Wellbutrin XL and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Rem...
• September 19, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "I am a 25-year-old female. I started taking Wellbutrin XL 150 mg after being diagnosed with MDD in April. I have done CBT in conjunction with taking medication. On Wellbutrin, I feel more energetic, focused, and present. The black haze I saw my life in cleared, and I feel normal. The main side effects I feel are: increased energy soon after I take it, insomnia, appetite suppression, some impulsivity, some forgetfulness, irritability sometimes, and during high-stress events I felt a buildup of nervous energy and a 'drunk' feeling. I did try other doses: 75 mg once daily did nothing for me, 100 mg of an instant release once daily for a month. I felt an instant energy and focus in the mornings, but by the evenings, my mood would fall very deeply, and I found evenings difficult to get through. At 100 mg, I didn't experience appetite suppression, insomnia, irritability, or impulsivity. I plan to continue 150 mg Wellbutrin XL and may elect to take an SSRI to help with anxiety."

• Ali...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 7, 2024

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was diagnosed at age 64 with bipolar after having a severe depression that put me in bed for a year. As a nurse, I thought I knew what depression was. I had no idea. My mainstay meds are lamotrigine for mood stabilization, the lowest dose of lithium, which at that level treats depression, and I was on 150 XL bupropion. My pharmacy was out of bupropion so they gave me 3 months of Wellbutrin 150 XL. Didn't sleep well for a couple of nights. I've been trying to get back into a regular fitness routine for 5-6 years since that awful depression. Since starting the Wellbutrin XL, I'm now swimming twice a week with plans to add going to the gym. I don't know why doctors prescribe SSRIs so much. They cause weight gain and I felt dead down below. SSRIs are sometimes used to treat MAPs (Minor Attracted Persons) to reduce their libido. I consider all 3 meds I take for depression to be excellent."

• Lo...
• June 12, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "I am currently using Wellbutrin XL (150 mg) a day as an add-on to Trintellix. I have been on every medication under the sun and always seem to have negative side effects. My biggest struggle with my depression is fatigue and no energy. I've only been on Wellbutrin for 5 days, and I feel a tremendous difference. I am awake in the morning and don't feel like I am going to fall asleep at random times during the day. I also haven't taken a nap in 5 days either, which is huge considering I always nap. I am a little anxious sometimes and am also dealing with sleeping issues, so I may talk to my doctor about switching to the SR. I am also dealing with a lot of muscle spasms, but this always happens when I adjust a dose or try a new medication. Wish I had tried this sooner!"

• Anonymous
• May 27, 2010

For Depression "I'm a 19-year-old female prescribed 100 mg of Wellbutrin XL. The Good: Positive feelings about the future/self (initial), appetite loss/weight loss, increase in energy, clarity in thought (fluctuates), general feelings of optimism/excitement, increase in sex, increase in desire to be productive, makes depressive episodes manageable, stopped smoking, less desire to drink. The Bad: Insomnia, minor tremors/twitching, irritability, increased anxiety, frequent mood swings, periodic feelings of hopelessness and apathy throughout the day (but are more manageable than they had been before), decrease in desire to socially interact, loss of concentration. I've only been taking it for 3 weeks, so I'm staying optimistic. I really want this medication to work."

• gek...
• July 6, 2016

For Depression "It worked great at first; before taking Wellbutrin, I was depressed, had no energy, and slept 12 hours a day. After taking Wellbutrin, I felt good, had plenty of motivation, and slept a lot less. After about 3 weeks of taking it, I was starting to sleep less and less. Eventually, I went over 60 hours without sleep. It was awful! I might have been awake for longer if I didn't pick up a prescription for zopiclone. They only gave me 10 tablets, so I hope I can get to sleep on my own by then."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 4, 2016

For Depression "Before being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I was on this antidepressant, along with Zoloft. It gave me manic symptoms, so beware for those who may have undiagnosed bipolar. Plus, on 300 mg, I felt terrible, as if I was sped up. Physically, it made my heart race and caused agitation. Lowering the dose to 150 mg was better physically (before being diagnosed by bipolar, but then I was taken off of it completely). Whether on 150 mg or 300 mg, I noticed insomnia. I have also heard other people say this who aren't bipolar, although I'm sure for some, this works wonders."

• ADa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 5, 2019

For Depression "Sadness turned into energy and sometimes anger. Overall positive on the day's mood. However, massive insomnia every night. Had to ultimately stop the treatment. I guess it's a good treatment if you're an energy-less vegetable, otherwise, you become very angry, agitated, and can't sleep well."

• 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
• 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."

• Anonymous
• October 26, 2011

For Depression "I wanted to rate this an 8.5. Not sure why. I have tried numerous medications for the past 15 years with many side effects or no effectiveness. Wellbutrin XL (300 mg) seems to work best for me. I have a lot more energy now where I was sleeping all weekend before. I can live with my side effects at this point. My appetite isn't very good but, on the positive side, I have lost weight and feel better about myself. I now have trouble sleeping, my heart rate has increased, usually about 7 hours after I take it, causing anxiety symptoms. Sometimes my head is a little foggy, and my memory recall is slow, but I will accept these because of the energy and ability for me to now accomplish what I wasn't able to before."

• Nin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 3, 2021

For Depression "I have been taking bupropion 150 XL for 10 days with some side effects, slight headache, poor sleep, and a weird feeling. I upped my dose on day 11 to 300 XL and have been on that for the last 2 days. I am pretty tired and feel slightly anxious, plus I have had minimal appetite since I started. I’m thinking about going back to 150 XL, as I was better able to handle it. Overall, I haven’t noticed any changes yet except the side effects from the medicine."

• Its...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2015

For Depression "After suffering from moderate to major depression for 6+ years, I finally decided to give antidepressants a try. I felt different within a week-not just happy, although there was plenty of that (I'd forgotten how it felt to laugh from sheer delight!), but a wide-ranging suite of emotions I'd forgotten existed-grief, anger, giddiness, joy. I guess I thought emotional numbness was a natural part of growing up. I was wrong. Lost 10 lbs in 2 weeks from decreased appetite, but libido is through the roof-it became so all-consuming that the doc actually had to cut my dose. (It's still in hyperdrive, but at least now I can think about things besides sex). I do suffer from insomnia now. Still, pros outweigh cons!"

• Ner...
• August 28, 2015

For Depression "I had constant diarrhea, 3-4 times a day. I had a loss of appetite and had gotten to the point that I couldn't stand to even think about food. Thinking about what to eat or cook for my family actually caused anxiety. I lost 10 lbs in 9 days. About the 5th or 6th day, I started to be unable to sleep during the night. I woke up every hour. During the day, I would have waves of nervous energy, almost like the feeling you get when you experience the fight or flight response. The last day I took it, I woke up at 4 am with diarrhea, left-sided abdominal pain that radiated to my back and shoulder, and heart palpitations. A trip to the ER revealed that I had a large amount of stool and gas in my colon. I had a miserable experience with Wellbutrin."

• Sta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 4, 2022

For Depression "I went into this endeavor quite excited, knowing that there would be some compromises as always, and I was ready to trade. But this drug took away everything for itself. I was taking Zoloft and, upon me complaining about feeling well but not being motivated (probably I got used to SSRIs a little bit) to get my butt up and get stuff done, smoking 1.5 packs/day. Of course, to combat SSRI SD, we agreed on trying Welloft (Z 75mg - W 150mg). I've been taking Wellbutrin for exactly 20 days, and it's been a big disappointment. I definitely intend to take it for 2 months and know for sure if it's for me or not — not a day longer! Increased anxiety, aggression, appetite, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and short-term memory issues, worse depression, chest pain, headache. Severe climbing anxiety till it peaked at day 8, then I would have a bad one sporadically. I would consider myself almost impotent now. I remember Paxil days with a smile. Will update if anything changes at the 2-month mark."

• 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."

• Sal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 31, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "I used to take Wellbutrin XL 300 mg 25 years ago. It worked great! I'm not sure why I stopped taking it, but I'm on the 150 mg XL now at age 50. My doc wanted me to take it with Viibryd 10 mg daily. Don't do it! Horrible side effects from Viibryd, and insomnia is terrible! I am just sticking with the Wellbutrin 150 XL or possibly going back to 300 XL!:)"

• Low...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2018

For Depression "I have tried different antidepressants the past 9 years. Celexa and recently Lexapro, which was my favorite but has started to fail me after 8 years. My doctor added Bupropion XL 150 to the Lexapro, and I took it in the morning. The first few days I felt very, very tired. The next 3 days were a 180. I couldn’t sit still, I was shaky, did not sleep 3 days in a row, and felt like I was on speed. I discontinued use because I was too unstable due to side effects to work. It may have eventually worked, but I couldn’t handle it."

• Anonymous
• March 28, 2012

For Depression "I'm 18 and have been having a lot of depression from having a surgery and finding out that I will have a hard time having kids. I'm currently on the 3rd week of Wellbutrin, and I'm feeling a lot better. The first week was horrible: insomnia, irritable. Week 2 was very tired but less depressed. Now I feel a lot better about life and about other things. I'm still quite shaky, but it's not too noticeable unless I'm holding something. I'd say it's nice, helps."

• the...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 16, 2019

For Depression "In the first review that I left, I'm pretty sure I trashed Wellbutrin XL. HOWEVER, I am currently on Lamictal, Pristiq, Concerta, Xanax XR PRN (as needed), and Propranolol PRN (as needed). These meds have done me wonders as far as stabilizing me, especially Lamictal. Lamictal is amazing. I was still feeling depressed and that it was hard to get out of bed and even stay awake with Concerta (or any stimulant). I thought of maybe doing Wellbutrin 150 XL but was so scared of the anxiety that it gave me as a teenager. I mean, it turned me into someone else. But I could use the weight loss and activation this time. So I'm finishing up my first week with it, and wow. I've had no side effects except some insomnia the first few days. I think the medications (as well as being 5 years older/more mature) have helped me tolerate it. I can get out of bed now."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 8, 2021

For Depression "I've had mild depression since quarantine, no major anxiety. While searching for a therapist, my doctor prescribed 150 mg of Wellbutrin. For the first 2 days, the normal side effects did not bother me: interrupted sleep and zero appetite. On day 3 (3 hours after taking it), I had the worst panic attack with intrusive thoughts. I was disassociated and confused. I started having some paranoid thoughts, couldn't understand people or how to respond. Would go to get water and end up at the wrong cabinet. I thought if I continued, I might have a psychotic episode, wouldn't be able to make it 2 weeks. Some positive effects peeking through, increased libido strangely enough, but negative effects far outweighed. Going to try 5 mg of Lexapro to see how that goes."

• 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..."

• TEl...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 12, 2015

For Depression "I was on generic Bupropion for almost 2 years (HCl XL 150 mg), and it was okay. It did help with the depression, but towards the end of the day (took pill at 7 am), by 5 pm, I was feeling down and irritable again. I never really thought about it until everything I've read about the generics having time-release issues, so I know it's not just me! I definitely had more energy and was good during the day, but at 5 pm, I shut down emotionally. I tried switching to generic Bup HCl XL 300 mg last year, but only made it 5 days in before switching back due to anxiety/no sleep side effects. I really hated that my mail-order RX company would switch the manufacturer of my drug-one bottle was from Global, and the next, Actavis. Now I'm on brand Wellbutrin XL 300 mg and hoping it works!"

• Ted...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 18, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "I'm on 150 mg Wellbutrin XL, and since I've started taking it, I've noticed my dreams are extremely vivid and disturbing. I'm getting confused easily, major insomnia, which isn't normal for me by any means. Was on Prozac, then Lexapro, switched to Celexa after 3 doses, and now I'm stuck with Wellbutrin. I was told to push through and keep taking it, but all of my experiences with stimulants with an amphetamine base have been unpleasant. I'm probably going to discontinue it, I'd rather be unmedicated than lose days of sleep and have horrible dreams whenever I can sleep. Not a great experience, in my opinion."

• Fun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2021

For Depression "I suffer more from anxiety than depression. I've been on 300 mg Wellbutrin XL for several weeks, and I'm thinking about getting off of it due to issues with sleep. I'm not sure if it is the Wellbutrin, but I'm getting lots of anxiety attacks throughout the day, and I feel exhausted from lack of sleep. I was told by my new doctor that Wellbutrin is not good for anxiety. It's like adding gasoline to fire. I am also taking Luvox, but it takes too long to work. I'm getting off the Wellbutrin and taking Adderall with Luvox. It is good for the mood and helps me organize my busy mind so I can deal with the intrusive thoughts. To me, Adderall XR is like adding water to the fire. It doesn't put it out completely, but it does control it better. More dopamine and less norepinephrine."

• Anonymous
• August 6, 2021

For Depression "My first couple of months with this drug was only 75 mg. I recently just started taking 150 mg daily now. I haven’t really seen much of a difference in anything. I’m still fatigued and pretty much how I’ve always been. I hope changing the dosage helps. I also take 20 mg buspirone daily for anxiety. Wellbutrin hasn’t given me any bad side effects at all. When I first started taking it at 75 mg, I definitely had racing thoughts and a little bit of insomnia, but other than that, zero negative side effects. I was happy for that because I’ve always been really nervous about medication because of the side effects they can have. I wouldn’t down this drug in any way, I just hope it starts working for me like it has for a lot of people."