Wellbutrin and Depression: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Gwe...
• July 30, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "This is for anxiety/major depressive disorder and BPD. The side effects suck. Since I've been on Wellbutrin, I've had severe dizzy spells and severe insomnia where I stay up all night and get 2-5 hours of sleep in the morning, on good days. My appetite suppression is not as extreme as other medications I've been on, but I have lost 5 pounds on it. I like eating, so I don't like that. I had my first self-harm episode, and it had been over a year, and it was over something insignificant that happens all the time. It gave me depression. I personally haven't experienced a good thing about this med, but I'm giving it another month or two to work. I'm hopeful."

• JC2...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was prescribed Wellbutrin 2x a day after Celexa stopped working after being on it 5 years. Within a few days of taking the Wellbutrin, my anxiety was back, and depression was worse. Had trouble staying asleep because my mind was constantly racing. Definitely did not work for me."

• Van...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2017

For Depression "My depressive thoughts and ideation increased a lot within 2 weeks of starting. I called my Dr. and tapered the dosage, and they ordered extra small doses so my body would not be shocked. If you feel like you are having increased depression daily after starting this medication, please contact your medical team and ask to taper off."

• 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!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 11, 2016

For Depression "I started on Lexapro, which worked at first for me, then, a month later, made me feel like a zombie because I was so drowsy. So, my doctor started me on 200 mg of Wellbutrin a day. The first few days were fine, and then after about a week, the crazy suicidal thoughts started. Then came the mood swings and short fuse. After 2 weeks of this medication, I couldn't stand anyone around me or even myself. I didn't want to be talked to or even looked at, I felt depressed, life wasn't worth anything. So, my doctor changed me to Prozac 20 mg, and so far, it seems to be a good fit."

• 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."

• Har...
• September 6, 2016

"I was on 20 mg of Celexa for 2 years to treat anxiety (GAD) and OCD. With Celexa, I never had any side effects, and the only thing I noticed was my weight would fluctuate. My doctor suggested Wellbutrin because it was weight neutral and also could help with ADD. I tried it for 4 weeks, which I know you should give it the full 6-8 weeks, however, 4 weeks was enough. I had horrible headaches, no appetite, felt like I was strung out, up days, down days, depressions (which I have never had), horrible anxiety, no motivation, horrible ADD, and the list goes on. I told my doctor, but she urged me to continue. Finally, my hair started coming out, and I was done. This is a powerful drug, and I am sure it does wonders for people who need it, but not me."

• 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."

• 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!"

• Hel...
• August 31, 2015

For Depression "I started Wellbutrin about 2 and a half weeks ago, and my anxiety and depression are worse. I am crying all the time, super anxious, and can't relax. Has anyone else had this problem? I take 30 mg Prozac and 150-225 mg Wellbutrin. I am scared to continue."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Not...
• July 11, 2011

For Depression "I'm shocked to see not a single negative review listed. The first day taking Wellbutrin after drinks with a friend (not advisable), we had a bad fight, my anger was uncontrollable. The next day, I had a fight with my roommate, I was absorbed in rage, completely unaware of others' feelings. That week, I was stuck in my head, angry, charged, paranoid, and isolated. A week later, I had a terrible fight with my roommate resulting in a bad physical altercation, cops were called, and the next day she moved out. The next day, I was extremely depressed and indifferent. I stopped taking it. Maybe I didn't give it time. Don't want to discourage others, but if you have irritability/anger issues, be very aware and cautious."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• August 31, 2009

For Depression "After 7 years on Zoloft, it had stopped working. I was experiencing mood swings and sadness/depression. My doctor weaned me off Zoloft and prescribed Wellbutrin. The first few weeks, I immediately noticed an increased sensitivity in all my senses. There was kind of a wind tunnel effect in my ears, my body was more sensitive to touch (great for my sex life), I became hypersensitive to noise/vibration (a negative), and I had a keener sense of smell (not always positive). I had trouble getting or staying asleep. I stayed on it for six weeks, but when my fuse got shorter and I became very hostile and angry, I was weaned off of Wellbutrin and changed to Celexa. It's been 2 weeks, and so far, so good."

• 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."