Bupropion and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Jet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2013

Bupropion for Depression "This medication makes me feel weird like my brain is dehydrated, loss of appetite, constant headaches and a jittery feeling that was uncomfortable at times. Reduced smoking cravings and made smoking really gross. Had a few drinks on New Year's... bad idea, sick for days."

• Nb2...
• November 20, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "I'm suffering from depression and anxiety. It's been a week that I'm on Wellbutrin 150 XL. I feel a difference. I feel I'm more sociable and happier. More energy, lost my appetite, and it seems I'm losing weight. Which is a good part of the drug."

• 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."

• Klo...
• January 16, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "I've been on this for about 6 weeks. So far it's working for depression. Much better than Zoloft was for me. With the Zoloft, I had no emotions. I was a drone just going through day to day. With Wellbutrin I'm not depressed (or at least not nearly as much), and I can actually feel joy again. Also, the weight loss is a plus. The cons to this medication is sometimes I have Cottonmouth, once in a while my hands shake (though this hasn't happened recently, could have just been when my body was adjusting. And it wasn't frequent), and I really have no appetite for breakfast or lunch (I need to force down my breakfast, and I'm just not hungry at lunch). I'm going to continue this medication for a while."

• Ami...
• December 25, 2016

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) has helped me kick cravings for alcohol and other drugs. It's really amazing. My doctor prescribed it for major depressive disorder/PTSD, and I can feel it helping me get through the winter. I started out on 150 mg for 2 months, which was fine, then one month on 300 mg, which was too much (everyday stomach aches, shakes, too much energy, very speedy), so the doctor put me back on 150 mg XL, which is again working nicely, and all the shaky/speedy feelings I had on 300 mg are gone. My first 2-3 months on this drug, I didn't have much of an appetite, but it came back after that, so now I still eat normally even though I'm on the drug. So yeah, it takes some getting used to. Don't expect immediate results."

• 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."

• col...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 22, 2022

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "Though I was struggling with an intense chemical imbalance (feeling incredibly hopeless/empty/anxious), I avoided meds for a long time, terrified by bad reviews until the amount I struggled through every waking moment of my day made it impossible for me to continue avoiding. Started on 100 mg of bupropion. I remember feeling very weird at first, dissociating on the first day, then sweating, heart palpitations, some anxiety, and my leg randomly shaking (nothing unmanageable). Immediately, depressive feelings were greatly alleviated. Then a month in, all initial symptoms were pretty much gone, though I still had pockets of depression, so I upped my dose to 150 mg XL. Miraculous. I now feel calm, collected, and very content and thankful for my life. The only side effects I still feel are some ear ringing and loss of appetite (not complaining). This was the extra boost of dopamine my brain needed to function like a normal, healthy human brain. Absolutely incredible and so thankful this exists!!"

• Mel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 2, 2016

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I highly recommend Wellbutrin XL. I used to suffer from major depression, but thanks to Wellbutrin, my depression is almost nonexistent. Another great thing about it is that I don't have any side effects. In the beginning, I lost my appetite, and everything tasted bland. I was fine with that because I wanted to lose some weight, but thanks to my other medications, my appetite came back. Darn! Maybe if you take it and want to lose weight, you will get lucky as long as you don't take other medications to counteract it."

• Anonymous
• December 3, 2012

Bupropion for Depression "This drug was not for me. It's very stimulating. It made me aggressive, angry, and irritable. It had several unpleasant side effects, like headache, heavy head, agitation, and fatigue. Strange shock sensations in the brain, loss of appetite, unwanted weight loss, insomnia, broken sleep, nightmares, trembling, and dehydration. And with all that, it never lifted my mood at all. It made me completely dysphoric. I cried daily, screamed at my husband and kids, and hated myself and my body so much I had thoughts of self-harm. In the past, I have taken SSRIs and never experienced anything as negative as this. Although the sexual side effects on others were atrocious! That is one thing Wellbutrin didn't cause, sexual dysfunction. I am a 31-year-old female."

• San...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 20, 2019

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "My psychiatrist put me on Wellbutrin 75 mg once a day to start with, and after 7 days I went up to 2 times a day. Before I started to take it, I couldn’t get out of bed because of my depression. My energy levels were at almost zero. The Wellbutrin has helped me tremendously. I actually have energy to get out of bed and live my life. The side effects are constipation and loss of appetite. In the past, it gave me severe anxiety, which is why my psychiatrist started me at a very low dose, and it’s actually helped."

• DW2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2012

Bupropion for Depression "I am on bupropion SR for 2.5 months and it's been pretty good so far. I don't sleep all the time like on citalopram, and my weight stayed the same with a slightly diminished appetite. The depression is mostly gone even though I'm unemployed for a long time living off dwindling savings. But I'm actually trying to get work now since I have more energy and feel generally better than ever despite the economy. My libido isn't much despite other comments here. Some anxiety still there, and a few drinks in the evening help that. The biggest side effect is extreme sweating when it is humid and above 70 degrees. It's embarrassing. For me, bupropion (Wellbutrin SR) 100mg twice a day mostly works. Good luck."

• Anonymous
• September 16, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "I've been on the drug for months, but I noticed the effects of it almost immediately. For the first time, I can concentrate for long periods of time, and my motivation has never been better (although it's not always drastic). It has really messed with my appetite by making me not want to eat and getting full really quick, but I feel great and have lost a lot of weight! It hasn't changed my depressive thoughts, but I have way fewer breakdowns, and my mood drops are not nearly as extreme. I love this drug."

• Anonymous
• April 26, 2015

Bupropion for Depression "I used to take 75 mg 2x a day and quit. I felt like it was not working and had terrible side effects. After 6 months of not taking medications, and situations got hard to cope, I asked to be put back on. The second time around, the 75 mg had me very nervous, anxious, dizzy, and 'dopey.' The doctors said that the immediate release is harsh on your system and switched me to 150 mg XL. And just 3 days into the new dose, I do not have such harsh side effects. The only side effects I have are no appetite, dry mouth, and vivid dreams. Overall, I am no longer having obsessive negative thoughts (which triggered my anxiety), so I'm overall not as anxious or having panic attacks. I feel more motivated and energetic, but it's only 3 days in on this dose."

• Aan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 12, 2020

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I switched from Zoloft to Wellbutrin in November 2019. When I first started, I had, of course, beginning side effects from anxiety, stomach issues, appetite loss, etc. All those symptoms slowly passed, and I noticed a change in my mood, as did others. I not only have depression but anxiety as well. When I started this, my anxiety got worse, then better, then worse again. My doctor prescribed me Buspar for my anxiety, it did end up helping for a short time until recently. I had a very awful first panic attack. I decided to get off Wellbutrin as my anxiety was at an all-time high. The withdrawal symptoms are not so great, but I’m glad I’m off of it. If you have depression, then this medication is great, but if you have anxiety, I would consider a different route. Everyone is different and experiences medication differently, so do not take what I said and apply that to yourself. Talk to your doctor and see what is right for you. Best of luck."

• chi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2013

Bupropion for Depression "I took Wellbutrin for a couple of months, eventually going up to 450 mg a day, and I think it did help a little bit, but not a whole lot. From my experience, it would maybe be good for mild depression, but I don't think it's strong enough if you've been depressed for a long time period. I don't remember any side effects, though, except maybe a little loss of appetite."

• Rev...
• November 15, 2016

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I have been on Wellbutrin for a year and a half. If you do not respond to SSRIs (like me), I would definitely recommend giving Wellbutrin/Bupropion a go. At the end of the fourth week on 150 mg, just before I was about to tell my doctor it was another dud - I very suddenly felt clear and not like a slug human. I would say it's such a strong feeling that you will know if it works and the day it starts. I had a horrible time falling asleep, lost my appetite, but felt super ecstatic! Maybe it's because for the first time in 8 years (I am 26), I felt what it's like to not see doing the most simple of tasks as a stressful chore. I could have cried! I've lost a bit over ten pounds since being on it. Currently, I am on the highest dose, which is 600."

• som...
• July 17, 2018

For Anxiety "I was prescribed this for my depression and generalized anxiety after Zoloft (sertraline) failed me. At first, I definitely had a hard time adjusting to the energy spike and having a harder time falling asleep. After about a month, those went away completely, and my depression was workable, and similarly with the generalized anxiety overall. However, I do have certain side effects such as decreased appetite, I can still eat, I just don't realize that I haven't gone a while without eating on some days. Once I became aware of that, it wasn't a problem (expected to an extent as this is apparently also prescribed for weight loss?). I have developed a generally more sensitive stomach, however, not to the point of impeding my life or outweighing the benefits. Sometimes I do feel like I have too much energy or more than I should for whatever situation I'm in, which can lead to a panicky feeling similar to a borderline anxiety attack, but just being aware made the difference in controlling it."

• bux...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 25, 2012

Bupropion for Depression "I have been on 150 mg of Wellbutrin XL for two days, and I can already feel a difference. It has removed all appetite, which seems to be a side effect, but in all fairness, I didn't have one before I started taking the meds! I have depression and panic attacks, and after just 48 hours, I am excited about the holidays! I baked five dozen Christmas cookies today! I haven't been interested in the holiday season in years! I do recommend getting the brand name meds and not the generic, as I have heard many issues arising from the generic form. Happy holidays!"

• Anonymous
• July 6, 2016

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "Taking Wellbutrin 300 XL for a while now. Previously used an SSRI, which had little to no effect in that I would contemplate suicide nearly daily and had zero interest in life in general. Now I actually want to do things again, I am enjoying life, and I have more energy. I can't say enough how well this drug has worked for me. The only side effect I've experienced is decreased appetite, and I've lost a few pounds, which for me is a good thing."

• man...
• May 30, 2016

For Anxiety "I am not obese, and I do not take this medicine for obesity (I take it for anxiety). One of the side effects of this medication is weight loss and loss of appetite. I have lost 20 lbs since taking this medication. I don't know if you're able to take this medication for obesity, but it does make you lose weight."

• ADH...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 11, 2024

For ADHD "Bupropion has really changed my life for the better. I was prescribed bupropion XL 150 mg originally for my depression (then I moved up to 300 mg), but it has also markedly helped with my ADHD symptoms. My mood is more stable, and I don't constantly have intrusive thoughts anymore. I'm also able to focus on my work during the day and get things done around the house. The only side effects I have noticed are decreased appetite (which I don't mind, as I have been working to lose weight) and difficulty falling asleep (which is easily mitigated with melatonin supplements). It has not had any impact on sexual function or libido. I'm very thankful for it, and I would recommend it for anyone that has ADHD, anxiety, and/or depression, especially if stimulants or SSRIs have been ineffective."

• Bip...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 16, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I can't take most antidepressants because they'll trigger a mixed, hypo, or total manic episode; for over 3 years, not this one. Only recently have I stopped from slipping into a mixed episode, but Wellbutrin XL at 150 mg has helped keep balance when others caused chaos. No weight gain, increased sex drive, decreased appetite."

• Pan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 28, 2019

For Anxiety "I have been on this drug for about 5 weeks for anxiety. Been struggling with my toxic work environment while studying for my master's and have felt out of control and so angry. Doctor wanted me to try this as I also have MS, and she has had much success with Wellbutrin. Can’t say I really noticed too much of a difference until week two besides I felt more patient and seemed slightly less negative. Week 2, I was so dizzy that if I wasn’t lying down, I was puking. Thought it might be a bug, so kept taking the drug. Week 5, and I’m a complete mess. Anxiety through the roof and have had a nonstop panic attack for days. Can’t sleep and don’t poop regularly like I used to. No appetite to an almost scary level lately. I never wanted to be on medication for my mood swings and anxiety, and now I feel even more confused and upset that this confirmed my fears and has made things worse. Calling the doctor in the morning. Good luck to you all."

• tnc...
• February 17, 2009

Bupropion for Depression "I love it. I have not had any depression issues or suicidal thoughts. The only side effect (which I don't mind) is having no appetite. This medicine is the best one I have ever taken for my anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. It works great when combined with Klonopin."

• ADH...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 26, 2022

For ADHD "My doc and I decided to put me on Wellbutrin 150 XL as I was seriously depressed. Losing my dad really did a number on me. Anyway, the first 3 weeks were not pleasant as I simply could not sleep despite how many sleeping pills I’d take. However, week 2, my appetite came back, and I started to be a bit more active. I thought it would keep improving, but it didn’t. However, 8-9 weeks in, I wake up one day and couldn’t believe it and was so scared this feeling wouldn’t last, but I finally felt “normal,” just myself. The crazy thoughts went away, I’m back in the gym, riding my bike. I pretty much got my life back just as I was ready to give up. Oh, so I’ve been on Adderall for over 20 years and absolutely don't like it for different reasons. And getting off is not easy. Anyone going through the same, when the Wellbutrin kicked in, I started taking less ADD meds, only to realize I was able to drop it cold turkey. This med literally saved my life and got me off pharma coke."