Wellbutrin and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say

• Cou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 23, 2021

For Depression "Background: depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, seasonal depression. I went with Wellbutrin because it had the least side effects compared to most depression medications and it was recommended by many people. I must say it really has been life-changing. When I started Wellbutrin, it made me think much clearer. While I still do get thoughts, they are not intrusive. My mood is stable, and I feel generally happy! Week 1- sensitivity to caffeine, racing heart for one day, increased energy, appetite decreased. Week 2- energy balanced out, appetite low. Week 3- appetite back, energy consistent, mood improving, felt happy and no intrusive thoughts. Week 4- I feel great! I do sometimes experience ringing in my ear, but nothing that is bothersome. Overall, this medication has saved me. I recommend taking this medication while seeing your therapist. Both of them together have really pushed me in the right direction."

• 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!"

• The...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 1, 2020

For Depression "I'm on day 3 of Wellbutrin. So far, it's been miserable. I'm on the lowest dose and still having horrible stomach side effects. I can't eat, I have no appetite, severe diarrhea with intense stomach pain. I'm also exhausted but can't seem to sleep more than a few hours at a time. My mouth is dry and my eyeballs feel like sandpaper. And to top it all off, just looking at my husband arouses me. I'd actually enjoy that side effect if I could stay off the toilet. I'm gonna try to stick it out in hopes that this will pass. I know I need to give it some time."

• 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."

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2017

For Depression "This has become my miracle medicine. Some days I wonder if it's too good to be true!! I've battled depression and anxiety on and off for years. My doctors over the years kept giving me different SSRIs, and those made me like a zombie, barely able to get out of bed. With a toddler, that's just not an option! I've been on it for about 6 weeks now, and let me tell you the benefits: I'm HAPPY - like I have a desire to move and do things, as opposed to sitting on the couch after work, not wanting to do a thing until bedtime. It's almost like I'm on speed. I'm SO productive at work and home. I'm sleeping better - I was worried it would keep me awake, but nope. Sex drive thru the roof. I've lost 10 lbs so far from suppressed appetite and working out!"

• Mrs...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2013

For Depression "I had trouble with anxiety and having a 'short fuse'. I thought about death constantly and had trouble remembering things. In short, I suffered from depression. I was horrible to my coworkers, family, and friends. I have never taken an antidepressant before. I have been taking Wellbutrin for 5 days, and I can say that I feel better. I have energy, although I have noticed some heart palpitations, nothing worth seeing a doctor about. I have a decreased appetite but just slight nausea. I am in a better mood and seem to be able to let things that used to bother me just slide by. I do not feel like a zombie at all. I smile more and cry less. That's exactly what I was hoping for. I am a 45-year-old woman."

• Fem...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 16, 2013

For Depression "I've been on Wellbutrin for a year and a half now. I had been reluctant to admit I was depressed even though I was miserable. I was rude and snappish with everyone, unhappy with myself, and just wanted to die. Then I started Wellbutrin. Immediately, those thoughts in my head about what an awful person I was stopped. When I consciously tried to think about them again, I couldn't do it without my brain also coming up with all the reasons those negative thoughts were ridiculous and untrue. The only side effect I noticed was lack of appetite, but that went away after about three weeks. This medicine works really well for me. I feel so much more like myself."

• 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!"

• Mia...
• August 7, 2013

For Depression "I am a 25-year-old woman and started taking this 6 days ago along with clonazepam for anxiety. 300 mg of Bupropion once a day (mornings) and clonazepam twice a day (once in the morning and once in the evening). I have to say that... so far THIS ROCKS. I was suffering from depression, obsessive thoughts, anxiety, and panic attacks for months. I stopped taking Zoloft after a year because I gained 60 lbs on it. Now with Wellbutrin, I have no side effects except loss of appetite and more energy. I feel more energetic, happy (almost 'giddy') and hopeful for the future. My anxiety and depression were debilitating, and this saved my life. I can't wait till the full effects kick in. 6 days in and I feel the difference."

• Los...
• May 3, 2009

For Depression "It has helped me a lot with my depression and anger problems. For the first time in 9 years, I don't wake up mad at the world with homicidal thoughts. The side effects that I experienced are dizziness when I stand up too fast and my loss of appetite (not a bad thing). I was overweight anyway. I've only been on it for 2 weeks and have lost 13 pounds, but it makes me feel so much better about myself."

• Did...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2019

For Depression "I have been on other meds for depression, but Wellbutrin has been the best medicine the doctor could have put me on. This med has changed my life from night to day. I did not have the side effects with this one like I did with the others. I cannot praise this med enough. Before being put on Wellbutrin, I cried all the time, could not get my apartment dark enough, and I just wanted to be alone all the time. I can't thank my doctor enough for putting me on Wellbutrin. I have also lost some weight, and my sugar cravings are gone. Love Wellbutrin."

• Anonymous
• May 11, 2012

For Depression "I've been taking bupropion for 5 weeks now and I am SO thankful! Teaching high school was becoming almost impossible. Trying to deal with a room full of teenagers all day long when you are depressed and have no energy, no motivation, and can't think straight. And I'd come home too tired and achy to exercise. I didn't even know how bad it was until I started feeling normal again. Now I can think straight, I have energy, faith in myself, and no more muscle aches. And NO side effects. (Well, one little one - less appetite, so I don't bother to cook dinner for myself regularly anymore.) I just feel like me again! I am so grateful!"

• 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
• 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."

• Jet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2013

For Depression "This medication makes me feel weird like my brain is dehydrated, loss of appetite, constant headaches and a jittery feeling that was uncomfortable at times. Reduced smoking cravings and made smoking really gross. Had a few drinks on New Year's... bad idea, sick for days."

• Fai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 27, 2021

For Depression "I am on week 3 on Bupropion 150 SR, I went off Paroxetine cold turkey and started this. First week, I was tired all the time and had some weird nightmares that went away starting the 2nd week. Then the 2nd week, I felt awkward. I was not myself, I was very irritable, didn't want to be around people, had some headaches that week, and wasn't interested in doing many things. I was about to quit, but my doctor told me to please give it a try until week three when it is supposed to start working (from week 3 to 6). So I did with a lot of effort, and I am so HAPPY I DID HANG IN THERE!! I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER. Today is my day 22, and I at last feel peace, joy, and motivation again to do things I didn't want to do before. I am eating less, not so hungry, stopped smoking, and do not need caffeine to function as I did before. It doesn't have side effects on libido like Paroxetine. So far, it has been worth the wait of 3 weeks of not feeling so well. IT IS WORTH IT. PLEASE HANG IN THERE!! Pray for all to feel happy."

• 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."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 12, 2016

For Depression "I went through a very rough patch and initially started on Lexapro, mostly for anxiety. It made me have no strong feelings, good or bad. I needed that for a while, but got concerned about not caring about much of anything. That's when I weaned myself off of that. Not too long later, I realized I still had issues that needed to be dealt with. My doctor suggested trying Wellbutrin instead as it targets different chemicals in the brain. It has made a huge difference for me in dealing with persistent depression. For the first week or two, I had night sweats and very vivid nightmares along with a loss of appetite. I've been on 150mg twice daily for about a year now and it makes me feel as close to normal as I've felt in a while."

• Nb2...
• November 20, 2016

For Depression "I'm suffering from depression and anxiety. It's been a week that I'm on Wellbutrin 150 XL. I feel a difference. I feel I'm more sociable and happier. More energy, lost my appetite, and it seems I'm losing weight. Which is a good part of the drug."

• chi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2013

For Depression "I took Wellbutrin for a couple of months, eventually going up to 450 mg a day, and I think it did help a little bit, but not a whole lot. From my experience, it would maybe be good for mild depression, but I don't think it's strong enough if you've been depressed for a long time period. I don't remember any side effects, though, except maybe a little loss of appetite."

• 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."

• Shy...
• February 5, 2021

For Depression "I started taking 100 mg of Wellbutrin 2 months ago. I was prescribed it for ADHD, but I also suffer from severe depression. The first four days of this drug were absolutely awful, I cried and felt an extreme hopelessness. After the second week, the sadness was fading, but I felt numb. The only positive thing is that it has decreased my irritability heavily, like I used to snap at so many small things, and now I am unbothered, but this has been replaced with sensitivity and getting emotional/crying easily. It also has helped with my sex drive. It hasn’t helped my ADHD, and I also no longer have an appetite. Two days ago, I was bumped up to 300 mg a day, and the first day taking it, I went back into the same despair I felt, but the suicidal thoughts were worse this time, though luckily my boyfriend was there. I’m not sure if this is worth taking in the long run, but I’d rather be more emotional than have the irritability come back. Wishing everyone suffering from depression lots of love :)"

• Anonymous
• September 16, 2016

For Depression "I've been on the drug for months, but I noticed the effects of it almost immediately. For the first time, I can concentrate for long periods of time, and my motivation has never been better (although it's not always drastic). It has really messed with my appetite by making me not want to eat and getting full really quick, but I feel great and have lost a lot of weight! It hasn't changed my depressive thoughts, but I have way fewer breakdowns, and my mood drops are not nearly as extreme. I love this drug."

• 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..."

• Anonymous
• July 6, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "Taking Wellbutrin 300 XL for a while now. Previously used an SSRI, which had little to no effect in that I would contemplate suicide nearly daily and had zero interest in life in general. Now I actually want to do things again, I am enjoying life, and I have more energy. I can't say enough how well this drug has worked for me. The only side effect I've experienced is decreased appetite, and I've lost a few pounds, which for me is a good thing."