Bupropion and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Bax...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 9, 2013

For ADHD "Bupropion has been an excellent medicine for my ADHD. In my case, it also addresses depression well. It is important that I take a second daily dose around 2 pm or I can have sleep problems. It's not a panacea, but it's a big step in the right direction."

• Ilz...
• January 28, 2016

For ADHD "I am 43 years old and was diagnosed with ADD at age 24. I have taken a variety of drugs to treat the ADD, but with no success. Started taking Wellbutrin 300mg 5 years ago and will take it until the day I die. Life-changing. More focused, clear-headed, juggling fewer thoughts simultaneously, less stressed, no more mood swings, feel I have more control over my life, etc. When I started taking it, I had terrible side effects, insomnia being the worst. But I stuck it out and only at 6 weeks felt the difference. Will highly recommend for ADD!"

• Rod...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 21, 2020

For Anxiety "Changed from sertraline to Wellbutrin, sertraline shut my libido down (can't believe she still loves me) and took me a while to figure that out (thanks, Doc!). After a few months on Wellbutrin, I have many of the same symptoms that I read here: insomnia is brutal, wake up at 4 a.m. to the sound of a neighbor's car starting, and I am up for good. Mood swings, anxiety worse than before... I can go on, blurry vision for sure... short-tempered... none of which I had before WB. When I told my doc I wanted to stop, she upped me to 300 mg daily! I took her advice, but I have had enough, this is crazy! It didn't work for me. With all these symptoms, I forgot why I was even taking it. My original long-standing issue was anxiety and OCD. I feel like I have spent most of my life trying to diagnose and find something to help me."

• 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."

• pen...
• August 24, 2013

Bupropion for Depression "Saying goodbye to Wellbutrin. Sadly, I have to come off this medicine after 2 years. It worked well for me, my weight went down, and my sex drive went up. However, insomnia got the best of me. I could never get more than 4 hours of sleep a night and 6 with an Ambien. The lack of sleep is taking a toll on me sadly. I recommend this medicine and hope you don't have the sleep issues that I did."

• 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."

• Joh...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 14, 2013

Bupropion for Depression "I had tried four or five different SSRIs over 10 years and they didn't work for me. Also, I was put on Serzone some years ago by my GP and that medication just wasn't for me - it was finally taken off the market due to its horrible side effects. Finally, my doctor prescribed Wellbutrin SR and it worked wonders for me. I had only one side effect, which was waking up at night. I'll take that over depression any day."

• Bar...
• March 7, 2017

Bupropion for Smoking Cessation "I smoked for 35 years. Pack a day. I never thought I could quit. I joined a smoking cessation workshop run by a doctor and social worker from the HMO I belong to. They offered an 8-week workshop and 6-month prescription of Zyban at 20% of the over-the-counter cost for the drug. The first week of taking Zyban was accompanied by some side effects which I hated (waking up early, nervous). I spoke to the workshop leaders and said I felt like quitting the drug due to the side effects. They told me to 'hang on a few more days' and the side effects would disappear. They were 100% correct! I am so happy! I took Zyban for 5 months and then weaned off of it. I never have the urge for cigarettes."

• 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."

• 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."

• 3...
• March 31, 2016

Bupropion for Smoking Cessation "In my 3rd week of taking Zyban. I smoked as usual for the 1st 2 weeks, 1 pack a day. Slowly, I started smoking less frequently, and only half a cigarette at a time. I am now not smoking at all, and more importantly, I don't even think about smoking. I have trouble falling asleep at night, but so far, that's the only side effect I am experiencing. I am finally on the road to being a non-smoker for the 1st time in 24 years."

• ctr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 4, 2020

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "After 1 week of taking Wellbutrin, I developed severe intrusive tinnitus. I have been off the drug for almost a year, and it has not faded at all. While obviously this side effect doesn't happen to everyone who takes Wellbutrin, it is frighteningly common. All of the doctors I've seen since then (psychs, ENTs, etc.) weren't surprised at all when I told them my tinnitus was from Wellbutrin. It has absolutely destroyed what was left of my life. I already had depression, anxiety, and insomnia, now all of these are 100x worse, plus suicidal thoughts. Again, I don't want to say 'don't take this drug' because all drugs have side effects, and I was one of the unlucky ones. But I would highly suggest something else as I would not wish this on my worst enemy."

• PRP...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2014

For ADHD "I started taking 150 mg XL 2 weeks ago. (generic bupropion XL) Initial side effects were rapid heartbeat in the evenings on occasion and insomnia. (I take 0.5 mg Xanax to sleep 1 pill each night) Still eating like normal but more conscious of healthy weight goals. Little anxious driving and a little more self-conscious, but I feel better emotionally and am able to focus better. Not so harsh with my 12-year-old or coworkers. Able to step back for a few seconds and assess instead of reacting. So far the positives for me outweigh the side effects. Hopefully will get better in a couple of weeks. I believe the pharmacy report stated 4-6 weeks for full effect."

• bea...
• May 5, 2017

Bupropion for Depression "I wanted to put up my experience with Wellbutrin because some people may have the same issues that I had with the drug. In the onset of taking Wellbutrin, I had, each time, slight to severe anxiety and almost worsening of symptoms in proportion to how hefty of a dosage I started off with. Long story short, I'm never getting off of it again. BUT if someone is trying to get on Wellbutrin and is having awful anxiety and no sleep or appetite like I did, you might ask your doctor if you can take a small dosage and taper up. I literally started with 18.5 mg and I still had a few symptoms from that, but I could also feel improvement at the same time. I increased by 18.5 mg more every 3-7 days. I'm now on 300 mg and knock on wood, my life is back."

• Pen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 14, 2017

Bupropion for Smoking Cessation "Today, Feb. 14, 2017, marks 19 years of being a non-smoker, and I owe it all to Zyban. I had a few sleepless nights the first week or so, but the craving to smoke went away. I was amazed. I smoked for 32 years, and I loved them. I lit up as soon as I got out of bed. The only time I was without a cigarette was sleeping or taking a shower! At the end, I smoked 3 packs a day and heard my chest rattle. I've always been on the lean side, but I was worried about gaining weight if I quit. I did gain a few pounds but got a handle on that. Zyban was the best thing I ever did for myself! Many thanks to my wonderful retired doctor who prescribed Zyban."

• Mon...
• October 25, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "Age 48 and have struggled with depression for years. I have no other mental health disorder and had no luck with antidepressants. Prozac increased suicidal ideation, and with Zoloft I felt occasional 'zapping' in my brain (I have no other way to describe it, but it's happened to others). Finally decided to try Wellbutrin 150 mg once daily. I'm mad at myself for not trying it sooner! Now, depressive episodes are very infrequent and last less than 30 minutes. The low is very manageable, however, at times when I should be sad, it's like I can't be. I also have tons of energy when in the past I'd struggle to get out of bed. Unfortunately, I haven't had any weight loss. The downside is that I am experiencing some insomnia, but I'd rather that than the alternative."

• Big...
• September 15, 2011

Bupropion for Depression "2 and 1/2 months on Wellbutrin. Quality of life improved significantly. I am more emotionally resilient, have an increase in daily energy, and I feel more motivated to do the things that were languishing on the back burner before. I have been on other ADs, and this one is different, it didn't numb me, it lifted me up. The range of emotions is still there, but the difference is I can come back from sadness without being a total mess. It hasn't made me a better person, it's just made life less of an uphill battle. I've lost 20 of the 30 lbs I needed to lose so far too. Cons: lengthy start-up phase (7 weeks for me) requires lots of patience, plus I couldn't sleep properly on Wellbutrin without my trazodone at night."

• Anonymous
• March 8, 2010

Bupropion for Depression "After struggling with motivation and depression through my teens, I was diagnosed at 17 with a chemical imbalance. Then, during my 20s, I tried Prozac (did nothing), Zoloft (made me extremely fatigued), and Effexor (barely helped), and nothing really did the trick for me. I eventually succumbed and just stayed depressed, tired, and irritable. After having my 2nd child in 2008, I was diagnosed with postpartum depression. My OB put me on Wellbutrin 150 mg, twice daily. I feel like ME again. I concentrate better, am generally happy, way less irritable, and feel more in control. Oh, and TONS more energy than before. I don't plan on being off it anytime soon. I have a little trouble here and there with falling asleep/sometimes jitters - that's about it."

• Cas...
• June 8, 2013

Bupropion for Depression "Was taking 20mg of Prozac, which worked pretty good. Have taken Adderall in the past for ADD and asked my doctor about it again. He suggested I take Wellbutrin. Been on it for 2 weeks and I really noticed a difference. I actually feel great! 300mg XL. Side effects are minimal. I did feel like a zombie the first and second day. The third day I had the giggles. But, things started to even out after that. It wasn't anything terrible. It is a little bit harder to go to sleep at night, however, I've never been a good sleeper. And, dry mouth is kind of bad. Other than that, no anxiety or depression. Haven't noticed anything about my ADD yet. I'll give it a couple more weeks."

• Los...
• July 15, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "Back in February, I first started not sleeping well, and by the end of that month, major depression was in full effect. I tried numerous atypical antidepressants, only getting major side effects. I was not inclined to use an SSRI since side effects seemed to outweigh some of the positives they offer. Reluctant to give up on medication altogether, I was still not sleeping, facing a major battle with anxiety and insomnia. I decided to try Wellbutrin 150 mg XL. Let me clearly explain: the first two weeks were rough. I think I slept for about three days or so. After the third week, I started to see more positive motivation and energy to get through the day. The energy is balanced now, and the depressed thoughts and anxiety are under control. I'm just going into week four... onward."

• mal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 31, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been taking bupropion 200mg for roughly three weeks to treat bipolar depression. I have not had success with any other antidepressants. For me, Wellbutrin has been great. It has increased my energy level dramatically, as well as improved my mood. It's not a cure-all, but it's certainly helping. The side effects - I take it in the morning to avoid trouble sleeping. Increased my anxiety somewhat the first week. Higher libido. Markedly reduced appetite. I need to remind myself to eat, and I've lost 5 lbs. Others have mentioned a bad interaction with alcohol which I have not experienced. I've had up to three drinks with no problems. My overall experience has been good, this is a great medicine if it agrees with you."

• cou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 12, 2013

Bupropion for Depression "One week on 100 mg, week two on 200 mg, halfway into the third week, diarrhea, feeling hungover, only sleeping 3 to 4 hours a night, horrible anxiety like something bad is going to happen. Getting angry at just about anything. This medication isn't for me."

• Jus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 5, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "This medicine is a powerful antidepressant for me. And by the third day, I did not wake up craving a single cigarette, and also because it completely blocked the effects from nicotine in my brain. I also found that it greatly increased my energy and willpower. The downsides for me were extreme anxiety and insomnia (I had to take clonazepam to handle it because it was so difficult. But it gets easier with time). Truly life-changing for those who want to quit."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 15, 2023

Bupropion for Depression "My doctor prescribed Wellbutrin to me over a month ago, and I was scared to start it. I am on Zoloft now, and it has helped a little with my depression, but my doctor wanted me to add Wellbutrin since I asked her to take me off Adderall (which caused too much anxiety). I have only been on Wellbutrin for 2 days, and already I have completed household tasks I have been putting off for months!! Thankfully, I have zero side effects, other than some slight insomnia (but I take a sleep aid to help with sleep). I am happier, more energetic, want to get back to exercising, and am just all-around hopeful again! Please take this medication!! It does wonders! :)"