Wellbutrin and Depression: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Eme...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2022

For Depression "Do not take this. It literally can take you to a nightmare world. I felt better at first even with the side effects and endured them for a month. Then it made me scared and psychotic. Felt unloved, lost, and detached from myself. It's one of the side effects and it's not rare. I have never felt so bad. It's not worth it. Believe me, you will regret it."

• abb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 14, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "I appreciate this space and every person's experience. I've been 10 days into this medicine, and I'm sleeping better. Depression is horrible, the crying, fear of death, losing my family, friends, pets. I want to be happy. I read how many found happy. I want to know that feeling. I pray that my outcome is like many of your stories. Thank you all for the encouragement in your personal stories you've graciously shared. Abby."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 25, 2017

For Depression "I've been taking Celexa, gabapentin, and Wellbutrin for the last 2 years. Diagnosed with type 2 bipolar, ADD, and dyslexia. I've tried different drugs over the years, and the above combination worked fairly well. Then, 2 weeks ago, I ran out of Wellbutrin and Lopressor. So, between the 2, it was hard to get a reading on my mental health. Restarted Wellbutrin after 10 days without, still waiting on Lopressor. The thing I've noticed is a complete lack of interest in anything, which I'm guessing is what causes some people to feel suicidal. Not feeling that way now, however, I know the feeling."

• Liz...
• October 30, 2016

For Depression "I am an 18-year-old female. I started taking Wellbutrin about 7 months ago for depression/anxiety. Honestly, I haven't noticed much of a difference. I think it has helped me control my emotions a bit more, though I feel more stable. I've just started my first year of college, and I've had a rough time, but I think the WB helps keep my meltdowns to a minimum (sort of). I was hoping to lose a bit of weight, but I didn't really notice any loss of appetite. I've DEFINITELY noticed that if I forget to take it for a day, I feel absolutely miserable. Even if I take it a bit off schedule, I feel sad for a day. Also, if I drink a bit too much, my hangover is AWFUL, and I feel very sad the next day. Keep the drinking to a minimum or don't."

• Wal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 2, 2012

For Depression "I have been taking the generic medication, not the brand name, for about 3 months now, and after a couple of weeks, I would be in a good mood, and the little things that would annoy me wouldn't anymore. I wanted to do things and not just be home all the time. But recently, I have relapsed and went up on my dose from 300 mg to 450 mg and still feel depressed. I don't know if my body is just tolerating it or what, but I hope my depression improves."

• aid...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 8, 2023

For Depression "This was my 'miracle drug' for severe seasonal affective disorder for maybe 6 years before it stopped working. The first dose was very overstimulating, but I had medications to counter that. The only side effect I noticed at first was short-term memory loss, but it didn't matter if I couldn't remember yesterday because I had a life I was able to enjoy. But as it stopped working, my memory got so bad that I couldn't read for two years because halfway through a sentence I'd forgotten what I'd read, let alone the sentence before it, so I couldn't string them together. In the end, I was taking 450 mg/day and was feeling very flat, unmotivated, mentally vacant, and emotionally numb - basically the opposite of how I felt when it was working at first. Now I am off of it and I noticed that my compulsion to play online games completely disappeared. Wellbutrin does still work when I increase the dose, but only for about a week. This winter I will try TMS."

• Per...
• February 18, 2021

For Depression "I have mostly managed my depression/SADD/PTSD for years with exercise, light box, and talk therapy. My doctor and I recently agreed the lowest dose, 100 mg, of Wellbutrin would help me out of a particularly low winter. I tried 150 mg years ago for a few months. The jittery side effects made me look forward to getting off it then. However, now I have no side effects, sleep great, my focus on work is back, and find it easier to do my usual lifestyle routine to address my depression. I appreciate having Wellbutrin as a tool to use when I really need it. One caveat, I do find that if I have more than 2 drinks, the following days I get pretty down. Also, exercise + Wellbutrin = self-esteem × libido, just sayin."

• Ger...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 16, 2018

For Depression "I have had depression for as long as I can remember. My depression tends to be more physical: tired, trouble staying asleep, physically exhausted, and no interest in doing anything physical (e.g., I was an avid runner and weight lifter before). Wellbutrin XL 150 mg has completely helped me in every way possible. I’ve been taking it for over 2 years and I have more energy than ever. Although I still have depressive and anxiety cognitive patterns, Wellbutrin has helped me with my depression and increased my quality of life significantly."

• JIC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 19, 2016

For Depression "I tried for 2 years after a major life change to get my life back. All the SNRIs and SSRIs gave me the worst side effects, and I became more depressed, dizzy, had migraines, and felt suicidal. This wasn't me, and every doctor wrote me off as being a bad patient. I was ready to throw in the towel and tried a low dose of Wellbutrin, and OMG. 2 months later, I was completely myself, and 6 months later, I'm medication-free. Don't give up, keep trying. I thought my life was over, and I was a difficult patient. Don't let message boards or doctors rule your life. If something isn't working, don't stay on it!"

• ano...
• April 7, 2016

For Depression "I have struggled with depression and anxiety for some time now. I was initially worried that the stimulating effects would exacerbate my anxiety, and it did-but only temporarily. Wellbutrin XL 300 mg has been the ONLY antidepressant that has worked. I take it in combination with Effexor XR 75 mg. I was taken off Wellbutrin in an attempt to switch to Effexor only, but it became quickly apparent that Wellbutrin controlled most of the depressive symptoms. I stopped it for 2 months-both of which were awful. Within a week of resuming Wellbutrin, my depression began to lift. I still have bad days, of course, but the effects of Wellbutrin make me more energized and ready to take on the world."

• Txt...
• May 31, 2011

For Depression "Just started Wellbutrin after a hysterectomy. My hormones were all out of whack, and I was possibly suffering from slight to moderate depression right before the surgery. I have been on it for 8 days, and I already feel much better. I can't wait to see how I feel after a month or 2. I stopped crying and am much more leveled off. I am still a little withdrawn at times, but I am going to make myself get out there and get back into the normal swing of things. I am on 150 mg."

• Lif...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2025

For Depression "Before I started taking Wellbutrin, I was very tired, stressed, had difficulty concentrating, sad, and unmotivated. Within a week of being on 150 mg a day, I felt such a tremendous positive change. I sleep better too. Now I am actually looking forward to the rest of my life instead of dreading it. I feel inspired, more disciplined, and my mood is stable. I hope this medication continues to support me as a method in my toolbox to improve the quality of my life."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 11, 2021

For Depression "I suffer from low mood and anxiety. I had read about Wellbutrin in the past, but only recently my doctor recommended it. I'm quite fit, exercise, eat well, get as much sleep as I can, as I believe they are the three pillars to manage your physical and mental status. This Wellbutrin seems to be a magic pill. Day 1. Motivation increased immediately, and WANTED to do physical work at my parents' place. After that, I had terrible anxiety and depression for the rest of the day and was fatigued. Day 2. (Today) Totally motivated, fully social, no anxiety, I feel myself, getting numerous things done, but all in a controlled way. I'm 46 and have my libido back big time. I'm actually shocked. My doc said to take 1 tablet as soon as I wake up (150 mg SR) for 3 days, then switch to 2 tablets from day 4. I know this is ridiculously early to write on here, but give this med a go! (Insomnia only drawback)"

• Isu...
• March 12, 2016

For Depression "I was diagnosed with B.E.D., P.T.S.D., and depression. My doctor put me on this medication about a week ago, and I feel so much better! I have tried a lot of other antidepressants, and none of them have ever worked for me. They would make me sleep more (and usually, I sleep like 14-16 hours a day anyway) and just feel emotionally numb. I am currently sleeping 8 hours a night and waking up feeling energized. It has also helped with the B.E.D. Yesterday was my first day not having the issues I usually have with food. I seen some comments that say the person felt good for a while, and then it wore off. I am currently on 150 mg, and on Monday, I will increase to 300 mg. I will comment again when I have been on it for a few months :)"

• can...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 15, 2015

For Depression "The doctor put me on Wellbutrin two years ago while in an oxy detox program. I also suffer from depression and general mood swings, as well as chronic lower back pain (thus the oxy history). I take 150 mg XL once a day before going to bed. I never had any side effects, I consider myself lucky to have found something that really works for me. It helps me stay stable, focused, and generally in a good mood. A few months ago, while on vacation, I lost it and went three days without it. No adverse effects other than less energy, and when I told my doctor, he said I might as well go without it then. I just took my first pill again last night. Going without really started to show... lack of energy, wow! Depression, etc. The first morning back on, and I feel much better!"

• AAn...
• November 13, 2014

For Depression "I was on Prozac and felt tired all the time, still depressed, and no sex drive. I thought maybe the dose wasn't enough and I was going through menopause, but the doc put me on Wellbutrin. I'm with the person above, I cannot believe in one day I felt better. I thought it was in my head. I made phone calls I would avoid because of anxiety, I got things done instead of sleep, and I felt so much happier next to my husband. Day two I woke up ready to start the day, completely the opposite of what I had been experiencing. Everyone is different, and you just have to see what works for you. Prozac is in a different class, and I just needed this antidepressant."

• dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 12, 2013

For Depression "Taking 300mg Wellbutrin XR, and it is already working after only one week. I have good energy, and do not feel like hiding in my room anymore. It gives me a floating feeling a little bit, but absolutely tolerable compared to the horrible depression I was experiencing. I am bipolar, and have experienced no mania at all. I am grateful for this med!"

• bik...
• October 13, 2011

For Depression "I'm 29 years old, male on Wellbutrin 150mg SR. Initially, had nausea, but it went away after 2 days. I've noticed my sleep has vastly improved. I used to sleep 10 hours, sometimes more, and I still felt like I needed more rest. With Wellbutrin, I sleep 7-8 hours and wake up well-rested. Additionally, when 2-3 pm rolls around, I'm not begging for a nap. Concentration is much improved, mood is generally good, and I've lost 10 lbs. One warning I can give though is to NOT drink alcohol with Wellbutrin. It's not obvious at first, but the next 3 days it's back to depression, bad depression. Seems like alcohol blocks this medicine out. I can confirm this 2 times. Not sure if 3 hours of drinking is worth the 3 days of depression that follows after."

• Anonymous
• July 23, 2008

For Depression "I have been taking Wellbutrin for almost a month now and I have already noticed a change. I used to be this really upbeat, happy, positive person, and all of a sudden, I was tired all the time, couldn't sleep, was really sad all the time, agitated really easily, and also got snippy with people at the drop of a hat. My mom was the one who said I needed to go see the doctor and find out what was going on with me. I've tried other antidepressants, this is the only one that works for me."