bed the night before thinking this is my last night of good sleep before all the medication side effects take over my life. But......NOTHING. No side effects. Not one!!! I even thought at one point to call the pharmacy and ask if I got a bad batch of medicine. No jitters, no insomnia, no loss of appetite, no headache. NOTHING! And within a few weeks, I felt ALIVE again. No more sadness, no depression. I had AMAZING energy!!! I mean, I was cleaning EVERYTHING. I've been on this medication for months now and still no side effects. It works!!!!!"

• hop...
• May 23, 2010

Bupropion for Depression "I have taken Paxil, Effexor, and Lexapro. These drugs helped but left me feeling like a zombie, had sexual side effects, and extreme night sweats. Because of these side effects, I always went off the prescription after a year or less. When I went off Effexor, I was energetic, worked out, and felt great. I thought if I could just maintain working out, I would be okay. Well, I slowly quit working out and got angrier and angrier. I tried to fight it for 3 years before I couldn't take it anymore. This time, the doctor put me on 150 mg Wellbutrin XL. I started feeling better within a couple of days. I did experience bad headaches and had an upset stomach for the first month. It was worth it. I have no side effects and feel 100% normal."

• Emi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2020

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I've been on a lot of different antidepressants for my anxiety/MDD. I was on a whole handful of different prescriptions for a while, trying to figure out what worked best, and no matter what pill I've been on, I've noticed I feel a little high, like I'm more outgoing and more talkative, but I can feel a buzz in my head, and I've also struggled with migraines/headaches on other pills (including this one which happens almost daily now). I have trouble focusing, I have severe panic attacks, I feel extremely anxious most of the time. My fiancé felt like it was ruining our relationship because the side effects are too much to handle. We went out to dinner recently, and I literally broke down crying, and we left the restaurant because of my uncontrollable mood swings. I don't know how I fully feel yet because it's been such a short period of time since I started this pill, but I know I don't like the side effects I'm experiencing so far. I'm not looking forward to weaning off these pills."

• iss...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 9, 2014

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I am bipolar and have been on Lamictal for 5 years, but I was still having issues with depression, so my doctor suggested Wellbutrin SR. The first 3 weeks I was on it, I wasn't impressed and thought about discontinuing it. I was spacey and had horrible headaches. But I'm so glad I gave it a chance. Started to feel less depressed after a month of taking it, and I'm in my 4th month, and I still have my moments, but overall my outlook on life is much more positive. I also hoped it would help me quit smoking and lose weight. Only the latter happened, but still quitting smoking is pretty awesome. I've tried so many things to quit, and nothing helped until this. I'm still not at 100%, but still a big improvement. I totally recommend this."

• Anonymous
• May 3, 2012

Bupropion for Depression "I am a 47-year-old female and depressed. 4/19/2012, I started taking the generic Bupropion. Experiencing horrific side effects, switched to the brand name, Wellbutrin, and am much, much better. It is worth the extra money to not have the horrible headaches and other side effects. Weight loss is a huge bonus! Good luck."

• Anonymous
• April 29, 2012

Bupropion for Depression "I started off on the Wellbutrin 150 mg XL twice a day, and I was exhausted every day, not to mention the nausea was so bad I had to stop taking it. Just started on Wellbutrin immediate release at 100 mg once a day, and it is a complete difference. I have so much more energy and focus, so far I love it. I do get a little headache by the end of the day, but it's not a big deal."

• Tor...
• October 11, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "I started taking this medication last week. I started suffering from depression when my marriage began to fall apart! I was trying for years to be there for my husband as he returned from a deployment suffering from severe PTSD! Right now I can say my opinion on this medication differs. One day I'm fine and can get through my day calm, other days I have severe anxiety and I'm freaking out, or I'm so tired with headaches that I just want to be alone and sleep all day! A big concern, even though I shouldn't be complaining about, is losing weight. In a week I have already dropped 5 pounds! I feel as if I should give this more time to balance me out! I'm only on 150 mg once a day."

• Anonymous
• August 11, 2011

Bupropion for Anxiety "Have only been taking for three days. Have some headaches, nausea, no big deal. I don't like the feeling after my second dose at night. I have gotten panicky and felt like I was going to have a panic attack, but have not so far. I am mainly using this to quit smoking, and I see that it is triggering my anxiety somewhat, but I have already lost the urge to smoke and will quit on my quit date. I would rather deal with side effects for a couple of weeks than die of lung cancer and leave my children with no mother. Especially after losing my mother at a young age and my grandfather. I am hoping this will help my depression and anxiety after I am used to it. I can't wait to be smoke-free soon."

• Anonymous
• November 23, 2009

Bupropion for Depression "I've been taking Wellbutrin for about 1 month. I really want this medication to work, but I'm having all side effects. Started with a bad taste in my mouth and went to headache, really dizzy, and nauseous. (I will go off if this doesn't go away.) Today I'm having some chest pain, but it feels a little worse than the anxiety chest pain I was having, so I'm not sure what to think of that. I have been on Prozac and then Celexa for 10 years, and I wanted to try this for the less sexual side effects. That has worked, and I feel more sensitive to the things that should make you cry. I really want this to work, but the side effects are hard. I'll stick with it and hope they go away soon."

• KMD...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 6, 2015

Bupropion for Smoking Cessation "I was prescribed Zyban by my physician to aid in quitting smoking. I was super excited to get it because I would finally get the help I needed to kick the habit for good. I read some awesome reviews and was confident this would be it. I was instructed to take one a day for the first few days and then begin taking one twice a day. I felt okay at first, but once I started taking two a day, I began to experience side effects. Headaches, waking up feeling hungover, extreme nausea, confusion and fogginess, muscle tenderness, and definite weakness... almost as if my brain was telling me I couldn't move if I tried, and I became literally too lazy to try. I was super disappointed, it just wasn't for me."

• epi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 10, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "I took Wellbutrin 150 mg once a day, alongside Zoloft (200 mg) and Atenolol (50 mg). The Wellbutrin worked well for the first four days, but then I suddenly began to plummet. Instead of feeling energized like everyone else in these reviews, I began to feel restless, drowsy, and dizzy. Even worse, I noticed my blood pressure was going up. By the third week of taking this medication, my head was pulsing, I had a couple of bad headaches, diarrhea, and nausea. I could not take the side effects anymore because I was experiencing almost every negative side effect. If you are sensitive to caffeine, this drug may not be for you. It felt similar to caffeine, which I am sensitive to."

• akd...
• January 23, 2015

For Anxiety "I started the medication for smoking and anxiety about 3 weeks ago. The initial side effects are very intense. I had an intense headache every day for a week and a half, but it did go away. I also had an uncontrollable head tremor and very intense nightmares, both have gone away as well. The medication has yet to curb my urge to smoke. When I get anxiety, the physical symptoms are very intense: rapid heart rate and breathing, extreme headache, and stomach upset. On the positive side, I no longer feel like I don't want to live my life. I am going to give the medication the time to take full effect and see how it goes. If the anxiety symptoms don't improve, I will most likely stop after the full 6 weeks that is recommended."

• akd...
• January 23, 2015

For Anxiety "I started the medication for smoking and anxiety about 3 weeks ago. The initial side effects are very intense. I had an intense headache every day for a week and a half, but it did go away. I also had an uncontrollable head tremor and very intense nightmares, both have gone away as well. The medication has yet to curb my urge to smoke. When I get anxiety, the physical symptoms are very intense: rapid heart rate and breathing, extreme headache, and stomach upset. On the positive side, I no longer feel like I don't want to live my life. I am going to give the medication the time to take full effect and see how it goes. If the anxiety symptoms don't improve, I will most likely stop after the full 6 weeks that is recommended."

• Bip...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 12, 2019

Bupropion for Depression "I have bipolar II, and after a series of failed drugs, I was prescribed quetiapine (that's a whole other message board) and bupropion. I was on Activas bupropion 150 XL for about six weeks. It stabilized me, but I was still depressed - but functioning. Side effects - waking up early, feeling like a zombie, loss of appetite - went away within that time period. I've now been on Par Pharmaceutical's bupropion 300 XL for about a month. Side effects are irritability and jitters, but I'm hoping those go away. I tried Activas 300 XL - oval pills - and it seemed to dump a large portion of the medication about two hours after taking it, giving me a zombie effect. It also gave me a headache. Those things may have gone away with time, but I switched back to Par. Overall, I'm content, and my depression is gone."