Wellbutrin and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 3)

• And...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 31, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "Give this medication a fighting chance! I almost quit a month in, but I am SO glad I didn’t and toughed out the negative side effects. When I started, I felt dazed and sedated but wired and jittery at the same time. My insomnia was horrible. Other side effects I experienced included tinnitus, horrible anxiety, hand tremors, heart palpitations, and a really short temper. I desired nothing, but had the energy to do everything - weird combo. OKAY, now for the GOOD, and things I think people should know before giving up this medication - the side effects last a LONG time (two and a half months for me) but they DO all go away. I was now able to get up early to work out, got into cooking, lost weight, and felt hopeful about life. Sex also got WAY better now that I could stop living in my head, which was a huge plus. For the first time in a long time, I can really say I feel happy. So give it time!"

• 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."

• Bip...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 12, 2019

For Depression "I have bipolar II, and after a series of failed drugs, I was prescribed quetiapine (that's a whole other message board) and bupropion. I was on Activas bupropion 150 XL for about six weeks. It stabilized me, but I was still depressed - but functioning. Side effects - waking up early, feeling like a zombie, loss of appetite - went away within that time period. I've now been on Par Pharmaceutical's bupropion 300 XL for about a month. Side effects are irritability and jitters, but I'm hoping those go away. I tried Activas 300 XL - oval pills - and it seemed to dump a large portion of the medication about two hours after taking it, giving me a zombie effect. It also gave me a headache. Those things may have gone away with time, but I switched back to Par. Overall, I'm content, and my depression is gone."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 4, 2017

For Depression "Started Wellbutrin XL at 150 mg once a day to treat depression and anxiety, although was more concerned about depression. The first week I was on it, I was absolutely miserable. I did not sleep or eat at all, and was crying constantly, and I think it definitely worsened my depression. However, I called my doctor and had my dose lowered to 75 mg and not extended release, and I immediately felt better. I have been on that dosage for about 6 months now, and I feel amazing. I am able to control my emotions so much better, and I rarely have meltdowns (I used to have a complete meltdown anytime anything negative happened to me). I definitely plan on staying on Wellbutrin. Would just recommend you make sure you are on the right dose."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 17, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I started taking Wellbutrin (150 mg) during an extreme depressive episode. It helped even me out a lot, though it didn't address all of my symptoms. I increased the dose to 300 mg but had to drop back down because I was having trouble sleeping. This is the only side effect I've experienced while on this medication. I've been on it for a year and a half now, and overall it has helped a lot. I'm still depressed, but I'm nowhere near as bad as before taking Wellbutrin. I'm looking into adding an SSRI or something as adjunct therapy to try to make things even better."

• hmm...
• March 30, 2016

For Depression "I started on Wellbutrin about 8 months ago for clinical depression, and while it hasn't been a miracle cure, things could definitely be worse. It really has been a gentler medication in terms of side effects. The only medication I tried before this was Lexapro, and geez, was that rough (sexual side effects, extreme lethargy, brain fog, memory loss, weight gain, etc.). I switched to Wellbutrin as an alternative and experienced mellow side effects while adjusting (lethargy, drowsiness), which only lasted for about 3 weeks. Cons: Significant rebound depression if I miss a dose, insomnia if taken at night (it's a stimulant), occasional bouts of depression (it hasn't been a complete fix). Sometimes I'll get really bad brain fog if I mistime a dose."

• 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."

• jtt...
• November 18, 2014

For Depression "I've been on Wellbutrin (my first antidepressant/anxiety med) 150mg once a day for about 7 weeks. It's good for those who emotionally eat. I've already lost 15 lbs because I don't have that feeling of hopelessness & it gives me no appetite. I have to force myself to eat for nutritional reasons. On the downside, my insomnia is out of control & affecting many parts of my life. I also have experienced several itching fits after about a month & needed Benadryl to get some relief. Otherwise, I would give it a 10."

• Hap...
• June 16, 2014

For Depression "I started taking Wellbutrin 150mg one week ago. I suffer from mild depression, but I feel like I am going through a rough patch in my marriage/life and needed something to change. I exercise regularly, own a business, and sleep well, but just didn't have that 'get up and go' that I felt others had. So, my doctor had given me a prescription for Lexapro that had horrible side effects right off the bat: heartburn, insomnia, and this kind of stressed-out feeling that made me VERY uncomfortable. My doc gave me a new prescription for Wellbutrin, and I take it the moment I wake up each morning. I feel happy, energetic, and ready to tackle the day. No insomnia, but I do have a reduced appetite. This may be just the ticket!"

• 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
• 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
• November 6, 2011

For Depression "30 lbs lost. New outlook on life. Does make me have trouble sleeping."

• Lel...
• June 1, 2010

For Depression "I have been on Wellbutrin for over five years. After trying Effexor and Zoloft, my experience with this has been really good. I was in denial about my depression for a few years after having some terrible things happen in my life. I cried all the time and felt "trapped" by the depression. I was also very moody. I never felt suicidal but had morbid thoughts about the weirdest things. There were issues for the first week or so. My mouth tasted like metal, and I had major trouble sleeping. After a few weeks, the crying and irritability went away. I actually lost a few pounds and had no sexual side effects. An unexpected bonus was that the jaw pain I had been suffering from for years completely went away. I have tried to stop taking it a few times, and the first thing that comes back is jaw pain. After a week or so, the crying and morbid thoughts start again. Now my doctor says I need to try something different because Wellbutrin does nothing for anxiety. I love my Wellbutrin so much I am afraid to give it up, but I do recognize my tendency toward anxiety. Wish me luck!"

• Anonymous
• December 2, 2009

For Panic Disorder "I started taking Wellbutrin after gaining 10 to 15 pounds on Paxil. I'd already tried Prozac. Wellbutrin did give me some uncomfortable side effects like ringing in the ears, sleepless nights, and I did have a lot of panic attacks while I was getting started. So I had to take Zoloft with it for a while, which canceled out my sex life. Now that I'm only on the Wellbutrin, I've lost 10 lbs and my sex life is better than ever. No one drug works for everybody, keep trying till you find the right one, don't suffer! My doctor chose this one so I could shed a few lbs. I gained on the other. 45-year-old female married 18 years, 4 kids... nice to know sometimes so you can relate."

• 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."

• Mba...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 18, 2022

For Depression "300 mg XR for roughly 5 years. Overall good experience, about 8.5/10. A family friend took me to a clinic after not getting up for multiple days on end. Started this medicine as a “why not.” Do not expect it to take effect for some time. I was told 6 months for the structural brain changes, and it may have even been a bit longer, however, you will feel effects much earlier, maybe about a month. Insomnia may be immediate. Very easy to use, it allowed me to wake up finally and experimented several times not taking it after I had established a better morning routine and would essentially be back to my useless state. This showed me it definitely was having effects. It didn’t feel as though I lost any part of myself while on it, but rather there was a bit extra. This leads me to my major negative, which was my increased aggression and overall emotional shortness. It became irrational while driving. Despite this, still better than being a lifeless blob."

• moo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 16, 2022

For Depression "I got prescribed Wellbutrin 150 XR as an add-on to my SSRI medication. My SSRI medication wiped my libido and gave me insomnia, so Wellbutrin was supposed to combat those bad side effects. For the first week or so of use, I felt slightly off from my usual self. I was hyper constantly, and my libido was through the roof. It wasn't anything I couldn't tolerate, though. I have now been on this medication for 1 1/2 years, and overall this medication has helped boost my mood and energy, helps me sleep better, and brings my libido back. Occasionally, for a week at a time, I will get no hunger signal, as in I feel hungry, but the thought of food isn't appealing, so I won't eat much and not notice. Though, this has been of benefit to me because I binge eat when my depression gets bad, so it has kept my weight the same. This is probably the best psychiatric medication I have ever used!"

• Con...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 15, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "It took about 2 months for me to begin to feel the effects, but it was worth it. Prior to starting Wellbutrin, I tried Lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac, Cymbalta, and a fifth I can't remember, and none of them had any effect on me. After Wellbutrin kicked in, my motivation returned, I was able to focus a little easier, and I reduced my stress eating. I have found that my depressive symptoms correlate strongly with my ADHD (a bad ADHD day will be a bad MDD day, and vice versa), and Wellbutrin works well to combat this. The only downside is that my insomnia has become even worse, but until I can find a better solution than Wellbutrin, this is something I will have to put up with."

• Lei...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2021

For Depression "When I tried an SSRI I ended up lying on the floor almost unresponsive. I won't take one again. In the last year my depression and anxiety got really bad. Horrible panic attacks, slamming doors, screaming, irritability... then came the suicidal thoughts. My doctor suggested Wellbutrin. I have a very sensitive body so I started on 75 mg once a day. Man. I noticed a difference within the first day or two. The third day I woke up with tons of energy and unpacked my suitcase that had been sitting in my closet for a week, before I even started working! Unheard of for me. My outlook on life has improved, I don't snap at my husband, I don't get annoyed. Plus I've lost 4 lbs and my sex drive has increased slightly. The only side effects I've had were the brain 'zingers' people talk about (they have subsided) and pretty bad insomnia. I'm hoping the insomnia goes away, but right now the positives definitely outweigh the negatives! A world of difference!"

• Can...
• September 5, 2020

For Depression "I was a 250-pound, fat, and happy married man until I was diagnosed with stage 3B cancer. My wife and kids convinced me to see a psychiatrist and get treated. Anyway, he started me on Wellbutrin (Bupropion generic) at 200mg per day. He said this med has been around a long time, and it's very safe and effective. Note that I don't have anxiety. After a week on Bupropion, I would sing on the way to work and was unable to wipe the smile off my face. After about 6 months, these feelings wore off, but I was still better than before. My psychiatrist upped the dosage to 300mg per day. I take two 100mg pills at 9 am and then one 100mg pill at 2:30 pm. Overall, I'm happy. It worked for me. The only side effects are a little insomnia twice per month and ringing in my ears four times per month, which lasts for hours each time. The ringing is very low. I get my generic meds for a 90-day supply each time, and my insurance charges me $24 for that 90-day supply (300mg/day)."

• TDS...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 12, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I had been on Prozac for a year to battle some severe depression and crying daily. It worked well for the first couple of months, but then I noticed it made me feel just 'blah' and negative. I couldn't get emotional either way... angry or sad. I also didn't want to do anything and gained 25 pounds, plus horrible sexual side effects. I got sick of it finally and asked my doctor for something different. He started introducing 150 mg of Wellbutrin for 2 weeks while I reduced the Prozac. The Wellbutrin started working after about a week. My mood was a lot better and I had more emotions. I also feel more motivated to eat right, work out, and improve my appearance. I'm now on one 10 mg Prozac in the morning and 2 separate doses of Wellbutrin (300 mg total). In about a week, I'll drop Prozac and see how it goes. I've only had a slight headache sometimes and a little trouble sleeping, but overall, no side effects with Wellbutrin. Very happy so far."

• Tam...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 14, 2019

For Depression "I took Wellbutrin years ago with success. I went off in 2015 to see if I could manage without. I was okay but still highly sensitive to stress from my PTSD. I returned to it in 2018 after a severe depression with suicidal thoughts returning. I attempted the 24 hr. 300 mg tab, but it caused insomnia. After 1 week of 3-4 hrs sleep, I had to return to the twice a day dosing of 150 mg at 6 am & 1 pm. It helps me a lot, but lately I have been experiencing worsening brain fog, spaciness, and inability to concentrate. I've decided to return to study for my Master's, so these symptoms are not conducive to success when studying. I will talk with my Doc. Perhaps I can lower the dose for a bit. Regardless, I'm thankful it has helped pull me from the depths a few times!"

• 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."

• 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."