Wellbutrin XL and Headaches: What Users Say

• Boo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 6, 2020

For Depression "I've been on Wellbutrin XL 150mg for about a year now and I've gotta say it's worked wonders for me. I was on Lexapro a few years ago and stopped taking it because the weight gain and zero sex drive were bringing me down. I wasn't taking any antidepressants for a year and a half and still couldn't lose the weight. My doctor put me on Wellbutrin, which I was nervous about at first because I also have generalized anxiety disorder and I read that it could exaggerate it. The first month I had splitting headaches and was only sleeping maybe 4-5 hours a night. Since then, things have obviously evened out, but it did take a few weeks. I feel great now, I'm energetic and passionate about things I haven't been in years. I started at 168 lbs and have lost 30 pounds; I'm officially down to my pre-lexapro weight. I'm so glad that this medicine works for me, it's made such a huge difference in my day to day!"

• Aut...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 12, 2014

For Depression "I relied on these reviews when I first started meds, so wanted to share my experience. I have been on Wellbutrin XL 300mg for about 2.5 years with extremely positive results. This is the first antidepressant I have ever taken, and I have been much better on it. No more falling through emotional thin ice 20+ times a day, no more crying, and hardly any negative thinking. Started on 150XL for about 1.5-2 months then up to 300XL. Experienced almost no side effects -- only a few occasional strange headaches in the beginning. Only side effect is constipation, which can mostly be mitigated with fiber and good eating. Exercise is still a must for me to feel okay. Before, post-gym I would go from -6 to 1 or 2. Now with Meds I go from 3/4 to a 9/10."

• Hon...
• July 7, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "I am on day 3 of taking 150 mg Wellbutrin XL, extended release. I was previously taking 10 mg Lexapro for 4 years. I found myself constantly fatigued, absolutely no libido, and gaining weight. I'm a 44-year-old, 145 lb female. Day one I noticed immediate effects such as calmness, and I wasn't as sad. Keep in mind, I took a month off from no meds at all. I wanted to give my body time to adjust without having the Lexapro in my system. Day 2 and 3, I noticed my appetite was suppressed. I wasn't as hungry as before. I have also been experiencing a slight headache. I am also dealing with insomnia. I think I got maybe 1 hour of sleep the first night, second night, slept better but did wake up and had a hard time falling back to sleep. I will keep you updated and good luck to anyone taking this medication! I have read horror stories of mixing this with alcohol. I haven't tried it and am almost scared to have a glass of wine...I'm not a big drinker but am scared to have at least 1 or 2 glasses of wine."

• TM1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 3, 2015

For Depression "Wellbutrin XL 150mg for 3 weeks. This medication has changed my life. Went to PMC to renew Ritalin prescription after Adult ADD diagnosis. Family history of depression, PTSD (combat-related). Personal history of adolescent drug and alcohol abuse (nothing hard). Held a firm belief depression could be 'powered through'. Apparently, depression has set in at 33, which I treated with Adderall and Ritalin. My drinking got so heavy I fell and suffered a serious concussion. Doctor denied my Ritalin script and prescribed Wellbutrin. Had side effects: severe bloating, headache, pressured speech. All gone. Energy is sky high, focus is on point, and weight is down. Can't say enough about this medication. Hope it stays this amazing forever."

• 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."

• Imp...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 2, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "This has been a lifesaver! Totally changed my life. I have tried SSRI, many kinds, to deal with my MDD with horrible side effects. Only slight headaches with Wellbutrin. I am very pleased with the results. It's been almost 2 months, no sludge on the brain! THANK YOU! I am GRATEFUL!"

• Rln...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 29, 2023

For Depression "I was on bupropion for 12 weeks, and I was experiencing fatigue, GI issues, and headaches. My doctor suggested I try Wellbutrin XL name brand to see if it would make a difference and gave me samples to try. Immediately, the side effects went away, and I had tons of energy. However, my insurance would not approve for me to take name brand even after a PA. So, I am forced to go back to generic, or I have to switch medications all because of insurance bureaucracy. So, my doctor is putting me on a medication that is similar to Wellbutrin that is newer and just came out. Insurance should approve it. However, this costs more than the Wellbutrin name brand. So, long story short, generic is not the same as name brand."

• Mac...
• December 11, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I started taking 150 mg about two years ago, quickly went up to 300 mg. My motivation went back to a normal level, and I started painting, drawing, and cooking again. My only issue was that I started getting daily headaches (after I had been on it for six months). My doctor put me on 150 mg, which got rid of the headaches, but my motivation got worse. I felt like I could do things I couldn’t when depressed, but also like I needed to convince myself to do anything extra. My doctor then gave me 5 mg of Lexapro on top of the Wellbutrin, and it’s good. Recently got my blood work done for being fatigued, sleeping a lot, and brain cloudiness - it’s because I have a severe vitamin D deficiency. I highly recommend getting your blood work done if you feel like this suddenly loses effectiveness. A low vitamin D level can also cause depression, which probably made it harder for me to feel better even on medications. Also, look into getting this prescription from Walmart, it is apparently $9."

• PBa...
• January 6, 2020

For Depression "I was hesitant to take Wellbutrin due to the negative side effects I read about, and I have never been on any sort of antidepressant before. The first week was not good and had a lot of side effects, the worst being a headache, ear pressure/pain, and flu-like symptoms. Has it helped? I’m definitely not as weepy and a little more optimistic, but it has not helped my anxiety much. I do have more energy. I still cry at times, but not as long or much, and I still have all my range of emotions and get annoyed with my family and worry about everything. I was hoping to lose some weight or for it to help increase my sex drive, but nope, no positive side effects for me. I guess I was expecting Wellbutrin to do much more, but maybe my dose is too low or I need more time. I am not prepared to deal with further side effects of a med increase, but I guess I will just have to take it day by day and see what it brings. Just not sure about it yet and hoping for more."

• lex...
• February 16, 2014

For Depression "I have been using Wellbutrin XL for less than a month. The only side effects I have experienced are headaches and adverse reactions to alcohol. My depression is better, and I have more energy. I am a lot more irritable though, which is not part of my personality. The reaction to alcohol sucks because I am a social drinker: Wine gives a metallic taste in my mouth, beer causes headaches within an hour, and liquor leads to nausea and feeling the urge to vomit. I hope this goes away along with the headaches. I am scheduled for a follow-up with the doctor to discuss my progress. Maybe there is a recommendation for headaches. I forgot to mention that my appetite is more balanced, and my libido is back to normal. Both are positive!"

• Lex...
• April 24, 2020

"Started taking 150 mg of Wellbutrin, so far, no side effects. Dr. switched me to this medication from Lexapro after 2 years. Starting the 300 today of Wellbutrin. The only side effects so far are headaches and dizziness. Better than the other meds I have tried for side effects. Also helping with my appetite, that’s why I asked to raise it, lol."

• chi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 14, 2013

For Depression "Third day on Wellbutrin and so far so good, except for the side effects. I get headaches, angry and snappy over silly things, ringing in my ears. Those are the main side effects, and they're inconsistent, up and down all along. I feel mentally alert and creative. And actually look forward to doing things. I haven't felt like that since I was a kid! Oh, and my sex drive has increased. I found I have been eating more food, probably because I've been more creative cooking in the kitchen. Just not sure if I'm into being angry/snappy with my toddler around. Hopefully that side effect subsides."

• Col...
• February 17, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "I’m on day 3 of Wellbutrin XL 150 mg prescribed for ADHD. I was really nervous to start it because I don’t take any medications and live a very natural lifestyle. And I was worried about side effects. I had a very mild hint of a headache on day one (I also didn’t drink much water that day), and I feel that my head rage during exercise is a bit more excitable and fast, but my resting heart rate remains 58-62. I’ll get my blood pressure checked later today. I never have much of an appetite, so that hasn’t changed. I’m more focused, my intrusive rapid random thoughts seem to be getting caught by my internal filter instead of me just saying them. I’m more at ease, not as anxious or irritable. I’m able to slow down to go fast, feel happier, and just overall like I’m crushing life (no, not in a manic way). I take it at 7-8 am and find that I am more awake in the daytime and into the evening. I’ve been using a CBD gummy to help me sleep."

• Anonymous
• October 14, 2010

For Depression "This medicine has done wonders for me. I've been under lots of stress for a long time: anxiety, depression, unmotivated, negative, etc. Wellbutrin XL has recharged my battery, and I feel excellent. There has also been a huge spike in the sex department. Amazing energy, so no worries there. I do tend to get headachy if I drink too much, and that threshold is far lower than it used to be. The good news is I don't really care as much about drinking anyway, so it's working out well."

• Sus...
• September 8, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have major depression disorder and panic moments (that’s what I prefer to call them). I take 10 mg of Escitalopram and 150 mg of Wellbutrin XL spaced out by 2 hours. Wellbutrin was added as Escitalopram does not last 12 hours. I’ve been taking Wellbutrin for 2 weeks now, no side effects the first week, however, this week I’ve had: headache, nausea, my big toe gets a numbness or tingle. (I’m a runner, so this bugs me) frequent urination, a slight loss in appetite. I also get nauseous and gassy after I eat or drink coffee, and I seem to have more bowel movements but not diarrhea. Not sleeping through the night has happened twice. I can still have a panic moment if I think about things too much, so I use Clonazepam or Lorazepam when needed. I do not “feel” any different (in a bad way) since I’ve started taking it. I did try Zoloft, and it was a nightmare, so I know the difference. I would recommend trying it, but stopping if any wild side effects begin."

• IYa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 20, 2019

For Depression "After taking this med, within a month, my skin condition got better. I used to get rashes at night and was extremely oily around my head and face in the morning. Within 6 months, I lost 8-9 kg although I did not try to. Even my appetite stayed the same. It seems like depression gave me extreme stress. Due to this, I had a horrible skin condition and weight loss problems. The physical changes were gradual and almost unnoticeable until I noticed there had been changes. In terms of mood, I still do not feel any change although people around me do. But because I had been functional, I naturally feel better and am in a better place. This medication was like: One day, you wake up and realize things have changed. 3 side effects: Sleep problem for the 1st week. I am more forgettable (ADD symptom). I have never forgotten whether I have shampooed, but now, I do at times. Also, coffee gives me a headache now."

• No ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2018

"On Wellbutrin XL for more than a month for ADD. Taking Escitalopram for anxiety for many years now, and it does very well. For the attention deficit, I used to use Ritalin, Vyvanse, Focalin, Concerta… which all lower levels after a few hours, causing headaches, nervousness, impatience, and general bad feeling. Using Wellbutrin XL, started at 150 mg for 4 days and raised to 300 mg. Effectiveness is amazing. I can concentrate on my work all day long, no side effects and no feeling of the medicine levels lowering in the body. General feeling is much better, more tolerance toward other people and things that happen to you during the day. Side effects occurred only at the first days and disappeared after. On the first days, I felt slight upper stomach pain and hard stool, which drinking lots of water and taking the medicine with food made better. After a few days, these side effects disappeared. Trouble falling asleep disappeared after a few days. Now I’m on 300 mg - like it very much."

• 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."

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 18, 2022

For Depression "I had not been on depression medicine in a very long time. I had not had good luck with Prozac, Celexa, Paxil, etc. Too many side effects. But my depression got so bad that I could not get out of bed in the morning. I had a couple of friends swear by this Wellbutrin XL, so I thought I would try it and if I can't handle it, I will stop. I remember going to bed the night before thinking this is my last night of good sleep before all the medication side effects take over my life. But......NOTHING. No side effects. Not one!!! I even thought at one point to call the pharmacy and ask if I got a bad batch of medicine. No jitters, no insomnia, no loss of appetite, no headache. NOTHING! And within a few weeks, I felt ALIVE again. No more sadness, no depression. I had AMAZING energy!!! I mean, I was cleaning EVERYTHING. I've been on this medication for months now and still no side effects. It works!!!!!"

• Anonymous
• May 3, 2012

For Depression "I am a 47-year-old female and depressed. 4/19/2012, I started taking the generic Bupropion. Experiencing horrific side effects, switched to the brand name, Wellbutrin, and am much, much better. It is worth the extra money to not have the horrible headaches and other side effects. Weight loss is a huge bonus! Good luck."

• DeG...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2023

For Depression "I am a 52-year-old man, and I have been experiencing constant headaches/migraines and degenerative neck/spinal issues with an unknown cause. To manage my symptoms, I have been taking various medications that have different side effects, leading me to feel depressed. Additionally, I have been smoking for over 35 years. In an effort to address both my depression and potentially quit smoking, I asked my primary care physician to prescribe Wellbutrin XL. Although I had no intention of quitting smoking, I began taking 150 mg once a day. Surprisingly, after only two weeks, I woke up one morning and decided to quit smoking. I did not experience intense cravings or mood swings during the transition. It has been a month since I quit smoking, and although my depression has not completely subsided, I am feeling alright. The only obstacle I have encountered is that many things taste bitter, even water. Nonetheless, my smoking habit is going away nicely. I recommend giving Wellbutrin XL a try if you are considering quitting smoking, even if you do not have the intention to do so. It worked for me."

• Jax...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 7, 2017

For Depression "Dr. switched me from 20 mg generic Lexapro to 300 mg of generic Wellbutrin XL HCL (bupropion) because I felt a lack of energy on the Lexapro. I didn't notice any change in energy level with the Wellbutrin, but had many side effects: significant weight gain (30 lbs in 8 months) despite it being 'weight neutral'; constant headaches, joint pain, muscle ache, stomach pain, blurry vision, constipation, and sleep disturbances. Switched from CVS pharmacy to Publix pharmacy and pills were different (small white round at CVS, large white oblong at Publix). Switching to new generic only made side effects worse. Went back to the generic Lexapro and after 3 weeks, all symptoms ceased and weight is dropping back off. Wellbutrin is not for me."

• Anonymous
• November 8, 2011

For Depression "Have been taking 300 mg for 3 weeks now. I had horrible side effects in the beginning (for about a week) - almost unbearable nausea, diarrhea, sweating, vertigo, headaches, confusion, and I felt like I had the flu. Now I have migraine headaches that last almost all day and ringing in my ears. I still feel a little foggy sometimes, but that is a small price to pay for my depression being pretty much completely gone. I finally have energy, and I am shocked at how quickly it worked. I was suicidal for months while on 225 mg of Effexor, and this has been a lifesaver."

• Ess...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 28, 2024

For Major Depressive Disorder "This medication has changed my life, I cry just telling my story about it. I have struggled with major depression ever since I was a child, I’m in my early twenties and I can say Wellbutrin makes it so hard for me to cry or get depressed. I feel it has opened my eyes more and helped me gain more boundaries. I even get brain fog thinking about the events that have made me depressed. The only cons I have are the headaches and the rage/anxiety I get. Wellbutrin alone does not really help with my anxiety, so if you’re like me, you could definitely pair it with an SSRI."

• Lov...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 6, 2012

For Depression "I used bupropion XL 150, only used for 1 week. This made me so angry and irritable that my family couldn't stand me. I took Pristiq before this, and it did the same thing, plus made me gain 15 lbs in 2 weeks. I do not think antidepressants are for me. They just make me way too angry. Bupropion also gave me an itchy rash everywhere, headaches, and made me constantly feel hungry, also made me have really bad dizzy spells and twitches in my neck. All of this, and it didn't help my depression at all, in fact, I feel worse since I've started taking medicines than I did before. I know this works wonders for a lot of people, but I am not one of them."