Bupropion and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 5)

• gue...
• January 22, 2014

Bupropion for Depression "5th day on Bupropion XL 150. I am supposed to take this once a week and then double the dose. Right now, I am feeling I should not double up as I don't like the side effects. First few days, I felt like my heart was racing a little, jittery, clenching my teeth, trouble falling asleep. Am I still as depressed? No. Am I laying in bed and not getting my work done? No. I wouldn't say I am motivated, but I am getting done what needs to be done. Lost weight. No real appetite, but at night I get hungry. My MAIN concern is I feel anxious and self-conscious. I am in school and I have a job where I need to work with superiors and be able to listen and perform. I feel like I am just going through the motions; an out-of-body experience. Will this end soon?"

• cis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 14, 2017

Bupropion for Depression "I switched to Wellbutrin after a year of Zoloft, mostly due to weight gain (I'd gained about 20 lbs. in a year). I started taking Wellbutrin 2x a day with a plan to eventually increase to extended release, but the meds kept me up all night. I got maybe 4 hours of sleep a night, even with Zzzquil. My sleep was extremely restless, and I woke up about every hour. I called my doctor and asked if I could switch to the extended release version, but she said it would probably be the same situation. I did like how the meds made me feel. Very little depression, and I felt super energized and productive. Honestly, I was almost too wired; I was very jittery and almost a bit manic."

• fee...
• November 10, 2013

Bupropion for Depression "I just started Wellbutrin. I have a two-month-old and a 3-year-old. Out of nowhere, I started to feel scared all the time, confused and can't concentrate at all, and then I would have panic attacks and thoughts of death, not kill myself, just the thought of dying. I've been taking it for a week and a half. The first day, I felt high, and it scared me, and I have trouble sleeping, but keep in mind a two-month-old too. But I can say the panic attacks have stopped. I'm not scared anymore, this is working for already. They say it takes a month to really get it to work, and it's already helping. I'm looking forward to seeing how much this medication can help me. I'll keep everyone updated. #Feeling hopeful"

• lil...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 5, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "I've been on generic Wellbutrin XL 300 for 12 years. I was trying to quit smoking, and this was recommended as it was also being marketed as Zyban at the time. For me, it helped with cravings and depression, and I've never picked up another cigarette. There are 2 things that bother me. I cannot sleep without also taking Trazodone. I just drift in and out of a light sleep otherwise. The other thing that may or may not be related to WB is that I have chronic constipation. I say may or may not because I'm scared to get off of WB to see if that's what's causing it. Different drugs work differently on different people, of course, but, like another person suggested, it also kept me from gaining weight until menopause. Hope this helps."

• Hop...
• October 5, 2016

For Anxiety "I've been taking bupropion XL 150 mg daily for 5 days now for anxiety. I have noticed an increase in energy. I also don't binge eat as much. I'm a stay-at-home mom, so I was always back and forth to the kitchen. No anxiety issues yet. I also take 0.50 mg of Xanax at night to help me sleep. I've been battling sleep problems for a while, so it helps."

• Anonymous
• April 6, 2012

Bupropion for Smoking Cessation "Zyban is a very strange feeling. I have been on it for three days, and my urges are way down. I still fight triggers like coffee and post-eating, but even when I tried to smoke, it tasted very strange and made me feel a little dizzy. We'll see how the next couple of weeks go, but I'm excited to quit! The only drawback is it is really hard to fall asleep."

• Ear...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 5, 2023

Bupropion for Depression "I have been on this med for about 2 months. My doctor has upped the dosage to two 100 mg a day. I feel terrible. I feel like I want to slap people, have a smart mouth, am snippy, crying, not sleeping, and very tired all day. Still depressed."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 9, 2013

Bupropion for Depression "I have struggled with depression for most of my life. After a particularly bad few months, I decided it was best to talk to my doctor about medication. One of my biggest issues was concentration, which is why I was put on Wellbutrin XL. It didn't do much for my inability to concentrate, but it did wonders for my energy levels and general mood. I did experience side effects, my hands would shake, my stomach would get bloated and gassy, I had more trouble falling asleep, sometimes had ringing in my ears, but most of these either disappeared completely after about a month and the others are very diminished. The only reason I didn't give it a 10 is because I ended up having to pair it with another antidepressant."

• 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."

• All...
• July 18, 2019

For Depression "OMGoodness! The first two weeks were tough. I had anxiety to the max and trouble sleeping, dark thoughts, etc. But one night I was home, and suddenly I was just okay, then, one hour later, I was great. That's been three weeks since that night, and I'm still very great. Libido is there more than ever, and a feeling of control of my emotions is now inside me that I haven't felt since a long time ago. Hope it's going to last!..."

• KAR...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 13, 2023

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "Been on Wellbutrin XL 450 mg (300 mg am, 150 mg pm) for years, and it seems to work better than all the others I’ve tried. It’s not a miracle drug by any means. Every day, I tell myself, “Get up, get going.” Depression is a horrible disease, but it’s also a teacher, and it has taught me that I have a lot of strength and courage. Never ignore depression or underestimate it because, unless I am vigilant, it will run me down. I think this drug affects my sleep, but I have always had insomnia, so at least I am less depressed. It has not caused weight gain, but I have not lost weight on it. Other antidepressants caused so much weight gain that I couldn’t tolerate the extra 20-plus and more pounds. My weight shot up to 162 lbs, and that was unacceptable. I am 5’4”. Try Wellbutrin. It helps me stay motivated, and I can do my artwork, keep my house reasonably clean, stay sexually active, and have emotions."

• AJT...
• October 14, 2020

For Depression "I am just so thankful for this medication, bupropion. I find myself recommending it to friends quite a bit! I've been taking it for just 8 weeks, but my life has improved dramatically already. Prior to starting this med, I spent almost 4 years 'self-medicating' my depression/ADHD symptoms with prescription stimulants. Eventually, my use of Adderall, etc., turned into abuse, and my life started to fall apart amid several other major stressors. I was miserable and spiraling into a deep pit of despair! This med has been huge in helping me climb out. By week 2, the world seemed significantly brighter and inviting; overall, my thoughts have become more rational/positive/lucid. I find it mildly stimulating-definitely increases drive/motivation. Cons for me: it often causes me pretty bad insomnia if I take it after 3 p.m. It does nothing to alleviate my anxiety issues; if anything, it has made these a bit worse, so I may need a second med with it. I had some mood swings during week 1."

• kit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 20, 2023

Bupropion for Depression "I started taking Wellbutrin because I am in a fast-paced nursing program. At first, I thought it was working well. It hit me within 30 minutes of taking it. I took it for 3 weeks, and things got worse, I felt so anxious I would cry, and I couldn’t go out because I was panicking so badly. I started to get really bad insomnia and really bad thoughts every second of every day. I stopped taking it, and I am better most days now. Everyone is different, and some things work for some, and for others, it does not."

• Kit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2021

Bupropion for Depression "I have struggled for years with depression, executive function, and low energy. I would stay in my home when not at work because I just didn’t have the willpower to do anything. I suffer from C-PTSD, and my memory and cognition suffered to the point I’ve almost lost my job. After my second write-up, I decided to get some help and started 150 mg of Wellbutrin. This medication had an almost immediate effect, and within a week, people in my life noticed I was becoming myself again. I still had some issues, so after 2 months, I’m now taking 300 mg. I now have more energy and have been doing everything I put off for years. I feel so much more confident about myself and my abilities. My social anxiety is way lower now that I’m not stumbling to remember words, my high-stress job has gotten much easier. I do have issues with sleep, so I try to take it first thing in the morning, but besides that, I can’t imagine going back."

• Sad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 4, 2017

For Persistent Depressive Disorder "I have been taking this medication for about 2 weeks now. I was diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder (P.P.D.) and have been working with a psychologist along with my PC to get it under control. I have felt sad almost my entire life. So far, with this, I have more energy, and I'm not as 'snippy' or short with people. The downside thus far has been the lack of sleep. I wake up at 2 or 3 and just cannot get back to sleep. I have always been a great sleeper, 8 hours, no issues. But these last few weeks, it's been more like 4-5, if I'm lucky, I get 6. Another side effect I'm noticing is how dry my mouth is, it's terrible. But that is a small price to pay for not feeling like I just want everyone to go away (I still want that, but it's a lot less noticeable :P)!"

• Anonymous
• June 30, 2011

Bupropion for Depression "I started Wellbutrin (150 mg) two months ago. So far, it's been very effective. The only negative side effects I've noticed have been mild heart palpitations, some pretty severe weight loss (15 lbs in two weeks, most of it muscle mass), insomnia, and a slight dip in my concentration levels. I can't eat certain foods anymore (like sugars and fried foods) without experiencing heart tremors and occasionally chest tightness (like a mild heart attack), but this has mostly gone away since I've started exercising again. On the other hand, I've stopped compulsively wanting to kill myself, my mind is a lot quieter, and I have stable energy throughout the day. I feel almost normal sometimes these days, and it's definitely a strange sensation."

• Kei...
• February 21, 2020

For Depression "I don’t even know how to feel about this medication. I’m only on day 3, and I’m shaking uncontrollably, having trouble sleeping, and losing my appetite. I’m also getting MAJOR panic attacks. My anxiety was under control before I took this, and now I’m worrying all the time. I don’t know if I should continue it or not. If I stop it, my depression will get worse. But if I keep taking it, my anxiety will get worse."

• Gra...
• August 29, 2016

For Anxiety "I started bupropion 150 once a day 2 months ago, after suffering increasing issues with anxiety and inability to think rationally. I found myself unable to cope with normal day-to-day issues. This medication has helped, but be careful. As many others have indicated, it's tough adjusting to it - for me, it's insomnia and irrational thoughts. And even though I 'feel' better, my anxiety has not dissipated, just have fewer episodes. However, be aware... as I did crash hard a few weeks back, and it was worse than ever. I came through but left me little worried, as I went to a very dark place. I feel great now, so maybe it's just finally kicking in? This battle with anxiety has opened my eyes, and I'm scared of what the future holds for me."

• Tam...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 14, 2019

Bupropion for Depression "I took Wellbutrin years ago with success. I went off in 2015 to see if I could manage without. I was okay but still highly sensitive to stress from my PTSD. I returned to it in 2018 after a severe depression with suicidal thoughts returning. I attempted the 24 hr. 300 mg tab, but it caused insomnia. After 1 week of 3-4 hrs sleep, I had to return to the twice a day dosing of 150 mg at 6 am & 1 pm. It helps me a lot, but lately I have been experiencing worsening brain fog, spaciness, and inability to concentrate. I've decided to return to study for my Master's, so these symptoms are not conducive to success when studying. I will talk with my Doc. Perhaps I can lower the dose for a bit. Regardless, I'm thankful it has helped pull me from the depths a few times!"

• JSa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 13, 2020

Bupropion "I was prescribed Wellbutrin 300 mg while receiving treatment in a psychiatric hospital. At the time, I was on 3 other psychotropic medications. I didn’t notice any changes for about 8 days. From there, I developed treatment-resistant insomnia unrelated to bipolar. I was prescribed around 10 different medications for sleep, none of which were effective. Because of the length of time after being prescribed Wellbutrin and having used it in the past without issue, we weren’t able to identify the cause of my insomnia. Before seeing a neurologist, I decided to taper off as a last effort, as that was the only change within the past several months. It worked, and after 1 1/2 months, I can sleep for more than 2 hrs a night! I would say Wellbutrin is effective for many, but not only did it cause insomnia, but also weight gain, unlike a lot of other reviews I’ve read."

• Pin...
• November 19, 2014

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and have also suffered the loss of my family. I had 5 major surgeries in one year and have attempted suicide several times. I've been on a variety of meds and have watched my weight balloon from 140 to 240 lbs because of these medicines. Am I better because of Wellbutrin? Maybe at first, and it is easier to move my life along. Side effects: itching that drives me nuts, no sex drive, I've only been able to drop 40 lbs, can't sleep, agitated really easily over stupid stuff, crying at the smallest thing. Yes, I still have days I don't want to get out of bed, but after a while, I finally do. No suicide thoughts right now, which is good."

• ver...
• November 7, 2009

Bupropion for Depression "I have been taking this medicine for over a week, and I do feel much more motivated and an overall sense of well-being. Side effects I have come across are dry mouth, or being thirsty - which helps to prevent any headaches. Early on, there was difficulty sleeping, but that comes and goes. I feel a little disoriented when I do wake up. Bowel movements actually improved. I don't recommend drinking while taking this. This was my first antidepressant, and I am very happy with the results so far!"

• HBa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 4, 2018

For Anxiety "From what I’ve been told and read, this medication is not for anxiety. You need an add-on for that. I am on Buspar for anxiety and bupropion for depression. I went off of Prozac because of weight gain and sexual dysfunction. Bupropion changed dramatically for me when Buspar was added. Sex has never been better (libido went back up). For some strange reason, it also helped the pain I had with sex occasionally from endometriosis. My anxiety is now much better. I take 15 mg of Buspar three times daily and 300 mg XL bupropion. The only issue is lack of sleep, but I was like that before."

• Ist...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 22, 2022

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "Was taking this for only 2 weeks due to intolerable side effects: high blood pressure that was causing nosebleeding, fast heart rate, insomnia, easily angered, crying spells, and it didn't really make me feel any better."

• Rob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "My main depression symptoms were fatigue, lethargy, and memory problems, among others. And Wellbutrin was a life changer for me. It really helps me. I also experienced some side effects. First were mild, short headaches. I learned that sufficient hydration solves these. Next was severe insomnia. When taking only Wellbutrin, I can get 5 to a maximum of 6 hours of sleep per night. I have tried some calming supplements, and they helped. Last side effect is systemic joint discomfort and pain. I'm trying to help this with turmeric now. I also had a negative experience with the Wellbutrin interaction with passion flower (Passiflora incarnata). I was trying to help my insomnia with passion flower extract and became depressive again as I was before the Wellbutrin."