Bupropion and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Sar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 20, 2024

Bupropion "Female, 27, 150 mg XL for overeating disorder, ADHD, depression, and anxiety. After 10 days, insomnia improved by switching to taking it at night right as I'm falling asleep. It increased focus, energy, and contentment while reducing hunger. Initial agitation subsided quickly. Previous meds like Adderall, Vyvanse, and SSRIs had unwanted side effects, but Wellbutrin combines the best of both, allowing creativity and emotional connection. It's improved disordered eating, social interactions, and focus on work and creativity. Lost 3 lbs, feel more accountable, and have a better schedule. Glad I gave it a chance after being hesitant due to online reviews. It's nice to have my life back and feel like myself. I will update if anything changes, but for now I'm so grateful for this medicine."

• fis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 7, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "I have been a heavy smoker for 46 years. I honestly never thought about quitting because I never believed I could. I have been taking a dose of 150 mg bupropion for 14 days. On day 7, I tried taking 2 and it was so scary. Dry mouth was so bad that my lips were cracking, I couldn't swallow, my eyes and nose were so dry, I experienced insomnia, and total panic. I immediately went back to 1 pill a day as I saw many people stating they could not take 2. After 46 years, I don't care if it takes 3 or 6 months to quit smoking. With my severe anxiety disorder, I have to only take one. I have started keeping track of how many I smoke and have gone from 2+ packs a day to 12-17 a day. I am praying this works because I know quitting is best for my health. Thank you all for your reviews. It has certainly helped me to feel more positive even if it takes longer than usual :)"

• Sam...
• January 17, 2017

For Anxiety "Just finished my first week on the generic form of Wellbutrin (bupropion 150 XL) and have to say the first few days were tough: dizziness, anxiety, and muscle pains. But now those symptoms have mostly gone away. I do feel amazingly clear-headed and have lots of energy. My appetite is gone so I hope to lose about 20 lbs if possible. I don't feel the need to drink at all (used to love my wine every night!) The strange part is most people talk about insomnia and vivid dreams. I suffered from those before I started this medication! And now, I sleep a full 7 hours, have no trouble falling asleep, and don't remember any dreams when I wake up! I really like this stuff!"

• Jan...
• March 7, 2020

Bupropion for Depression "DO NOT TAKE THIS IF YOUR PRIMARY ISSUE IS ANXIETY. I got on this medication because I was having trouble with anxiety and insomnia. My NP wanted to start me on Wellbutrin 150mg XL and I kept reiterating to her that I have no depression whatsoever, I’m just anxious, but she said it would help. Within 2 weeks, I was so nauseated, in a complete brain fog, my anxiety got so much worse, my heart would race, I was having panic attacks daily, couldn’t sleep, my mind was racing non-stop, and although I’ve never felt as if I had issues with depression, I was so depressed on this medication! I went from being very high-functioning with mild to moderate anxiety to completely useless on this medication. I called into work multiple times (which I had never done before - I’m a nurse). I couldn’t focus, was so disoriented, and felt like I was just floating. I stopped and feel much better after a few days and I got on a PRN benzo for anxiety."

• Hon...
• July 7, 2021

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I am on day 3 of taking 150 mg Wellbutrin XL, extended release. I was previously taking 10 mg Lexapro for 4 years. I found myself constantly fatigued, absolutely no libido, and gaining weight. I'm a 44-year-old, 145 lb female. Day one I noticed immediate effects such as calmness, and I wasn't as sad. Keep in mind, I took a month off from no meds at all. I wanted to give my body time to adjust without having the Lexapro in my system. Day 2 and 3, I noticed my appetite was suppressed. I wasn't as hungry as before. I have also been experiencing a slight headache. I am also dealing with insomnia. I think I got maybe 1 hour of sleep the first night, second night, slept better but did wake up and had a hard time falling back to sleep. I will keep you updated and good luck to anyone taking this medication! I have read horror stories of mixing this with alcohol. I haven't tried it and am almost scared to have a glass of wine...I'm not a big drinker but am scared to have at least 1 or 2 glasses of wine."

• Blu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 3, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked from 17 years to 31 years old (a pack and a half every day). I would smoke habitually - waking up, after eating, after sex, using the bathroom, and whenever I was stressed, bored, or mad - basically all the time. Somehow, though, after taking Wellbutrin for three weeks and two days, I just told myself I would smoke when I actually wanted one and not when I would normally smoke, and I only smoked 3 cigarettes that day. The next day, I didn't smoke any and haven't smoked any ever since. The only thing that I experienced that may be tied to withdrawal is slight insomnia the first couple of days, meaning I would fall asleep but after 3 or 4 hours, I would start waking up every hour, and it was hard to get back to sleep, but that only lasted 3 or 4 days. It's been 3 months and 2 days since I quit, and I'm around people who smoke cigarettes 24/7, and it doesn't bother me nor make me want one."

• Mik...
• January 22, 2020

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "Stopped taking Suboxone for opiate addiction and Wellbutrin saved my life. Only thing I use that I should’ve looked into years ago for my depression, anxiety, and slight ADHD! Highly recommend it to opiate users coming off blockers or meds. Side effects: insomnia for the first week, and dry mouth. Otherwise, I’m a big placebo guy but I noticed an instant change in mood (for the better)!"

• Anonymous
• July 23, 2008

Bupropion for Depression "I have been taking Wellbutrin for almost a month now and I have already noticed a change. I used to be this really upbeat, happy, positive person, and all of a sudden, I was tired all the time, couldn't sleep, was really sad all the time, agitated really easily, and also got snippy with people at the drop of a hat. My mom was the one who said I needed to go see the doctor and find out what was going on with me. I've tried other antidepressants, this is the only one that works for me."

• AxI...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 8, 2015

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "Getting started on this medicine can be tricky. It comes in doses from 75mg immediate release up to 300mg extended release. Due to the stimulant effect it has, you may need to ease into it! Everybody is different. I had to ease into it. For major depressive disorder, it has worked great. I lost weight, my sex drive is through the roof (I'm 54 and feel like a teenager in that respect). I have lots of energy, sometimes too much. It doesn't help with my anxiety, I still need Klonopin now and then. It also gives me insomnia, again, the Klonopin helps there. And as others have said, it doesn't 'build up' in your system so you don't get the withdrawal SSRIs/SNRIs."

• JoZ...
• January 18, 2013

Bupropion for Smoking Cessation "I've been smoke-free for one and a half months and I largely credit Zyban for this. I am 40 years old, 15 a day smoker for 25 years. I have tried to stop smoking a few times over the past decade, but I end up very agitated and depressed, so resorted to cigarettes again. Previously, I have tried patches, lozenges as well as Champix, which worked for the duration I was on it, but gave me terrible nausea. This time has been quite easy, I credit Zyban for this. The first few days of taking Zyban were pretty tough mentally the first week; I felt spaced out, trippy, and also suffered a bit of insomnia, slightly blurred vision when reading, and teeth grinding. However, these all dissipated, the only effect I have now is minor dry mouth."

• You...
• February 19, 2014

Bupropion for Depression "I started 150mg of Wellbutrin XL in Jul 2013 due to feeling very unmotivated, depressed, tired, and hopeless. After a few days, I felt good, and by the second week, I felt better than I had in several years. I increased the dose to 300mg in Oct because I was starting to feel down again. It helped a lot but by Jan I was very irritable, angry, and bitter, so I lowered the dose to 150mg and restarted 40mg of Prozac, and the anger subsided. To address some side effects: inability to fall asleep (went away after 2-3 weeks), increased libido (awesome), pretty much the same appetite (no weight loss or gain), vivid dreams (sometimes disturbing), more emotional (but not crazy or extreme), constipation (moderate to severe), sensitivity to caffeine (must avoid)."

• Mah...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 30, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "I give this a 10 for this miracle drug. For about 10 years, I was under treatment for bipolar depression, seasonal affective disorder, and general & social anxiety. I tried different drugs (SSRI drugs made me hypo-manic) until one day my doctor added 150 mg of bupropion to Depakene and quetiapine, and suddenly everything changed. At first, I had dehydration, restless sleep, and a bad headache for about one month, but day by day, the side effects went away, and my energy boosted, my anxiety disappeared. I enjoy being socially active, and my winter blues are gone. Depakene's numbness has disappeared. I tried 300 mg after 6 months, but it gave me heart palpitations. Now, after one year, I'm stable and happy at 150 mg, and I really, really, really suggest this drug to give it a try. Finally, I want to thank the inventor of this medicine."

• Big...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2024

Bupropion for Depression "Wellbutrin was a long shot for me. I was convinced that maybe SSRIs were not for me, so maybe I had to try an SNRI. Did some more research and landed on Wellbutrin. Showed up for a doctor's appointment soon after and brought up reasons why I wanted to try this drug. I was prescribed. I am writing this about 3 weeks into my journey. What. A. Game. Changer. My mood has lifted; my motivation has shot up; my libido has improved immensely. My interest in hobbies-things I haven't turned to in a long time, literally years-have returned. Music sounds better to me. Food tastes better. Even the sun feels different on my skin. I'm much more social/friendlier. More productive. Cons: the insomnia. Yes. It's been a bit of a struggle, but honestly? It's worth it... If SSRIs haven't worked for you in the past (like me), speak to your physician about Wellbutrin :)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 4, 2017

Bupropion for Depression "Started Wellbutrin XL at 150 mg once a day to treat depression and anxiety, although was more concerned about depression. The first week I was on it, I was absolutely miserable. I did not sleep or eat at all, and was crying constantly, and I think it definitely worsened my depression. However, I called my doctor and had my dose lowered to 75 mg and not extended release, and I immediately felt better. I have been on that dosage for about 6 months now, and I feel amazing. I am able to control my emotions so much better, and I rarely have meltdowns (I used to have a complete meltdown anytime anything negative happened to me). I definitely plan on staying on Wellbutrin. Would just recommend you make sure you are on the right dose."

• HiT...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 20, 2018

Bupropion for Depression "Wellbutrin was a lifesaver for me. Without exaggeration, it completely changed my life. Before, my depression made me so fatigued, unfocused, and unmotivated that I progressed in life at the rate of a sloth. SSRIs never managed to fix those issues. Finally got on Wellbutrin, and oh my goodness, I can't recommend it enough. Very mild side effects (ringing in ears occasionally, a few hours less sleep the first week or two, sweating) compared to the benefits. Most side effects went away around the 2-week mark. Stopped drinking every day, stopped smoking a pack a day, lost weight, motivated, and focused. Thank goodness for Wellbutrin!"

• rfs...
• December 19, 2014

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "Well, I've been on this medication for three days now. I can tell today that my mood has gone up, like way up. I do notice it's hard to sleep or stay asleep. I maybe have gotten 5 hours each night since I've started. But I feel alive and ambitious."

• kgi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 28, 2019

For Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced "Been taking this for about 2 months after being on Prozac, Lamictal, Zoloft for the last 8 or so years. I had sexual side effects that ended up causing me to discontinue use. I’d say that Wellbutrin has made my libido higher than its baseline. It gives me a little energy and motivation but is in no way like a traditional stimulant. I find it less effective on depression and anxiety than the SSRIs, but I still prefer it due to the lack of sexual side effects and the motivation boost. I notice myself being more irritable and almost like I’m just looking for things to anger me during driving, work, and social interactions, etc. I’m not sure if the anger is more a placebo effect as I knew it was a common side effect before I started. I wouldn't say it affects my sleep one way or another. I like Wellbutrin but if I got into a dark place with depression and anxiety, I would add back in some Prozac. I wish there were more options for depression medication that don't have sexual side effects."

• eli...
• June 3, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "Shortly after my 20th birthday, I developed what I later found out was major depression. After starting counseling, I reluctantly started taking Wellbutrin, and within a few days, I was a noticeably different person than I had been the past 6 months. I began to act like my old self again, gaining confidence, and for the most part, being free from all of my depression episodes that had occurred daily. The biggest side effects that I experienced were weight loss/loss of appetite and trouble falling asleep at night, but after about two weeks, those both went away. I've now been taking 300mg daily for about six weeks and feel great! I'd encourage you to give this medication a try because it can potentially really change your life."

• Kiw...
• January 30, 2013

Bupropion for Depression "I started taking it on 24th January 2013. I weighed 414 lbs. It's now 30th January, and I weighed in at 405 lbs. Total pounds lost in 7 days is 9 lbs. It curbs the hunger, and I don't crave food. I am drinking lots of water, and I have 2 cups of green vegetables a day. Side effects so far have been insomnia, however, my doctor prescribed sleeping pills, which I take 1 at night, and I sleep right through. I will keep you all posted on weight loss."

• qlw...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 13, 2014

Bupropion for Depression "Wonderful for me! I have increased energy, able to work and generally FEEL better. Downside-occasional insomnia. Drink lots of water, you will feel very thirsty. I highly recommend this antidepressant."

• sam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 19, 2024

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "Depression or MDD, whatever I had, almost took my life away. Whatever positive reviews you've seen, I experienced all or most of them. At first, I did have insomnia, trembling hands, low appetite, but didn't have anxiety. Additionally, I felt like my heart chakra opened. All my life, I've been scared of cold water, but now I feel like the warmth inside me is sufficient for me to not bother about the cold hitting my body, haha. But the best part for me was it worked within 2 hours of taking that first dose. If it had taken more than a day to start working, I wouldn't have survived. This medicine has fixed probably 95% of all the problems I had in my life, whether it was self-esteem issues or an inability to focus, or even executive dysfunction, etc. everything was fixed. It fixed an addiction of more than 10 years in one shot as well. I cannot say enough for this medicine. I want to see what else it will do wonders for in the future. I hope you take this medicine if you need it, and I hope it works."

• Anonymous
• April 17, 2015

Bupropion for Smoking Cessation "Absolutely miracle med for smoking cessation! I smoked for 15 years (anywhere from 2-4 packs/day). Had the attitude, 'if I quit, I quit, if I don't, I don't'. Within 10 days, I stopped. I did experience a few side effects that were no big deal (insomnia, funny taste in mouth). I didn't have a 'stop-date', just one day I lit a cigarette, took about three drags, then put it out. That was 14 years ago. Took me about 5 years to say I quit - I always said, 'I haven't had a cigarette in a while'. I still have my half carton as my trophy ,-)"

• jtt...
• November 18, 2014

Bupropion for Depression "I've been on Wellbutrin (my first antidepressant/anxiety med) 150mg once a day for about 7 weeks. It's good for those who emotionally eat. I've already lost 15 lbs because I don't have that feeling of hopelessness & it gives me no appetite. I have to force myself to eat for nutritional reasons. On the downside, my insomnia is out of control & affecting many parts of my life. I also have experienced several itching fits after about a month & needed Benadryl to get some relief. Otherwise, I would give it a 10."

• ril...
• July 27, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "I'm not usually one to publicly review medications, but I really feel the need to with this one. I have been clinically depressed for about 6 years. I have tried Celexa, Lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac, and Effexor. Trial and error is really a bummer when you want to get well and you have little to no relief. I am now on a mix of 300 mg of Wellbutrin SR and 100 mg of Zoloft and love it! The first week or two I experienced some nausea (the traditional side effect) that had me down for the count for a few days, but I stuck with it. My only complaint after about 4 months of use is the insomnia, but that's nothing melatonin can't fix. So, if you've tried every SSRI/SNRI under the sun, I totally recommend trying Wellbutrin."

• Zap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 31, 2013

Bupropion for Depression "I just was put back onto Wellbutrin after attempting 3 other antidepressants. It was only after being off it that I realized how good it worked for me. I was taken off of it because it caused me to have some issues with irritability and, according to my family, short-tempered. I was put on Cymbalta, but I enjoy a drink or 2 a day with my wife (Cymbalta and alcohol will damage your liver, well-documented). Zoloft made me feel completely despondent, and I felt life was no longer worth living, not to mention made me not even remotely think of sex. When I was put back on Wellbutrin, I felt like life was worth living, and I feel happier and euphoric. Now I take Lamictal with Wellbutrin 150 mg in the morning. Avoid the XR, causes insomnia."