Wellbutrin and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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!"

• Jay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 12, 2016

For Depression "I have been on Wellbutrin 150 mg for 3 days now, doc said to up the dose to 300 mg after my first week, it has been hell to say the least. I have had terrible migraines, a very 'slumped/sluggish' feeling, and I can't sleep! If anything, I feel worse! I just want this terrible phase to be over! One thing positive I will add is that it has helped me with my weight tremendously - I have lost 10 pounds in 10 days, losing about a pound a day on this medication."

• 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)"

• 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."

• Iwa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 5, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been on Wellbutrin 75 mg x 2 a day for a week. I have CFS and MDD, SAD, as well as mild OSA. My sleep doctor suggested Wellbutrin because of its stimulating effects after I asked about Provigil or Nuvigil for my extreme fatigue and depression. The first four days, I felt like I drank 20 cups of coffee. Jittery, gnashing my teeth, tensed-up muscles, hard time sleeping, while still depressed. Not a good combination. After four days, the stimulant effect suddenly went away and was replaced by the worst sleepiness I've ever felt. An hour after taking the pills, I practically fall asleep. Drowsy and sleepy all day to the point of not being able to function at my job. Not sure if I can continue Wellbutrin for much longer."

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 4, 2022

For Depression "It’s worth a try. Easy to come off of. I’ve cold turkey quit many antidepressants. Insomnia will probably be your worst side effect. Sweating, agitation, restlessness, trouble focusing, and even increased depression and anxiety are common too. It’s an NDRI like Ritalin but much weaker and less selective. I think jogging, drinking lots of water, and an energy drink or coffee or two is more effective. Don’t expect much, but it’s definitely better than SSRIs, SNRIs, antipsychotics, etc."

• 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."

• Eva...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2021

For Depression "I had to stop Prozac, which worked very well on me, but unfortunately started causing neutropenia and related skin problems. The doctor recommended Wellbutrin 75 mg for a week then to increase to 150 mg. Straight after the first dose, I developed hand twitching/tremors and felt, in general, very jittery. I could never increase it to 150 mg. I felt weird, one minute hyper, the next minute tired. Did not sleep or feel very well. I’ve been on it for 4 weeks and am really struggling. Prozac worked very well on me, Wellbutrin affects dopamine and noradrenaline, so completely different neurotransmitters than Prozac. I am starting now Vortioxetine, which is a newer generation SSRI with less side effects, etc. Hoping for better days."

• Gwe...
• July 30, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "This is for anxiety/major depressive disorder and BPD. The side effects suck. Since I've been on Wellbutrin, I've had severe dizzy spells and severe insomnia where I stay up all night and get 2-5 hours of sleep in the morning, on good days. My appetite suppression is not as extreme as other medications I've been on, but I have lost 5 pounds on it. I like eating, so I don't like that. I had my first self-harm episode, and it had been over a year, and it was over something insignificant that happens all the time. It gave me depression. I personally haven't experienced a good thing about this med, but I'm giving it another month or two to work. I'm hopeful."

• 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."

• 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."

• JC2...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was prescribed Wellbutrin 2x a day after Celexa stopped working after being on it 5 years. Within a few days of taking the Wellbutrin, my anxiety was back, and depression was worse. Had trouble staying asleep because my mind was constantly racing. Definitely did not work for me."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "Currently on this medication, 150 mg daily. I expected the side effects to be bad after reading some reviews here, and they were, lol. Thought so many people said it would calm down after the first month, but it's been longer than that. Usually for me, the nausea is the worst thing. I never want to eat anything, food just disgusts me most of the time now. I felt like it was really helping the depression a few weeks ago, but now I am more suicidal than ever. Also, my anxiety is horrible. Many days, I don't want to leave the house. I used to be agoraphobic about 10 or so years ago (in my teens), and now I feel myself heading that direction again. It also has really affected my sleep, or at least that's what I'm assuming. I have been having a very hard time getting to sleep, and then if I wake up from something, it's even harder to fall back asleep. It just sucks. The only plus is that it doesn't increase my appetite. Hope this helps."

• Nee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2017

For Depression "Started taking it, and I slept well at night and awoke early around 5 to start my day happily. But come 8 a.m., and I am drowsy and needed to take already two hours nap. Awake and resume my day with not much difficulties. Then at 2 p.m. again I needed a nap? So how was I gonna make it to work and my appointments too? I went cold turkey. Felt much better after that. Only to crash again. I did try other antidepressants, including Pristiq. But I suffered with insomnia with these meds. I know I need to start again, but so confused if I should resume Wellbutrin."

• Anonymous
• March 20, 2012

For Depression "I took this medicine for about 6 weeks. I loved the increased energy during the day, the weight loss, and decreased desire to smoke! But it didn't do much to improve my mood and PMDD, and I had trouble staying asleep at night."

• Ver...
• August 19, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "I believe this is an overall fantastic drug, but likely not the best fit for those with a history of chronic insomnia. I was prescribed Wellbutrin after quitting Lexapro (to avoid sexual dysfunction associated with SSRIs) and experienced a temporary decrease in my depression but developed horrific insomnia that lasted the entire duration of my use of Wellbutrin. Because I was chronically underslept for a period of 6 months, my depression and panic disorder worsened exponentially to a critical point, which resulted in me quitting Wellbutrin. Thankfully, Wellbutrin was much easier to taper off and quit than conventional SSRIs! No brain zaps or severe withdrawals. Give this drug a chance, but be wary if you already battle with sleep."

• Anonymous
• July 23, 2016

For Depression "I took bupropion for about two weeks, and I didn't like the side effects. I can't sleep, and with kids, it's a big no! It's been about two weeks since I stopped, and I wish I didn't. I get anxiety attacks, I want to cry! And dizziness. I will visit my doctor soon."

• Ang...
• January 4, 2017

For Depression "I've been taking bupropion, 1 pill, 150 mg once a day for anxiety and depression for a month, and it hasn't really been working. I feel the same way. The first day, I felt that it limited my brain somehow, but that was all. And I find myself not being able to sleep at all at night ever since I started taking it. I've been sleeping 2-3 hours. Maybe I should take a higher dose or change medication."

• Jay...
• January 5, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've only been taking it a week. I went up to 300 mg on the fourth day to help me quit smoking, but I will also continue the medicine for my depression. So far, after the first day of taking this medication, I've noticed I will not sleep more than 9 hours, which I could easily sleep 12 hours. When I smoke a cigarette after the first day, first couple of days 1-6 so far, I do not feel any effects of the cigarette, it's like I'm just filling up my lungs with smoke and not being ''rewarded'' mentally... but the craving was still slightly there. I also see people saying this medication is making them angry... I don't know, I roll my eyes at that, but everyone's different."

• Anonymous
• September 11, 2011

For Depression "I have been on Wellbutrin for 2 weeks now. I am not sure if it just isn't working or if it is actually making things worse. Crying, sleepless, anxious, restless. Don't know whether I should quit taking it or not. Doctor is on vacation this week, will see him the following week. Was on Effexor for about 3 years. It worked great for me, but somehow I decided I didn't need it anymore, within a month, I realized I was wrong. Tried going back on it, but it caused horrible side effects."

• Mes...
• September 12, 2016

For Depression "I was started on WB XL 150 mg 8 weeks ago. The first couple of weeks, I had nausea, fogginess, and had trouble sleeping. This started to taper off at about the four-week mark. Last week, my doctor increased it to 300 mg, and I have had fogginess/dizziness. Since I've been on it, I've had some abdominal discomfort. Is this normal, and will it go away? Do you get the side effects again when it has been increased?"