Bupropion and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 5)

• D S...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 29, 2021

Bupropion for Depression "Since when it comes to this type of medication, it works like a dream for one and a disaster for another, I rarely read these reviews. I have never left one either. But my experience with this one was not good. Hopefully, for those who experienced sickness, hard depression, whacked anxiety, dizziness, sick headaches, sleeplessness, zero appetite, head pressure, and pure insomnia, maybe this review will give you hope as you are not alone. I was going to try to get through it, but no way. Garbage. After 1 week, I bailed out. Purely awful for me."

• DeG...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2023

Bupropion for Depression "I am a 52-year-old man, and I have been experiencing constant headaches/migraines and degenerative neck/spinal issues with an unknown cause. To manage my symptoms, I have been taking various medications that have different side effects, leading me to feel depressed. Additionally, I have been smoking for over 35 years. In an effort to address both my depression and potentially quit smoking, I asked my primary care physician to prescribe Wellbutrin XL. Although I had no intention of quitting smoking, I began taking 150 mg once a day. Surprisingly, after only two weeks, I woke up one morning and decided to quit smoking. I did not experience intense cravings or mood swings during the transition. It has been a month since I quit smoking, and although my depression has not completely subsided, I am feeling alright. The only obstacle I have encountered is that many things taste bitter, even water. Nonetheless, my smoking habit is going away nicely. I recommend giving Wellbutrin XL a try if you are considering quitting smoking, even if you do not have the intention to do so. It worked for me."

• Anonymous
• April 27, 2011

Bupropion for Anxiety "I was put on a 150 mg dose about 4 weeks ago for mild depression/anxiety. I had dry mouth, headaches, spacey feeling, and nervousness, all of which added to my anxiety. I switched to 300 mg for 1 week, but the jitters increased, and I could have climbed the walls! Rarely felt like eating. It did not negatively affect my ability to orgasm (like Lexapro did), which was nice, but couldn't handle the side effects. Trying Cymbalta."

• MyE...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 8, 2017

Bupropion for Depression "Unfortunately, this medication did not work out well for me at all. I was on 150 mg of Wellbutrin, a generic SR version. In the first week, I took the medicine first thing in the morning as directed (for me, that's about 7 a.m.), and the rest of the day I had intense/severe headaches. Mind you, I already take medication daily for migraines because I'm a chronic sufferer, and my migraine medication was being blown out of the water! I felt like I had several ice picks in my head. The other issue I noticed immediately was that I was having an extremely difficult time sleeping, and if I did fall asleep, I'd have very vivid and awful nightmares. Other apparent issues were having memory loss and abnormal behavior. Not for me!!!"

• Mon...
• April 3, 2020

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "So I’ve taken Wellbutrin once before because my antidepressant (Prozac) was giving me sexual dysfunction. So my doctor said that I’ll add on Wellbutrin to see if that gets better. And I never really noticed a difference with that. But this medication gave me tinnitus (ringing in the ear) and a headache that drove me insane. Oh, also it made me more depressed."

• LAJ...
• June 2, 2011

Bupropion for Depression "I've only taken Wellbutrin SR for a couple of days, and I've had a light headache, but I've been able to focus and concentrate, and I'm so happy that I've been productive too! If headache is the only thing I have to deal with, I'll keep taking it."

• Anonymous
• February 20, 2011

Bupropion for Depression "This is my second time on Wellbutrin XL. I took it once when I was 14-15, with no negative side effects, and I'm now 18. My doctor started me on 150 mg and then bumped me up to 300 mg, and it helped so much. This time when I started, I got headaches for the first 10 days, which were pretty bad sometimes, but it was worth sticking them out (I had headaches during depression anyway). And for a period of 1-2 weeks, I would wake up in the middle of the night for no reason, but I could usually always go back to sleep. I have more energy, and I don't dwell on things as much. Overall, very satisfied."

• Ess...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 28, 2024

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "This medication has changed my life, I cry just telling my story about it. I have struggled with major depression ever since I was a child, I’m in my early twenties and I can say Wellbutrin makes it so hard for me to cry or get depressed. I feel it has opened my eyes more and helped me gain more boundaries. I even get brain fog thinking about the events that have made me depressed. The only cons I have are the headaches and the rage/anxiety I get. Wellbutrin alone does not really help with my anxiety, so if you’re like me, you could definitely pair it with an SSRI."

• Dd2...
• November 25, 2015

For Anxiety "I have PTSD and anxiety disorder. I have been on bupropion HCl ER XL 300 mg and clonazepam 1 mg Teva. Both medications taken together are terrible. My symptoms are memory loss, anxiety, tiredness, problems sleeping, panic attacks, and depression. I feel like the bupropion causes anxiety and my new panic attacks. Yes, losing weight is great at first, but I'm in need of changing these medications. Watch yourself, make sure it's right for you. Also, headaches or migraines."

• Rid...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 21, 2021

Bupropion for Depression "Anxiety was a way of life, but now my Dr. prescribed 150 mg time-released. Flowers for Algernon and enhanced sex drive all in one. My work performance hasn't been this good in years-I'm near the end of my career, and I'm sharp and concise as ever. Hot Wife and I are having college-style sex, and it's been a long time since we have set foot on campus. Side effects are fatigue and occasional headache, but overall, the joy of life and the five senses we have are better than ever."

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "Wow, it is nice to see that this med did wonders for a lot of people. I started this med because I have tried everything to stop smoking but always ended back up smoking due to hard withdrawal symptoms I would get. I also struggle with anxiety, which only enhanced how much I would smoke or started again after quitting. So, I have not been bothered with my anxiety at all since this med. I also have no cravings for cigarettes, honestly, thinking of them makes me want to puke! I do have a strong happy euphoric feel with mild cloudiness in my head, and my libido has increased too out of nowhere. The only bad thing I have encountered so far is a mild headache, but it went away with aspirin, and a mild cramp in my stomach, not painful, just bothersome, and loss of appetite."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 30, 2012

For Smoking Cessation "I'm on day 3, been smoking less (about half of what I normally do). Cigarettes taste different, but I am still craving them, just less often so far. I feel jittery after taking, can't take too close to bed or have to take Benadryl to help me sleep. Have had a few headaches and feel like I am eating slightly more than usual. I did drink with it and did not notice any adverse side effects from it, although I haven't wanted to drink as much as I usually do."

• Ani...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2017

For Depression "I have been on bupropion HCL XL 150 mg for 3 months. I have lost 10 lbs and dropped a pants size. I had multiple bad side effects during the first month: rash, headaches, and stomach ache, but I'm stubborn and I genuinely want to get better. The side effects went away. I feel better than I have in years, and friends have noticed. I constantly think to myself, 'Is this how normal people feel? I've been missing out on this all this time?' Everyone is different, so I can only speak for myself. If you can weather the side effects, at least make it to 2 months before you give up. At least for me, it has been worth it."

• wor...
• September 4, 2009

Bupropion for Depression "Wellbutrin is the only antidepressant that has worked for me. I've tried 7 other kinds, and all made me worse. Wellbutrin's initial side effects were mild, mainly headache and nausea. But I noticed I was happier and more worry-free after a few weeks. I have to admit that this medicine made my appetite worse. I know it's sometimes prescribed to help with obesity, but it made me gain weight. If you are a smoker, be careful because it will make you sick if you smoke, which is why I was able to quit smoking."

• Jax...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 7, 2017

Bupropion for Depression "Dr. switched me from 20 mg generic Lexapro to 300 mg of generic Wellbutrin XL HCL (bupropion) because I felt a lack of energy on the Lexapro. I didn't notice any change in energy level with the Wellbutrin, but had many side effects: significant weight gain (30 lbs in 8 months) despite it being 'weight neutral'; constant headaches, joint pain, muscle ache, stomach pain, blurry vision, constipation, and sleep disturbances. Switched from CVS pharmacy to Publix pharmacy and pills were different (small white round at CVS, large white oblong at Publix). Switching to new generic only made side effects worse. Went back to the generic Lexapro and after 3 weeks, all symptoms ceased and weight is dropping back off. Wellbutrin is not for me."

• JMH...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 1, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was worried to start taking this bupropion because I read a lot of negative reviews, and also because I had a very bad experience a few years ago taking prescribed medicine for anxiety that made me feel like a zombie. I am very happy with the results of taking this medicine. It was just what I needed for my depression. The side effects are very minimal, the only bad thing I noticed is that I have a mild headache some days, and usually taking a few Tylenol and drinking a large glass of water helps with that. All I can say is that everyone's body is different, and there is no sure way to tell if one medicine will work for you until you start taking it. I noticed results in the first 3-4 days of taking Wellbutrin. My husband also noticed a difference in my mood for the better. I'm glad I gave it a chance."

• Dep...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 5, 2017

For Depression "I've only been taking this a few days, and my Dr. is starting me on a low dose of 150 mg... But I just needed to say something about how I feel. I struggle with depression and ADD... I struggle with impulsive masochistic behavior when going through a tough time... Like binge eating, etc. Today... I felt calm. Pleasantly neutral happy and calm... A little foggy-headed, tired, and quiet, and *tiny* headache... But it was amazing to not feel the intense emotions. I had some coffee, and then I really got some housework done for the first time in weeks. I hope that this helps me lose weight... Not just by curbing appetite, but because I'll be less prone to the emotions that drive me to binge. I'm HOPEFUL. We'll see how it goes!"

• Sqy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2017

Bupropion for Depression "The first few days while taking Wellbutrin, which is not really recommended for anxiety, but the doc recommended giving it a try, were not too bad. Around week 2, I began to notice I was miserable, angry all the time, and just not feeling like myself! I am usually a happy person that laughs a lot and enjoys making others laugh! Wellbutrin changed all that! I was now a bitter and angry person that found fault with everything! I wasn't sleeping well, had slight headaches every day, and my head felt cloudy and foggy all the time! I wasn't able to concentrate, which made it difficult for me to function properly at work. I was no longer the happy, silly person I used to be! This drug totally changed my personality!"

• Anonymous
• November 8, 2011

Bupropion for Depression "Have been taking 300 mg for 3 weeks now. I had horrible side effects in the beginning (for about a week) - almost unbearable nausea, diarrhea, sweating, vertigo, headaches, confusion, and I felt like I had the flu. Now I have migraine headaches that last almost all day and ringing in my ears. I still feel a little foggy sometimes, but that is a small price to pay for my depression being pretty much completely gone. I finally have energy, and I am shocked at how quickly it worked. I was suicidal for months while on 225 mg of Effexor, and this has been a lifesaver."

• Lov...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 6, 2012

Bupropion for Depression "I used bupropion XL 150, only used for 1 week. This made me so angry and irritable that my family couldn't stand me. I took Pristiq before this, and it did the same thing, plus made me gain 15 lbs in 2 weeks. I do not think antidepressants are for me. They just make me way too angry. Bupropion also gave me an itchy rash everywhere, headaches, and made me constantly feel hungry, also made me have really bad dizzy spells and twitches in my neck. All of this, and it didn't help my depression at all, in fact, I feel worse since I've started taking medicines than I did before. I know this works wonders for a lot of people, but I am not one of them."

• Nin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 3, 2021

Bupropion for Depression "I have been taking bupropion 150 XL for 10 days with some side effects, slight headache, poor sleep, and a weird feeling. I upped my dose on day 11 to 300 XL and have been on that for the last 2 days. I am pretty tired and feel slightly anxious, plus I have had minimal appetite since I started. I’m thinking about going back to 150 XL, as I was better able to handle it. Overall, I haven’t noticed any changes yet except the side effects from the medicine."

• Une...
• November 30, 2015

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "In January 2015, I was on Remeron 15 mg. By April 2015, I was at 45 mg Remeron. I felt normal and happy, but I gained 26 lbs. In September 2015, I was switched to Effexor 150 mg because of issues caused by the weight. By October, I was on 300 mg Effexor. Today is day two of 150 mg Wellbutrin. I am suffering headaches from going from Effexor to Wellbutrin. Tomorrow I increase to 300 mg Wellbutrin. I can say that day two on Wellbutrin, and I am not feeling as numb (unemotional) as I was two days ago. That's a positive. This is definitely a rollercoaster ride in trying to find the right meds to help with my major depressive disorder, anxiety/panic attacks, and insomnia. My only regret is that I didn't get help sooner. Instead, I suffered alone for years."

• jmm...
• April 15, 2015

Bupropion for Depression "I was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety, as well as a bit of OCD regarding my weight well over 10 years ago, but started taking medication for it only 2 years ago. I'm on Wellbutrin again, after a year or so off of it, for about 6 days now, and I haven't felt much of a positive change whatsoever, unfortunately. The one side effect I've been getting is extreme migraines. I suffer from chronic migraines anyway, but they're never usually this bad every day. I'm not sure if it's because I'm still coming off of the Zoloft while starting up the Wellbutrin. Zoloft gave me awful headaches and major weight gain along with some insomnia. I'm sticking it out and hoping that the migraines go away. I have been nauseous daily also."

• 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."

• 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."