Bupropion and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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!"

• 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."

• the...
• November 14, 2013

Bupropion for Depression "I've been taking generic Bupropion XL (150mg) for three days and I can already say I feel like a new person. Before, I had no energy. Other than going to work, all I could do was lay around and feel sorry for myself. In just three days, I feel more clear-headed, energetic, and optimistic... I wish I had started it sooner! The only other medication that's worked for me in the past was Adderall, but I couldn't go on taking it due to the many unwanted side effects. Bupropion has worked wonders - little to no side effects for me, other than a slightly increased sex drive and loss of appetite (though nothing compared to Adderall in that department). I've also been having really vivid dreams, which I love, since I've never been one to remember them."

• Los...
• May 3, 2009

Bupropion for Depression "It has helped me a lot with my depression and anger problems. For the first time in 9 years, I don't wake up mad at the world with homicidal thoughts. The side effects that I experienced are dizziness when I stand up too fast and my loss of appetite (not a bad thing). I was overweight anyway. I've only been on it for 2 weeks and have lost 13 pounds, but it makes me feel so much better about myself."

• Chl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 9, 2018

Bupropion for Depression "I started on 150 mg SR for one week, then went up to 300mg. At first, I felt speedy, which I loved - lots of energy. I could clean for hours, lol, and felt really weird in public, like everyone was staring at me. After a month, I'd say it settled a bit. My depression has totally gone. I was so negative before, complained so much, and started to cry in secret. It stopped completely, and it works fast - I'd say immediately. The best thing for me was my lifelong issues with food. Overeating and sugar binges just vanished. I couldn't believe it. I lost 5 kilos quickly. My appetite came back, but I don't binge on sugar. I have to watch what I eat, but thank goodness I don't have the obsession with food anymore. I also stopped smoking after a few days, and now I can't believe I ever smoked. Overall, it's a miracle drug that is life-changing. I live in Egypt, and it's dirt cheap for 30 less than 5 dollars as it's produced locally by GlaxoSmithKline, Egypt."

• Shy...
• February 5, 2021

Bupropion for Depression "I started taking 100 mg of Wellbutrin 2 months ago. I was prescribed it for ADHD, but I also suffer from severe depression. The first four days of this drug were absolutely awful, I cried and felt an extreme hopelessness. After the second week, the sadness was fading, but I felt numb. The only positive thing is that it has decreased my irritability heavily, like I used to snap at so many small things, and now I am unbothered, but this has been replaced with sensitivity and getting emotional/crying easily. It also has helped with my sex drive. It hasn’t helped my ADHD, and I also no longer have an appetite. Two days ago, I was bumped up to 300 mg a day, and the first day taking it, I went back into the same despair I felt, but the suicidal thoughts were worse this time, though luckily my boyfriend was there. I’m not sure if this is worth taking in the long run, but I’d rather be more emotional than have the irritability come back. Wishing everyone suffering from depression lots of love :)"

• Emi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2013

Bupropion for Depression "I am only on my 3rd day with Wellbutrin SR (150mg once a day for now) but I really feel good about this medicine already! I'm brand new to antidepressants but had been on Lexapro for 2 weeks prior to getting the Wellbutrin prescription, and I really did not like the Lexapro. With it, I had been having a headache every day, tense muscles, felt emotionally numb, was tired all the time, couldn't focus, and absolutely could not reach orgasm even having sex every day (which was extremely frustrating). Since switching 3 days ago, I have had more energy, more ability to focus, I feel happier about life as a whole, and I have been really productive with school work (I'm a college student). I also have noticed that I'm not feeling as hungry. Good feels."

• 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."

• 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."

• Vic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 8, 2014

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "It's only been four days - I've been told it takes about 2 to 3 weeks for full effect. I am taking 300 mg per day. I definitely feel better, but it's subtle at this point (I wanted to go outside and be part of society). What I'm most surprised about is the lack of side effects (other than no appetite). I have not one side effect."

• Edn...
• July 22, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "I have been taking Wellbutrin XL 450mg/day for 9 years, the brand only (I have done some personal research about brands versus generics and do not believe that generics are as good, effective, or reliable as brands). This medication saved my life, so I guess that I was lucky that it suited me. Within the first year, I remember having a dry mouth, more energy, loss of appetite, and weight loss. With time, these side effects stopped. I have no side effects now, and what this medication clearly helped me with is to still feel myself and go through my emotions without falling into the hole of depression. So I feel functional, which was not the case before taking it (for example, staying in bed because of feeling a deep sadness etc...)."

• NDC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2024

Bupropion for Depression "I hesitated to take any medication for years and years, but after a series of difficult life events over the last year, I was feeling a heaviness and hopelessness that I just couldn’t shake. My eating disorder behaviors worsened, I gained lots of weight, and had no energy. After reading reviews on this site, I decided to try Wellbutrin. It’s been a month now, and I would say this medication has changed my life. I am more in control of my thoughts and am able to stay in the present. I am sleeping better, have way more energy, and feel way more in control mentally and emotionally, so the eating disorder behaviors have significantly decreased. The only side effects I have noticed are the decreased appetite and a bit more irritability. Otherwise, I am so happy I had the courage to take the plunge. It’s been great!"

• ayc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2015

For Anxiety "Just a quick note - I actually found it helpful to research the actual chemical this medication works on (norepinephrine) because the side effects make a lot more sense once you can look at the NORMAL effects of increased circulating norepinephrine (if you're at all prone to hypochondria/health anxiety like I am). I am taking it for depression, even though anxiety is my main struggle. I can honestly say it doesn't help with anxiety per se, but does turn it into a more 'focused' anxiety (i.e. feeling rather hyperactive but in a productive way as opposed to a paralyzed or hopeless way like with depression). It has also DEFINITELY decreased my binge-eating tendencies/desires, so yay for that!"

• gem...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 10, 2012

Bupropion for Depression "Wellbutrin XL has saved my life. I have been on this medication for 18 months, and my only regret is that I didn't start years earlier. I did not realize that I have been depressed for nearly 20 years, and with that came many side effects, which included a full-blown eating disorder. I was a compulsive overeater that had nothing to do with willpower. It was more like an alcoholic or drug addict. I am so happy now and love my life. Thank you, Wellbutrin XL."

• 3MS...
• September 3, 2017

For ADHD "This has been completely life changing. I suffered with Anxiety/Dysthymia/ADHD. From near constant panic and self-hatred and sadness and not seeing a future to being content, happy, balanced, bright... the ME I remember/want to be. I cried when I felt it kick in because I didn't remember how to be this calm - with ADHD I'm REALLY emotionally reactive. This took the bad feelings down SEVERAL notches to 'there, but normal/manageable.' I keep trying to summon the bad feelings I had before, like poking at a healing bruise, but I CAN'T. I tend to call my anxiety RSD (rejection sensitive dysphoria) caused by a life of being undiagnosed ADHD. I do have decreased appetite but I also take Adderall so it's probably more that. I also want to lose weight so I'm not worried about it."

• Anonymous
• May 11, 2012

Bupropion for Depression "I've been taking bupropion for 5 weeks now and I am SO thankful! Teaching high school was becoming almost impossible. Trying to deal with a room full of teenagers all day long when you are depressed and have no energy, no motivation, and can't think straight. And I'd come home too tired and achy to exercise. I didn't even know how bad it was until I started feeling normal again. Now I can think straight, I have energy, faith in myself, and no more muscle aches. And NO side effects. (Well, one little one - less appetite, so I don't bother to cook dinner for myself regularly anymore.) I just feel like me again! I am so grateful!"

• Ege...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 8, 2020

Bupropion for Depression "After reading a lot of these reviews, I have never heard of as many mixed effects! Mine, so, too. Been taking a dose of 150 mg Wellbutrin XL for depression for about 6 weeks; then increased the dose to 300 mg for 1 week. I've been on tricyclics for 30 years, and they really worked! Wellbutrin makes me feel 'unaffected', almost anesthetized. I don't want to talk, eat, or sleep. 150 mg works better for me. I have lost about 5 pounds, but my depression is no better after 6 weeks. Anxiety is also increased even though I'm on Buspar and Klonopin. Klonopin doesn't seem to work with Wellbutrin. Panic attacks have decreased. I don't understand the effects Wellbutrin has on me. I'm different but not better. I'm hoping one morning to wake up to a breakthrough!"

• 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."

• Cla...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2021

Bupropion for Depression "I’m that patient that smokes, you know what... My doctor knows. This time around, being 20 now and taking this pill again, I’m on day 4 or 5, and my appetite is absolutely gone, even when elevated. But I think I’m feeling more balanced out overall, but when I have my anxiety moments, they are very intense. Too soon to tell if I could recommend it, but it has interacted fine with Mary J the past 4-ish days:"

• Gue...
• September 23, 2013

Bupropion for Depression "I was on Lexapro, Effexor, and Cymbalta to treat my depression. All of these meds affect sexual drive and cause weight gain (20-30 pounds). I also had hair loss on Lexapro and muscle pain on Effexor. My doctor gave me Wellbutrin brand samples for 2 weeks - 150mg a day. Wow, I started to feel a difference on the second day, my mood was excellent, I had a lot of energy, and I could feel joy from little things. The only side effects were constipation and no appetite at all."

• san...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 26, 2014

Bupropion for Depression "I started taking Wellbutrin XL 150mg once a day for the first two weeks, back in November. At first, I noticed a slight change in my mood. The doctor bumped me up to 300mg once a day. I have gotten a lot better now, not depressed, angry, sad all the time. Also, before I started taking this, I was having awful anxiety attacks to the point where I'd black out and wake up vomiting. I was losing a ton of weight because I was so depressed I had no appetite. Although I haven't experienced weight gain with this medication, I still don't have much of an appetite but I have gone back to my normal weight. Drinking while taking this makes the alcohol affect you a lot quicker than usual, also causes me to black out 98% of the time."

• org...
• July 8, 2017

For Anxiety "Just started this at 300 mg a day 2 days ago and I literally feel a big and positive difference in my anxiety. I have PTSD from a violent event and have had pretty severe panic attacks for the past 3 years. I haven't been on any antidepressants before but drink wine every night to relax and sometimes feel very agoraphobic. I know it's only day 2, but I just feel lighter, whenever I think of things that normally trigger me the thought comes and then just fades away. Honestly, I've never been a big believer in medication for mental issues but am really rethinking it now. Also vivid dreams, but they were good. Decreased appetite, a little more energy. Good luck everyone!"

• Pur...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 24, 2019

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "It took a month or so, but honestly, the best medication I've ever been on. I tried over 15 different things before, and finally, Wellbutrin allows me to feel happy, and depression is much more manageable. I will say, side effect wise, I have a decrease in appetite and have lost around 12 pounds in 4 months. I am also more easily angered based on my menstrual cycle."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 12, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "I went through a very rough patch and initially started on Lexapro, mostly for anxiety. It made me have no strong feelings, good or bad. I needed that for a while, but got concerned about not caring about much of anything. That's when I weaned myself off of that. Not too long later, I realized I still had issues that needed to be dealt with. My doctor suggested trying Wellbutrin instead as it targets different chemicals in the brain. It has made a huge difference for me in dealing with persistent depression. For the first week or two, I had night sweats and very vivid nightmares along with a loss of appetite. I've been on 150mg twice daily for about a year now and it makes me feel as close to normal as I've felt in a while."

• Lal...
• June 4, 2014

Bupropion for Depression "Added this on along with my Cymbalta 60mg & Abilify 1mg. Took 150mg per day for 2 weeks until I realized I had major suicidal thoughts and ideation. Just out of nowhere. Immediately discontinued and felt better in 2-3 days. Beware of sudden mood changes please! The only good thing about this medicine is that it absolutely kills your appetite- lost 13lbs in 2 weeks. Not worth dying over though- sanity before vanity!"