Wellbutrin XL User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)
Wellbutrin XL has an average rating of 7.5 out of 10 from a total of 492 reviews on Drugs.com. 66% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 16% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Wellbutrin XL
- Gol...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 10, 2018
For Depression "I've been on and off various antidepressants, and although the SSRIs helped when my little brother passed, the side effects were dreadful. I also no longer wanted to move, I slept all day, every day, with no sex drive. Hello, Wellbutrin! Honestly, it changed my life. I have so much energy, my sex drive is back, and I've lost 10 lbs. The only downside is I don't always sleep well, but not in a groggy, tired sort of way. I seem to just wake up in the middle of the night and feel like I could go to the gym or something. However, I will work my way through this due to all the positive things that have changed."
- Ege...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 8, 2020
For Depression "After reading a lot of these reviews, I have never heard of as many mixed effects! Mine, so, too. Been taking a dose of 150 mg Wellbutrin XL for depression for about 6 weeks; then increased the dose to 300 mg for 1 week. I've been on tricyclics for 30 years, and they really worked! Wellbutrin makes me feel 'unaffected', almost anesthetized. I don't want to talk, eat, or sleep. 150 mg works better for me. I have lost about 5 pounds, but my depression is no better after 6 weeks. Anxiety is also increased even though I'm on Buspar and Klonopin. Klonopin doesn't seem to work with Wellbutrin. Panic attacks have decreased. I don't understand the effects Wellbutrin has on me. I'm different but not better. I'm hoping one morning to wake up to a breakthrough!"
Frequently asked questions
- Does Wellbutrin XL/SR cause weight gain or loss?
- Can I stop taking Wellbutrin suddenly or should I taper off?
- How long does it take Wellbutrin XL/SR (bupropion) to work?
- What's the difference between Wellbutrin XL and SR?
- Mcg...
- December 2, 2015
For Depression "I have been on generic Wellbutrin XL 150mg for about a month and a half now. All I can say is that it is an interesting drug. I didn't want to really go on it because, while I have depression, it is not that bad. I was hoping to get on something to help my anxiety because that is way worse. Well, the first 3 weeks I was on it were fine. I felt a little bit more energy and libido and no side effects. Then all of a sudden from week 3-4, I got extremely anxious, stressed, and angry. Everything made me angry. I can happily say that those side effects have passed and I now have none. These last 2 weeks have been great. Tons of energy and drive. Love cleaning now for some reason and I used to hate it."
- pen...
- August 24, 2013
For Depression "Saying goodbye to Wellbutrin. Sadly, I have to come off this medicine after 2 years. It worked well for me, my weight went down, and my sex drive went up. However, insomnia got the best of me. I could never get more than 4 hours of sleep a night and 6 with an Ambien. The lack of sleep is taking a toll on me sadly. I recommend this medicine and hope you don't have the sleep issues that I did."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Hap...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 28, 2023
For Depression "Wellbutrin (150 mg XL once a day) has saved my life. I have been taking it for about 5 weeks. After a traumatic breakup 8 months ago, I went from being the happiest person I know to someone struggling with severe depression and anxiety. 2 months ago, I was beginning to get a little better when I broke up with the same ex again and found out my best friend was dying in a few weeks. I had been reluctant to take antidepressants before, but at this point, I really had nothing to lose. My only regret is that I did not go on Wellbutrin earlier. I have had zero side effects, and I feel exactly like myself before depression. I don't feel like I'm on medication at all. I started feeling the effects only days after starting the medication, which is cool too because I know SSRIs take a lot longer to kick in. The one downside is that you are not supposed to drink because it raises the risk of seizures. I still drink 1-3 drinks socially a few times a week though (not that I recommend), and I've been okay."
- mia...
- January 26, 2017
For Seasonal Affective Disorder "Seasonal Affective Disorder really hit me hard once I turned 20. I spent 2 winters completely and utterly miserable. I was extremely lethargic, depressed, gaining weight from inactivity, and just all around hopeless. After the second winter going through that hell, I said no more. I began treatment for SAD in the fall, and it has already helped immensely (along with consistent therapy). I have more energy, much less depression and hopelessness, and have not gained any weight at all (which is a big deal for me this time of year). One thing I will say is that an interesting side effect for me has been apathy. I feel a bit numb to emotions. But not depressed - just not as emotional. It has been kind of nice actually."
More FAQ
- Kik...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- November 8, 2020
For Major Depressive Disorder "I've lived through a lot of trauma, I have been on Wellbutrin XL for 10 years and recently stopped for 10 months. Today is my 6th day back on it, and I am feeling less anxious about my circumstances in life right now. It has helped me daily get out of bed, control outbursts, and overall keep moving forward. I would say I am lucky to have this medication."
- tir...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- April 20, 2020
For Major Depressive Disorder "Like most people with depression, I have tried a lot of meds. But after a great deal of research, I have found a great combination for myself. I refuse to take SSRIs due to zaps and sexual side effects. But when I combined Wellbutrin XL 150 mg with Sam-E 400 mg every morning, good things have happened. Depression is better, and my fibromyalgia has subsided a great deal. Try it. You might like it. Just be cautioned, you may need something to help you sleep. But these two make you much more active."
- BVa...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- June 13, 2019
For Major Depressive Disorder "Wellbutrin worked very well for me and did so in a matter of weeks. I started at 150 mg SR per day and felt somewhat better. When increased to 300 mg XL, I felt virtually normal. I don't know if it saved my life, but it certainly let me feel life was worth living. The only side effects I have had are slight weight loss and somewhat more energy. Both of these side effects are actually welcome."
- Gue...
- September 23, 2013
For Depression "I was on Lexapro, Effexor, and Cymbalta to treat my depression. All of these meds affect sexual drive and cause weight gain (20-30 pounds). I also had hair loss on Lexapro and muscle pain on Effexor. My doctor gave me Wellbutrin brand samples for 2 weeks - 150mg a day. Wow, I started to feel a difference on the second day, my mood was excellent, I had a lot of energy, and I could feel joy from little things. The only side effects were constipation and no appetite at all."
- Anonymous
- March 27, 2010
For Depression "I use Wellbutrin XL and it helps my bipolar disorder and adult ADD! It gives me better focus, eases anxiety, keeps me from becoming enraged for no reason and helps me from getting depressed! I no longer scream at my family (very important) and I don't sit and cry for no reason anymore! This is a miracle medicine for me."
- 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!"
- san...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- May 26, 2014
For Depression "I started taking Wellbutrin XL 150mg once a day for the first two weeks, back in November. At first, I noticed a slight change in my mood. The doctor bumped me up to 300mg once a day. I have gotten a lot better now, not depressed, angry, sad all the time. Also, before I started taking this, I was having awful anxiety attacks to the point where I'd black out and wake up vomiting. I was losing a ton of weight because I was so depressed I had no appetite. Although I haven't experienced weight gain with this medication, I still don't have much of an appetite but I have gone back to my normal weight. Drinking while taking this makes the alcohol affect you a lot quicker than usual, also causes me to black out 98% of the time."
- Mic...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- February 24, 2015
For Major Depressive Disorder "I had a rough time starting young with major depression and anxiety since middle school. My freshman year, I started taking Lexapro. It was the worst possible thing that could've happened to me. Worst side effects ever. I gained over 40 pounds. I was tiny and petite to being around 125 to 170. Tried switching from many multiple different meds, still gained weight. Then my doctor finally put me on Wellbutrin, started off with the low dose and didn't really help much. She upped me to 150. I had hyperglycemia and finally got over it and got off of metformin. I am starting to finally lose some of that weight and about to look great for senior year. I highly recommend this medicine. It makes me not hungry anymore. I'm so happy now!"
- eye...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- July 11, 2016
For Major Depressive Disorder "Wellbutrin XL has been great for me. I have been on it for a few months and have completely noticed the difference in my lifestyle and my libido. My doctor was giving me samples of the brand name, but she ran out and my insurance wouldn't cover the brand. My copay for the brand was $1300.00. I could not afford that, so she reluctantly put me on the generic. It was horrible. Worst experience of my life. Worst side effects ever. Luckily, I came across another pharmacy, and they fill your Wellbutrin brand name for $50 a month. It's been great! Back on Wellbutrin and feeling amazing!"
- Pur...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- July 24, 2019
For Major Depressive Disorder "It took a month or so, but honestly, the best medication I've ever been on. I tried over 15 different things before, and finally, Wellbutrin allows me to feel happy, and depression is much more manageable. I will say, side effect wise, I have a decrease in appetite and have lost around 12 pounds in 4 months. I am also more easily angered based on my menstrual cycle."
- Lor...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 15, 2023
For Major Depressive Disorder "I'm a 52-year-old male that has suffered with long-term depression for the majority of my young and adult life. I came to terms with the fact that I must medicate in order to have a fighting chance. I called my doctor a few days ago, and she recommended Wellbutrin based on my constant suicidal thoughts and battle with anxiety and depression. I was excited at the thought of 'turning the page' of my life. I must say that I was absolutely surprised at how well and how fast Wellbutrin worked. I just can't express what a difference it's made in my personal life. Now I have a good chance of mending fences with family that I once ignored purposely due to my severe battle with depression. Only time will tell just how good Wellbutrin works - it's a beautiful start, though! Wishing you all peace in your journey."
- 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."
- Lal...
- June 4, 2014
For Depression "Added this on along with my Cymbalta 60mg & Abilify 1mg. Took 150mg per day for 2 weeks until I realized I had major suicidal thoughts and ideation. Just out of nowhere. Immediately discontinued and felt better in 2-3 days. Beware of sudden mood changes please! The only good thing about this medicine is that it absolutely kills your appetite- lost 13lbs in 2 weeks. Not worth dying over though- sanity before vanity!"
- Ano...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 12, 2013
For Depression "I have been taking 300 mg for a few weeks now, and I have to say this medication has definitely improved my quality of life. Such a big change from when I was trying Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro, etc. Wellbutrin XL helps control my gloominess, anxiety, and even my appetite. I am more motivated to do things during the day. The biggest side effect for me right now is that I am more snappy and aggressive when I get angry, hopefully that will subside."
- Hap...
- December 8, 2017
For Depression "So I've been on it for about a month and a half. I've had severe depression for a long time now. I was in a relationship I just couldn't step away from. After this medication, I realized that I am better than that. I found the source of all my depression. I am going to leave him and start my life without him. I deserve better. Also, I am really different, it seems to help with my anger issues as well. Things that used to just piss me off no longer bother me anymore. It's really nice to enjoy things other than my bedroom."
- 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."
- Haz...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 11, 2015
For Depression "I have been on the generic version of Wellbutrin XL since July 1, 2015. It took about a week for me to notice any change, but it was definitely for the better. I started to feel like my old self again: happy, fun, energetic, and social. Every once in a while I still have a bad day, but it's much more manageable now. I haven't experienced any negative side effects and have actually lost 30 lbs since I started taking it. Overall, I am doing much better now that I am on Wellbutrin."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- February 6, 2021
For Depression "I've tried almost every other selective reuptake inhibitor and a few different tricyclic antidepressants for moderate depression and severe anxiety. This Wellbutrin XL is the first one that hasn't increased my anxiety and has actually helped. Currently on 450 mg extended release."
Are you taking this medicine?
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For Depression "I read a lot of people saying that it's not working all that well for them, although I see one point in common here, it's only been 2 weeks. On some people it takes a little longer. I would say at least 3 to 4 weeks to get the full effect. Sometimes you have to take a higher dosage. I'm at 200 mg now, and I see a difference. Talk to your doctor if 150 mg is not working for you. At the same time, I have to admit that at the beginning it's really hard regardless... so give it time. Good luck everyone."