Wellbutrin and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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."

• 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
• 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."

• bea...
• May 5, 2017

For Depression "I wanted to put up my experience with Wellbutrin because some people may have the same issues that I had with the drug. In the onset of taking Wellbutrin, I had, each time, slight to severe anxiety and almost worsening of symptoms in proportion to how hefty of a dosage I started off with. Long story short, I'm never getting off of it again. BUT if someone is trying to get on Wellbutrin and is having awful anxiety and no sleep or appetite like I did, you might ask your doctor if you can take a small dosage and taper up. I literally started with 18.5 mg and I still had a few symptoms from that, but I could also feel improvement at the same time. I increased by 18.5 mg more every 3-7 days. I'm now on 300 mg and knock on wood, my life is back."

• ctr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 4, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "After 1 week of taking Wellbutrin, I developed severe intrusive tinnitus. I have been off the drug for almost a year, and it has not faded at all. While obviously this side effect doesn't happen to everyone who takes Wellbutrin, it is frighteningly common. All of the doctors I've seen since then (psychs, ENTs, etc.) weren't surprised at all when I told them my tinnitus was from Wellbutrin. It has absolutely destroyed what was left of my life. I already had depression, anxiety, and insomnia, now all of these are 100x worse, plus suicidal thoughts. Again, I don't want to say 'don't take this drug' because all drugs have side effects, and I was one of the unlucky ones. But I would highly suggest something else as I would not wish this on my worst enemy."

• Mon...
• October 25, 2016

For Depression "Age 48 and have struggled with depression for years. I have no other mental health disorder and had no luck with antidepressants. Prozac increased suicidal ideation, and with Zoloft I felt occasional 'zapping' in my brain (I have no other way to describe it, but it's happened to others). Finally decided to try Wellbutrin 150 mg once daily. I'm mad at myself for not trying it sooner! Now, depressive episodes are very infrequent and last less than 30 minutes. The low is very manageable, however, at times when I should be sad, it's like I can't be. I also have tons of energy when in the past I'd struggle to get out of bed. Unfortunately, I haven't had any weight loss. The downside is that I am experiencing some insomnia, but I'd rather that than the alternative."

• Anonymous
• March 8, 2010

For Depression "After struggling with motivation and depression through my teens, I was diagnosed at 17 with a chemical imbalance. Then, during my 20s, I tried Prozac (did nothing), Zoloft (made me extremely fatigued), and Effexor (barely helped), and nothing really did the trick for me. I eventually succumbed and just stayed depressed, tired, and irritable. After having my 2nd child in 2008, I was diagnosed with postpartum depression. My OB put me on Wellbutrin 150 mg, twice daily. I feel like ME again. I concentrate better, am generally happy, way less irritable, and feel more in control. Oh, and TONS more energy than before. I don't plan on being off it anytime soon. I have a little trouble here and there with falling asleep/sometimes jitters - that's about it."

• 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."

• Los...
• July 15, 2016

For Depression "Back in February, I first started not sleeping well, and by the end of that month, major depression was in full effect. I tried numerous atypical antidepressants, only getting major side effects. I was not inclined to use an SSRI since side effects seemed to outweigh some of the positives they offer. Reluctant to give up on medication altogether, I was still not sleeping, facing a major battle with anxiety and insomnia. I decided to try Wellbutrin 150 mg XL. Let me clearly explain: the first two weeks were rough. I think I slept for about three days or so. After the third week, I started to see more positive motivation and energy to get through the day. The energy is balanced now, and the depressed thoughts and anxiety are under control. I'm just going into week four... onward."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 15, 2023

For Depression "My doctor prescribed Wellbutrin to me over a month ago, and I was scared to start it. I am on Zoloft now, and it has helped a little with my depression, but my doctor wanted me to add Wellbutrin since I asked her to take me off Adderall (which caused too much anxiety). I have only been on Wellbutrin for 2 days, and already I have completed household tasks I have been putting off for months!! Thankfully, I have zero side effects, other than some slight insomnia (but I take a sleep aid to help with sleep). I am happier, more energetic, want to get back to exercising, and am just all-around hopeful again! Please take this medication!! It does wonders! :)"

• cou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 12, 2013

For Depression "One week on 100 mg, week two on 200 mg, halfway into the third week, diarrhea, feeling hungover, only sleeping 3 to 4 hours a night, horrible anxiety like something bad is going to happen. Getting angry at just about anything. This medication isn't for me."

• 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."

• Don...
• October 4, 2014

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've been taking 150 mg for 2 weeks now. I felt the effects in just a few days. I have a lot of energy, and it has increased my thirst. I've lost a few pounds. My only problem is sleep. I've been taking zolpidem for 3 years (5 mg) and it isn't helping much. I've taken a few other antidepressants in the past, and this has been the most effective."

• 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."

• Me1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2018

For Depression "I went on this medication for some low motivation. Within a few days, I had more energy and felt like I had a lot more motivation. It took me a very long time to adjust. Honestly, I was on it for 3 months and I'm not sure I ever did adjust. I got the shakes, twitched a lot (while awake and in my sleep), and constantly felt full of nervous energy. I had trouble sleeping and couldn't reach orgasm (I'm a woman). I know this drug is used to treat sexual side effects of SSRIs, but that's what it did to me. It actually made me more depressed to be on this medication. I also got awful brain fog where I'd forget what I was saying in the middle of a conversation. I felt like an idiot! Everyone is different, and I know people who have benefitted from Wellbutrin. This is just my experience. I went off of it and already feel much better."

• 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."

• Rob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2019

For Depression "I’m very pleased with the results after only two weeks. I have a lot more energy, I feel more social, and I don’t feel sad. There are side effects, however. I’m having trouble sleeping, I’m sweating more, and I feel a little irritable and kind of wound up. I’m having some trouble doing one thing and finishing it before starting something else. Also, I’ve lost about 4 pounds in two weeks and I don’t feel hungry. I am a little concerned that I’m looking too thin. But the overall positive effects outweigh the negatives for me so far."

• 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."

• Don...
• March 3, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "Good! There are big pros and some cons. Pros: big decrease in depression and slight decrease in anxiety, slightly increased sex drive, increased curiosity/motivation, improved verbal fluency and thought process, no weight gain. Cons: more aggressive, worse sleep, far more difficult to meditate/fall asleep, struggle to live in the moment due to amplified thoughts. I’ll stick with it as it does work, although the cons could cause me to discontinue. I’ve been on 300 mg XL for 2 months."

• Sky...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 28, 2019

For Depression "I was prescribed 75 mg Wellbutrin 2x per day. I've only been on this for about 2 weeks, and the side effects are awful. Insomnia, total brain fog, can't remember mid-sentence what I was even talking about, killed my ability to climax (I also take Lexapro 20 mg, which killed my libido), massive panic attacks, severe agitation and mood swings, and irrational thinking. I'm so sad because I really wanted this med to work, but the cons outweigh the pros 100%. Good luck to everyone!"

• Ree...
• August 31, 2019

For Depression "Made me very irritable and gave me deeper depression whenever I took the medicine. Also kept me up late at night and didn’t help my depression at all. Quit cold turkey and am doing much better now. Best to stay away unless you seriously need treatment."

• Nao...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2019

For Depression "Started taking Wellbutrin for depression and anxiety, and it has been awful! Started on 150 mg for the first three days, then went up to 300 mg. This was the worst thing to take if you have anxiety associated with your depression. I've always had anxiety, but not this bad! It made it so much worse, and I was paranoid, having panic attacks, and couldn't sleep. I will never take this again and do NOT recommend this at all."

• 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."

• 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."