Wellbutrin and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Sqy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2017

For Depression "The first few days while taking Wellbutrin, which is not really recommended for anxiety, but the doc recommended giving it a try, were not too bad. Around week 2, I began to notice I was miserable, angry all the time, and just not feeling like myself! I am usually a happy person that laughs a lot and enjoys making others laugh! Wellbutrin changed all that! I was now a bitter and angry person that found fault with everything! I wasn't sleeping well, had slight headaches every day, and my head felt cloudy and foggy all the time! I wasn't able to concentrate, which made it difficult for me to function properly at work. I was no longer the happy, silly person I used to be! This drug totally changed my personality!"

• Mou...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 15, 2017

For Depression "I have been on Wellbutrin SR prescribed off-label for major depressive disorder for about 3 years now. Initially, I had the same kind of side effects that are common, such as headache, some anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. The side effects diminished and pretty much went away after about a month, and I take my second dose at midday so that it doesn't impact my sleep. Overall, this medication has made a huge difference in my quality of life and has stopped me from experiencing cripplingly low moods and huge rapid mood swings. It continues to work as well now as it did at the start of treatment. It has also helped me to focus and concentrate on a task in a way that I found hard before. My main concern has been the impact on short-term memory."

• MyE...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 8, 2017

For Depression "Unfortunately, this medication did not work out well for me at all. I was on 150 mg of Wellbutrin, a generic SR version. In the first week, I took the medicine first thing in the morning as directed (for me, that's about 7 a.m.), and the rest of the day I had intense/severe headaches. Mind you, I already take medication daily for migraines because I'm a chronic sufferer, and my migraine medication was being blown out of the water! I felt like I had several ice picks in my head. The other issue I noticed immediately was that I was having an extremely difficult time sleeping, and if I did fall asleep, I'd have very vivid and awful nightmares. Other apparent issues were having memory loss and abnormal behavior. Not for me!!!"

• Sam...
• January 5, 2017

For Depression "I've been depressed for quite some years now on and off. I've had my highs and my lows. I decided to talk to my doctor to try out antidepressants even though I was so scared and skeptical. My doctor prescribed me sertraline 50 mg. I noticed my energy level increased to a certain extent, but after a couple of months, I noticed no change at all. I was just at a 5 out of 10, not going up or down, so I decided to change my meds. He then prescribed me bupropion XL 150 mg. The first 3 days were amazing, I had an incredible amount of energy. I felt the most normal I had in a whole year. Soon after, the 6th day came and I felt horrible: vomiting, headaches, confusion, night sweats, etc."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 8, 2016

For Depression "I got depression and anxiety after one summer of abusing ecstasy and acid. This was 2003. For quite a while I didn't medicate as I was still in denial. After about 2 years of suffering, I started taking Lexapro. It didn't do much. I began to get severe headaches. After 2 years, I switched to Zoloft. Kept waiting for things to get better but they just got worse. I began to put on weight. To feel better, I was binge eating junk food. I became sickly bloated and had terrible OCD. Eventually, out of desperation, I switched doctors 2 years ago and he prescribed Wellbutrin XL. Thank God. The fog began to clear up, I felt optimistic, less anxious, lost weight. I am almost 80% better. Living a normal life. Wellbutrin saved my life."

• Cma...
• December 3, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been taking this medication for about 2 weeks now. I got prescribed it in the hospital after a fallout. I tried Prozac while in high school and had no luck with it. Then was prescribed Zoloft a few months ago and obviously didn't work, considering landing myself in the hospital. Now trying Wellbutrin. Even though I have just started it, I'd say that I do see some positive effects in it. I have more motivation and am trying to do better for myself. But I do have some side effects including really bad headaches, ringing in ears, insomnia, dizziness at times, with nausea. I also have noticed that taking Excedrin to suppress the headaches doesn't help but makes my anxiety increase. Don't take a dose late either as that just increases mood swings."

• Cyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 17, 2016

For Depression "I have little side effects, like a headache, but that is due to no appetite from this medication. Ever since I have been on it, I feel wonderful again, like I used to be. All I would sit around and cry and think I was useless, but now that is gone altogether. I'm on 200 mg, and who knows, I could have it increased if all goes well. Since I have been on this medication, I have lost 14 lbs. I have no appetite, so I have to force myself to eat, which isn't till like 4 pm. I'm so glad I'm losing weight and not gaining. Who knows, it could be a combination with my Lisinopril. I guess everyone is different, but give it a try or ask your doctor if you can take it for weight loss. My doctor put me on it for weight loss and depression... Very, very happy."

• 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."

• Pai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 17, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "I started taking Wellbutrin 300 (150x2). Benefit: speed, biting nails. Calm mind, no racing thoughts. Well rested. Pain managed much better. Great focus versus lots of racing thoughts and too much happening at once. Stabilized mood. Generally calmer. Negative: felt like I was going to have a stroke (I've had a few before, unrelated). Hard to think, have full thoughts, twitchy, nausea, vomiting, headaches, irritated easily, out of body, always hard to swallow, vertigo, hard to swallow/speak, flushed warm feeling. Didn't feel like myself, though that could be because despite the negatives, so many things were much better. Going to try something else. Side effects were too much to justify and had a 'bad feeling' from taking it. Great drug if minimal SE's."

• ora...
• May 8, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've had severe depression and increasing anxiety since I was 18 (23 soon going on 24 now!) but was only officially diagnosed last summer, a few months after I graduated college. I started taking Wellbutrin SR in September 2014, and eventually went up to 300 mg a day. At first, it just gave me headaches, worsened my chronic insomnia, and gave me an immediate burst of way too much energy. Now, I no longer experience any of these effects. One of my biggest issues before was a total lack of motivation, but Wellbutrin has fixed this almost entirely. I'm actually able to leave the house now and I finally have a job that I enjoy going to and am actually able to focus on. I really wish I had started taking this sooner, but I'm glad I'm on it now."

• jmm...
• April 15, 2015

For Depression "I was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety, as well as a bit of OCD regarding my weight well over 10 years ago, but started taking medication for it only 2 years ago. I'm on Wellbutrin again, after a year or so off of it, for about 6 days now, and I haven't felt much of a positive change whatsoever, unfortunately. The one side effect I've been getting is extreme migraines. I suffer from chronic migraines anyway, but they're never usually this bad every day. I'm not sure if it's because I'm still coming off of the Zoloft while starting up the Wellbutrin. Zoloft gave me awful headaches and major weight gain along with some insomnia. I'm sticking it out and hoping that the migraines go away. I have been nauseous daily also."

• 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."

• Bec...
• January 13, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "Wellbutrin has saved my life. It's a miracle. About 6 months ago, I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and localized anxiety disorder. I was put on Lexapro, which didn't help much, and the side effects were awful: total loss of sex drive, bad headaches, and nightmares every night. Then, about 3 months ago, they put me on 200mg of Wellbutrin daily, and I started feeling better within a week. It was incredible! I am now happier than I have ever been. I feel like a new, improved version of myself. My sex drive has drastically improved, but my appetite has not returned. In fact, I have lost weight despite not changing my eating or exercising habits. Other than those, I have no side effects."

• 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."

• Bri...
• November 20, 2014

For Major Depressive Disorder "I'm male, 54 years old and weigh about 180 lbs. The first time I tried Wellbutrin, it was 150mg twice a day. It was too much for me. Side effects: Jitters, hyperactive, constant bouncing of knee when sitting, clenching teeth, weight loss, tinnitus, insomnia, dull headache in back of head. I decided to quit Wellbutrin but recently resumed using it. I only take 75mg in the morning (5 AM) then 75mg at 11 AM. They are the 'SR' type. I will continue using this dose until my body adjusts and then I may up the dose to 150 twice a day. For me, starting at 300mg a day was far too much. I believe starting lower, I will be able to remain on this."

• 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."

• JKL...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 11, 2013

For Depression "I started on 150 mg for the first month and was raised to 300 mg after that. I began having weird side effects such as uncontrollable jaw clenching so hard it would give awful headaches. I also would violently twitch while relaxing before going to sleep. I experienced insomnia. Last, my sense of smell was very heightened and the smells would make me feel nauseous. I had suicidal thoughts even though I didn't ever want to do that. I continued to feel depressed, and in my opinion, it intensified my anxiety."

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

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."

• Anonymous
• December 10, 2012

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."

• Anonymous
• December 3, 2012

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."

• Anonymous
• December 3, 2012

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."

• Ogo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 23, 2012

For Depression "Horrible side effects: irritability, headaches, malaise. Did not help me with depression as a result."

• qua...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 4, 2012

For Depression "When I first took it, I thought it was great, but after being on it awhile, I got terrible headaches, and if you ever got angry while on it, my blood pressure went real high."

• Anonymous
• April 29, 2012

For Depression "I started off on the Wellbutrin 150 mg XL twice a day, and I was exhausted every day, not to mention the nausea was so bad I had to stop taking it. Just started on Wellbutrin immediate release at 100 mg once a day, and it is a complete difference. I have so much more energy and focus, so far I love it. I do get a little headache by the end of the day, but it's not a big deal."

• 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."