Wellbutrin and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 4)

• eli...
• June 3, 2016

For Depression "Shortly after my 20th birthday, I developed what I later found out was major depression. After starting counseling, I reluctantly started taking Wellbutrin, and within a few days, I was a noticeably different person than I had been the past 6 months. I began to act like my old self again, gaining confidence, and for the most part, being free from all of my depression episodes that had occurred daily. The biggest side effects that I experienced were weight loss/loss of appetite and trouble falling asleep at night, but after about two weeks, those both went away. I've now been taking 300mg daily for about six weeks and feel great! I'd encourage you to give this medication a try because it can potentially really change your life."

• Anonymous
• January 25, 2012

For Depression "I have been taking this medicine for 2 weeks now, and I feel much better. I was extremely depressed and unmotivated. I tried taking Lexapro, and the sexual side effects were severe, and the benefits were not worth the trade-off, so I stopped taking it. My psychologist recommended Wellbutrin as an alternative, and I am SO glad that I tried it. I am more focused in school, exercising, and I have an overall more positive attitude. The only problem that I have experienced is that I have a very hard time falling asleep and staying asleep at night. It is VERY annoying, but worth it to me. No sexual side effects and no weight gain."

• Anonymous
• June 30, 2011

For Depression "I started Wellbutrin (150 mg) two months ago. So far, it's been very effective. The only negative side effects I've noticed have been mild heart palpitations, some pretty severe weight loss (15 lbs in two weeks, most of it muscle mass), insomnia, and a slight dip in my concentration levels. I can't eat certain foods anymore (like sugars and fried foods) without experiencing heart tremors and occasionally chest tightness (like a mild heart attack), but this has mostly gone away since I've started exercising again. On the other hand, I've stopped compulsively wanting to kill myself, my mind is a lot quieter, and I have stable energy throughout the day. I feel almost normal sometimes these days, and it's definitely a strange sensation."

• Anonymous
• April 25, 2010

For Depression "I've been taking this medication for over 6 months, and it has been a good fit for me. At first, I had a little trouble sleeping, but other than this, it has been easy. I am taking the SR type, so I have to take it 2x per day, which can be a pain. I have not had a depressive episode since starting on Wellbutrin."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• January 13, 2010

For Depression "31 years old and have never taken any kind of medication other than birth control. Recently went through some tough stuff and finally broke down after almost a year of feeling terrible and talked to my doctor. Started taking Wellbutrin about a month ago, and I haven't felt this good in years. I started feeling better almost immediately. I am motivated and focused and like my old self again. In addition, I stopped smoking completely about a week after I first started taking it. Only negatives are I am having a REALLY hard time getting enough sleep, and the dry mouth is bad but only on occasion. I really hope that the insomnia gets better because although I feel great, I know it can't be good to have such little sleep long term."

• Anonymous
• December 13, 2009

For Depression "I was on Wellbutrin years ago, and it helped. In the last couple of weeks, I have been suicidal and VERY depressed. My doctor put me back on the Wellbutrin, and 2 days later I'm ridiculously happy! I think it's worth the side effects, but some may not. I've experienced: insomnia, lack of appetite, horrible nausea, and incessant twitching (every 8 seconds or so). The insomnia is horrible. I've gotten about 2 hours of sleep in the last 3 days. Lack of appetite is okay with me, I needed to lose weight anyway! Ringing in the ears is something I'll deal with, but the nausea and twitching are the WORST by far. I look like I'm having a small seizure sometimes, and the nausea is just...ugh..."

• Sar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 20, 2024

"Female, 27, 150 mg XL for overeating disorder, ADHD, depression, and anxiety. After 10 days, insomnia improved by switching to taking it at night right as I'm falling asleep. It increased focus, energy, and contentment while reducing hunger. Initial agitation subsided quickly. Previous meds like Adderall, Vyvanse, and SSRIs had unwanted side effects, but Wellbutrin combines the best of both, allowing creativity and emotional connection. It's improved disordered eating, social interactions, and focus on work and creativity. Lost 3 lbs, feel more accountable, and have a better schedule. Glad I gave it a chance after being hesitant due to online reviews. It's nice to have my life back and feel like myself. I will update if anything changes, but for now I'm so grateful for this medicine."

• sam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 19, 2024

For Major Depressive Disorder "Depression or MDD, whatever I had, almost took my life away. Whatever positive reviews you've seen, I experienced all or most of them. At first, I did have insomnia, trembling hands, low appetite, but didn't have anxiety. Additionally, I felt like my heart chakra opened. All my life, I've been scared of cold water, but now I feel like the warmth inside me is sufficient for me to not bother about the cold hitting my body, haha. But the best part for me was it worked within 2 hours of taking that first dose. If it had taken more than a day to start working, I wouldn't have survived. This medicine has fixed probably 95% of all the problems I had in my life, whether it was self-esteem issues or an inability to focus, or even executive dysfunction, etc. everything was fixed. It fixed an addiction of more than 10 years in one shot as well. I cannot say enough for this medicine. I want to see what else it will do wonders for in the future. I hope you take this medicine if you need it, and I hope it works."

• 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! :)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2022

For Depression "Almost quit taking it at first because of the headaches, insomnia, fatigue, and anger, but kept on taking it, and 2 weeks later, I’m happier, have more energy, I’m actually sleeping better than before I took it, and no longer angry. Really thankful for this medication. (P.S. Was taking 150 XL mg but didn’t notice the drastic change until I got on 300 XL mg.)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 11, 2021

For Depression "I suffer from low mood and anxiety. I had read about Wellbutrin in the past, but only recently my doctor recommended it. I'm quite fit, exercise, eat well, get as much sleep as I can, as I believe they are the three pillars to manage your physical and mental status. This Wellbutrin seems to be a magic pill. Day 1. Motivation increased immediately, and WANTED to do physical work at my parents' place. After that, I had terrible anxiety and depression for the rest of the day and was fatigued. Day 2. (Today) Totally motivated, fully social, no anxiety, I feel myself, getting numerous things done, but all in a controlled way. I'm 46 and have my libido back big time. I'm actually shocked. My doc said to take 1 tablet as soon as I wake up (150 mg SR) for 3 days, then switch to 2 tablets from day 4. I know this is ridiculously early to write on here, but give this med a go! (Insomnia only drawback)"

• ali...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 20, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "Like others on this site, I have tried so many antidepressants. SSRIs take away any sexual feeling for me, and I tend to put on weight and not have the best self-image with them. Bupropion is the only medication that really allows me to feel my feelings, and talk more easily in social settings. After your adjustment (some insomnia for a few weeks) it actually helped me to sleep better. It took me a few times of trying this medication to really get it to work for me. It helped with my anxiety rather than making it worse, but depression was my biggest problem: hopelessness, fatigue, etc. This medication makes jokes funny, trees prettier, and makes me feel emotionally stronger. Remember that it takes courage and patience to get help and to stick with it until it works."

• F21...
• June 14, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "This drug Wellbutrin has been life-changing for me. After trying SSRIs and SNRIs that didn’t work, it did the trick. Yes, it sucks at first; the side effects are horrible, but you have to give it time. And on these meds at first, I got the head zaps, anxiety like I had never felt before, heart palpitations, lack of appetite and weight loss, headaches, nausea, severe insomnia - the whole nine yards. But after about 5 months on 300 mg, I turned a corner and feel better than ever. I can focus, I’m not tired but can sleep if I need to, my anxiety largely went away, I’m happy and can orgasm too. All the side effects pretty much subsided, save for the appetite one... I still don’t have to eat if I don’t want to, but I’m not repulsed by the idea of food anymore. So seriously, it isn’t a conventional drug and it’s bad initially, but PLEASE stick with it. Don’t expect it to work overnight... these things take time. I promise you will get results. You got this. Hang in there!"

• ras...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2020

For Depression "After a break up with my girlfriend and one true love of my life, I went to a really dark place and had serious suicidal thoughts. I was first put on Brintellix, then Valdoxan, and three weeks ago on Wellbutrin. It's been six months since the break up, and after using this med for 3 weeks, I'm finally able to enjoy life again and have energy to get through the days with pleasure. This med has so far been a life saver for me. The first two weeks were hard, and I had serious insomnia, but now for the first time in 6 months, I don't need Ambien to sleep anymore. I seriously recommend this med, at least for me it's working perfectly so far. Just give it time to start working, and you will feel better."

• 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)!"

• 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."

• Tab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2017

For Depression "I am a 57-year-old breast cancer survivor who has been in excellent shape, trim, and happily married. After menopause, I developed insomnia, weight gain, and depression. I can no longer take estrogen due to breast cancer, which made me feel tired all the time. Thyroid medicine helped but not enough. No energy and lost interest in doing things. My doctor insisted I try SSRIs such as Lexapro and Zoloft, but I had bad side effects. I tried many supplements but not much help. I tried Bupropion HCL SR 150 mg. It worked right away. I take it early in the morning and have energy all day. I did not have side effects except for losing 2 pounds and experiencing insomnia if taken after 10 am. It changed my life! I've been on it for 4 months."

• 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."

• Rob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2016

For Depression "My main depression symptoms were fatigue, lethargy, and memory problems, among others. And Wellbutrin was a life changer for me. It really helps me. I also experienced some side effects. First were mild, short headaches. I learned that sufficient hydration solves these. Next was severe insomnia. When taking only Wellbutrin, I can get 5 to a maximum of 6 hours of sleep per night. I have tried some calming supplements, and they helped. Last side effect is systemic joint discomfort and pain. I'm trying to help this with turmeric now. I also had a negative experience with the Wellbutrin interaction with passion flower (Passiflora incarnata). I was trying to help my insomnia with passion flower extract and became depressive again as I was before the Wellbutrin."

• dep...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 10, 2014

For Depression "I have been on bupropion for about a year, 150mg taken every morning. I noticed a difference on day 2. Everything was just normal. Not bad normal, but good normal, like you woke up after having a really good sleep - and like a weight or pressure has been lifted. It's really hard to describe. Everything seems better. I kid you not. Music sounds clearer, looking around outside, it looks clearer... like I am out of a fog. So... I tried an experiment while I went on vacation. Didn't take anything for 2 weeks. My mood slowly returned to negative. Little things ticked me off, that shouldn't have. I decided to go back on. Same effect on the next day, mood lifted. It gives me slight insomnia, but also takes away some appetite. Great."

• Mat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 14, 2013

For Depression "I started taking 150mg Wellbutrin SR about a month ago to treat severe atypical depression, and it has been nothing short of miraculous for me. The first two weeks were rough. I had some heart palpitations brought on by a combination of the meds and caffeine, so I had to stop the caffeine. I also had to work through a bit of insomnia early on, but that side effect has subsided, and now I actually sleep and wake well rested. For the first time in a decade, I'm hopeful. My negative thoughts are still there, but unlike before, I have control over them. I can manage them in a non-destructive way. Words cannot express what it feels like to know that you can, for the first time in so long you can't remember, function as a normal person."

• 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."