Bupropion and Nausea: What Users Say

• F21...
• June 14, 2020

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "This drug Wellbutrin has been life-changing for me. After trying SSRIs and SNRIs that didn’t work, it did the trick. Yes, it sucks at first; the side effects are horrible, but you have to give it time. And on these meds at first, I got the head zaps, anxiety like I had never felt before, heart palpitations, lack of appetite and weight loss, headaches, nausea, severe insomnia - the whole nine yards. But after about 5 months on 300 mg, I turned a corner and feel better than ever. I can focus, I’m not tired but can sleep if I need to, my anxiety largely went away, I’m happy and can orgasm too. All the side effects pretty much subsided, save for the appetite one... I still don’t have to eat if I don’t want to, but I’m not repulsed by the idea of food anymore. So seriously, it isn’t a conventional drug and it’s bad initially, but PLEASE stick with it. Don’t expect it to work overnight... these things take time. I promise you will get results. You got this. Hang in there!"

• Nat...
• June 6, 2021

Bupropion for Depression "Just starting this med. The first couple days, I didn’t think it was doing much, but I noticed I couldn’t sleep for very long. I wasn’t as hopelessly sad as I had been the week prior, but I was experiencing an array of stomach-related side effects (constipated until I was very much no longer constipated, bloating, stomach aches, and VERY nauseous the first night). Fast forward a few days, I still can’t sleep very much. I’m artificially active is the best way to describe it. I’ve been pretty inactive throughout the pandemic, but I walked to get iced coffee in 90-degree heat, cleaned my apartment, had people over, then went to the gym later because I was so jittery and couldn’t sit still. It also has given me quite a bit of anxiety and some irritability alongside the constant need to be active. I hope that over the next few days, the anxious thoughts, stomach issues, and insomnia calm down."

• Lan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 10, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My doctor prescribed both Bupropion and Naltrexone for weight loss. I got the Bupropion first and started on it. It worked so well, I did not add the Naltrexone until several months later. Day one, my cravings disappeared. It wasn't anything I actually 'felt'. It was just that I got snacks and forgot to eat them. After 10 months, I have lost 77 lb and have had the added benefit of quitting a Diet Coke addiction. I added the Naltrexone after losing about 35 lb because I was finding it harder to stop eating once I started. The Naltrexone has had some side effects. Some nausea, but I just cut the dosage and it went away. Also sciatic nerve pain. I still take some Naltrexone and as long as I don't take it more than about 3 days in a row before taking a break, it doesn't cause problems and helps me stop eating before I'm too full. I take the Bupropion every day with no side effects. I still have about 60 lb to lose. If I still need it, though, I can and will take it. I want this weight gone for life."

• ABa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 17, 2020

Bupropion for Depression "I had bipolar disorder with depression and psychotic symptoms. I was put on Abilify 15mg, but I got tardive dyskinesia. The dosage was lowered to 10mg and then 5mg. I stopped with the psychotic symptoms immediately. But I was still depressed and not enjoying my life. So they added 150 mg extended-release Wellbutrin, and I got much better. I felt a little nauseous when I first started taking it, but that stopped a few months into treatment. I still was requiring daily 1 to 2-hour naps to get through my day. Then my medicine was increased to Wellbutrin 150mg SR two times a day. Finally, I felt like myself again. I had energy and felt like I could take on all my responsibilities again. It worked beautifully with Abilify for me. Hope it works for you!"

• Ama...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 28, 2021

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked for 20 years and I quit smoking 4 years ago on Bupropion HCL XL 150mg once a day. I quit smoking after 3 days of taking it, cigarettes tasted gross and made me nauseous. All of my cravings stopped. I continued to take the bupropion for 2 weeks total. I did experience some anxiety but that could have been from nicotine withdrawals. Unfortunately, I have started smoking again and at first I didn’t even like it, I kept smoking until I did like it again and now I’m hooked. I let everything that’s going on in the world right now with quarantining etc. stress me out to the point that I said forget it and bought a pack of cigarettes 4 months ago. I went back to the doctor yesterday and I’m starting Bupropion HCL XL 150mg again tomorrow. I’m embarrassed and disappointed in myself but I know I will be quit again in just a few days. This drug is a miracle drug and I’m thankful for it. I vow to never pick up a cigarette again for the rest of my life!"

• Bec...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 28, 2019

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "Hardly any side effects. Had a little nausea for the first few nights but that’s all. I’ve noticed a HUGE difference in my anxiety and depression. I’m better at work. I don’t get worked up when I’m overloaded with work. I take 150mg XL at 8:30 am and there’s no weird coming down feeling at night. It’s a beautiful medication. I couldn’t stop watching TV and now I can turn it off and do dishes, laundry, take my dog on a hike. I don’t have that gut-wrenching anxiety knot in my stomach anymore."

• Mrs...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2013

Bupropion for Depression "I had trouble with anxiety and having a 'short fuse'. I thought about death constantly and had trouble remembering things. In short, I suffered from depression. I was horrible to my coworkers, family, and friends. I have never taken an antidepressant before. I have been taking Wellbutrin for 5 days, and I can say that I feel better. I have energy, although I have noticed some heart palpitations, nothing worth seeing a doctor about. I have a decreased appetite but just slight nausea. I am in a better mood and seem to be able to let things that used to bother me just slide by. I do not feel like a zombie at all. I smile more and cry less. That's exactly what I was hoping for. I am a 45-year-old woman."

• Anonymous
• August 29, 2009

Bupropion for Depression "I was set on trying Wellbutrin. I have tried Paxil and one other I can't even recall the name of. They made me feel like a zombie and my husband wasn't fond of them due to the sexual side effects. Wellbutrin was the hardest drug to get accustomed to. I went for a month having one side effect after the other. One week would be sleepless nights, the next would be general irritation at everything and everyone and perhaps the worst was nausea. I stuck it out and I am extremely glad I did. It has been amazing for me. I am much more motivated and excited about life. It increased my sex drive 100%! I also tend to be a social smoker and it obliterated that for me. I love this medicine. I take 400 mg daily."

• 32a...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2017

For ADHD "I am taking Wellbutrin for ADHD and mild depression. I started on 150 mg XL for 3 weeks and increased to 300 mg XL because I didn't think it was working as well as it could. Initially, I did experience side effects, including headaches and nausea. I also experienced agitation and irritability initially on the 300 mg XL. However, by the following week I felt even better than I did on the 150 mg XL and it lasts all day! It is important to find the right dose for you. Some people do better on less, some more, some on sustained release, some on extended release. I feel like I have the focus, energy, and motivation that will be life-changing. Advise: tough out the side effects, they will go away and it will be worth it."

• 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."

• Win...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 29, 2014

Bupropion for Smoking Cessation "I'm 21 years old, and I used to smoke 25 cigarettes a day for 3 years. When I first started taking Zyban, I honestly wasn't sure if I wanted to quit or keep smoking, but I thought, why not try! For the first 8-10 days, my morning dose made me very nauseous and feel like I was either going to vomit or faint, but I never did. Since I set my quit date with Zyban, I have never touched a cigarette since, and it has been 6 months now. The only caution I would like to share is that it only takes away the cravings! You still have to say no to having a cigarette."

• Ddd...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 29, 2020

Bupropion "Aside from the minor headaches and nausea, my experience has been better than most of the recent reviews. I started on Lexapro several years ago, but the sexual side effects were just too much for me compared to the minor effect it had on my well-being. I've had none of that with Wellbutrin, and I feel much better. I've lost approximately 35 lbs since starting, though I've also changed my diet and exercise patterns. My brain is no longer a swirl of indistinguishable thoughts, and I'm able to focus for more than a second at a time."

• Hos...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 29, 2018

Bupropion for Smoking Cessation "Smoked 30 years. Took Zyban while smoking for a couple weeks and kind of just forgot that I ever smoked. Mentally it made me nauseous to even think of a cigarette. Never looked back. It's been 20 years and the funny thing is that while I could never smoke a cigarette, I've tried a couple times just for fun and YUK, I can occasionally smoke a cigar. Not sure why but I will say, Zyban will kill cigarette addiction. Of course, you can find reasons to start again but it will be very difficult after Zyban. Worked the same for my wife. Do It !!"

• 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."

• LPa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 30, 2020

For Panic Disorder "Suffered from panic disorder, major depression, ADD, and severe generalized anxiety. I had horrible experiences with SSRIs-Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro-and Adderall. Finally decided to give Wellbutrin a try, and I feel more relaxed, less irritable, happy, energetic, anxiety is significantly decreased, and my migraines and back pain have decreased. I've lost weight and also have a decrease in nightmares. As far as side effects, I am way more thirsty, have mild nausea after I eat, and experienced cold clammy hands/feet the first 2 days. I'll take the side effects over the anxiety and panic attacks any day."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 16, 2012

Bupropion for Depression "I have taken this medication for approximately 10 years. I have discontinued use 3 times, and my depression resumed each time. I believe many side effects and negative experiences could be avoided if doctors would start patients out with a smaller dose. It has been my experience that when I start with 300 mg I have migraines, nausea, dizziness, and itching. I do not have this issue if I start off at 50 mg and gradually increase over 3 months to 300 mg. This medication helps me more than any other and does not make me gain weight. It also seems to slightly help with my adult ADHD, anxiety, OCD, PMS, and chronic pain."

• Lor...
• November 5, 2015

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I was taking 300mg every day, the generic for years, along with Xanax for anxiety. My doctor upped the dosage to 450mg every day. I just got the name brand and it's completely different! My life has new meaning, the generic is not half as good. I no longer need the Xanax and have no problems going out or living my life now. This medication (name brand Wellbutrin) should be available to anyone that needs it. The generic is horrible, loaded with side effects: shaking, headache, nausea, and extreme bouts of anxiety that do not occur with the name brand! I am shocked the generic for this medication is permitted to masquerade as the equivalent is not even close!"

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 17, 2016

For ADHD "This medicine has changed my life. Typical antidepressants (SSRIs) never worked for me, and if they did, the effects wore off after a month or so. I've had mild symptoms of borderline personality disorder and moderate symptoms of ADHD, and after three months of taking it, I can't imagine being off of it. I can control my emotions, concentrate, and FINALLY FEEL JOY, for the first time in my life. My PMS symptoms are also way less intense. I did have mild anxiety in the first week and a bit of nausea for 3 weeks, but the side effects went away after a month or so. My mom tried it for her ADHD, but it didn't work for her, and it doesn't work for everyone. But if you know you have a severe dopamine deficiency (like I did), this medication is definitely worth a shot!"

• 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."

• Tat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 29, 2017

Bupropion for Smoking Cessation "I started taking Zyban 4 weeks ago. I'm on the 12-week course of treatment. I've been smoking for 17 years (started smoking at age 11). I'm now 28. I've tried quitting many times with patches, the gum, and even tried the vape cigs. My quit date was March 16th, and I have cravings, but they don't bother me. It's weird, but it's just like a quick thought that pops up, and then you're like nope, not today, and it's over with. The main side effect I've had is drowsiness. I've slept a lot. After I take my dose, I literally pass out and wake up hours later. Also, I feel drained, but I'm thinking these side effects may be my body going through withdrawal. I have felt a little nervousness here and there. Overall, it's been good."

• LCa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2019

Bupropion for Depression "I had every bad side effect, and it crept up over time. Insane migraine headaches, stomach pain, nausea, ear pain, ringing in the ears, vision problems, vertigo, suicidal thoughts. I also had very frequent urination. The agitation and angry outbursts were really frightening. I was completely fine for 3 months, so I didn’t make the connection between the drug and the symptoms at all. I went to doctors for headaches and my bladder, and even for allergies, until I figured it out myself. I finally thought to myself, what did I start doing differently in my life? It was the Wellbutrin. I called my psychiatrist and told him my symptoms, and he told me to stop taking it immediately. I’m glad I figured it out. I really don’t think anybody else other than myself would have. It has been a really rough few weeks with this pain. I felt almost immediately better when I stopped the medication."

• Dmu...
• March 17, 2019

For Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced "I’m a 57-year-old male. I started Zoloft 4 1/2 months ago for anxiety disorder. 50 mg per day. During the first week, I experienced anorgasm, which I had never experienced before, but I had some other side effects, like a little nausea, a little anxiety... I had never taken these types of drugs before, so I only knew what I read in these forums. I think a lot of side effects were in my head because I was hypersensitive and hyperaware because I had nothing to reference the feeling, both physical and mental sensations I had. After 4 weeks, the side effects had gone away. After 6 weeks, I felt good, and after 8 weeks on the Zoloft, I felt normal again, like my feet were in the ground. At week 6, I decided to try and tackle my anorgasm problem, and my doctor recommended trying Wellbutrin (Bupropion) along with the Zoloft. I started off at 150 mg, then moved to 300 mg. After just a couple of days, I had my first orgasm in a month and a half."

• Rae...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2022

Bupropion for Depression "I had very high hopes for this medication. My brother takes it, and it’s magic in a bottle for him. He does very well, no side effects at all. So I have GAD, PTSD, panic disorder, and depression. I take Xanax to help control the anxiety and panic, and I’ve been taking it for 15 years. I’ve had no side effects with that. I lost my mother a few months ago and noticed that my depression was getting worse, and so I decided to try Wellbutrin. I have been on this for a little over 17 days now, and I decided today was the stopping point. I know this is just my experience, and maybe due to my particular medical problems, this medicine just was horrible for me. I could not eat, I can’t hold water down, the nausea is crazy, dry throat, dry eyes, headache, constipation, thoughts of death like OCD fixated on death. My stomach hurts so bad, I’m getting the chills, then hot flashes. I have GERD and hypothyroidism, and maybe this isn’t something that works well with those conditions. Not for me."

• Anonymous
• December 28, 2009

Bupropion for Depression "I'm a 21-year-old male and I started taking Wellbutrin 3 weeks ago for seasonal affective disorder. The first few times I took Wellbutrin, I felt AMAZING. This is because Wellbutrin is a mild stimulant. This effect goes away. After about a week, the depression started to get better, and I increased to 300mg/day. As I'm now approaching the 3-week mark, I can honestly say I have never felt this good in my life. I had severe insomnia for the first 3 nights. I also experience occasional dry mouth. I had mild, intermittent nausea for the first week. I highly, highly recommend this. Don't use it if you have anxiety problems."

• Not...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 22, 2017

Bupropion for Depression "I've been on Wellbutrin for about 6 weeks now. At first, everything was great. I felt good, slept well, and seemed content. That is until a couple of weeks ago. I noticed that things I used to just brush off have really started to bother me. I am crying a lot, and the latest has been nausea and acid stomach. I hardly want to eat. I can't think of anything else but the medication that is causing all of this to happen. I'm calling the doctor tomorrow to get off this and go back to what I was on before. The reason I switched is because of weight gain. Sure, Wellbutrin has caused me to lose some weight, but that's because I can hardly eat! I'm glad it's working for some, just not for me."