Wellbutrin and Dry Mouth: What Users Say

• The...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 1, 2020

For Depression "I'm on day 3 of Wellbutrin. So far, it's been miserable. I'm on the lowest dose and still having horrible stomach side effects. I can't eat, I have no appetite, severe diarrhea with intense stomach pain. I'm also exhausted but can't seem to sleep more than a few hours at a time. My mouth is dry and my eyeballs feel like sandpaper. And to top it all off, just looking at my husband arouses me. I'd actually enjoy that side effect if I could stay off the toilet. I'm gonna try to stick it out in hopes that this will pass. I know I need to give it some time."

• Anonymous
• June 15, 2011

For ADHD "I've been on Wellbutrin for over a year now, and I will probably be on it for the rest of my life. I have a dry mouth occasionally, food doesn't taste as good as it used to, and it makes me sweat a little more than normal, but without this medication, I would be in a fetal position, in bed, and crying most of the time. I would never even consider going off of it. I've tried for just a couple of days, and the old symptoms of sadness start to set in. I took Zoloft for a while, and it made me gain weight, and I just wanted to sleep all the time. I was a zombie. If it weren't for Wellbutrin, I would probably be a recluse. Nothing interested me, and I didn't want any social interaction. Now, I can't wait to get out and be around people. GOOD!"

• Han...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 8, 2019

For Depression "Best medication I’ve ever taken. I didn’t realize how depressed I was before taking it. Now I have energy to get through the day. It also helped with my obsessive thoughts. I’ve never felt so much relief in my life. The only side effect is a slightly dry mouth but I’d take that any day over the hell I was living in."

• Jas...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 21, 2014

For Depression "When first taking Wellbutrin, my mouth became really dry, I got a few weird headaches, and I felt some physical numbness when I touched my skin. However, after a month the symptoms were almost non-existent and my depression and anxiety improved drastically. Also, my doctor prescribed it to me to help with ADD/ADHD. I noticed that my focus was also better. This may be simply because anxiety can cause you to lack attention and it fixed the anxiety, but either way it worked great for me."

• c3l...
• May 16, 2013

For Depression "This medicine really works for me and has really improved my quality of life and perspective on things. I'm 18, and I have been on this for a little over 6 months, and I would say the only bad side effect is dry mouth, but if you just drink a lot of water, you'll be fine. I like it because it has helped me stop 'binge' eating. I don't have cravings for food or cigarettes anymore, and I completely stopped smoking. I'm never tired anymore, Wellbutrin definitely gives you energy in a good way. Sex drive is completely normal, and I still have normal emotions, unlike when I was on Celexa or Prozac where I felt so emotionless. I lost 20 lbs, but I am healthy and fit and a lot happier with myself."

• Vic...
• February 13, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "Wellbutrin has changed my life! I was such a terrible, irrational, and very depressed person before this medication. My partner and I were always arguing, mostly due to my own fault. I had such a hard time getting out of bed and taking on the day. I would absolutely need a mid-afternoon four-hour nap to get me through. Wellbutrin has given me so much mental clarity. It has saved my relationship and allowed me to go through my days feeling 'normal'. The only downfall is it gives me a very dry mouth, which is not good for my overall oral health, but I have found some toothpaste and mouthwash that help a little. It's worth it for the clear mind."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 1, 2017

For Depression "This drug has saved my life! I have struggled with methamphetamine addiction for about 4 years now. The hardest part about quitting was the extreme depression and suicidal thoughts. They always caused me to relapse. My physician prescribed Wellbutrin and it has worked like a miracle. I have been clean for over half a year and feel like I have my old life back! My relationships are healing and my family feels like they have their son/brother back. I am back in college and passing my classes! I don't attribute all that to the drug. Counseling and AA were extremely helpful but I know it was Wellbutrin that got me through the horrible depression to the other side. Only upfront side effects I had were jitteriness and dry mouth."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 13, 2014

For Depression "I started taking Wellbutrin about two weeks ago. The first week was fine, but in the second week, my blood pressure became elevated along with uncontrollable muscle tremors, trouble concentrating, overheating in my face, difficulty concentrating and speaking, dry mouth, sweating, and headaches. I had to quit taking it."

• Aug...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2020

For Depression "Having fallen into a serious depression which led me to have great difficulty in doing everyday things, getting up in the morning, brushing my teeth, washing, and also couldn't get important sleep. It was getting really difficult. My neurologist prescribed Wellbutrin XR 150mg once a day in the morning. I was very hesitant to take the drug for fear of the side effects. Today, after 3 months of treatment, I sincerely thank her. I have found energy, reconnected with my social relationships, etc. In terms of side effects for me, it's mild: dry mouth, a few palpitations often at night, and slight weight loss. In 3 months of treatment, I lost 4 pounds."

• Anonymous
• January 13, 2010

For Depression "By no means a miracle drug, but it really pulled me out of a deep depression. After just a few days, people began to notice a change in my appearance and mood for the better. I began to take an interest in people and places. I began to do the things I used to love again, such as play the guitar and go to sporting events. Side effects were: really dry mouth, which I did not mind because I switched from craving soda all the time to craving water instead. Slight ringing in the ears. I only sleep 6 or so hours a night, but it's not a big deal because I'm more energetic now than I was when sleeping 9 hours."

• Anonymous
• December 28, 2009

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."

• Mik...
• January 22, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "Stopped taking Suboxone for opiate addiction and Wellbutrin saved my life. Only thing I use that I should’ve looked into years ago for my depression, anxiety, and slight ADHD! Highly recommend it to opiate users coming off blockers or meds. Side effects: insomnia for the first week, and dry mouth. Otherwise, I’m a big placebo guy but I noticed an instant change in mood (for the better)!"

• Cas...
• June 8, 2013

For Depression "Was taking 20mg of Prozac, which worked pretty good. Have taken Adderall in the past for ADD and asked my doctor about it again. He suggested I take Wellbutrin. Been on it for 2 weeks and I really noticed a difference. I actually feel great! 300mg XL. Side effects are minimal. I did feel like a zombie the first and second day. The third day I had the giggles. But, things started to even out after that. It wasn't anything terrible. It is a little bit harder to go to sleep at night, however, I've never been a good sleeper. And, dry mouth is kind of bad. Other than that, no anxiety or depression. Haven't noticed anything about my ADD yet. I'll give it a couple more weeks."

• Anonymous
• March 27, 2012

For Depression "I've been taking Wellbutrin for two years for depression. My general mood, concentration, and energy levels are much improved. I have a tendency towards anxiety, but most bad, depressed, or anxious moods last approximately half an hour and then go away. Before I took Wellbutrin, these moods could have lasted days. It slightly decreased my appetite and I've lost ten pounds. Negative side effects have included dry mouth, headaches, and occasional dizziness. Despite these, Wellbutrin has improved my life a lot and I believe that the medicine is more than worth trying."

• Anonymous
• January 13, 2010

For Depression "I've been taking 300 mg of Wellbutrin for two months now, and I am really impressed with how great it has been. I am way more motivated, feel happier, and quit smoking too. I find it much easier to go to work, and going to the gym is actually wonderful, instead of the incredibly difficult task it was before. I think that Wellbutrin works particularly well when combined with exercise. I have had a little bit of dry mouth and some trouble sleeping, but when compared to the benefits, the side effects are very minor."

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 11, 2017

For Depression "I wanted to share with those who have dry mouth. I also did if you go to Walmart and go to the toothpaste aisle, find the toothpaste I believe was called dry mouth in a blue package. I used it once and it helped my dry mouth the same day, and I was able to use my regular toothpaste for a couple of weeks before having to brush again with dry mouth toothpaste. I wanted to share this because the dry mouth is what almost caused me to stop taking Wellbutrin, but it works so great for me. I wanted to try everything possible first. :) I really hope this helps."

• Toy...
• January 20, 2010

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been annoyed all the time since I can remember. Always a pessimist. I figured if I expected the worst possible scenario, anything better was a win. It was as if I was at war with the world, everything was a battle. I've been on Wellbutrin for 6 weeks now, 300 mg a day in 2 doses to start. It gave me ridiculously bad headaches (I suffer from migraines already), but my mood, interest, and general sense of well-being were better. My doctor changed me from 2 doses to 3 doses a day (still 300 mg). No more headaches but slight insomnia so far: 3-4 hours a night now, usually getting 6-7 hours of sleep. And I have dry mouth as well. I will deal with the insomnia and cotton mouth. To me, this is worth it."

• Nan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 29, 2019

For Depression "In summer 2017, I had a depressive episode worsened by Cymbalta. I was suicidal with no emotions or appetite. I told my doctor and started Wellbutrin 300 mg. I was wary because the last two medications I took didn’t help. Two weeks later, after Cymbalta’s horrific withdrawal ended, my emotions returned. I could enjoy things again. By week four, I was happy for the first time in years. I could cry again (a weird thing to be happy about, but it felt good to feel again). I had mild side effects: a dry mouth and shaky hands. I think how I felt the following year is how healthy people feel. I’ve never felt better. In fall 2018, things went downhill. I was having panic attacks and dark, depressing thoughts. I thought it was stress, so I reduced my workload. It didn’t work. I was depressed/anxious daily until now because I was too nervous to tell anyone. Last week, my doctor prescribed an extra 150 mg (450 mg total). Nothing yet, but the higher dose may help. If I can edit this, I’ll add my experiences on 450 mg."

• Lyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2019

For Depression "I only have good things to say about this medicine. It worked for me for my anxiety, even though it started to really work 2 months after I started the medication. So far, I have been on it for about 4 months. I feel great, I feel happy, and I have lost 14 lbs. Dry mouth is the only reason why I don’t give it a 10."

• Rep...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 6, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "Coming from a very problematic childhood, I've been labeled everything from A to Z by psychiatrists and given a slew of meds. Wellbutrin, in my experience, has been beyond beneficial. At first, for the first week or two, I had slight tremors, irregular heartbeat, major insomnia, and headaches, but I dismissed them. I still have slight insomnia, which is why I take them when I wake up. But reading comprehension, multitasking, thought focus, and moods overall have dramatically improved! I'm one of those people that may have to take them for the rest of my life, but I'm not complaining =). One thing that does bother me, though, is dry mouth from Wellbutrin, but I take Biotene, which helps a bit. Enough to make it worth it anyways lol."

• ver...
• November 7, 2009

For Depression "I have been taking this medicine for over a week, and I do feel much more motivated and an overall sense of well-being. Side effects I have come across are dry mouth, or being thirsty - which helps to prevent any headaches. Early on, there was difficulty sleeping, but that comes and goes. I feel a little disoriented when I do wake up. Bowel movements actually improved. I don't recommend drinking while taking this. This was my first antidepressant, and I am very happy with the results so far!"

• gar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 6, 2023

For Depression "I’m on day 5 of Wellbutrin. I’ve had severe anxiety and depression for the past 10 years, and I’m 26 now. I’ve been hospitalized twice for suicidal feelings. Tried all different kinds of medications for the past 8 years. I had no hope anymore. I switched doctors this week after getting fed up with my old psychiatrist, who I felt didn’t understand me and couldn’t give me the care I needed. My new doctor understands me, and she started me on Wellbutrin this week. The first day of taking Wellbutrin, I felt relief. The fog of hopelessness was lifted, and although my situation is still bad, I now feel like I have the ability to overcome it. Now on day 5, I’m feeling much better, like I can actually focus more on the present moment rather than being stuck in my head. Side effects have included dry mouth, some stomach issues, anxiety, and insomnia. My doctor gave me trazodone to sleep better, which has helped. Please do not lose hope or be scared to try medications. They can help."

• TDi...
• January 20, 2010

For Depression "I have suffered from severe depression for over 3 years, mood swings, irritability, loss of interest, huge lack of energy, absolutely no motivation, anxiety, paranoia, and panic attacks. I was prescribed 100 mg extended release 2 times daily, and it's amazing how quickly it works. I don't have nearly as many mood swings as before, I have tons of energy (once you are on Wellbutrin, you realize just how much depression really affects you without even noticing it), tons of motivation. (I used to debate whether I should do this or that, now I just do it, there's no question whatsoever). However, it did not help my anxiety or panic attacks. The side effects for me were a very annoying twitching and dry mouth. I have only been on it for a week, so time will tell."

• Raq...
• September 24, 2020

For Depression "This medicine, Wellbutrin, just made me sleepy and irritable/depressed. Didn’t have any side effects like dry mouth or excessive energy. It kinda made my depression worse. Keep looking for the right med. It works for some, but unfortunately didn’t work for me."

• Anonymous
• February 26, 2017

For Depression "Wellbutrin worked very effectively in treating my depression. It lifted me out of a major depression I had been in for years. However, I am facing an issue because while Wellbutrin is great for treating my depression, the side effects are terrible. I am having excessive sweating all the time and extreme dry mouth. The dry mouth is causing bad breath and cavities. I am doing everything I can to combat the dry mouth and sweating with no avail. I was told the side effects will diminish over time, but it has been over a year and the side effects aren't any better. Does anyone know of effective ways to combat the side effects?"