Wellbutrin XL and Dry Mouth: What Users Say

• Wel...
• November 27, 2016

For Depression "My experience with SSRIs has been terrible. I've been on Cipralex and Sertraline, and they haven't worked at all. My doctor was really excited for me to try this one, and I finally caved. The first few days were normal, and the side effects were minimal (dry mouth, constipation, low appetite, a bit of drowsiness), but all that was manageable and went away pretty quickly. By the 9th day, I woke up, and I just knew something was different. It's like my eyes were open, and I had my life back. Having had depression for about a year, I always felt this grey cloud and weight constantly taking over my body and life. By the 7th week, mood and motivation were wonderfully back. I have my life back. Please try this if you can."

• Sha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 26, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been taking Wellbutrin 300 XL for about 3 years. It helps my depression a lot. I am able to function daily and not overreact. Started at 150 mg and went to 300 mg. Before Wellbutrin, I was very depressed, and working, parenting, and everything was causing me grief, sadness, and fear. I was overweight and I overreacted to small things. I felt hopeless and on edge every day. I have a low-functioning thyroid as well that may have been making my depression worse. So now I am on track. It took me about 2 weeks to feel a difference. Now I do have several of the side effects. I lost about 30 lbs. I have a low appetite, I have ringing in my right ear. I also have dry mouth, anxiety, trouble sleeping, and blurred vision. I can handle the side effects but not the depression. So I have stayed on the medicine. Also, I suddenly stopped taking the meds one time and it caused suicidal thoughts and flu-like symptoms."

• Aan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I’ve been taking this for a little over 2 weeks now. Before this, I was on Zoloft for almost 5 years. 6 years of my life, I had constant thoughts of ending it. Ever since I’ve been on this medication, I finally want to live. So far, I’m having the basic side effects of most antidepressants: loss of appetite (although it is coming back), dry mouth, constipation/stomach pains, and being a bit more sensitive than usual. I would much rather deal with any side effects than wanting to end my life. I’ve read that some side effects will go away within time (since I’m only on my third week)."

• nos...
• August 2, 2019

For Depression "I have ADHD and depression, that's why Wellbutrin was prescribed. I think my depression was caused by taking Ritalin, the first-line ADHD medication. I started off with 150mg XL. The first two weeks were hard, I had a lot of side effects: severe headache, very dry mouth, sleeplessness. I stuck through it and noticed I became a lot more positive. If I had a setback, it'd still affect me, but not as long as before. I noticed that I had more perseverance, more energy too. I had severe brain fog, and it started to go away. But exams were coming, and 150mg didn't do the trick to be able to study well, so we upped my dose to 300mg. I had to adapt again. Many of the side effects came back, but sticking through it was the right thing to do. My concentration became much better, and I became more disciplined and ambitious in my goals. I started to clean my room up, planning and preparing things. I noticed it felt like it came from myself, not from an external stimulus as with Ritalin."

• Edn...
• July 22, 2016

For Depression "I have been taking Wellbutrin XL 450mg/day for 9 years, the brand only (I have done some personal research about brands versus generics and do not believe that generics are as good, effective, or reliable as brands). This medication saved my life, so I guess that I was lucky that it suited me. Within the first year, I remember having a dry mouth, more energy, loss of appetite, and weight loss. With time, these side effects stopped. I have no side effects now, and what this medication clearly helped me with is to still feel myself and go through my emotions without falling into the hole of depression. So I feel functional, which was not the case before taking it (for example, staying in bed because of feeling a deep sadness etc...)."

• Vet...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 9, 2014

For Major Depressive Disorder "Was very depressed and hadn't slept in 4 days. Was diagnosed with manic depression and insomnia. Was put on Wellbutrin XL and trazodone for sleep. They both have been a miracle for me. No side effects from either except for dry mouth."

• Hel...
• April 30, 2016

For Depression "Today was the first day I have had to take this medicine. I have already experienced dry mouth and not really caring to eat. I am only 20 years old. I've made a lot of dramatic changes in my life in the past month and I've dealt with depression for a while but was honestly scared to admit it. I have read many reviews and I am nervous about it, but at the same time, I'm pretty happy to see the positive reviews. I'm wanting to feel happy like I should and do things I want to do without worrying about what thought will ruin my plans for that day. Prayers would be appreciated while I get used to being on this and start learning if it's for me or not."

• Anonymous
• April 26, 2015

For Depression "I used to take 75 mg 2x a day and quit. I felt like it was not working and had terrible side effects. After 6 months of not taking medications, and situations got hard to cope, I asked to be put back on. The second time around, the 75 mg had me very nervous, anxious, dizzy, and 'dopey.' The doctors said that the immediate release is harsh on your system and switched me to 150 mg XL. And just 3 days into the new dose, I do not have such harsh side effects. The only side effects I have are no appetite, dry mouth, and vivid dreams. Overall, I am no longer having obsessive negative thoughts (which triggered my anxiety), so I'm overall not as anxious or having panic attacks. I feel more motivated and energetic, but it's only 3 days in on this dose."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 7, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have tried many different kinds of antidepressants, but I must say that Wellbutrin XL 300 mg has been the best. I have been on it for 3 years. I am so much happier and just feel better in general. The only side effect I have had while taking it is dry mouth. I was always a calm, attentive student even before I had the medicine. But since I have been taking it so long, if I happen to miss one or more days of taking it, I act as if I have ADHD. I am unable to focus and talk like a Chatty Cathy. If you have ever seen a little seven-year-old with really bad ADHD, that's me. I will skip in place, bounce up and down, and whatnot. I have NEVER had ADHD or ADD (I am super calm), but if I don't take it, I act like it. That's my one and only problem."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2017

For Depression "I have had depression for over 15 years. Started because I was in a bad marriage. Then, with my divorce and losing my job after 25 years, my depression has just skyrocketed. I am seeing a psychiatrist, and she has had to increase my Wellbutrin to 400 mg a day, and I have noticed a big difference. The only concern they have with giving me that much is the seizure side effects are much higher. But I'm being monitored, and I've been taking them for a month, and so far the only side effects I notice are frequent need to urinate, confusion, headache, skin rash, hives, or itching, dry mouth, and honestly, I can live with those! I get suicidal thoughts when I'm not on them and have attempted suicide a few times."

• Joh...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 9, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "Seven years ago, the antidepressant I was on stopped working, and I crashed into horrible major depressive disorder. My new doctor, guessing (wrong) that I had bipolar depression (I didn't), took me off antidepressants and put me on Latuda, an 'atypical antipsychotic' often used to control bipolar depression. Not only didn't it help the depression, but it also made me pace uncontrollably. I switched doctors, and the new one put me on Wellbutrin XL (long-acting). Eventually, my depression cleared, and I've been relatively depression-free (there are bad patches with any drug) for the past 7 years. I've had no noticeable side effects, and I take it with breakfast first thing in the morning, so it doesn't interfere with my sleep. I highly recommend it. (Full disclosure: I also take imipramine, an old 'tricyclic' antidepressant, a couple of hours before bedtime. Helps me sleep well, but the dry mouth side effect is annoying and bad for my teeth.)"

• Mar...
• July 7, 2010

For Depression "I lost a family member, was in the last semester of college, working part-time, and the mild depression I had became a severe problem. I had dark thoughts and did not want to associate with anyone. Quit my job and had to apply for public assistance when my depression became a serious problem. I am now taking Wellbutrin XL 150 mg a day since May 11, and at first, I had a dry mouth but it only lasted a month. I have not lost weight and my appetite is good. I am feeling much better, but I think that one pill is not enough. Psychotherapy is also another help that goes hand in hand. Also, I stopped smoking a month ago. I also had to improve my lifestyle by doing exercise a few times a week, meditation, aromatherapy, and eating habits."

• Anonymous
• July 30, 2011

For Depression "I started on Wellbutrin XL 150 mg after severe depression set in after a traumatic life change. I could feel a difference within a few days. After 5 weeks, I was still mopey but much better than I was before Wellbutrin. My doctor increased my dose to 300 mg, and I felt much better within a week. I have been on that dose for 4 weeks now, and I feel good. I need to take the advice of exercising while on it to see if it helps increase my happy mood. Side effects were severe dizziness after standing up, but that is now mild. Night sweats, hot flashes, and dry mouth for a few weeks, but that went away. Insomnia increased with dose increase, however, I do not feel overtired from getting less sleep (6 hrs a night). I would definitely recommend."

• Ver...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 31, 2015

For Depression "I've been on Wellbutrin XL 150 mg for 7 weeks now (adult ADD and comorbid depression). I experienced some of the common side effects, such as dry mouth and loss of appetite, but everything came back to normal after a few weeks. Sadly, I haven't noticed much change in terms of mood or attention/focus... It hasn't worsened, but it hasn't improved either. Then again, I know this is a low dose. I saw my doctor today, and he switched my prescription to Wellbutrin XL 300 mg. I'm starting tomorrow, and I hope it will work better for me. I'm eager to give it another try since I've seen a lot of positive reviews on here :)"

• Per...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 2, 2017

For Depression "Been on it for one week. 150XL, dry mouth. Lost voice. Insomnia. But I was up and Adam, chipper and slaying at work!!!! Like being on speed!!!! Went down to 75mg to try and see if it helped. ...Constant muscle spasms and a feeling of hypertension in my arms. Heart rate seems higher. Just feel not worth it. Plus, did you see the withdrawal experiences? Atrocious. Getting off before it's too late. Don't need high blood pressure this young."

• Anonymous
• June 9, 2009

For Depression "This is the only medicine that worked for me in the last 12 years, but after 3 months of feeling normal again, it stopped working. The side effects that bothered me most were dry mouth and headaches. Tried it a second time and had severe headaches that nothing would relieve."

• dad...
• May 31, 2010

For Depression "I'm 50 years old and got started on Wellbutrin XL (generic) about 14 days ago. Side effects are severe dry mouth and headache. I do feel somewhat better but am holding off still on giving rave reviews. Dry mouth is stronger during the night and then the headache comes in the morning. My morning suicidal thoughts have lessened, and I've noticed that I am whistling more, so I feel better, but I still have some lethargy."

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've been taking this medication for under 6 months now, and I have gained 10 lbs while taking this drug. I don't feel like I have increased energy than before, like some other people described. I feel more irritable and anxious at times, still can't sleep at night. I get the dry mouth side effects and occasional constipation. I'm taking 300 mg XL once a day. I am getting more depressed with gaining weight on this drug! I was taking Lexapro before and didn't find it helped me feel less depressed and experienced a lot of nightmares or weird dreams while taking Lexapro!"

• Anonymous
• January 13, 2010

For Depression "I've only been taking Wellbutrin XL for about a month, but it works better than the other drugs I've tried. I'm still not 100%, maybe like 70% back to my old self. The side effects I have are dry mouth, ringing ears, and headaches. I haven't lost any weight like other people have said they have. I'm not that concerned with that part. I'm petite. I take 150 mg, and I'm 18."

• Cla...
• January 6, 2021

For Depression "I have been taking Wellbutrin for almost 4 weeks. I was advised by my therapist and OBGYN to take this for my sex drive and overall happiness. First 2 weeks - I had tons of side effects. Headaches, dry mouth, dizziness, stomach ache, lack of appetite, and insomnia. The lack of appetite did help me lose 5 lbs the first week, but I felt super sick anytime I didn't eat and had to force food down to feel better. I may have had a little more energy, though. Third week - started to feel better! Side effects lessened, and I had a sex drive for two days. Fourth week - feel terrible again. I have most of the side effects back except loss of appetite and insomnia. I am sleeping fine and probably gained all my weight back. And no sex drive. I am on my period, so I don't know if that is having an effect or not. I just don't know if I should keep at it or give up..."

• Bud...
• January 6, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "Bad, bad side effects from Wellbutrin XL, major palpitations, dry, dry mouth, crying, couldn't sit still, and panic. After taking for 2 weeks, nausea is debilitating. Worst medication I have ever had, back on Paxil CR."

• Anonymous
• July 29, 2010

For Depression "I took this for a month and a half to two months, and I had severe dry mouth and was constantly tired or sleeping. It helped my depression a lot, though."

• Hey...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 17, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "Worse medication ever. Dry mouth, headaches, nauseous, rashes on the skin. I'm still dealing with the rashes on my skin, they come and go."