Wellbutrin and Tremors: What Users Say

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 18, 2022

For Major Depressive Disorder "I had high hopes starting on Wellbutrin, given that it was much different than the previous antidepressants I had tried. The side effects, though, within just the first two weeks, were awful. I had dealt with many medications' side effects before, but with this, I could not stop shaking, and my heart was constantly racing (120+ bpm constantly). I was throwing up, yet also not hungry at all. On multiple occasions, I almost passed out, feeling almost feverish. I had wanted to stick it out and see if they went away, but I felt so awful I didn’t even have it in me to try and wait any longer."

• 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."

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2021

"I personally had a horrific experience with this drug, which was prescribed for anxiety and OCD. I had migraines, itchiness all over my body to the point I scratched myself bloody, insane stomach cramping, I couldn’t even think about food or I would literally gag. I couldn’t eat without feeling like I was going to full-blown puke after. I was super shaky, had really bad outbursts of anger and sadness, and my depression has never been worse. The suicidal ideation was powerful and never made me feel so depressed in my life. I wasn’t getting out of bed unless I had to use the bathroom. This medicine personally debilitated me, and if you have issues with being a person that always gets every side effect (like me), I would highly recommend steering clear!"

• 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."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 21, 2016

For Depression "I'm in my mid 30s and took Wellbutrin for the last 6 weeks for depression and ADD. I was shaky since the beginning (although not as bad as I was in the beginning), the entire time I'd feel my legs would give out. I was always sleepy and lazy with a why bother attitude for everything. My mind would still wander, but it would be blank. I started forgetting things I've always known, like my zip code. It started affecting me at work. I called my doctor, who said my symptoms weren't from the Wellbutrin but from the other meds I'm on. I stopped taking the Wellbutrin yesterday, I already have more energy, I'm noticeably less shaky (my boss noticed), I'm more focused. I feel better than I have in a long time. Don't take Wellbutrin, it'll just mess you up."

• 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."

• 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
• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• April 27, 2011

For Anxiety "I was put on a 150 mg dose about 4 weeks ago for mild depression/anxiety. I had dry mouth, headaches, spacey feeling, and nervousness, all of which added to my anxiety. I switched to 300 mg for 1 week, but the jitters increased, and I could have climbed the walls! Rarely felt like eating. It did not negatively affect my ability to orgasm (like Lexapro did), which was nice, but couldn't handle the side effects. Trying Cymbalta."

• 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."

• vol...
• May 14, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "I took Wellbutrin for 2 months at 100 mg to treat bipolar disorder type I. Wellbutrin did help my mood, but I discontinued due to nausea, dizziness, and hand tremors."

• 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."

• Boo...
• February 27, 2012

For Depression "Took one 150 mg for a week. Supposed to move up to twice a day but afraid. I have shaky, like nerves going through my body every day, but not all the time. Can't finish a thought and am sleeping horribly. Dr. says stick to one a day and see if symptoms go away. Interesting to me that some people get 75 mg twice a day and some get one 150. I suffer from moderate depression and panic."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."