Depression Blog.com

I have been on Wellbutrin for at least a year now, and I can honestly say that it has helped more than any other med I've tried.

I too tried Lexapro and had very serious stomach problems (God knows I deal with that enough without medication to make it worse), so I quit taking after a short period of time. I also tried Zoloft with the same results, and no benefit for the depression.

I initially started the Wellbutrin at 150mg, and am now at 300mg/day. I will admit that I noticed more benefit previously, but I would hate for the depression to go back to what it was. I still occasionally have my bad days (mood swings, etc), but overall, the Wellbutrin has made a significant improvement.

I've read the recent posts some of you have made, and I can sincerely empathize. I still occasionally feel that life sucks, that my world is like walking on egg shells every minute of the day, and that my entire world can come crashing down at any moment. On top of that, I'm dealing with a wife who has a serious medical condition that has caused her to lose her job, approximately $80K in debt, and have this constant feeling that everytime I get upset about something, I have to remind myself for the reasons I NEED to live, rather than the reasons not to.

As a person who has dealt with family suicide, I can offer this advice. My wife and I (a long time ago) made a pact that we would never commit suicide without giving the other just notification first. I know it sounds dumb, but it's a safety net. When you feel like you're at rock bottom, you've got to have one last straw to pull. Unfortunately, my relative didn't see it that way, and the signs that he DID give to other members of the family were not caught in time.

I hope this helps one other person on this site. I was blindly searching the web and came across this.

Mike

I've been on Paxil (had no emotions and was insensitive to the emotions of others and it took me 2 years to wean off) and I've been on Serzone but it was taken off the market.
I've been on Wellbutrin for the past six months and it is a wonder drug. It is without a doubt the BEST I've ever been on. I've been able to exercise, eat healthy, lose 40 pounds and I'm STABLE, yay, yay, yah!!
Only drawback is my hair was thinning when I went up to 300mg/day so I stay at 200mg/day and no problem with the hair.
I seriously suggest this drug to anyone suffering from clinically diagnosed depression.
thanks
Anna

I have been takin Wellbutrin for almost 2 years. I've taken it with other anti-depressants, and maybe it's me, but I can't seem to feel any better. At the beginning I rated myself on a 1-10 scal about a 3, and now after upping the meds to their highest dossage, I am maybe around a 5 or 6. I also take lexapro, and ambien.

I have been on Wellbutrin for almost a year and honestly I've never been better. I've tried xanax (alprolazam), zoloft, lexapro... all of them and I am only 16. All of the others caused serious weight gain or loos for me. I went up too 185 and all the way down to 103 because of the others and I wanted to stablize my life. When I started taking Wellbutrin I noticed an intense change in my life. No more crying fits, anger bursts, or anxiety attacks. Because of Wellbutrin I have a normal life now. I am at a healthy 147 lbs., I am able to be there for my six younger sisters, and I am also able to be strong and a helping hand to my pregnant mother. I have introduced Wellbutrin to many people I know and it has all donw eually well for them. I reccomend this strongly and hope it does all the best for everyone else.

I take Wellbutrin XL 300 mg along with Fluoxetine (Prozac) 10 mg each day. This medication allows me to be a college professor, a great mom, a writer, a gardener, and frankly, a contributing member of society. Without it, my depression is debilitating and would likely be fatal. How can I express my profound thanks to the scientists that created this medication, to the company that made it available, to the medical community who have cared for me with such compassion & effectiveness?

Surely each person with clinical depression is different regarding what treatment will work or not work. I highly recommend working closely with a psychiatrist letting them know what's working, what's not working and when things change. I have been treated for depression for about 15 years - and I've made changes when a medication that previously worked stopped being effective for me (my body does that sometimes). But my partnership with my psychiatrist allows me to stay on top of the disease. I also see a therapist when necessary. I've also gone to the hospital when necessary.

Depression isn't who I am, it's a disease that I have that right now is being very effectively kept under control with Wellbutrin. The only side effect I've had is more happiness.

Sharon

I took Wellbutrin for two years and unfortunately it dried out my whole body. Not only did I get dry mouth, but dry nose too, which resulted in spontaneous nose bleeds. Also, it slowed down my stomach to the point of causing constipation, which sometimes led to stomach blockage (very painful). My doctor said my stomach problem was related to the overall drying out affect of Wellbutrin. I'm not sure if drinking a lot of water can help with this side effect (it didn't help me much).

Hello. Just wanted to say that I have been on Wellbutrin for 5 years and it has been a life saver! I've been on several others before and nothing really worked.
I've had no negative side effects.
I recently (about the last 3 months) have noticed obvious mood swings around "that time of the month" so my Doc perscribed me 10mg of Lexapro to try a few days before the period (as soon as I start feeling the swings) and a couple during...kind of play with the days accordingly...I sure hope it helps...supposedly at this time the female hormones affects the saratonin levels???
We will see. I've just had my first dose of it today and boy am I tired! Not a normal thing. All that I have read about Lexapro on this site makes me glad I'm not suppose to take it every day.
Take care!

Wellbutrin seems to be helping, but only a bit. I started taking it two weeks ago and theres only been a slight change in mood. Overall, its not a bad drug, its giving me some of my life back and its making me feel better.

Hope it's full affects come soon!

I've only been on wellbutrin for about a week now and am a little nervous. I was on lexapro for over 6 months and zoloft for 5 years before that. I got off zoloft b/c I felt it was no longer working. Lexapro seemed to be working great but the side effects were not standable to me (30 lb weight gain and absolutely no sex drive) the reason I'm nervous about this drug is because I'm getting back to the point of wanting to cry all the time and I don't know if it's just because I haven't been taking it long enough to see results, or if it just isn't right for me. I'm going to try and stick it out for a few weeks, b/c it seems to have been helpful for some. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will kick in soon. I will update with results...

Have been taking it for 5 months now. Initially on 150mg, now on 100mg (don't know why my dr reduced it) and have felt myself sliding again..... no change in weight, either (gained some when put on celexa before I switched to wellbutrin) unfortunately!

I recently went on wellbutrin SR 150mg...i'm a few days past my second week on it...at first it seemed to be working, i seemed to progressively be getting better, past couple of days i've felt just blah, very tired today, kinda in a fog and can't concentrate, lethargic big time...please tell me this will go away and kick in soon.

My Dr started me on Wellbutrin over a week ago and I am very happy with how I've been feeling. Getting up in the morning is much easier - I haven't been late to work 1x this week (my place of employment is very understanding). The first couple of days I was jittery and couldn't sleep at all in the evening (I'm taking 150mg in the morning). Now I'm in a groove. So far I'm not experiencing any of the common negative side effects - no dry mouth or constipation. Instead of feeling much happier I'm feeling more productive, which, at the moment, is ok with me. And I lost 3 pounds this week!

I started taking Zoloft this year. It really helped me handle my depression, but I've gained nearly 40 lbs. while dieting and exercising, which made me depressed again. I'm starting Wellbutrin XL, and I cannot wait to see results. I just want to be happy, AND healthy, not one or the other.

Hi just got an rx for Wellbutrin today. I was wondering, does anyone have any advice for wether to take it in the am or pm.

Thanks,

Amy

I was originally put on 100SR once daily. For the first couple of weeks I felt great! Unfortunately I began to have alot of agitation, nervousness, anxiety. So what did my Dr. do , he doubled my dose! That did NOT help, only made things worse. I stopped taking it last winter.
When I am on this drug I want to eat non-stop. It's unreal the cravings that I have. I know this drug is a stimulant , it's a stimulant for sure for me. It stimulates my appetite!!
I went into the hospital for severe depression and was admitted. The Dr. put me back on Wellbrutrin XL, I was doing ok with it, but still having the weight gain. Today he started me on 300XL a.m. I am sooo agitated way over eating. Does anyone else have this problem. ??
I mean of almost uncontrollable eating??
Thanks

I just started this medication today and was wondering what the normal side effects are that some of you have expierenced.

I've been on wellbutrin for seven months now and it's been really great. My grades increased dramatically and my mood is better than ever. I didn't experiance any negitive side effects. It's definitly better to take in the morning and during the day because it will keep you up all night if you take it later, or give you crazy dreams. ADD runs in my family and I feel that wellbutrin keeps me more focused. In high school I would have to sit in the front row of every class because if I didnt I would end up counting how many people were wearing red shirts and other pointless things instead of listening to the teacher. I only wish I had gone on this sooner.

Does anyone have any comments about sexual side effects of Wellbutrin?
Does it decrease libido?

I have been on Wellbutrin xl 300 mg for about 5 months now. Previously on Celexa for four yrs., then Zoloft and Adderall (for Add), then Lexapro, now this. Was way agitated with Zoloft and now starting to get to that point again with this. I also take Straterra and Trileptal. When will I not be soooo irritated? It's mainly 2 weeks before period. I have been dx'ed as PMDD, ADD, and Depressed.

I have been on Wellbutrin xl 300 mg for about 5 months now. Previously on Celexa for four yrs., then Zoloft and Adderall (for Add), then Lexapro, now this. Was way agitated with Zoloft and now starting to get to that point again with this. I also take Straterra and Trileptal. When will I not be soooo irritated? It's mainly 2 weeks before period. I have been dx'ed as PMDD, ADD, and Depressed.

I also have the constipation thing going on. I have IBS and usually go every day,well ok, a few times a day. And the sexual side effect. I think the only one that didn't was Celexa.

I am on 300mg of Wellbutrin a day and i have put on 25 lbs. within 3 months .i am starved all the time . Can this be from the Wellbutrin?

I have decided to try Wellburtrin since Lexapro took away my sex drive. I tried the XL before but his made me very sick. The doctor gave me SR but i have been vomitting or havign direahhea everyday ( for a week since I started).
I don't want to go back to Lexapro.
Are there any other antidepressants that don't kill your sex drive besides Wellbutrin?

I started taking Wellbutrin XL 150mg two weeks ago and have broken out in hives all over my body. It itches and is painful so I called my doc and she told me to take Benadryl or use Benadryl cream. That just makes me sleepy and I can't work very well but the itching is crazy. And, I still feel tired all the time too. She told me to come in to see her in a week if it hasn't stopped. Plus, my appetite hasn't changed at all like I thought it would. I haven't lost any weight on this drug like the doc thought I would. I think I'm going to stop taking it because I can't stand it anymore. I think it's making me worse instead of better.

I've been on 300mg for about 4-5 years with wonderful results. I have a normal life now! It only took the edge off my sex drive, which at the time was a great thing.

My son is also on it an resents having to take a pill everyday. Has anyone else research plausible alternatives? St John's Wort, therapy, fish liver oil, etc. does not work for us.

I've been taking Wellbutrin 300mgs on and off for about 3 years. I do have nausea and lack energy. I have also gained weight, but not sure it is the Wellbutrin or a thyroid condition that I have always had. My greatest concern I suppose would be swelling and abdominal distention which seemingly slows me down. Does anyone else out there suffer with Edema and abnormal swelling all over their entire body?
Thanks for any ideas you have!

I've been taking Wellbutrin 300mgs on and off for about 3 years. I do have nausea and lack energy. I have also gained weight, but not sure it is the Wellbutrin or a thyroid condition that I have always had. My greatest concern I suppose would be swelling and abdominal distention which seemingly slows me down. Does anyone else out there suffer with Edema and abnormal swelling all over their entire body?
Thanks for any ideas you have!

I have been taking wellbutrin for only 5 days now but i have been feeling fuzzyheaded and i have not really noticed any improvement. Is this a normal feeling until it gets in my system

I have been on Wellbutrin for about 20 years (150mg 3 X day) Does this medication still have an affect after that long?

hi, this is in response to Tracie's question about edema and abdominal distention...I have also had the same problem with wellbutrin...when I first started taking the medicine my doctor also gave me Paxil (25 mg) and then started me on 150mg of wellbutrin. That was about four years ago, and at the time I was soooo uncomfortable and my stomach felt like a bowling ball. I always felt like I had to urinate, but never felt like I went enough...pretty much like I had really bad PMS or symptoms of a urinary tract infection...so, I lowered the dose to 75mg..that really helped..last year I actually stopped taking it all together and noticed ( along with all of the other horrid withdrawal symptoms like lack of appetite and flu-like aches and pains, and lack of energy) that I was able to lose alot of weight and also could go to the bathroom and actually feel like I got rid of all the water in my poor bladder-no abdominal bloating and I also started my period again!!!! (not that having my period is a great experience or anything, but I was happy about it because the Wellbutrin actually seemed to affect my menstral cycle...I went for months at a time without having one at all...so I was happy to finally have my normal cycle back) I also experienced edema in my wrists, fingers, ankles and thighs and abdomin. All I can think of to tell you would be to lower the dose and drink alot of water...and stay away from caffeine!!!!!

I have been taking Wellbutrin XL (150mg) for 6 months and I have gained 20+ pounds, I thought this was supposed to help you lose weight? Is this from the Wellburtin and what can I do about it? Please help. I had been feeling much better, but the weight gain is making me more depressed than I was before I started...Other than that I also feel the full bladder without real relief, but I have tried Lexapro (hated it) and I don't know what else to do?

I've suffered from depression my whole life. At various times I've been diagnosed by M.D.'s and Psychologists with moderate to severe.

About five years ago I went on Wellbutrin to stop smoking, but stayed on it because I was less depressed. Soon after I quit using alcohol and street drugs. I consider myself a recovering alcoholic.

Eventually I went off of Wellbutrin because of the stigma and because I was in a self help program that emphasized a spiritual solution. I went a little crazy...kinda like quitting smoking.

The stress in my life remained low and I was able to avoid depressing situations. I maintained active recovery from alcoholism. I was able to cope, mostly for a few years. Things have changed..baby, job, school....and the evil cloud came back pretty thick. Talked to friends, family, M.D. and peers...2 days ago went back on Bupropion 150mg.

The effects and side effects showed up within 12 hours. The cloud lifted, outlook improved, joy returned, rationality prevails, anger dissolved, productivity is posssible and in the last 48 hours positive things HAVE happened. I know it is crazy to make a connection between 48 hours of relief, 2 pills, and positive external occurences but.....I have been in self awareness therapy for 5 years...I have gotten honest. Honestly, it's crazy NOT to make the connection between relief and my obvious chemical deficiency. Thank God I am again on a leveled field where I can continue to recover, contribute and care.

Negative side effects are consistant with the Pharmacists warnings: dry throat, frequent urination, trouble sleeping and the thing I like the least, stimulation. I hate speed, always have and Wellbutrin stimulates me like 2 cups of coffee too much.

My first 48 hours?: Strong coffee buzz and fuctionality versus rage and suicidal thoughts.

Eventhough I've only been on Wellbutrin XL for a week, I already notice improvement in my mood. I feel a lot happier with my boyfriend where as before I was really moody and had doubts about our relationship. Now I look forward to seeing him everyday! However, I do not notice any weight loss or increased sex drive :( I notice the appitite supplement a little bit, on Celexa I had alot of binge episodes and gained 20 pounds in 30 months so it feels good to eat like a normal person. I am feeling a lot of my anxiety coming back which I'm a little worried about but I have klonopin I was given but never took so I am going to take that when I feel anxiety come on. I have NO insomnia on this drug whatsoever (on 300 mg- was put on this initially as well, didnt start off at 150) and I still can sleep 13-14 hours (was hoping this drug would give me a little more motivation). However, I feel more like working out and my mood has lifting more then it has in a while so I"m going to stick with it and hope that my weight drops from just being off celexa. DRY MOUTH is a big side effect for me, but not a big deal because I should be drinking alot of water anyways!

Eventhough I've only been on Wellbutrin XL for a week, I already notice improvement in my mood. I feel a lot happier with my boyfriend where as before I was really moody and had doubts about our relationship. Now I look forward to seeing him everyday! However, I do not notice any weight loss or increased sex drive :( I notice the appitite supplement a little bit, on Celexa I had alot of binge episodes and gained 20 pounds in 30 months so it feels good to eat like a normal person. I am feeling a lot of my anxiety coming back which I'm a little worried about but I have klonopin I was given but never took so I am going to take that when I feel anxiety come on. I have NO insomnia on this drug whatsoever (on 300 mg- was put on this initially as well, didnt start off at 150) and I still can sleep 13-14 hours (was hoping this drug would give me a little more motivation). However, I feel more like working out and my mood has lifting more then it has in a while so I"m going to stick with it and hope that my weight drops from just being off celexa. DRY MOUTH is a big side effect for me, but not a big deal because I should be drinking alot of water anyways!

First, a big thank you to everyone who posted on this blog. I have been taking Wellbutrin for about 10 months and am happy to see that it has worked well enough for some to be take for 5+ years. Overall I think it is a lifesaver and have been very pleased with the minimal side effects. I have actually felt like a "normal" person at times! Dosage: I am taking 450 mg/day. At 300 mg/day I was ok for about 5 months but then started to alternately crash or become extremely agitated. My doc said I am a "fast metabolizer," and upped me to 450. After another 4-5 months it worked great in the beginning but now I feel too speedy at times. Guess we'll adjust it again.

What I wanted to ask is if anyone has had mood swings with WB? I recently have been really really social but get nervous when I am talking, even think I sound strange. Other times I sad, angry, sleeepy or aggitated. I might be quiet all day and not be angry or sad, thinking I feel fine, but then my boyfriend asks me a question and my response is "barkish" and sounds mean. I can't draw a pattern here except that PMS makes it worse. I have insomnia sometimes, usually brought on by even the smallest level of stress. Insomnia for me is one of my "big" symptoms that warn me of an impending crash. Typically I sleep 10-11 hrs/night. I have lost weight (5-7 lbs) because my appetite fluctuates. Any thoughts?

Oh and thanks for the reminder to drink more water!

i have been on Wellbutrin 300mg for three weeks now (did not start on 150mg) for depression. It has been everything the doctor said it would for me. I am active, optimistic and living my life like a normal 24 year old should. My boyfriend has also noticed my change in mood. The only side effect has been loss in apetite (which is good since I gained 25 lbs. in one month while I was "depressed".) and situational agressiveness. I have been able to control it though and it seems to be diminishing more everyday. Everyone is different but Wellbutrin is the solution for me.

I've been on Wellbutrin for 3 weeks. The first week I was jittery, now I just feel mellow...not extremely happy or sad. The uncontrollable crying has STOPPED since I've been on Wellbutrin (THANK GOD!!!) I have not experienced weight gain; I actually feel motivated to work out. It'll dry you out though, be careful of dehydration when working out...drink a lotta H20. My appetite fluctuates, but, it's leveling off now. I still get snippy and rude around PMS time, but, who doesn't, right? Life is good again!

Thanks to Everyone and the feedback! Thanks especially to Christina for answering about the Edema and abdominal distention. I too stopped my Wellbutrin simple because I cannot figure out what is making me gain so much weight, fatigue etc. I have had one bladder infection after another, constant colds and simply do not feel well. Every doctor and book has their own beliefs and remedies for the symptoms we experience and they are all different. I too try to drink alot of water and definitely get enough rest which seemingly is all I really want to do in hopes that sooner or later I will begin to get my energy back. This feedback is helpful and certainly helps us all to realize that we are not in this alone. Thanks!!!

I have been on Wellbutrin Xl 150 mg for a couple of months for post pardum depression. I started having rapid heart rate in the morning after waking up and had insomnia. I stopped the med with the permission of my doctor.

Well the depression came back after 1 month.

I started to have the loss of energy, social anxiety and bad PMS symptoms.

Now I take Wellbutrin Sr 150mg and Paxil Cr 12.5mg in the morning. The Wellbutrin Sr last for 12 hours, so I didn't have the insomnia associated with Wellbutrin Xl. I have energy during the day and sleep well at night.

Don't give up in meds. Find a wonderful doctor that will help find the right therapy for you.

Sleeping is hard on Wellbutrin! I've taken 150 mgs of XR for three days. I can't stop thinking about things long enough to get to sleep. I have a ringing in my head, and feel like I'm on amphetamines. Then, I wake up in the middle of the night, and can't get back to sleep. I'm a little more upbeat. Maybe, I'm bouncing off bottom. I'm also a little more tolerant of my kids, which makes them behave better. I feel dehydrated. My throat and sinuses are dry.

Effexor was way too powerful, Prozak made me a zombie, and Paxil was a little better than the other two. They all were really hard on "sexual function." I had withdrawls from all three, and Effexor was the worst. I didn’t like Prozak very much at all. I quit all three because I don’t want to be on drugs.

How long does it take for 300mg of wellbutrin-xl to take a positive feeling of getting better

i am so scared of taking any meds i have phobias of meds any advice?

After one week on Wellbutrin, my ears were ringing. The psychiatrist--a relative--said, "Keep taking it, it will go away." It is now three years later and the tinnitus is loud and permanent. When I told the psychiatrist what happened, he shrugged and escorted me out of his office, and I never heard from him again. No other psychiatrist is even willing to discuss it.

I was on prozac for probably 15 years before it started not working on me. I tried effexor and was doing really well on it until I forgot to take it one day and had a psychotic crying episode that scared the everlovin crap out of me - withdrawal on this drug is legendary and my sex drive had disappeared - so even though I was doing really well other than no libido, I decided that I needed to change so was changed to 10 mg of lexapro - I was so tired that I was given 150 Wellbutrin XL - which helped but am still prone to crying and feelings of dismay and that nothing will get better - they are upping me to 300 mg as of today and I have bad ringing in the ears... I am also on bp meds that made my feet and ankles swell like crazy - norvasc - so I got put on 20 mg of lasix and a potassium supplement... I did have the distended stomach as bowling ball thing but it went away... I try and have flax meal every day in something to help with constipation - like in oatmeal or on yogurt. Without meds I have no idea where I'd be today.. you do have to work with someone who is willing to work with you.. get help - get meds if you need them - if you broke your leg you'd get a cast - right?

Wondering if anyone has sexual side effects with Wellbutrin? I know it is supposed to be neutral or increase libido, but I have had NO sex drive since being on it for two weeks.

ive been on 150 mg well xl for 9 days. i just started feeling better 3 days ago. each day better and better. very hyped up but in a good way. im getting all the stuff done i couldnt even think about before. feelings of stress, overwhelmed, anxiety, confusion, fear, etc have gone away. im just a little too awake at night, and find it difficult to settle down. taking ambien at night for sleep helps

Whether or not Wellbutrin works is only part of what someone considering this medication needs to be concerned about. Take very, very seriously the warnings that come with the pills and make sure you ask your doctor about Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Better yet, plug it into Google and learn more. It's a side effect they mention but don't tell you anything about (essentially: the meds have the potential to turn your immune system against you). Wellbutrin helped with my chronic major depression but I'm allergic to it (not Stevens-Johnson, I hope, but bad enough to make my doctor tell me to stop taking it immediately). I'm glad for everyone it works for, I really am, but we all need to be much more informed than the medical profession encourages us to be before we dump this stuff into our bodies.

Have been on 300mg since Aug 06 (it's almost Feb 07). Listlessness disappeared. Much more cheerful. Although sometimes it feels like the cheerful is a veneer with a scary empty hole underneath. After several months of v. high stress lifestyle, veneer wore thin.

Upped dosage to 450mg this month, and have had extremely dry throat ... have to drink water all the time ... it's starting to really bother me. Recent sex life: excellent, but nothing to compare it to since i've been in grad school all this time. Pretty good mood, though still anxious about everything.

Failed to take meds off and on for about a week, and complete withdrawal from world resulted.

I had taken paxil in the past and gained 30 pounds in a few months, so now im tryign wellbutrin. I don't feel a supressed appetite, abut i feel soooo bloated right now after i ate!! i feel like 10 pounds heavier than i was 2 days ago before i started. does this mean ive gained weight?if anyone can help please email me at lauraelise26@yahoo.com

I battled and temporarily succeeded with Bipolar by hitting the gym, eating properly and doing things for myself. I tried meds (Effexor and Paxil, but the side effects were terrible), and I was sick of taking a cocktail of drugs everyday. The gym and the slight lifestyle change worked for a bit, maybe a year or so...
And then things got rough, I became very affected by stressful situations, and life even became unbearable. I couldn't deal with myself and became withdrawn. I cried and pitched fits, and then an hour later was puzzled at my moods. I didn't trust myself, I didn't know how I would react to any situation.

I got over the whole "I don't want meds" thing, and that was only because the depression began to bleed into my life, my job, my relationships, my socializing...It was out of my hands.

Its only been a few days on WB XL, and so far, so good. I feel a bit shaky, my mind races at bedtime and a minor loss of appetite. The jittery feeling could be likened to Ritalin. My stomach isn't that steady, but it's a small price to pay for feeling a bit more serene. I know its only 3 days, but even the first day, I felt a bit happier. Who knows, it could also be just knowing that I was finally doing something for myself. Wellbutrin is a great place to start because the side effects are nothing like the conventional anti-depressants.

Please, be patient with these kinds of meds, they take a while to kick in sometimes. It's totally worth it.

bupropion makes me feel like im on speed! lost like 20 lbs on it. pee all the freaken time! drink 12 dr peppers a day! i hope i dont die from this! then i take like 4 otc sleeping pills just to get to sleep. any comments? please.

Husband was... well lets just say something had to give before I ended up in prison. He would fly into fits of rage, throw five year old tantrums, just become mean and cruel and seemed to get off on making me cry. Bizarre. I spent a day researching divorce, and then depression. It dawned on me he was depressed and because he was a man he wasn't crying or able to talk about his feelings. I talked to him about it and low and behold he seemed to know something was wrong with him but thought it was ADD. Thanks for mentioning that babe. I sent him to the doctor with a note (shaddap lol) and he came home with Wellbutrin. OK Now I am not crazy and I am not one to put all my eggs in one basket but he has been a different man since. Amazing. We can actually enjoy each other and like each other again. Instead of flipping out on me he will just casually tell me to stop being a bitch. Who knew this would work LOL One thing though. Wellbutrin didn't make him any less forgetful and e forgets to take his meddy and the monster returns in 1-2 days. Horrible. Also doc upped his dose when 150 was working fine and he seems a slight bit more edgey.
Anyone notice this?

I'v been on Wellbutrin for a few years, starting with SR and switching to XL a year ago. It's been better than any other antidepressant I've tried, except that for the past 9 or 10 months I've found my hair rapidly thinning. It's always been very thick, and although I realize hair does thin with age, this is beyond normal. I don't think my other prescriptions - Neurontin, Rozerem, Benicar or Lamictal, would do this. Lamictal possibly, but cutting back on that hasn't helped. I talked with my psychiatrist and he agreed that although he's never seen this happen, we'll halve the dose to 150 mg/day. We'll see.

I just started Wellbutrin. I am only on 150mg/d and have never been on any other type of medication. My brother was on Lexapro and gained weight and fell asleep throughout the day - something I refuse to let happen - I think gaining weight will only hurt my situation more, and obvioulsy cannot sleep through the day. When I brought this up to my dr. she suggested I try Wellbutrin first and then see what happens. It has only been two days. So my questions to yall: Is it abnormal that I am already feeling different when I have only taken 2 doses? Is this just a mental change, not a real, physical one? Also, I feel slightly jumpy, almost as if I took a caffine pill. Is that normal? Does that feeling go away? I liked the idea of Wellbutrin for the fact that it gave you energy back and is said to have a low chance of sexual/weight side effects. I also like that they prescribe it to those who wish to quit smoking as I do. I want to give it a shot, but do not want to feel so out of it everyday. Help!

I have been taking wellbutrin for about a year now. It had an immediate positive effect on my life. The first week was tough though, hard to sleep, and stomach nausia. I feel it has changed my life. But I am starting to wonder if it is not working the same. maybe my body is becoming tollerant. I don't seem to have the optimism that I have carried continuously for a year straight. Overall great drug.

I've been taking Wellbutrin xl 300 mg for 4 months now. The first 3 months I was taking 150 mg. I realized the effect it had after the first month by looking back and realizing I hadn't been obsessing over everything like I used to and I felt at peace inside. That feeling began to wear off during month 3. That's when my doctor "upped" my dosage to 300 mgs. I've been taking it for a week and a half now and hate the side effects. My memory is shot, I keep dropping things and by mid-afternoon I get hot flashes and I feel like I'm high as a kite. I've become extremely intolerant to alcohol and I just don't feel well. I'm not sure if I want to continue on the medication anymore. I'm not sure what I'm going to do. Best of luck to everyone dealing with the same issues.

I started 100 wellbutrim yesterday. Ive been on for a couple of months the following: cipralex40,effexor75,Lithium750, dexetrine10 ( it is the best but my dr. says I was developing a tolerence for it at 20 and it could kill me), clanazepan 2 mg as per needed.i'm very depressed negative and hopeless, aggitated, and have an anxiety disorder. Once many years ago I was on wellbutrim, and nearly jumped off a chair lift(not a suicide attempt). Maybe I won't get that sensation this time as am on other things. Can I take the Wellbutrim at night? The reason we are using it is the dopamine as in the dexadrine seemed to help? I've been on the whole gamet of medications, I think it is possible that the lithium is keeping me in depression. Oh, I'm also on 200 serequel. My Dr. and I would very much appreciate whatever help and advice you can give us. Thankyou gratefully, Cheryl

I've been on Wellbutrin 150 for two days now and I'm definitely feeling worse- more anxiety, more stomach upset and tinnitis. I'm also taking .5 mg of risperidal. I know that it takes a few days to get used to the meds. Will the anxiety lessen with time?

I have been taking wellbutrin xl since December 2006 and I haven't felt that good in years. Because of insurance purposes I had my doctor change my script to Wleburtin SR (generic) which I hate.Pharmacist says there is no difference but there is.Its like I am riding the roller coaster from hell.Ups and downs are horrible and uncontrollable. My poor family have been suffering for 2 weeks.Progress at my job and at home in caring for my family and our home has completely stopped.I am miserable and feel like I could take a hard right off a bridge.I don't care what I have to pay for the XL brand I am going back to it.There is a difference between the two for me.

I have taken the whole variety of anti-depressants..paxil; buspar; effexor; and now lexapro. I have been taking Lexapro 10mg for about 8 months..but had to tell the doc about the loss of sexuall intrest. Two weeks ago he started me on welbutrin 150xl and told me to double my dosage if I did not notice a difference after a few days. After a week I contacted my docter and doubled the dosage to 300mgxl. I had a noticeable difference, he told me to continue taking the Lexapro, but I have not noticed the increase in libido. i am considering to discontinue the Lexapro and Welbutrin work on it's own.
Any thoughts?

Wellbutrin makes me feel not so well.

I have been taking it for about 18 months. I am anxious, depressed, crying easily and often, sad, angry and unable to make firm decisions or focus my thoughts well.

I thought this SSRI drug was the most benign of all of them - since I had a really bad time (mentally) on Prozac and needed a homeopath to get me off it.

So Wellbutrin was the next try. But I am convinced that it is making me feel very badly. I will get off it as soon as possible and will start looking for some natural product that has NO SIDE EFFECTS.

T

I started taking Wellbutrin XL 150mgs, in Late January, I was very suicidal, I noticed an immediate change the day I took it. I LOVE it! I began to eat right, work out and Lost a good 40 pounds (doesnt hurt them I am A Vegan) in 2 months. I don't have crying spells, I am happy and I feel this medication blocks any intense emotions, its harder for me to cry at things sometimes.
I began to sleep through the night, I really think this medication saved my life.
I tryed a brief stint at 300mgs, it was horrible for me personally, I was very moody, very angry, felt I was starting to eat emotionally, I was soooo exhausted during the day!!!
I am back on 150 and I love it. I can't see my life without it. From wanting to die to really enjoying my days.. my life is completely different.
I was ready to die before this.. and for people who know me now.. they would never believe it.
basically, I feel for me personally this medication takes the edge off so I can think clearly, it makes me not want to stick a gun in my mouth. it really releaves alot of negative tension I've had for so long.

After trying many SSRI's and experiencing sluggishness and flat affect, I tried Wellbutrin and found it to be the best anti-depressant for me. I've been on it for about 6 years, though, and have tried many times to stop taking it (slowly, decreasing my dosage every other day), without success. Within 48 hours, I feel angry, homicidal even, and my thoughts race so badly that I don't trust my judgement. I say things that in no way reflect my true feelings, and I respond harshly and negatively to everything. (By the way, my original symptoms and reason for taking medications was dysthymia and depression, not anxiety and rage). I have also managed to stay off for several weeks, but the side-effects don't improve much. I'm afraid my chemistry has changed permanently and am also looking for 1) a method of discontinuing that doesn't give me such scary side-effects and 2) a natural alternative.

I"ve been taking Wellbutrin for well over 2 years now and have never felt better. I've been a little concerned about how long is too long to take it but really don't want to risk stopping or changing meds. I hate that I have to take a pill everyday but the alternative is much worse. I started having problems very soon after a hysterectomy. I started obsessing about little things and had really bad mood swings, my family doctor was amazed that the gyno did not perscribe something after surgery. Many women have depression issues when their hormones get messed up. Wellbutrin has been a huge help for me. I don't take it with anything else and from what I can tell people that do mix it with other depression meds seem to have a less than positive outcome. I think it takes time for your body to adjust so if you've just started taking it and have not started feeling better, give it some time. I feel great and recommend it for anyone having hormone issues. Another positive for me has been weight loss! I lost about 10 lbs within the first couple of months and 20 over the past year. Prior to Welbutrin I'd been trying to lose without success. The dry mouth is easy to fix too, drink lots of water, its great for your skin. Stay away for soda, the sodium really puffs you up.... good luck with your Wellbutrin, I hope you have as good an outcome as I have had.

I have been taking wellbutrin SR 300 mg per day for about 6 weeks now. It seemed to give me a lot more energy at first, and seemed to be helping. But all of a sudden for the past week I have had peaked anxiety, which usually isnt a big problem for me. Also, I am very depressed, especially the last two days. the depression seems to be on and off. But last night and this morning I just cant break the sad, unmotivated, give up on life feeling! I hate it. Is this from the medication, and should I add zoloft with it or discontinue it all together?

hi all
i read all these blogs and being a Rph i understand all this more than a doctor. I just wanna share the little pharmacology here. Wellbutrin up your dopamine and Noreepinephrine levels. It has nothing to do with serotonin. Serotonin has properties like sedation (weight gain), mood, appetite: while dopamine is opposite, energy, reward, happy. dopamine also makes your heart beat more stronger not faster incraeseing your cardiac output. If it doesn't work for you it can because you have normal dopamine and NE.
hope this helps

I had to give up lexapro because of 40 pound gain in 4 years and continued to gain even with swimming 45 min mile 3 times a week. Lexapro changed my life. I was only sick for 3 days and then it worked. I could live with the night sweats and lack of libido but being obese was too far. Wellbutrin XL is difficult to adjust to. Hand tremmers the first week, Nausea 50 % of the time the first 6 weeks, Edgyness, short temper and I'm depressed. I'm and determined to give it time because I am desparate to lose weight. I was discouraged that I didnt loose the 5 pounds I untill 7 weeks, esp with feeling horrible most of the time. Now going into my 8th week and hoping to feel better soon.

I'm supposed to start Wellbutrin for depression. I drink alot of wine though due to the depression and am scared about my liver and the seizure side affects of Wellbutrin. Does anyone have any advice?

I have been on bupropion 150 SR for about 1 1 /2 yrs--originally on it to stop smoking. Did nothing to improve my morose, black moods which i have been prone to all my adult life. My Dr upped my dose to 3oo mg just the other day. I had read in a book by a psycologist that less than 300 mg day had NO effects on depression so I am hopeful this upped dose will help. Has anyone else heard or read about the '300 mg and up' for depression?

I have been on Wellbutrin for 6 weeks. It sucks. It really does. I have panic attacks, have absolutely no energy and cannot concentrate. It makes life terrible. I can't see anything good in life anymore. I am going to stop taking this terrible stuff tomorrow.

I have been on 100 mg of wellbutrin twice a day for a week now. I have headaches and there are times when I am just plain mean. I was on cymbalta for a while and it helped for nerve pain. Problem was I was sleeping way to much and not wanting to do anything. I actually started antidepressants because I would lash out verbally and say hurtful and mean things. Should I give the medicine more time or should I go back to doctor? Could this be just a response to the change from cymbalta to wellbutrin? Not sure just know today I ended up lashing out for small stuff.

I have to say out of all the meds I've taken, wellbutrin had the most positive effect on me, but my pot smoking really effected my ability to reap the benefits of this ssri.

I'm on lexapro and havn't smoked pot in years, but lexapro just zones me out half the time and really turns me apathetic to everything and everybody, but at least I'm not flying off the handle every 2 minutes and yelling at my kids.

Everything is a compromise in life, and I want my family to feel safe and contribute to the rearing of my children so I'm going to continue on lexapro.

I am a 44 year old male with severe insomnia
I am currently on Syraquil,rozerim and ambian pm
and after taking all 3 before bedtime,I sleep
maybe 3 hours. I am never mentally tired, I do
not drink smoke or do drugs, also I have got no sex drive for about 15 years and have been to
many doctors who tell me my tetesterone is low
and my thyroid is not functioning properly
I go on medication and it does not help me I am
totally feeling beyond helpless

I have been on WellbutrinXL 150mg for 8 days now and feel nothing, if anything I have noticed in the past 2 days it has been hard to get out of bed and I am cranky in the morning, which is abnormal for me as I am a morning person. I read that it may take several weeks for the medicine to start working - is this true??

The first day: switching from a previous perscription that didn't seem to affect me at all. I previously used Wellbutrin to try to quit smoking. No help there but I remember being happy and peaceful like no time in recent history. I suppose I've always harbored some sort of depression but lately, it's come to a head. I'm hoping that Wellbutrin will help me find that equalibrium I have misplaced in my crazy life....

I found that Wellbutrin worked for the first four days and then I began to have the same feelings of depression after taking the antidepressant. I was irritable, very moody and had no sex drive. I lost about five lbs. on the drug, but I probably gained this weight back. I don't feel that the antidepressant helped me overall with my depression.

I have found that I have gained weight on the Wellbutrin XL and it has decreased my sex drive. I also went through an angry period which I've heard others mention as well, but it has passed. My question is that at times it looks like it is coming out whole in my stool. Has anyone noticed this?

With Wellbutrin XL, it is normal to see the coating of the pill come out in your stool. The medication has entered your system; what you see is just the covering. This is normal, nothing to be worried about.

Does anyone know if there are any effects from taking St. John's wort and Wellbutrin at the same time? I wouldn't think so, since they act differently- St. John's wort is a natural SRI, whereas this works on norepinephrine and dopamine... just wondering. I'm interested in alternative approaches and I saw a significant improvement in my depression after taking 1200 mg Omega 3s (mood stabilizing effects after a few weeks), and 300 mg of both 5 HTP and St. John's Wart three times a day (which both affect serotonin levels) but wasn't quite enough of an effect so I just started 150 mg Wellbutrin XL in addition. I'd like to know if anyone has had any reactions to any of these combos.

It does not work. I have been on it for 5 years and it does not help me in anyway possible.

So far, after 2 months, extreme dry mouth, dry eyes. Serious headaches.
Libido is back after taking Lexapro for 3 years.

Wellbutrin has been a life saver for me. Five years ago, I experienced anxiety attacks that were so severe, I was certain I was having a heart attack. I could not control my temper, and I was always sleeping and feeling down. First, I tried Celexa. I felt like a zombie. I couldn't even make myself cry. They I was switched to Paxil. I gained about 20 lbs, I had no emotions but I was stable. About 3 years ago, I was switched to Wellbutrin XL 300 mg, once a day.
I take it before bed. I sleep great, and feel great. I no longer feel overwhelmed and hopeless. It's a terrible way to feel. When the generic became available, I started it, Buderprion xl. Still have great results, no difference at all. The only draw back that I had with all 3 medicines, is the first week I had a hard time adjusting. When coming off the paxil, I had buzzing in my head, it felt like small shocks. When I started wellbutrin, the 1st week, I was spacey and felt like I was a little high. Luckily, that sensation went away quickly. It started to work effectively after about 2 weeks.I lost the extra 20 lbs. and now maintain a healthy weight.
I hope you all find the right medicine to help you. Once you do, your entire life changes for the better.

Was on generic wellbutrin for 6 months. Ok, then the doctor didn't renew the Rx very quickly and now I am without for 2 weeks. Amazing difference. Not to the positive. Depression is back and I sleep 10+ hours a night. My Rx was due to be renewed called 10 days in advance fo a 2 week trip and didn't get the renewal before I left. Now, not sure I want to go back on drugs. Word to the wise. Rx can take over 10 days to renew. I had no idea.

i'm on day 16 of wb sr 300mg, and so far so good I think. I had a hard time with side effects like ringing in my ears, feeling foggy & light headed and one episode of dizziness that was pretty insane. I do have some anxiety that won't go away though, although the bruxism seems to have really settled down. I am scared that i might get hives though - today i had one on the back of my leg, and then it went away and i got one on the side of my foot, but that one went away too. i'm also on 100mg of zoloft for major clinical depression.

I HAVE SLIGHT DEPRESSION AND ADD. I STARTED 75MG WELLBUTRIN ALMOST 4 WEEKS AGO. THE DRUG IS TERRIFIC. I WENT THRU MANY UPS AND DOWNS THE FIRST FEW WEEKS BUT ITS ALL STARTING TO COME TOGETHER.I AM BETTER ABLE TO FOCUS AND I FEEL VERY RELAXED NOW. IVE LOST 5 LBS OF WEIGHT AND I LOOK GREAT. IF ANYONE IS HAVING PROBLEMS OF AGITATION,INSOMNIA, OR ANXIETY IT WILL SUBSIDE.TAKE IT ON A FULL STOMACH AND DO NOT DRINK COFFEE WITH IT. I WOULD ALSO START WITH A LOW DOSE AND NOT GO OVER 100 MG WHICH IS WHERE I WILL FINISH. I BELIVE THESE HIGHER DOSES CAN BE OVERWHELMING.

I began taking bupropion (generic Wellbutrin) in October 2007. I was severely depressed: Some days I couldn't get out of bed and missed many of my classes at college and suicide thoughts were a daily occurrence. After about 6-8 weeks of taking bupropion, I thought I felt better. I told my therapist and psychiatrist that I thought my depression was gone although I wasn't feeling "complete" and there was something "missing." I couldn't quite pinpoint what the problem was.

I continued to take the medication. However, everyday around 6 in the afternoon, I would get in a sad mood. I resorted to drinking alcohol and taking drugs to help lift my mood. However, after several weeks the alcohol and drugs began to take a toll on my body and I realized I couldn't keep doing this. I began to do some research online and found that literally hundreds of people had written of negative experiences while taking generic Wellbutrin and they recommended taking the brand name by GlaxoSmithKline. There was even an article by MSNBC, a reputable source, questioning the effectiveness of generic Wellbutrin.

Well, my depression slowly returned, and this time with anxiety. I had to take a semester away from college in New York and go back to my home in Florida, to try and sort this debilitating illness. I met with my psychiatrist in Florida on February 7, 2008. I specifically told her I wanted brand name Wellbutrtin. I also told her I had trouble sleeping so she added mirtazapine (generic Remeron) to my medicine cocktail. In about three weeks my depression was COMPLETELY GONE! And my anxiety was much less than before. I don't know if changing to brand name Wellbutrin or adding the mirtazapine or both was responsible for improving my symptoms, but I highly recommend the combination. (Especially since bupropion targets dopamine and norepinephrine and mirtazapine targets serotonin and norepinephrine so you get all the major neurotransmitters that make you feel better.)

One thing I do highly recommend is NOT TAKING GENERIC WELLBUTRIN! I went through different bupropion brands: Watson, Anchen, Teva. None worked. And frankly I'm quite upset at the pharmaceutical industry for not investigating this matter further, especially after it's been on the news and many customers have complained. It could have cost me my life. Good thing I found out in time.

I have been on wellbutron for a month now and don't feel any better than when I started. I have been reading up alot on it latley and from what I get fom it is I should have at least some improvement. I just wanna know is there anyone out there who has taken wellbutron for a month had not showed any improvement and then started to feel better, or is it time for me to move on to something else? My doctor tells me to waite 6-8 weeks.

i posted 2 weeks ago. listen folks.start with sm doses.75 to 100.not generic.dont drink more than 3 glasses of wine or two cocktails.give the drug at least 45 days before jumping the gun. you have to determine whether your depression is caused by lack of dopamine or a serotonin problem.read dr amens book. wellbutrin is a great drug for dopamine issues but if it causes anxierty try provigil which works on dopamine with no side effects. ive been on wellbutrin 35 days and its been fantastic.

does it work good?