Wellbutrin and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Kat...
• May 26, 2018

For Depression "I was suffering from adjustment disorder, mixed anxiety and depression. I’ve dealt with anxiety before— but a life transition triggered a massive downward spiral filled with panic, sleeplessness (yet still too much sleep), decreased focus, extreme apathy, no motivation, suicidal thoughts, unrealistic fears, etc. PCP suggested Wellbutrin XL 150 mg, I desperately agreed. I felt like medication was my last hope. Within 2 weeks, I felt like I was able to function (improved motivation). Within a month, my anxiety and other symptoms were under control. I experienced side effects for the first week— headache, some impulsivity. And for the first month, my sleep schedule was disturbed (I tried moving the time I took Wellbutrin... sometimes it helped, but the side effect was gone by month 2 anyway). Wellbutrin saved my life. I’ve been on Wellbutrin for 4 months now. It doesn’t fix everything of course, but it really helps me combined with healthy coping and CBT."

• Ell...
• January 4, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "I want to start by saying that drugs have different effects on everyone, so not every experience is the same. This medication has changed my life. After trying 7 different antidepressants, then stopping, then trying again, I have finally found one that works. One of my biggest problems was an inability to focus on anything, and I am finally clear-minded and able to focus. I still have some problems with mood regulation, but it is SO much better than before. I had some pretty bad side effects getting on Wellbutrin (but did with every drug I tried) -- extreme dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and bad headaches. Side effects wore off after a week, but I still get bad headaches with this med (worth it). Definitely a drug to discuss with your doctor."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• November 3, 2010

For Depression "I have been battling with depression for years and recently hit a plateau while taking Prozac. Not just with my depression but with my weight as well. I did some research online about Wellbutrin, read many reviews, and decided to ask my doctor for a prescription. It was the best decision I could have made. I feel so much better, not just mentally but physically. I have finally been able to lose weight again and feel good about my life. I am not sure about others, but my side effects were a small headache and a little anxiety to begin with, but it subsided within 2 weeks. I will never switch to anything else."

• hop...
• May 23, 2010

For Depression "I have taken Paxil, Effexor, and Lexapro. These drugs helped but left me feeling like a zombie, had sexual side effects, and extreme night sweats. Because of these side effects, I always went off the prescription after a year or less. When I went off Effexor, I was energetic, worked out, and felt great. I thought if I could just maintain working out, I would be okay. Well, I slowly quit working out and got angrier and angrier. I tried to fight it for 3 years before I couldn't take it anymore. This time, the doctor put me on 150 mg Wellbutrin XL. I started feeling better within a couple of days. I did experience bad headaches and had an upset stomach for the first month. It was worth it. I have no side effects and feel 100% normal."

• Anonymous
• March 28, 2010

For Depression "Wellbutrin has helped me a great deal. In response to one person who said they are having trouble sleeping...after 10 years on this antidepressant with doses going up and down by 100 mg a day. Difficulty sleeping has always been a sign of a dosage that was too high. If I have trouble sleeping, and headaches that feel tight in the back of my head, and feel easily irritated, lowering my dose by 50mg usually fixes the situation within 3 weeks."