Wellbutrin and Tremors: What Users Say

• 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!"

• Anonymous
• August 10, 2009

For Depression "I'm 26 and have been taking this medication for about 9 months. The first few weeks it made me shaky and thirsty. It immediately got rid of my sweet tooth, and it's true food doesn't quite taste as good with it, but I'm happier with that being the case. Before I took the medication, I had been severely depressed for nearly 15 years and couldn't bring myself to take antidepressants. I finally hit an incredibly stressful period in my life last year that made me feel completely hopeless every minute of every day. Wellbutrin does not make me 'happy' and 'laughing like a kid' as some other users say, but it does make me feel like I am back to the same level that most people are on, kind of right in the middle, which is 100 times better than where I was."

• neb...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 7, 2014

For Depression "I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder a few years ago. I've tried basically all SSRI antidepressants. They did nothing for me other than make sex impossible, gave me leg tremors, as well as massive weight gain. I switched to Wellbutrin, and my sex drive is back to normal, my weight is dropping, and I feel a lot better. I recommend this medicine to anyone struggling with SSRIs and their many side effects."

• 555...
• September 30, 2013

For Depression "I've been on Wellbutrin in combination with Prozac for almost a year now. When I began Wellbutrin, for the first couple of months I felt like I was on speed. I would constantly shake and my heart rate was pretty fast. For the first couple of months, I experienced very large mood swings that led to me making very irrational decisions. Despite this, I continued taking it, and after about 3 months I wasn't so shaky or moody anymore. When I began Wellbutrin I weighed about 115 pounds, and I lost 15 pounds over the course of 2 months on Wellbutrin, and have been stabilized at 100 ever since. Wellbutrin has caused me to be more energetic, happy, and friendly. I definitely recommend it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 13, 2014

For Depression "I started taking Wellbutrin about two weeks ago. The first week was fine, but in the second week, my blood pressure became elevated along with uncontrollable muscle tremors, trouble concentrating, overheating in my face, difficulty concentrating and speaking, dry mouth, sweating, and headaches. I had to quit taking it."

• 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."

• Nan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 29, 2019

For Depression "In summer 2017, I had a depressive episode worsened by Cymbalta. I was suicidal with no emotions or appetite. I told my doctor and started Wellbutrin 300 mg. I was wary because the last two medications I took didn’t help. Two weeks later, after Cymbalta’s horrific withdrawal ended, my emotions returned. I could enjoy things again. By week four, I was happy for the first time in years. I could cry again (a weird thing to be happy about, but it felt good to feel again). I had mild side effects: a dry mouth and shaky hands. I think how I felt the following year is how healthy people feel. I’ve never felt better. In fall 2018, things went downhill. I was having panic attacks and dark, depressing thoughts. I thought it was stress, so I reduced my workload. It didn’t work. I was depressed/anxious daily until now because I was too nervous to tell anyone. Last week, my doctor prescribed an extra 150 mg (450 mg total). Nothing yet, but the higher dose may help. If I can edit this, I’ll add my experiences on 450 mg."

• Jas...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 9, 2014

For Depression "I started Wellbutrin about 1 year ago. I have primarily taken 300mg daily. A while back, we tried going up to 450mg, but my tremor was too bad, so we decreased the dose to 300mg. A couple of weeks ago, we tried going up again, but had to stop because of the tremor, and also I was having tremendous memory difficulties. Halfway through a sentence, I couldn't remember what I was talking about. I had poor word-finding abilities, and twice in one day, I couldn't remember what street I was driving on and how the streets met up at intersections. I also went to a movie with a friend, and though I remember going to the movie, I have no idea what it was about. Back down to 300mg, I am much better, but still experiencing lesser symptoms."

• 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
• 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."

• bee...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 1, 2013

For Depression "I took 150 mg Wellbutrin XR (bupropion) for about three or four years. My doc upped the medicine to 300 mg, and with that came a twitching side effect. This side effect actually went unnoticed for a while, but then it started becoming more pronounced with time. It only affected my face, which made it scarier. Stuttering, trouble swallowing, and Tourette-like uncontrollable movements on the right side of my face were some of my experiences. I have to say this medicine worked very well for me for a long time. I would even encourage others to use this medicine, but everyone is different, and the 300 mg dose just pushed my body over the edge."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 21, 2022

For Depression "Wellbutrin has been a lifesaver for me! I have a background of depression, suicidal ideation, OCD, intrusive thoughts, and anxiety. I'm 24, and I have been on it at a dose of 150 mg for a few months now, and my mood has improved significantly with no side effects besides mild weight loss. The intrusive thoughts have largely gone away, and I actually feel hopeful for the first time in a decade. Since starting it, I've been able to get on a normal sleeping schedule for the first time in years. I have also lost about 5 pounds, though that is through a combination of efforts and variables. I was scared to try antidepressants for a long time, and before Wellbutrin, I tried Prozac, which didn't work well for me and gave me tremors. I was a little hesitant to try another drug after that, but I took the chance, and it has truly improved my life in ways I can't even express. I'm so thankful for this medication."

• 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."

• CRa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 25, 2014

For Depression "I have been on Wellbutrin SR for about 2 weeks. I feel so much better. The only thing that concerns me is my blood pressure seems a little bit high. I have been shaking a lot but other than that, I got a ton of energy!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 28, 2012

For Depression "I have been on it for less than a week. The first week is supposedly the hardest. I've had a lot of lightheaded effects and a bit of nausea and muscle twitching. The more I give it a chance, the better I feel. I changed it up the last couple days and started doing the 150mg pill in increments, half a pill twice a day. It makes me feel much more balanced. I don't ever remember me having this much self-control. It's amazing."

• Anonymous
• February 19, 2009

For Depression "I have previously taken Wellbutrin, it worked very well for me. Although I was experiencing occasional tremors and loss of focus (otherwise I would have rated it a 10). Because of these side effects I stopped taking it, and fell back into a deep depression. I recently have started taking it again, and the occasional side effects are more than worth putting up with depression. So glad my doctor prescribed it to me. I recommend giving it a try if you've gone through some other medicines without success."

• 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."

• 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."

• Boo...
• April 2, 2021

For Depression "Before taking Wellbutrin, I was on Zoloft, which made me really tired, and I had no motivation, so my doctor put me on Wellbutrin 150 mg. The first couple of weeks taking it, I was sick from coming off Zoloft and didn’t feel any better depression-wise, I was much worse! After a few weeks, I felt better, but felt it didn’t help my moods and anger like Zoloft did. After being on it for 2 months, I have started feeling sick, my head feels like there’s so much pressure, my heart pounds a lot, I start to feel weak. I went into the ER because I had bad stomach pain and diarrhea, I was sweating and shaky. I am calling my doctor to see what my options are. At this point, I don’t want to take any medication because I feel like rubbish."

• TDi...
• January 20, 2010

For Depression "I have suffered from severe depression for over 3 years, mood swings, irritability, loss of interest, huge lack of energy, absolutely no motivation, anxiety, paranoia, and panic attacks. I was prescribed 100 mg extended release 2 times daily, and it's amazing how quickly it works. I don't have nearly as many mood swings as before, I have tons of energy (once you are on Wellbutrin, you realize just how much depression really affects you without even noticing it), tons of motivation. (I used to debate whether I should do this or that, now I just do it, there's no question whatsoever). However, it did not help my anxiety or panic attacks. The side effects for me were a very annoying twitching and dry mouth. I have only been on it for a week, so time will tell."

• Lai...
• September 8, 2013

For Depression "I started Wellbutrin ER a few months ago for depression. I had no energy and wanted to do nothing. It has helped so much with the depression, but my hands tremor. I tried cutting back to once a day and couldn't tell much difference in the tremors. I asked my doctor to give me the XR (150 mg) so that I could take it just once a day. I felt like I was going to jump out of my skin. I could even feel my lips quivering. I like that it makes me feel better, but don't like the tremors. I can't find anything documented as to whether they will go away in time or continue as long as I take it. I haven't taken it today, and I have no tremors."

• 20 ...
• October 30, 2019

"I was put on Wellbutrin for anxiety. It started well, I noticed a decrease in appetite and some shakiness within the first 2 days, but not much else. The 3rd day, my ears began ringing. Later that night, I found myself hyperfocusing on a specific task and I completely forgot everything else around me, almost like I disassociated. When I came to and realized I forgot where I was and what I was doing, this resulted in 2 panic attacks that night. The next day, I didn’t feel anything like myself, I felt confused and completely disoriented. I found myself struggling to focus on conversations or anything really. When I was driving at night, I was so sensitive to lights and confused red lights for brake lights. Worst anxiety of my life, more panic attacks. I decided to stop taking it. Since then, symptoms have disappeared. I understand that the side effects could have decreased over time of being on the medication, but it wasn’t worth it for me. The drug has a different effect on everyone, but it did not work for me."

• JDa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 8, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "I am an (older) teenage girl who has struggled with mental illness my whole life, and I’ve been on many medications, and my least favorite is Wellbutrin. It caused my anxiety to worsen, made me constantly dizzy and shaky. I would lose control of my eyes, and they would roll into my head several times every hour, and it actually made my eyesight worse (sounds unlikely, but it’s true). I wouldn’t recommend this drug to anyone."

• Vio...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2022

"I was prescribed Wellbutrin for alcohol addiction, and it was immediately evident this drug isn’t for me. Within 2 weeks, I had a full-blown 18 “trip” that absolutely terrified me. I was hearing vividly my phone playlist and every word, and there was nothing on. I then hallucinated a man outside my window and then inside my house and called the police. The next day began the facial twitching, my jaw suddenly jerking to the right, and my hands shook so bad I could not hold a spoon or fork. All within 2 weeks…my family called me crazy. I was prescribed by an ER doctor the Wellbutrin. My family doctor told me to stop taking it immediately. I began these drugs after deciding to give up a severe drinking problem. It was really embarrassing to try and do the right thing (went to detox treatment and did great) and then have your family look at you like you just randomly turned insane and had involuntary speech problems, shaking, facial movements, and hallucinations. It may work for some…but it was beyond a nightmare. 200mg once a day."