Wellbutrin Side Effects

I'm finally over all side effects of Wellbutrin and I have to say it is really making a difference in my life. I am feeling so much better now. I also notice a big reduction in compulsive decisions such as spending, eating and saying things I shouldn't. It's amazing. I'm losing weight, saving money and my lackluster sex drive is much better. For me it is just the thing I needed to balance out my brain. I dropped back down to only 150mgs a day because I could not adjust to more but it's working and I feel great!
Taya

The Wellbutrin XL is stabilizing in my system at 300 mg per day so that's good, however I have developed panic disorder -- independently of the Wellbutrin -- and it has really made my life hell. I guess I will find out if the Wellbutrin and exercising will cure the anxiety, but in the meantime I will talk to my psychiatrist about it. Experiencing panic attacks several times a day will surely lower your quality of life.

I have been taking Wellbutrin SR 150 for apprx 5 months with up & down results and heavy side effects. Dr upped the dosage to 300 - 2 pills a day. I went downhill very
fast. Went back to the Dr and felt like he was just concerned about pushing the drugs and $$'s. I decided I want to stop and deal with life on my own. I stoped excercise and therapy and will start back up. My question and/or concern is the correct way to stop. Cannot ask the DR cause I am not going to tell him, just stop seeing him. Can someone adivse, if I stop cold turkey, what can I expect? Thanx You

Steve,

Cold turkey would probably not be a good idea. I suggest seeing another psychiatrist. Ask him/her about taking Wellbutrin XL (extended release, once every 24 hours) instead of SR. It can really take as long as 3 months for it to stabilize, and for a few weeks in the beginning, it may feel like hell. I've been there. Ask your psychiatrist about Wellbutrin XL at 300 mg, and try to hang in there for about a month, chances are you'll come out of the adjustment phase, which like I said, can be horrible. I used to get extremely suicidal, anxious beyond belief, everything was bad, but I kept going because I had taken it before and remembered that it does take a while before things stabilize.

All the old posts are gone, so I can't research back on this side effect of W XL.

I have been crying at about everything that is the least sentimental since I've been on Wellbutrin XL and ended my dose of cymbalta in mid-April.

Upped dose of XL to 450 mg 3 mo ago. Depression is better other than a relapse when sciatica from bulging disc started about 2 mo ago and pain continues and I was at wit's end from the pain and was heading into black depression again.

Cymbalta was absolutely wonderful in that I didn't cry about anything.

Anyone else going through the crying jags with W XL?

I know I need to call my Dr who had told me to wait a couple of months after upping dose to 450mg, but I was wondering if anyone takes W XL and another anti-depressant for crying?

Cheryl, here's the link to the old site: http://www.healthdiaries.com/blogs/pilgrim/archives/2005/10/wellbutrin_xl.html

Adrian;

Thank you for the reply. I opted for cold turkey and it hasn't been to bad. I (personally) am afraid - no, terified to go through the intial phase again and deal with the thoughts and mood swings that go along with it. I just can't, at least for now. Thanx again.

Steve - I really don't think cold turkey is the best idea. I tapered off, with my psychiatrist's approval, and for a while it seemed like I was doing fine. Then suddenly one day, I went downhill. First symptom was anxiety, then came extreme depression, and then my first panic attack ever, which was one of the scariest things I've experienced, not knowing what was happening to me at the time. I started taking Wellbutrin XL again, 150mg the first week and then 300 since, but it took 2 months for it to start working again. I'm still not where I want to be, but it's worth the wait.

If you really are feeling better off it, then you may not need it anymore. But if you suddenly start to go down again, then you will need to act accordingly.

Go run daily, thats what I do every evening. It enhances the positive effects of the medication, and it's good for you anyways.

I have read every single post and I feel like I know the regulars.

I have just started taking WBXL 5 days ago. I started on 150mg day one, and day two took 300 mg and have been since then.

My psychiatrist said the first two weeks take 150mg and then the next two weeks take 300mg and then the fifth week I have a check in appt. But I;m impulsive, and wanted to start feeling like a person again, fast...so I did the 300mg.

I feel bad bc I respect my doctor, but I;m doing "okay."

Besides the common side effects (dry mouth is really bad for me, and I haven't been eating like I normally do...hardly an appetite if any on some days, and If I want I could stay awake all night, but falling asleep is a piece of cake) I can feel it being released in my body.

It freaks me out because it is so overwhelming, I cannot control myself in any aspect.

I'm disorinted, lose focus and intrest, I;m like a vegetable until I start crying uncontrolably for the next 15 minutes.

Today(day five), I started writing down everything that I felt. I took 300mg at 645am felt my body react at 10:15am, and it seemed to go on about every three hours I have noticed. We will see if it happens around the 7-8pm hours...I am betting it will.

Like Adrian, I am also a student. I have found that when I can't be in class because of my anxiety and overwhelming feelings of saddness, I just try to focus on what I am doing at the moment.

I have had to leave two times, once today. I went to the bathroom, calmed myself down, and went back to class. I still had the feelings of the drug getting released, but it does go away after about 30-45minutes.

I know this is long, but I was freaked out (and still am) that I have to be on medication to make myself feel better and to handle my crazy life more effciently and effectivly. I had to write it, and I am glad I found this posting sight.

I have a really great support system, too. My boyfriend, mom, brother, and best friend help me out a lot. I am a very lucky girl in that aspect.

I can't wait for these four weeks to pass and for these "episodes" or "hills and valleys" to concede.

I hope that sharing my experiences --short lived so far-- will relate to someone out there like some posts have related and made me feel better about being on WBXL.

I will be checking daily.

It is not too late for you to go back on 150mg. I was on WBXL and really liked it but I was one of the few that it made itch!! Start at a lower dose and you will see a difference with the lower dose and then up the dose when ready. The side effects are a buger when you start too high! I am now on Zoloft and I cut my dose in 1/2 and working my way up.

I have tried to take WEllbutrin at least three times in the past. Last week I tried again per my physician's encouragement to counter act drowsinesss with the 30mg of cymablta I take. I took the 150XL in the am and withtin two hours I am very groggy and yawning all the time. I go from feeling very hungry to not hungry at all. My mouth is VERY dry and my heart races. I only made it four days. Has anyone else felt this strange combination of both tired and heart racing at the same time with Wellbutrin? Did it go away? Thanks

frustrated,
I have atrial fibrillation (afib) that is normally controlled by medication. I was on cymbalta and having afib quite a lot. But, when I started 150mg of wellbutrin XL, I began to have more episodes of afib. Tried other meds that didn't work. Then, Dr and I decided to go back to wellbutrin xl and take 1/4 of a tablet for a week to see how things went. I added 1/4 of 150mg weekly all the way up to a 450mg dose and things are fine. I was able to get off of cymbalta, which the Dr and I decided could have been causing the afib episodes since I rarely have afib any longer. I do miss the lack of tearfulness with the cymbalta!

As for drowsiness, I have that at night as the amount of W xl is reducing in my body, but not in the morning. I do have dry mouth and throat, but never put 2 and 2 together that it was caused by the wellbutrin. Thought I was just not drinking enough fluids.

I had a few days on 150mg that my appetite was reduced. Dr said a study found the W XL at 450mg was the most effective in helping with weight loss. I don't have an amphetamine type loss of appetite, but if I am trying to not eat, the W XL helps.

Good luck to you.

Cheryl

I have a question about tearfulness with Wellbutrin XL.

When on cymbalta, I did not cry and found that to be wonderful after years of crying at everything. But, the cymbalta was not helping with my depression.

So, my question is if anyone is more prone to tearfulness at everything while on wellbutrin?

If so, has anyone added another anti-depressant to stop the tearfulness?

Thanks for any info you can share.

Cheryl

Cheryl,

Thank you for posting your side effects with WB XL. I've been taking 300mg for almost 3 weeks now. I'm very concerned about the feeling of something in my throat. It feels as though I unable to clear my throat. Is this the same type of side effect you had and does it eventually go away?

Thanks

Hi Concerned,
I've been on Wellbutrin since April.

I'm not sure when the dry "cotton" mouth started, but I had noticed it getting worse lately. It feels like the tissues at rear of my throat are completely dry while the teeth area of mouth is not dry.

I found that a breath mint or gum would relieve the dryness temporarily. And, I keep a bottle of water with me at all times.

Since Fri, I have been taking a new nerve relaxer medication, lyrica, for spasming/irritated nerve in my back. I have noticed that the dryness in my throat has lessened a bit this weekend. I know lyrica says it is used to treat anxiety, too, so maybe that is helping to calm nerves in throat and back as well as decrease some anxiety.

I'm willing to put up with the dry mouth from wellbutrin, because it is not as intolerble as the deep dark depression was. Tradeoffs in everything in life, I guess. :-)

Good luck with the wellbutrin. Give it some time and maybe things will improve. Hope the dry mouth will get better.

It is the time of post nasal drip from allergies, so maybe the feeling of not being able to clear your throat is related to some allergy that you are not aware you have. I know my aunt says she feels like that w/her seasonal allergies, and I've heard her trying and trying to clear her throat.

Hang in there for the 6wks and see if things improve.
Keep a record of side effects that are bothersome and talk to your Dr at next appt.

Cheryl

It's interesting to listen to all these comments. I've been on Wellbutrin for 5 weeks now and the high anxiety has calmed down, but I don't feel much relief of the hopeless feelings. I've been wondering if it works, but maybe 5 weeks still isn't long enough. A few years ago I was on Prozac and that worked well as an SSRI, this, I'm still not convinced. Has anyone out there had to wait past 4 - 5 weeks for W to really kick in? I'm also really loosing sleep. I'm taking Immovane to put myself to sleep, and too many of them, but I'm reading that I shouldn't be taking Wellbutrin at night, as it may be stimulating me to stay awake. It was severe sleep deprivation for a full week that made me crash in the first place. I've had one dr. tell me, perhaps W isn't the best to be taking if I'm having serious sleep problems. Any thoughts?

Hi Rick,
You didn't mention your dose of Wb? It might need to be increased. Ask your Dr on your next visit or make an appt to discuss now.

As I said above, my WB XL dose is up to the maximum safe dose of 450mg. It took from April til late July to reach 450mg and then took a while for it to give me the needed relief. I have found one has to be patient with these drugs.

SR and XL in WB seem to be different for people, so not sure which one of those you are on, either. WB XL is taken once a day in the morning. SR is taken 2 or 3 times a day.

WB XL might be a better fit for the sleeping problem. Ask your Dr about it if you are not already on XL.

Good luck and keep us posted. I know how lack of sleep makes things a lot worse when depressed, too.

Cheryl

Rick..

I'm glad I read your message. I was just on WB for several months. I noticed quite soon my energy go up and after a couple of weeks from the beginning of treatment my anxiousness go down. Actually, I never realized I WAS anxious till I realized how "calm" people are supposed to be (assuming this is normal). It had been causing a lots of problems in life, but I never realized I was different, so to speak. I wasn't sure if it was my imagination or if it was really the WB that calmed me down, but now I think that the WB actually helped the anxiousness.

But, even after months, the hopelessness and disinterest in life still remained, so the doctor has just prescribed Prozac instead. I'm a little scared, if I have to choose between feeling better in terms of mood and feeling better in terms of the anxiousness, but we'll see. Did you (or anyone) notice decreased anxiousness with Prozac as well?

In any case, I was only on 150mg WB, but the doctor didn't think increasing the dosage would help enough.

As for sleeping, I took WB early in morning to help sleep. The sleeping problems disappeared before 2 months were up, don't remember when. I took sleeping pills for about 2 weeks before weaning them off, and sleeping was better by then.

Good luck..

Don

Don,
It took going up to 450mg of WB XL to get my mood to adjust. So, if the prozac doesn't work, perhaps you can ask your Dr to put you back on a higher dose of WB XL, starting at 150mg, of course, and working up.

Cheryl

ive been on Wellbutrin xl 300mg for four months. ive gained all kinds of weight and have a weight problem anyway. i have been constipated all my life and even more so now. i want to quite cold turkey. i have just been laid off and have no insurance and cant afford all the mgs. it would take to taper. HELP??

Theresa,
You really should talk to your Dr about the issues you are having with WB XL 300mg. Perhaps 150mg might work better. Or, the Dr can assess if you should change meds.

If you choose not to go to the Dr and to cut your dose, then you should cut to 150mg for a week before cutting completely out. (can cut the 300mg tablet in half, but the XL affect is lost when the tablet is cut)

Most Drs have lots of samples and will give to you, esp if you don't have the means to buy them now. And, the drug co will work with you to provide the meds, too, if you cannot buy them.

Good luck on finding a med that will work for you.

I don't know what to do.
I forgot to take my pill (WBXL) this morning and I left my pill container in my boyfriends car...I won't see him for the next twelve hours...

I'm freaking out, don't know what to do. My Dr. stressed heavily that I CANNOT miss a day.

....

Should I call my boyfriends job and say its an emergency or will I be alright???????

Miranda,
I guess your Dr was wanting to ensure that the med works the best for you by saying you should never miss a dose.

My experience is that when I was concerned about the interaction of dyes used with CT and MRI scans with WB, my Dr said skipping the night and next morning dose would not hurt my depression and would have it out of my system enough so that is would not cause a problem with the dyes. I had to skip a dose last week cause of messing up my times for taking WB and I had no problems from skipping the dose.

But, I'm not telling you it is okay without you talking to your Dr and understanding why he was so concerned about you missing a dose. Maybe he meant he wanted it to get into your system and get to a theraputic level and missing doses would be a negative affect because it would not stay at a theraputic level.

If you think you do not want to miss the dose, then call your BF and arrange to get the med at lunchtime. But then, don't take the next dose for 12 hours.

You won't start having withdrawals symptoms or anything like that.

cheryl

THANK YOU CHERYL!

I was freaking out about it...

I didn't want to go back to how I was before WBXL just by missing one dose.

I'm going to skip today and just resume my usual 300mg tomarrow morning

(I do have a headache and I feel quite drowsy, but I'd take that over constant tears and anxiety any day)

Thank you again for your help, reassurance, and support.

Miranda

thanks Cheryl, went to doc today and he suggested everyother day for 4 days or so then quite cold. i told him i tried that when i got laid off in sept and i had extreme headaches for 9 days straight. i did cut one in half. its not that bad. i will try it again tomorrow

Miranda-

I'm a little surprised too that the doctor was so insistent that you never miss a dose. It even says in the information to just wait until the following day before continuing. That, and when switching meds, they sometimes recommend up to 2 weeks without anything to have it clear your body. I can't see one day affecting too much.

Well, I see this is 2 days later and a little late, but I guess by now you've seen that it's OK..

Don

Getting off WB...

(As mentioned before) I was on WB150 for 4 months, and the doctor switched me to Prozac because I was still so down. I stopped it a week ago, and I've never felt better! The WB lowered my anxiety, but my mood was really down. Starting the WB coincided with life problems (unrelated to why I took it), so I figured it was that. But now, suddenly, I feel happy and fine after STOPPING the WB. It could be my life issues getting better, but nothing has happened lately to affect it so much, I don't think. I feel so good I'm not sure I want to start the Prozac.

Anyone else out there have their mood get BETTER when they stopped taking the WB?

Don

its been since monday that i have taken wellbutrin and i feel great. monday i tried half a capsule and was freaking. since then i have taken nothing and have no side effects, yet, and feel great. mood good and elevated to what i would say normal levels. slowing down on running to the bathroom and taking exlax to get it all out of my system because it constipated me on top of being cronically constipated anyway. no headaches, nervousness or anything. its great.

I don't know about anyone else, but I took Wellbutrin for about 2 months. I had the WORST either...panic attack or something like that one night. I don't know what it was, but it was the worst thing I've ever felt in my life. In the past I've had my troubles with certain stimulant drugs and I'll tell you all that Wellbutrin is just a pill form of it. It may seem good to you at first, but it won't last. If it works for you then go for it, but I just want to warn you all that you gotta be careful. Make sure you don't take too much of this medicine. I hear 450 mg is the highest you should have in a day. I had a 300 mg XL tab I had to take every day and it did that to me. I don't know why and I don't care. I'm just staying as far from that pill as I can. Anyways, I just wanted to fill you in. The symptoms I had was EXTREME paranoia (like thinking I was about to die or have a stroke or heart attack), a loud ringing in my ears, a strong burning feeling in my neck, a torturous headache in my forehead, and extreme restlessness. So just be careful and good luck with this stuff if you stick with it. Just be careful.

Questions! Questions! Questions!....My doctor switched me from cymbalta to wellbutrin xl 150mg about a month ago. I had horrible side effects...electric shock sensations, blurting out mean things, isolation, not feeling like myself. I read that some of you mentioned your symptoms went away, but I haven't seen these kind of symptoms anywhwere. My doct said stay on it. I called the doct (on call) on xmas eve because I felt sooo terrible & I didn't want to treat my family that way. That doc said stop taking it. After that, My doct nurse didn't return 2 of my phone calls! I want to start back, but I am scared. Has anyone else experineced these type of symptoms? I have exp these symptoms when coming off of antidep too fast.
Also, I have bad anxiety, what do your docts do for this?
Last, I requested wb for several reasons, but recently I have been on drinking binges, has WB helped anyone with cravings?
Thanks! carla

i have taken wellbutrin sr and sometimes xl when i can afford it....now since ther is a generic form of xl i was put on it...i took it this morning with my lamictal and bout an hour afterwords i felt very dizzy and couldnt concentrate and loosing my balance...i use to take the med at nite...since i have sleepin pills it doesnt keep me awake..if i took the xl at nite would it be totaly in full force by morning without the dizzness and such...and how long does the xl stay in your system? thanks for any help..email me at whymelord70@aol.com .........

Carla and James,

I believe you both need to talk to your Dr.

Sorry I have no advice or experience to share about your problems. I'm responding cause I didn't want you to think you are being ignored.

Cheryl

Hi All!

I started taking the generic for wellbutrin sr (only 150 mg a day) about 10 days ago and the only side effects that have been bothering me are this 'hazy' feeling kind of like i'm constantly spaced out, and more recently occasional muscle twitching.

i have been taking it to help with quitting smoking, and it has been working wonderfully so far. i find that i don't have as many cravings. i've also got the added bonus of having a little more energy, feeling calmer than i ever have, and believe it or not having an increase in my sex drive (which really needed a boost!)

my only concern is that i am going to have a hard time coming off of it. i have been reading all of these posts, and now i'm getting a little nervous that my attempt to make my life healthier by quitting smoking may turn into disaster when i try to come off of the drug.

am i being paranoid, or should i be concerned about continuing with the drug? has anyone else had experience with using it for quitting smoking.

I just started on Wellbutrin about two weeks ago. The first week I felt really good. I had more energy, clearer thinking and felt like anything bad that happened in my life I could handle. On the second week I was supposed to up the dosage to two pills a day (total of 300 mg). I'm not feeling quite as good. I was very irritable yesterday and made everyone in the house miserable too. I also developed an itching but only in my hands. There aren't any bumps or redness but just severe itching. Is this something I should tolerate and it will go away? Should I reduce my dosage back to one pill a day? It's Sunday so I don't think I'll be able to contact my doctor. I do plan to talk with my pharmacist though. I wanted to know if anyone else has had this problem; how did you handle it (I should buy stock in Aveeno)? and did it eventually go away.

I too am on week two. First week was at 150mg and then went up to 300 in week two. The side effects after going to 300 have been bad. My ears are ringing, I am dizzy all the time and have had a headache for a week. Also felt like I've had the flu (real run-down and just feel like crap overall). Deceided the possible good is not worth the bad, so I'm going back to the 150mg dose until I can talk with my Dr.

Russ,
Thanks for the reply. I'm sorry you're feeling the way I am but at the same time I'm glad I'm not the only one. The headache just started this morning. I noticed yesterday that there were a few times that I stumbled but I thought it was because I was tired. You would think that upping the dosage would only make you feel that much better. I feel like laying down and crying and that's what I was taking the medicine for, to not feel that way.
I'm only going to take the one pill today and talk to the doctor tomorrow. I don't want her to say I've been impatient and have to start the two a day all over again.

Hi Jackie-

I have been on wellbutrin for about 3 months now and I had similar reactions to what you may be feeling (you could probaly look up and find my posting on my beginning symptoms...i was freaked out when I first began too). Anyway, you need to stick it out. It will eventually get better...hopefully. I take 450mg a day because 150 and 300 were not quite enough to get me to where I wanted to be. However, if after another 2 weeks you are still irritable and have other emotional symptoms, I would definatly call your doctor.
The itching is a different story. If one is allergic to Wellbutrin; itching is what occurs. I would see if you can hold it out to about wednesday or thursday. If the itching is still there, you are allergic to wellbutrin. But this only started occuring with taking the 300mg...you may just need to lower your dose back down to 150mg to get back to normal.
Good Luck!

Late October until middle of November (2006) I was taking Wellbutrin. I was feeling depressed and took all of my pills than didn't get a refill (quit cold turkey). I might have over-dosed, I experienced hullinations and trembling. All those things finally went away (around Christmas) but for about 3 days now Ive experienced panic attacks. Im also seeing an ear doctor for ear discomfort (any connection ?) The panic attacks are horrible, they make me feel like Im going insane and generally just give me fear in everyday life (a living hell) Does anyone know when the attacks will go away ? Or how long Wellbutrin stays in your system ? Other than the attacks my life has been great. Im no longer suffering from depression but learning to live with these Panic attacks is something impossible to handle, Ive never been so scared in my life.

Alright I have one for you guys that I haven't seen anyone post about yet; its a side effect that is frustrating seriously which is why I googled this site.

I have excessive yawning. I have been on Welbutrin since Dec 1st. Started at 300 mg, and upped to 450 Jan.(which seemed to help with the forgettful foggy symptoms I was having on the 300). I have been on other antidepressants and I have never liked one like this! I am not tired all the time; I have lost weight, my sex drive is up (which my husband is happy about), and my moods have leveled out and I am generally happy and easier to be around.

This past month I tried for the 1st time the generic form. (I did have some yawning on the real stuff too, but now its worse! I don't know if its because of the generic or if its because of the lenght of time I've been on this!)

It did take about 2 and a half - 3 months before I really felt "normal". I haven't felt like this since highschool really. I had all the beginning symptoms that have taperred off (even the appetite control is tapering, unfortunately).

BUT the yawning is getting worse and worse! I yawned about 3-4 times a minute for about 16 hours this past weekend (not all conseceutively). On Sunday I yawned from 10-5! Its almost a pressure I feel if I try to hold it back... try it once, the next time you go to yawn and see how difficult it is to stop. Only after I yawn, the feeling comes back seconds later. I did see some sights that discussed excessive yawning can be contributed to some anti depressants, although they didn't mention which ones. I need to know if anyone else has experienced this and if there is anything that can remedy it because I really don't want to have to go off this stuff! (But I will if I can't curb this because its driving me crazy!) People think they are boring me while talking to me; I was getting funny looks from the pastor giving the sermon on Sunday.... plus its just irritating the crap out of me!

Hi everyone,
I have been on Wellbutrin XL for about five weeks now. Have tried a million other antidepressants in the past and am hoping this is THE ONE. Am currently on 300 mg a day. My biggest issue is feeling more emotional. I think it was Cheryl who mentioned that she felt like crying over everything. I find I am more easily moved to cry but also to get angry. Does anyone have any experience with this? Cheryl, did it go away? I just started a new unbelievable relationship and I don't want to be a moody cry baby (especially b/c it is so close to just being depressed). I am pretty concerned about this...I really want to be in control of my emotions, not have them control me. Should I be worried?

Would love some help.

Nicole, that happened to me too at first -- probably for like a month if not a bit longer! Just hang in there, cuz it went away for me. In fact I was just thinking the other day that this very well may be the longest I have gone with out crying at all!

thanks so much Stacy. It makes life so much easier to know that I am not alone. I just wasn't sure if itmeant the meds weren't working at all and I was back to crying because of depression!

knowing i'm not alone in this has helped my peace of mind a great deal. thank you, everyone, for your comments here.

i was on well xl 150mg for 3 weeks before bumping up to the generic 300mg last week. it messed with my menstrual cycle, which made my pms totally off the charts bad. i attributed the constant crying and extreme irritability to the pms, but it's gone on too long.

i'm going to hold out for these symptoms to abate, but it's hard. i didn't feel quite this hopeless before taking the drug.

Just a note to those experiencing strange side effects with Wellbutrin XL. I ended up in the ER last night because of side effects (crying, uncontrable shaking, severe anxiety, hostility and what some call brain shivers).
I was told that I had a severe allergic reaction to this drug and was told to stop taking it. Anyone else experiencing these kind of side effects should really consider the fact that they are allergic to it.

I switched from Zoloft to Wellbutrin (tapered off Z and onto W last week, felt fine). 4 days ago I stopped Zoloft and went up to Wellbutrin XL 300 mg, as instructed by my doctor. I feel really out of it, dizzy at times, naseous and then hungry, tired and headachy. It's really hard to be at work right now. Any one have an idea of how long this will last?

Hi new posters,

Stacey - have not noticed any increased yawning and definitely not to the extent that you have it. Yawning supposedly means you are not getting enough oxygen, so you might want to have Dr check oxygen level during a yawning session.

Nicole - My crying at anything and everything has not stopped and I think I've been on W XL (not max dose)for close to a year. But, I am still having back pain and life is full of frustrations (with my physical health, trying to lose weight, and still dealing with losing both parents within 18 mo of each other and the estate stuff that follows, etc) that I feel like the crying is those pent up emotions coming out, albeit at inappropriate times. I keep delaying talking to the Dr again about another med cause I am sick of medications and want to see if I have better control after the pain is fixed.

Laurie - I have been having chills to point my teeth chatter and Dr can find no reason for that other than it could be part of menopause (better than a hot flash I suppose). So, was wondering what the brain shivers are? Hope the side effects of suddenly stopping XL will not be bad. Probably can't be too much worse than the symptoms that sent you to the ER.
Good luck to you in finding another med that will help.

Crash and those others on generic - I didn't even know the generic version was available since Drs have not mentioned it. Are you all saying that switching from W XL to generic causes the same side effects as when first starting XL? Or in your case, Crash, would the 300mg in XL have given you the same side effects as the generic?

I just wanted to warn you that my sister was taking Wellbutrin to stop smoking and is now in the hospital with psychosis. She was beginning to get paranoid and manic on it and she stopped taking it cold turkey. That is what sent her over the edge. It is beyond my ability to describe all that is going on with her and how devastating this is but she could easily have killed herself or someone else. She is having horrifying hallucinations and she still is not coming out of it despite antipsychotic drugs,antianxiety drugs, sleeping pills and a shot of something when she tried to escape the hospital. And still she would not sleep for the 5th day. Please talk to you doctor and SLOWLY ween yourself off of this horrible thing. She only wanted to stop smoking! She has never been crazy before and her little girl wants her mama. It is poison. We will be suing that company and may they all rot in hell.

Hi everyone,

I was on Lexapro, which is a SSRI, Seritonin something Reuptake inhibitor. It worked extremely well for four years. I requested something from my doctor because I was having extreme asthma attacks from stress and anxiety.

My then-husband walked out on me, we started divorce proceedings...it got bloody...very bloody. My pastor decided to leave the church and move on, my job was looking at closing their doors and I knew I had to move because I couldn't afford the house for my girls and I. Yes, so I was depressed, anxious and extremely stressed.

Anyway, I was on Lexapro for four years and then it slowly stopped working for me. I went to my doctor and he upped my prescription from 10 mg to 20 mg. I felt great again, then slowly it stopped working again.

I have just been put on Welbutrin and I am hearing horror stories.

I am nervous and worried about Welbutrin. I have the generic version, I don't even know whether it is XL or SR.

But I just started it yesterday. Within a half an hour of taking the Welbutrin, my mouth became cottony, I started yawning a lot and started feeling different than myself. This worries me!

Comments? My brother and his wife were both on Welbutrin for a little while and they complained of migraines, severe debilitating nausea, sleepiness during the day, etc.

Not sure I want to be on this med and don't think I want to be on Cymbalta either. Heard horror stories worse than from Welbutrin.

Comments? Advice?
Sabrina

Sabrina,
I believe you need to talk to your Dr, who I hope is a psychiatrist who specializes in knowing the meds.

Too many differences of how W XL affects each of us. And, new info that the generic didn't go well for someone.

I do know that dry mouth is a side effect. It gets somewhat better, but have to stay hydrated. And, there's a trick to create more saliva in mouth..run tongue across top of mouth, across bottom of mouth in a circular motion around the mouth and it will create more saliva.

Good luck with the Dr.

Hi there,
I just started W XL at 150mg a few days agao, and am on day 3 today. The first day I had the super energized feeling but nothing too major. However, Day 2 and 3 have been unbelievable exhaustion, foggy brain and sometimes just a light tingling sensation. I would love nothing more than to lay my head down and sleep here at my work desk. Even typing this feels tiring. The minute I got home last night, I just curled up on the couch and passed out.

It seems like the majority of people experience the energized part, but I'm curious if anyone else has had this extreme fatigue? If so, did it fade? I'm willing to stick with the medication if the these side effects diminish. However, I started it to treat my depression because I was already so unproductive... this is ten times worse :P

I'm just a bit nervous as I had a horrible experience with Zoloft previously and finally got around to trying a medication again. Anyone else have similar effects or any thoughts?

Hi Elizabeth

My answer is not always this, although it may seem to be... but have you called your Dr and told him how the med is making you feel?

I cannot remember back to beginning of XL to know if it made me tired versus the depression still making me tired. I only got the surge of energy when I first started the med the first time around and it didn't last.

There are lots of other alternatives other than the SSRI and W XL drugs. A psychiatrist will better know all the alternatives than an internist.

Keep us posted. I'd stick it out a little longer, but I'd also call my Dr.

Last month, I slowly lowered my dosage of Lexapro from 20mg/day to 15. The next week I took 10mg and the next week 5mg of Lexapro , while starting W XL 150mg. For these two weeks I felt mostly ok. The biggest thing I noticed was by the end of the day I was exhausted more than usual and slept hard when I fell asleep. So after 4 weeks I was off Lexapro completely and only on WXL 150mg. For about a week I was on WXL 150 and felt pretty good, but I noticed I started to have a sluggish feeling. The original plan was to move towards taking 300mg of W XL.

So my Dr. upped it to 300mg. This time I got the generic from the pharmacy, and for the last 2 weeks I have felt awful! I felt completely zoned out, in a daze, like I'm on heavy cold medicine. I am so tired that I have a hard time staying awake in class and concentrating. Yet, I've been getting a normal amount of sleep, maybe even a little more than normal. I've had a constant headache. I don't necessarily have 'cotton mouth', but I'm thirsty all the time.

The last couple days I've felt overwhelmed with emotion. I almost feel enraged inside and it's not caused by anything imparticular. I'm irritable. I've also been crying easily, which is uncommon for me. I feel like pulling out my hair!

When I went up to 300 WXL was also when I got the generic pills. I don't know if state I'm in is because of the increased dosage? Or perhaps because the generic pills aren't working as well?

Rebecca and other generic users:

From my reading, the generic is not the same as XL as far as having extended life capabilities.

Yes, XL includes generic drug, but something about XL makes it extended life.

Generic would be more like the SR so would have a different dosing schedule rather than once a day like the XL?
Is this what your Drs are telling you?

Is that what is making a difference in how you generic users are feeling?

I'm interested cause my Rx coverage for non-generic drugs is already met in 3 mo and I can't really afford the $900+ a quarter for XL.

So, what are the Drs saying about dosing of generic and differences you might experience with generic?

Ive been on WB XL 300 mg for a couple months now, and its definitely helped with depression, but not anxiety. My doc has recommended adding Lexapro. I have had sexual side effects from SSRI's like, Cymbalta and Prosac, in the past; however, he says having WB in my system can "fight" against the side effects from the Lexapro. Does anyone have any experience combining medications like this? Thanks!!

kristina

Sorry, I just posted the last comment, in addition to sexual side effects with adding lexapro to WB, has anyone noticed weight differences with adding meds? Or weight maintanence? Ive had an eating disorder, so WB has been good with helping me maintain current weight. I want to make sure that adding lexapro doesnt make me gain weight or give me sexual side effects.

I was just started on Wellbutrin SR, the generic form, 6 days ago. I have had really odd side effects, lethargy, light headedness, a feeling like there is a cloud/fog in my head, less ability to concentrate/focus, getting frustrated easily, crying fits, and I smoke about 1/2 a pack a day. There has been no reduction in the amount I smoke. Also, just today I started getting a head ache, which has cleared up, but right now I feel slight pressure in my head and an inability to focus, and there is a slight hearing drop. I currently take 75 mg twice a day. Any advice?

Kristina,
I tried lexapro on its own and I did notice lack of sex drive and almost impossible to have an O, as if the nerves were being numbed. Can't say it will be the same for you, though, esp combined with the W XL. Guess all you can do is try it and stop if it doesn't work.

Aimee,
I don't know enough about the generic, but would like to learn more info. I plan to talk to my Dr about it for his view on changing. Let us know if you talk w/your Dr. Some of the symptoms you are having, I seem to recall having a few of them when I first started W XL, too.

So I wanted to say that in addition to the post that I put up about 3 hours ago, I managed to thoroughly organize all of my documents for class into separete sections. My room has been a mess for several weeks now, just paperwork from several classes piling up. Now it is pleasant to walk into. I categorized all of the paperwork by class sections, misc., reciepts, etc. I feel organized. My headache has lessened, and I just finished a reading assignment. I also realized that there has been a change in smoking. When I went to light a cigarette, I realized that I now have 13 left. Two days ago I smoked about 15. (I'd vary between 1/2-3/4, and a full pack if drunk.) Smoking 7 cigarettes today is far better than 15. Perhaps it will just lessen up. Also, that headache is gone, I feel tension on my neck and in the front of my head, but not any pain. Thanks for your help Cheryl. I'm not sure that the generic is actually different than the brand name. I believe they are exactly the same thing, or else it would have to be a different prescription drug. I guess I'm just impatient and want immediate results. I have a follow up visit on Thursday. Also, how long did it take you to feel a change?

Cheryl: It just happens that my doctor is on vacation for 2 weeks..! The worst timing for me ever. So I haven't been able to get his opinion on the generic vs brandname pill. The pharmacist says there should be no difference. I'm still trying to get another medical opinion.

Kristina: I was on Lexapro for 2 years. I definitely had effects of lowered sex drive and weight gain. Side effects are different for everyone of course, but during that time, most of the other Lexapro users I talked to had weight gain. Like you said though, maybe the combo with WXL with counteract that.

I have been on Wellbutrin XL for 3 years. I just switched to the generic 4 weeks ago and have gained 15 lbs in that time. Has anyone else had this? I've also been really tired and nauseous at times (no, not pregnant, got that checked). Has anyone else had this? I'm really getting concerned! Also, over the years I get paranoid at times, should I consider something for that? Besides that (and whatever is happening now), it's been working great for me.

I started Wellbutrin SR about a month ago..last week I had severe hives..im not really even sure that's what caused the hives..but my doc seems to think so..also, I would day dream..u know like just staring off..weird...other than those ..i felt really great on the W combined with Lex...my house has never been cleaner..smoking less..and all was well. I'm trying it again in a few weeks. hopefully no hives.

I forgot to mention after a few days onWSR I was dizzy off and on for a couple days as well..but it stopped

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bupropion

I found the info on Wikipedia is very helpful regarding available dosing of each drug.

I was very surprised that bupropion comes in XL formula since it was just approved by FDA in 2003. I'd have thought Glaxco would have a patent on the re-formulation for 20 yrs, but apparently it didn't happen with this drug.

I take XL 450mg, so I can't switch to buprpion XL since there is only a 300mg dose.

Thanks everyone for sharing the info. You will note on this page that some of the mood swings are common with wellbutrin as well as placebos!

I am currently on WLB XL 300mg I love it I have a burst of energy and a increase in my sex drive my husband loves it. I am more focused and my memory has improved. I tried the generic brand it was awful I gained 6lbs I yawned a lot I had a lot of mood swings my sex drive decreased. My husband told me when I went back to the Pharmacist to tell them that I didn't want generic only the brand name. When I got my refill after 2-weeks I was back to the burst of energy and increased sex drive as well as being able to focus and remember more. Don't mess with the generic it may be the cheapest but you know somethings different (MISSING) if it's generic

I started on Wellburtin Xl 150 7 weeks ago, and the doctor upped it to 300, I had the worst anixety attack ever, even the xanax wouldn't stop it. I am going back to 150, more isn't always better. My system cannot handle that dose at all. I think I will wait a while, I really just felt the welbutrin starting to work, it takes a bit longer then most, actually it is the first AD I have been on and it is for anixety, which my Doctor said it will help that also, So I am just going to wait a little longer. It may need to be the only dose I need.
Barbara

Wellbutrin works well if you are really wanting to quit smoking. I know this first hand years ago when my doctor prescribed it to me. Although I was able to quit smoking for approx. 6 months, I failed to stay on the medication due to the side affects and ended quiting the medication cold turkey and started up on the smoking again. I lost a ton of weight while on the Wellbutrin and even had co workers, friends asking me how I lost so much weight so quickly (I was taking the 150mg), but I also started experiencing heart palpitations so badly I almost got into a car accident one morning while heading into work, anxiety, panic attacks, severe ringing in the ear that I still suffer to this day. I also experienced a bout of Vertigo shortly after quiting the drug and it was not a pleasant thing to deal with for 3 days straight I had to lay in bed with my head propped and vomitted alot due to feeling severe dizziness each time I tried to stand. My blood pressure also sky rocketed at one point whileat work that I had to get dismissed immediately to go to the ER for fear I would have a heart attack, and so forth and never linked it to the Wellbutrin until now. I now take more medications to treat the side affects I suffered as a result of quiting the Wellbutrin. I've thought of going back on it again to help me quit smoking but now realize it's not worth going through all that stuff again. I just have to have the will power to try and quit smoking without drugs. Again, the drug works well when trying to quit smoking, but don't get any ideas of getting off right away after a couple of months of quiting and you'll be in some trouble. So I do beleive it's a drug you need to stay on for a long time even after you've quit smoking. Good luck to those using the drug but just be carefull. No one told me anyone this years ago when I was first given the medication, not even my doctor!!! Ask questions!! I learned my lesson. Now I monitor every medication I take and whenever I get sick which is rare I usually go take the alternative method such as vitamins, herbs, supplements, eating better.

I was on 300mg WBSL for 2 years and it really helped me when everything else failed. i had really bad reactions to every other type of antidepressant and i have been on them all. about a year ago i stopped taking the medication. i was feeling fine but then a lot of stress has hit me this year and my depression is very very bad. i went back on wb 3 weeks ago and my mood is really improving. i am however experiencing some strange side affects, which i do not remember from 3 years ago. nausea (i knew that would happen), restlessness (really hard to stay still), loss of appetite (not too bad i guess) but the strangest one is the fact that almost everything i drink tastes really sweet. i do not remember this at all from before. its not bad, i would much rather deal with this that the black pit that is my depressed state, but has anyone else experienced this?
Also, i went off the medication because i felt fine, but also because i moved to scotland and cannot get the doctors to give it to me for depression. they only use it for smoking cessasion. i am now having to get my mother to send my my medication and have to pay for it without insurance. Does anyone know if the UK is going to change their policy on the drug, I heard rumors and i hope it is, but i am not sure.
Thanks

I've been on generic WB xl 300 mg. for about 4 months and at the same time tapering off Paxil. (I made the switch because Paxil aggravated another medical condition I have.) I took my last sliver of Paxil on 4/1. While I was tapering off, I had some mild withdrawal symptoms, but nothing severe. Now I've been off Paxil for 3 weeks, and starting about 10 days ago I have nausea, muscle aches, dry mouth, hot flashes, insomnia and no energy. These are all symptoms of Paxil withdrawal, but they are also side effects of WB. After 4 months of taking WB I would expect the side effects to be gone! I tried increasing the WB to 450 mg. several days ago and felt much worse the next day, which made me think it might be the WB. To make things worse, I'm leaving on a trip-of-a-lifetime cruise in 2 days and I feel lousy! Has anyone else had WB side effects be masked by another drug, or worsen after 4 months of using it? I would appreciate any comments that might help me know what to try next....

This is to Jenn, who is experiencing weight gain and ineffectiveness on the generic XL...I have taken XL off and on for three years as well. it worked splendidly, no side effects at all. In January, my insurance co switched me to the generic. After 6 weeks of weight gain (also 15 pounds), crying, nausea, nightmares and suicidal thoughts, I made the the connection, but kept trying for a bit longer-this is not reverse placebo effect, I never doubted the generic would work. I switched back at my expense last week-the binge eating has stopped, and I am starting to feel more like myself, though not where I was. My advice, toss the generic crap in the trash.

This is to Jenn, who is experiencing weight gain and ineffectiveness on the generic XL...I have taken XL off and on for three years as well. it worked splendidly, no side effects at all. In January, my insurance co switched me to the generic. After 6 weeks of weight gain (also 15 pounds), crying, nausea, nightmares and suicidal thoughts, I made the the connection, but kept trying for a bit longer-this is not reverse placebo effect, I never doubted the generic would work. I switched back at my expense last week-the binge eating has stopped, and I am starting to feel more like myself, though not where I was. My advice, toss the generic crap in the trash.

I wanted to update on my side effect which I posted awhile ago. Yawning! Well, I switched back to the regular WB XL 450 mg shortly after my post, and the yawning has almost stopped! I quit drinking coffee or caffinated sodas also, so I can't attribute just swithcing from generic to regular, because I have a feeling the caffeine had something to do with it as well. I rarely have yawning attacks and I noticed the few i've had is because I didn't take the meds at the same time of day as usual. (If I forget and I go past by a few hours, later in the day, I yawn for about the same amount of time that lapsed between doses). The regular also helps with the food cravings and the sex drive that the generic didn't. I pay $50.00 a month more to get the regular stuff, but its worth it as far as I'm concerned. I know its not the reverse placebo effect -- the generic is simply not the same as the regular in this case! I don't care what they say!

I love this drug. I have taken Wellbutrin XL 300mg for over a year for bipolar II. Years ago I tried an earlier form of Wellbutrin for depression. I have had no noticeable side effects on Wellbutrin XL. Recently I had to stop it for two months because of clerical/paperwork problems so I couldn't get my 3 month supply sent. I immediately fell into a deep, deep depression even though I also take topamax and prozac. I was forced to withdraw from my courses this semester at school because I couldn't get out of bed or stop crying. I finally got things straightened out and received my Wellbutrin this week. I have only taken it for a few days, but already I am starting to feel a little bit alive again. I thank God for this drug. It has worked better than any of the 12 antidepressants I have tried in the past 11 years.

Hi,
I know we've already acknowledged that some of us are still very emotional and other symptoms of depression that are not quite controlled with WB XL.

Has anyone added a 2nd drug to help with the crying? I know when I was on cymbalta with and without wellbutrin, I did not cry about anything. But, when I went off the cymbalta and was on WB XL 450mg alone, my afib (atrial fibrillation) got better with longer periods of time between episodes. So, going back on cymbalta is out of the question. And lexapro and many others have negative sexual side effects and really didn't work for me when taken alone.

I wish I could up the dose of WB to 600mg, but that is dangerous territory as far as possible seizures.

Any thoughts?

Cheryl, try taking zoloft. I'm on that with wb sr. Also, I find if I'm not on birth control, I get awful pms, emotional only, no physical symptoms. Do you notice it at specific times? If so you may need some hormone therapy.

I'm taking Buproprion 100mg 2x's a day. Is that the generic version of Wellbutrin? I've been taking it for 4 days. I felt the need to try out an anti-depr bcause i've been suffering from PMDD (pre-menstral disphoric disorder or severe PMS)which has been preventing me from staying on an exercise program, thus depressing me bcause I have to loose weight. Also my husband is a workoholic. He's home physically, but he's "not home". After 15yrs of trying to deal with this and be patient and understanding, I realize that its taking its toll. I'm down in the dumps.I've never taken an Anti-depr before. I'd have to say my biggest complaint is the feeling like somthing is stuck in my throat, which scares me and turns into panic. I'm a little foggy, and get a flush feeling. I don't understand, if I'm feeling down and prescribed a anti-depr, why does it have to make you feel even worse. I'm also taking Tenuate for help loosing weight. The doctor that prescribed the Buproprion also prescribed the Tenuate. I hope he's checked for drug interactions. I know a good counseling session would help us, and then I wouldn't need to take the medicine. But he's like most men, doesn't think we need it. And that the business issues will pass. I don't mean to ramble about personal issues. I know this is a posting about the Welbutrin. The throat thing definately bothers me.

Thanks Char for the heads up on estrogen effects on emotions. I'm peri-menopausal, so that could be the culprit instead of the WB. However, antidepressants are usually given to stop the emotional roller coaster of menopause.

Hi Trish,
Did your Dr or pharmacy fully explain side effects of tenuate? See http://www.drugs.com/tenuate.html
Concern is that tenuate is addictive like amphetamines and the increased heart rate/high BP can be very detrimental in the long run. Trust me, you do not want a heart arrhythmia, so be careful. And, over time the high BP can cause enomous damage to all the organs and blood vessels in your body.

I'd say it is next to impossible to know which drug is causing which side effect or if the combo of the drugs could be causing some of your symptoms.

Cotton mouth (that dryness at beginning of throat) is a common side effect of WB and for some, it goes away. You can drink more fluids which helps somewhat and you can rub your tongue around in a circle inside of mouth to create more saliva. Also, if I have to be somewhere that I cannot drink water, I use a cough drop which is a temporary fix for the cotton mouth. In my case, the cotton mouth has not gone away. But, the WB has helped me way too much to give it up for that side effect. I just live with it.

You will note by reading the above posts that people seem to have more negative and different side effects on bupropion (generic WB).

Hate to continue to say this to people, but you need to talk to your Dr about the side effects to see which med is causing what and decide if you want to pay the higher cost of WB than the generic.

As for the marital issues, I'd say you could go for counseling (psychologist or psychiatrist) without your husband and perhaps learn to accept or how to deal with his indifference to the problems.

Good luck. Keep us posted.

hi. i've been taken wellbutrin for about 3 weeks now. i noticed a funny sensation after about 4 days.

i thought it was dizziness at first, but it's not really... it is sort of a tingling, or a surge through my nerves or something.

it happens when i turn my head, stand up or sit down and a sensation sort of starts in my chest and rises up into my head-- like dizziness, but without the loss of balance and then it goes away very quickly. occasionally it extends out into my arms.

it is not painful, not particularly pleasurable, just weird.

anyone else have this sensation? does anyone know what it is?

Trish....

You said you take Tenuate for weight loss...has the drug helped at all?? I'm wondering because I have to see my doctor this week and am going to mention if he can prescribe a weight loss medication as I suffer from obesity and no diets have worked....Any info would help. Do you have to be a certain weight in order to get it??? Thanks Again!

On my 6th day of W XL 150. Never taken any other antidepressant. I do not feel anything. I feel inanimate, worthless and like a zombie. My speach is impaired by it, my tongue feels heavy, and like it does not respond right when I speak. How much longer until this "helps" me? Do I really need to go through this hell for a month to tell if it will help me?

I have been using Wsr 150 x 2 for over six years now, and it has changed my life for the better. However I believe it is not for everyone, and you must be the final judge of your needs.
In the beginning, the first day in fact, I was suffering from horrible withdrawal effects from Paxil including electric shock sensations; the works. I wanted to change because of the sexual side effects, and I had read that Wellbutrin did not have this problem. I researched it and asked my doctor for it, and the first time I took a tablet I felt a powerful buzz and ringing in my head, but that subsided and the drug has made me more calm, and the highs are not as high and the lows are not as low; they are manageable. I have heard from others, however, that the drug did not work for them and had bad side effects, so I do not believe it is for everyone, but it sure was for me.
As an aside, I wanted to try the XL (generic) version and began almost two months ago, but I don't think I was getting enough medication and it was slowly lowering in my body, and some of the old symptoms re-appeared, (unbelievable sadness at times and grumpy irritability at others. My wife pointed this out to me, and I had also stopped exercising because I just felt so poorly, and so today I asked my MD to re-issue a scrip for the SR and I hope things will get back to normal.
I have been ADHD all my life, compulsive, bi-polar (though not to the extreme but enough to cause issues), and moods that would change in an instant. Wellbutrin smoothed all that away.
Nothing is perfect, but for me, Wellbutrin comes very close.
Try and be well. Sometimes it can involve an attitude adjustment from within; a desire to just feel better. Exercise makes a difference, and as much as it takes a huge effort to exercise regularly (four times a week for 45 minutes) the Romans had already pegged its effects when they quoted, "a sound mind in a sound body".
I hope this offers some encouragement to those who are just starting or are considering stopping. If it is not for you, you will know soon enough, but if you begin to feel better, become more focused and begin to sleep through the night, hang in there because it should get better. As a final note, remember that stress handling capabilities are, in my opinion, a finite resource, so don't waste it on the little things. If it doesn't make a difference ten years from now, it doesn't make a difference now.
Be strong. You are not alone.
Cheers!

Thank You Tolipa. It is encouraging that someone with the same symptoms/issues has had success with this drug. I am just very down that I finally went for help, and it has made me feel worse (hopefully short term) and very much not myself. I will try and hang in there for one month before I decide. Did it help you when you went from 150 1x to 2x? if so how long was it before started taking it twice a day?

I was on 300 Wellbutrin for several months- had cloudy head, dry mouth, some headaches - that helped me get up and going but not helped emotionally. Dropped to 150 and went on 50 Zoloft and for 2 months now that mix seems to do it for me.

While side effects mostly tapered (I too am bummed about the appetite supression gone) I do notice increased YAWNING! It isn't as much as Stacey describes but a marked difference that was enough to cause me to check it out! So if there are any other yawners out there- at least you know there are others.

I have been on WXL 350mg for about a year now. I have lost about 20 lbs and have felt wonderful. I was always so tired--but after a week of starting it--I had so much energy and stopped all of the napping, and being so stressed out from having 9 year old twins and being in nursing school. About 3 months ago, I started on the generic, my heart has been racing over 100 BPM's (which a normal HR should be between 60 & 100). I just felt like my heart was beating out of my chest and just did not feel right. I called my Dr. last week to see if she would call in WXL 150mg so that I could decrease my dose to see if that was the problem. It has been a week now and the racing heart has stopped and I feel better, although I do feel a little bit drowsier. My Dr. wanted to see me after 3 weeks of the decreased dose--so I will see her in 2 weeks. Hopefully, she will have some insight on the generic and these horrible side effects that I was experiencing. I can't decide if I want to go back to the namebrand 300mg or just stay at the 150mg. I guess I will make my decision when I see her in 3 weeks. I will post again after I see her to let you know what she says about generic vs. name brand.

MY WELLBUTRIN EXPERIENCE: I was prescribed Anafranil in 95 after a severe OCD episode. It was changed to Prozac in 97 for OCD w/depression in 97 after the birth and death of my twin boys. I remained on Prozac until 06 when my husband and I determined it just wasn't working for me anymore and my moods and depression where getting bad. I was then changed to Zoloft which I took for about two months. I had issues all of a sudden with occassional episodes of severe dizziness and lightheadedness (to the point of not being able to function). Doc said it was the Zoloft so he changed me to Lexapro. I stayed on Lexapro till a few weeks ago when my husband and I determined my sex drive had all but completely disappeared. In comes Wellbutrin. We were both very excited for me to try WB with all the positives that it was suppose to provide. First few days were just fine (started off at the half dose) then it changed. One day I was pretty much stuck on the couch because everytime I got up I thought I would either pass-out or throw-up. Thinking I caught a bug or ate something bad I blew it off. Next day it started again and then I remembered I had felt this way before, on Zoloft. I knew it had to be coming from the WB which I knew would have side effects. I figured it would go away and pushed on. Day by day it got worse and worse along with starting to get severe episodes of the sweats and chills, horrible (and I mean horrible) dreams/nightmares when I could actually sleep, and seriously emotionally episodes (I'd cry at a wilted flower) which is TOTALLY not me, oh and yes I also got a serious rash/hives from it. After I spent two days feeling like I was living outside my body and that all the brightness in the world had left, I started reading web-sites like these and found out more detailed about WB. I kept going for a full week when I ended up flushing the stuff down the toilet in tears (basically I freaked out and couldn't handle it anymore)! I have three kids, (two young and one disabled) who depend on my and my sanity and it was gone. I called my doc to find out he was out-of-town for a week and I couldn't get in for a week and a half. After the last day of not even being able to get out of bed, I quit. I'm on my fourth day of not taking the WB and I'm still feeling some side effects (and praying they soon stop). The first day was still horrible with side effects, the next day was better, but I would have times I would just have to stop and lie down, especially if I exerted myself by cleaning or something. Every day the side effects have gotten better, but I still have episodes of crying when I read something or watch something on TV as well as some lightheadedness and hives. I know that Dr's are trying to stay away from old meds like Prozac now-a-days, but I'm begging to go back on it. That was the only thing that seemed to actually work with no side effects (even my sex drive was there more with Prozac than it has been on any of the others I've tried) and I'm hoping being off of it for over a year now that it will work for me again. When asked my advice or expereince on WB I say this: after extensive research I read mostly negatives and very, very few positives. And even though the sex drive might increase being on it, I don't see how you actually have one feeling so crappy all the time! My questions on WB are, "since this is such a new drug, and there seems to be so many side effects (alot of them being severe to the system), who's to say that you might be harming your body and brain being on this stuff for a long period of time. Those of you who say you can deal with the side-effects to stay on it should ask yourselves this question as well. I just can't see how a drug that makes you feel like your brain is sloshing around in your head can be good for it. I hope I've answered some questions and don't mind answering some as well. Good luck to everyone in finding the right medication that completely and totally works for you..... I'm still looking.

I JUST STARTED taking WB xl 150mg on Tuesday. My Dr. gave me enough samples for 14 days but told me of the generic form and that is what she prescribed. I have not had a chance to pick up the Generic RX yet but I am not ??ing if I should get the generic after reading the above comments?
Side note: I took Effexor XR for 13 months and gained 20lbs while on it,one of the reasons I am starting WBXL is becasue I hear weight GAIN is not a side effect.
I am concerned.

to day is my 1st day taking wellbutrin sr 100 mg i'm currently on 2 different types of depression meds the other one is effexor anyway i just took the wellbutrin sr 1 hour ago and i'm feeling really tired and just want to go to bed and sleep i was wondering if anyone else felt this way befor and if it is a side effect and how long did it last ..

My teenage daughter just started taking Wellbutrin 150 mg and her side effect is stomach pain. I am also taking the medication but have been on it for a long time and I don't remember this side effect.
Has anyone else had this side effect? If so, about how long does it last? She has not been on it for a week yet.
Thanks.

I am on day 5 with Wellbutrin XL. I am trying it for treatment of Adult ADHD - a new diagnosis and epiphany for me. I also take 20mg of Prozac for mild depression and an obsessive personality. The first day Wellbutrin was like a miracle! 20 minutes after I took it, my brain woke up and I felt truly alert and relaxed for the first time in my life and it lasted all day!! I can sleep just fine although only seem to need about 7 hours of rest - normally I could sleep 10 hours, nap and still get to sleep at night which is why my P-Doc thought I could use a dopamine boost and wanted to try this before stimulants.

The second day was also good but the third was a little weird. On and off my body felt like it was buzzing and I was very distracted. At 6pm I must have gotten my last "hit" from the XL tablet because my side effects worsened rapidly and I am amazed I made it home OK. I thought a couple of times about pulling over and calling my husband to pick me up because I was concerned I might have an accident, but I held it together OK.

I decided to just work from home yesterday (I am a sales rep and usually drive about 1000 miles/week) in case things got worse but I was OK - just mild/moderate brain buzz. Today I planned to be home before 6pm when my last rush comes. I was OK and felt pretty good during the day (a little of the brain/body buzz this morning) but out of the blue around 6pm (I didn't even notice the time until after) I had a massive panic attack. Good thing I hadn't been driving! Lucky for me (I guess) I have panic disorder also (although essentially recovered from that) so panic attacks are not a big deal for me and my P-Doc had warned me that I might have some while adjusting to Wellbutrin.

All in all, this has not been too bad. It is undoubtedly worth it if down the road I will ever feel anywhere close to how I felt the first day! I thought it was strange that the side effects started on the third day, but I suppose it would make sense if the drug is building up in your system. I took Prozac previously for panic disorder/obsessiveness many years ago and the depersonalization was pretty brutal for the first week compared to this. Hopefully things will not get worse. I am SUPPOSED to go up to 300mg this Sat, but I am thinking of staying at 150mg until the side effects go away and I can see whether I think an increase is necessary. After all, I have lived my whole life this way so any improvement in attention - even small - is fine by me for the time being. I will call my P-Doc and see what he thinks. I don't want to go up too quickly and be unable to drive for days....

Anonymous - nausea is a very common side effect with Wellbutrin although not one that bothers me. I have read other posts in various places from Wellbutrin users that mentioned actual stomach pain as a side effect. Does your daughter take it with food? That may help. My understanding is that side effects can last anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks. Hopefully your daughter and I both will experience the former!

Take care all.

Amanda

I don't think that the generic XL works. I'm into my 2nd month of the generic and all of those old depressing feelings are starting to creep back in. I take 300mgs but my doctor wants to up me to 450. I'm concerned about going that high. Has anyone noticed a positive difference going from 300 to 450? And yes, I will absolutely be going back to the name brand version.

To Anonymous.
Read the important information provided from the pharmacist. Wellbutrin should NOT be given to children under 18.

I have just started taking WB extended release roughly two weeks ago. I am currently taking 200 mg once daily. I have noticed that the past two weeks I have been taking WB, I have not been sleeping much...I am wide awake at two in the morning almost every night and usually get to sleep about three-three thirty, only to have to wake up and start my day at five thirty...I am assuming it is a side effect of WB..how long does it last though?

I've been on Wellbutrin for about weeks; my MD started me 300mg XL...I also am taking lamictal 100mg...I am nauseated all the time with episodes of vomitting...my mouth dry a lot also...need some feed back ...thanks

re: previous statement...I've been taking Wellbutrin 300mg XL for 3 weeks

I was just going to post my side effect, but as I was reading down the page I noticed michelle's post (79). Michelle, be very careful. These feelings you are describing could the precursor to a seizure. These feelings can gradually get more intense and preclude a seizure. If you feel this while driving, pull over. As to my side effect, I have noticed crying listed frequently. I have had numerous tear-ups of the sentimental variety, mostly during movies or reading novels. As often as not these are "happy" tears. I have been on several anti-depressants in the past, and my 300mg XL is the best so far. Others have made me tired and emotionally "flat". I think that the extra sentimentality is a result of feeling more of everything. There is no hint of returning depression. I have been on the Wellbutrin for 4 or 5 months. The crying (I use the term crying loosely, rarely will a tear roll down) could be potentially embarrassing, but so far I have been alright. I can clamp down in public. Until this drug, I have never had happy tears before. The experience is novel and pleasant. Is anyone else experiencing this, or have the other mentions of crying been of the sad, weepy variety?

I'm glad I found this site.

My 10 year relationship ended about 18 months ago and I'm still depressed and crying everyday. I'm not the happy, easy to get along with, social person I once was. I appreciate everyone sharing their experiences with antidepressants. This is a very difficult choice.

I did a year of therapy, stopped about 5 months ago and now have returned. I posed the "Should I consider antidepressants?" question to my therapist since therpy and exercise still haven't gotten me through this. I'm afraid of the side effects and can't imagine feeling worse than I feel now as I adjust to medication. I just don't know if I can risk the emotional and physical downsides of antidepressants while hoping for a boost weeks or months down the road.

I've been on Wellbutrin sr for 6 mo. At first I had trouble sleeping and had to make myself eat for the first few weeks over all I feel better about myself.
If I would have read these post befor I started taking Wellbutrin I would never start. I would bet that people having problems are far more likly to post then people doing well taking Wellbutrin. People doing well are not going to take the time to search the net looking for Wellbutrin side effects. because it is helping them.
Don't lets these post stop you from trying Wellbutrin.Talk to your doctor and give it a try. It does take time to work. I've tryed many other antidepressants some gave me killer heart burn others took my sex life away. If you are depressed or have anxiety there is a drug that can help.Don't give life should be fun it's a short enought already.

I have been on wellbutrin 150mg
for 2 weeks now and i went out and had some drinks, it made me feel like i was beyond wasted. is that normal. I bartend and told my dr. that i drink on a regular basis. Is this night out related to my medication or was it something else?

My pharmacy switched my 300 XL to generic in December; I began feeling awful, but could pin-point the change to the switch to generic. I eventually just quit taking it. (Prior to the generic, the drug worked very well for me) I began taking the actual Wellbutrin XL 300mg again today. Has anyone stopped & then began taking the drug again? I am wondering if it will be effective the 2nd time around.

Hey anyone...

I just got a prescription for Nicotrol since the Wellbutrin gave terrible side affects. Has anyone or does anyone know of someone who has taken Nicotrol Inhaler and succeeded or either used it without any problems??? Just curious.

iam currently taking wb and have been for about 3 months, i was on prozac but i gained 30 lbs in about 5 months and that just made me even more depressed, iv heard that weight gain is not a side affect of wb and that you may accualy lose weight..? is this true? my dr is upping my dose from 150 to 300 and im wondering if i'll have all the side effects again that i had in the begining like a very fast heart beat, very anxious, and feeling very lost at times. if anyone knows anymore that has been on it awhile let me know .
thanx, jen.

I have a question for anyone who may know. I was on 100mg of Wellbutrin twice a day, I felt good, the depression was abated, I could focus at work better. Then my doctor put me on 150mg twice a day, i began getting shaky, sick to my stomach, and anxiety through the roof. Does this happen with increased dosages?

I have been back on the regular wellbutrin (300 xl) for a week now and it has been worth every penny. The way I felt taking the generic and the way I feel now are as different as night and day. I don't care what the FDA says... not all generics are created equal.

I started taking Wellbutrin XL last fall when i started college. I had seasonal affective 2 winters ago, and i had it again this winter. Wellbutrin worked decently for most of the winter, but now that the weather is starting to get better, i have progressively started to feel worse. I have a feeling of hopelessness and most of the time i realize that i am barely breathing, or just not breathing all the way out. I take 150 mg in the morning, 150 in the evening. I didn't take one in the evening today, and at around 6 o'clock i started to feel good. Now i feel great, so i am a little confused and may go see the doc tomorow.

2 yrs ago a doctor gave me wellbutrin knowing that I was borderline epileptic with breakthrouhg seizures. I also was being diagnosed with a eating disorder. Wellbutrin made me feel really bad physically and numbed my senses. After being on it for 2 mos. I instantly passed out one morning without warning, had 2 grandmal seizures and a heart attack. Come to find out, the drug should have never been prescribed to me because of my breakthrough seizures and eating disorder. i am now disabled, live in a fog all the time and i'm not the same mentally or physically. If anyone has a chance of having borderline epilepsy or an eating disorder, please check with your doctor. This medication threw me over my seizure threshold and I crashed, thanks to the neglect of the physician and Wellbutren my life has changed forever.

I see that many people have had bad experiences with the generic form of Wellbutrin XL. Has anyone had poor experiences with the generic form of Wellbutrin SR? I just started taking it and would like to know if I should pay the extra $ for the name brand vs. the generic before I send away for my 90 day supply. Thanks!

I saw a Psychiatrist about ADD. He prescribed me Wellbutrin because he was concerned about incidental depression which I also have. Making the switch from 150 to 300mg I have noticed myself getting hostile and edgy in most personal interactions as well having periods of more intense depression. Anybody else experience this?

Hi All,
So glad I found this site - I'm trying to figure out if I'm having a delayed allergic response to generic WB SR.
About 2 weeks after starting, I felt emotionally better. A couple days after that, I came down with a severe allergic reaction of horrible itchy hives over my entire body, a swollen, disfigured face, and swollen hands and feet. When my throat swelled I went to the ER. There is nothing new I've been exposed to or eaten. The only thing remotely new is the WB, but even that is 2 1/2 weeks old. I have had a similar (though not nearly as severe) allergic reaction once before, a year ago, and we never found the cause, which I hear is often how it goes with allergic responses. Has anyone experienced a delayed allergic response to WB? I have read about delayed hypersensitivity to WB, but it was described as more of a serum-sickness with fever, joint pain, etc. I didn't have either of those. The ER doc told me to discontinue the WB, just in case, but I really don't want to on such a slim chance it's the WB. help!

My doc just prescribed me WB xl 150. I have taken it for about a week, and found that taking it night best suits me because it makes me drowsy. I quit taking cymbalta the same day I started the WB, and now 7 days later i am wondering if WB is a good drug for me. I was mildly depressed, at worst, before getting prescribed on anti-depressants. Cymbalta was good, just I was flat emotionally, and sex drive was killed. My question, and my doc hasn't thoroughly answered it, is dealing with this drug and its side effects worth it? My whole goal in taking the drug is to feel more energetic, and not be held down by side effects. Think I am taking a good risk...or does anybody have a recommendation of an anti-depressant that has a good success rate? I am just curious, so any feedback would help, :)

Does anyone know how to contact the owner of this website?

I have emailed to editor@healthdiaries.com and to support@healthdiaries.com to no avail.

One day, after my first email 3 weeks ago, I received a response from the editor who promised to take care of a problem I had with my previous posts, but she has yet to take that action and is not responding to emails further asking for the action to be taken.

So, I am looking for the owner of the website if it is someone other than the editor.

Thanks if you can help.

Hi Annonymous:

If you don't mind me asking, what is your problem? maybe we here on this post can help or at least give some feedback if you're not getting the correct response? I know it does get frustrating when you really need help. I've been in that situation before.

I was on the maximum dose of wellbutrin for the depression that occurred because of bipolar disorder and being obese. With the meds I was able to lose 70 pounds although it didn't help me stop smoking. I tapered off some and now am not taking it at all seeing as how the reason for my massive depression also was derived from my massive weight. I'm fine so far and things are going well but that may be because of the mood stabilzer I am on as well. The only problems that I've had was hair loss and it started not too long after I started the wellbutrin. Anybody else have this problem? Please let me know because I'm anxious to find out and, if possible, fix it without hair replacement surgery. Thought it might be my other meds but none of the meds I'm taking, or have taken, have that listed as a side effect. Again, please let me know if you experience this as well so that I know what to tell the doctor at my next visit. Thanks

I was on Wellbutrin for a while to help with my smoking, although it did help with the smoking and the weight loss it didn't cause my hair to fall out. However it seems like you've been on wellbutrin for quite sometime or was. I was only on the wellbutrin for a little over 7 months and then quit when I was able to completely stop smoking. I do however have some hair loss now, since I've been on Toprol XL and Welchol. I am not sure which one is actually causin the hair loss but know for sure after reading side affects from both of them that one of them does have a side affect of "Reversible Hair Loss"....I'll have to check the meds again. It's one of the two. I think it might have been the Welchol since I recently stopped taking it and have noticed the hair loss is not as bad. I hope you are able to find the source and if not definately bring it up with your doc. It's bad enough men have to be bald but for a woman to be bald or balding!!! we just can't and won't have any of that!

I have been taking wellbutrin for 6 months or so and I think I have been having mixed results. some days I feel fine and other days I have this heavy cloud and feel blah. I find myself staring out of my kitchen window watching the grass grow. I guess the most upsetting think is that I already had a health sex appetite now its' out of control and I have become very sensitive to rejection from my wife. Almost to the point where I need to make some decisions. IS anyone experiencing this ?

I recv'd an email from the editor, and she has fixed the issue with my post... it was unrelated to the discussion of wellbutrin. Thanks for the offer, though.

You're welcome Annonymous. I'm glad someone was able to get you the help! :)

Have been on 300mg Wellbutrin for 2yrs but finally stopped last week due to thinning hair. My doctor said going "cold turkey" off the Wellbutrin would be okay since I'm on 10 mg of Lexapro. Am feeling awfully symptomatic for someone who is supposed to be okay.
Has anyone else experienced hair loss?

I have been on WB for a month now. I started with the generic and after a few days felt that awful feeling that alot of you are talking about. My doctor switched me to XL (the generic one)3 days ago. I have been feeling really sleepy and weak since. My depression seems better, but I still have that hopeless feeling with no motivation for even my favorites activities. Will the WB help with the hopeless and motivation? PS: I get waves of well being that last a few minutes and go away.

Michelle, I am also experiencing the 'zapping' feelings along with agitation, irritability and anxiety. I have been taking the Buprion 150mg XR twice daily for two weeks. These side effects are worsening day by day. I experienced similar effects when I took myself off Effexor XR after taking them for five years. I will be calling my physician in the morning to inform her that I will be discontinuing this med. My Major Depressive Disorder needs to be treated with a medication that is not cause more negative symptomology than suicidal ideation and attempts. As an epileptic, the ‘zapping’ feelings do feel a bit like a complex partial seizure episode, I hope you have contacted your physician by this time.

Caryl,
I have thinning hair, but mine could be attributed to peri menopause, inheritance,
beta blocker meds, so hard to say if it is the WB XL.

I started taking B-50 vitamin for hair and maybe see tiniest of improvement. One lady told me her Dr recommended biotin (sp). My vitamin had the biotin, but not at strength her Dr had recommended.

Let us know if you get any answers from the Dr on the hair loss.

To anyone:
Anyone think you are gaining weight on WB XL instead of losing as stated to be side effect?

I just want to say that I am so happy I found this website. I was formerly taking Paxil and wanted to try something new to see if maybe it could work alittle better. I weaned off paxil slowly b/c of certain side effects like that brain twingy feeling. (I've experienced it before when I missed a dosage of paxil and did not know what it was until I realized what I had done differently). And even my dr., who is my OB/GYN, told me I can just stop taking paxil and right away start taking wellbutrin and that I should feel fine, never once mentioning one side effect. My husband takes wellbutrin xl 150mg. and has never experienced any side effects so I just assumed that I wouldn't either. Boy, was I wrong. At first I was convinced it was Paxil withdrawal and I was not even aware that there were side effects when starting the meds. When I first started to take paxil I never experienced anything like what I have been going through. 2 days after starting Wellbutrin XL 150 mg I felt this dizziness and twitch-like feeling in my head, nausea, loss of appetite, and this wave of depression came over me. Then the non-stop crying started and feelings of just wanted to isolate myself from family and friends, which is very hard to do being a stay-at-home mom of a beautiful 12 month old girl, who all she wants is her mothers attention. At first I didn't know what the heck was going on but all I wanted to do was lay in bed and stare at the tv, waiting for the day to end, hoping to wake up to a new day and miraculously feel great and these feeling to be gone. Finally on day 5, which was last night, and starting to have doubts of this still being paxil withdrawal, I decided to research wellbutrin and that is when I found this site and I just started reading all the posts. I literally broke into tears, which doesn't take much these days, when I saw that others were experiencing the same exact feelings and side effects that I was having. I called my pharmacist first thing this morning and told her what I was going thru and I have decided, along with my dr., to stop wellbutrin and go back to paxil. Basically if it isn't broke, then don't try to fix it is how I can summarize this experience. About 3 weeks after my daughter was born I had post-partum depression and went on paxil. Within just a few days I noticed that I wasn't crying all the time. After a few weeks I felt like a new person and I could finally start to enjoy my baby and my life again. I really regret going off and switching to wellbutrin. Isn't it weird that for some people it has worked so well and some, like my husband, didn't experience not one of the side effects that I had. I don't know how some of you had the same things happening to you and stil managed to go to work. I could barely make it out of my bed, let alone my house. I really wanted to get this off my chest and say thank-you to everyone for sharing their experiences b/c it has helped me so much. I felt like I had no one to talk to that could really understand what I was going through. My husband is trying to be supportive but he doesn't understand and seems to be losing patience with me. (As I am typing this he just walked by and asked if I was feeling better b/c I just took my first dosage of Paxil, literally about 20 minutes ago and he thinks that I will miraculously feel better. He doesn't understand how antidepressants work and thinks that I should just snap out of it. I wish it was that easy!) I am really hoping that going back to paxil will work for me. I know this is a long post but I just wanted to add that just b/c wellbutrin didn't work for me doesn't mean that it won't work for someone else. That's why there are so many different antidepressants available.

Thanks again.

I began taking Wellbutrin XL 150 mg. approximately 1 week ago. I have not noticed any effectiveness or side effects so far. Does it take awhile for this medication to get into your system? When should I notice a difference?

Started Wellbutrin XL 300 about a week ago.1 pill per day. Had to stop immediately, broke out in terrible hives, whole body was itchy everywhere.....it was terrible!!! Have never had a reaction like this to any medication I have ever been on.Pharmacist said it will take about 7 - 8 days for it to be out of my system. Can't wait for that day to get here.

I've been taking WB SR for about a month now. 75mg twice a day for a total of 150mg.

I've never felt worse in my life. I started it for depression related to general unhappiness. I started to feel better - calmer - for a couple of weeks. Now, the past few days, all I want to do is cry. I feel hopeless. Like my life is meaningless. I have nobody to talk to, my doctor couldn't care less, and I have no idea what to do.

Just got off the Wellbutrin after only 2 weeks of being on it. Developed an allergic reaction. Hands and bottom of my feet itched severly. Doctor had to call in 2 types of histimines. Thank goodness the itching stopped about an hour after I took them. I was to the point of being so miserable, I cried. Doctor told me to stop taking it after I told her what I had read on this website. So many negative comments, I'm glad I'm not taking it anymore. I went back to Prozac.

Hi, I've been on Wellbutrin SR for about 5-6 weeks now and the only side effects I have experienced is a total lack of appetite/cravings (YAY!!), and feeling a tad more weepy at various times (like when Jordin won American Idol etc.). Its not bad enough for me to stop taking the meds though. My mood seems to be somehwat better too. Hopefully I won't encounter any of the side effects other people on here have experienced.

For the person who had written about going off Paxil and starting on Wellbutrin right after: the side effects you are having may, in fact be from the Paxil withdrawlas. A friend of mine had been on Paxil for a couple of years and when she started to go off it she had a terrible time, with really weird brain twinges and the like. I think it took her a good couple of months to feel better.

Also, for the person on here that mentioned having terrible pain from a bulging disc problem: I had herniated a couple discs in my neck and was in terrible, un-ending pain for about 4 months. I was ready to toss in the towel when I decided to research nerve damage. The docs all thought I had a pulled muscle but I knew it felt like nerve pain. Anyway, I found a medical site that mentioned how a lot of people with nerve pain have a lot of help from low doses of Elavil (20-50mg). I went on Elavil and it was a Godsend! The pain was totally helped. I ended up having neck fusion surgery. The Elavil was VERY sedating for me so I switched to Nortriptyline instead. It works nearly as well, but it doesn't have the sedating effect. I still have to take 20 mg of Nortriptyline at night for pain. There is a medication warning with combing the Wellbutrin with the Elavil, but at low doses its fine. I hope that helps someone.

Anyone have any experience with WB and alcohol (moderate or excessive)? Any uncontrollable bouts of inappropriate anger? I've been on WBXL 300 for about 4 weeks now. SSRI's are NOT helpful for me and the Wellbutrin seems to help but I'm wondering how long it takes before I can be sure I've adjusted to it completely - can it take up to 2 months? My loss of appetite, anxiety and insomnia have calmed down... but I'm wondering how much of the relief from those symptoms is due to the Xanax (.5 mg) that my doc prescribed to help with those side effects.

What a difference it makes to switch from the generic Wellbutrin to the name brand. I had been taking the generic for a couple of months and I literally thought I was losing my mind. I was feeling paranoid and one day I woke up thinking today was the day I was going to die. Not suicide, just that today was the day. I wanted to go home and write my daughter a letter and tell her everything she would need to know growing up without me. When I look back on those days, I don't really remember much else, just feeling really bad. I feel so much better since I started taking the name brand. I don't think I will ever take a generic prescription again. Anyone else been this bad or is it just me?

Hi everyone-

I've been on WB XL for a few months and take 300mg daily. I started taking it after not having complete success with Paxil (which I still take--40mg daily). The combination of the 2 has helped, but as one of the millions of uninsured in the US, it's pricey and I'm not sure it's worth it for me. I find it interesting to read that several people have crying spells--I cannot cry (probably the Paxil). I've never been a big crier, but I imagine it's a healthy release occasionally. WB helped a little with some of the sexual side effects of Paxil. However, I find that mornings are difficult until I take it. I think I tolerate it fairly well, but I already had tinnitus, for example, and some of the side effects are hard for me to attribute specifically to WB XL. I think I'll go off of Wellbutrin after I finish this current batch (I order 90 day supplies by mail--cheaper), but I'll go slowly. Cold turkey on these meds is a bad idea. I have noticed that my temper can be a bit quicker, but I'm aware of it and try to stop it when I feel it coming up. For those who smoke weed, I found that WB made my tolerance skyrocket and I finally gave it up because I wasn't getting the same enjoyment. I guess that's a good thing, but kinda disappointing. I do find that combining the meds with measures for personal growth is the best strategy. Good luck, everyone.

Yeah I have just read through most of the comments and there is great variation from person to person. I just started taking WB XL 150mg two days ago and so far no side effects really or unless I'm missing them. I'm pretty young and kinda scared of this. I mean this will generally make you better right? Do the side effects eventually go away? I guess I'm just unsure since I've never been placed on medication. Thanks.

I started wellbutrin four days ago. 150mg once a day. I feel like crap. headaches and i feel hungover all the time. Does this get better??? I was on lexapro and stop taking that due to weight gain.. i dont remember have this many side effects from the lexapro.. Im wondering if it is even worth taking wellbutrin anymore.. any suggestions?

Hi Liz,

Yes those side effects in the beginning are normal and you should feel normal within a week. Give the meds a chance to work, I have been on wellbutrin sr 100 mg in the morning and 20 mg of prozac in the afternoon. This combination has been great for me. Just hang in for a bit longer!

cathy,
ugg i dont know if i can take this. i really feel like crap! Did you feel like this?

I have been taking WB XL 150's for a few months but had to switch to generic SR 150's because of insurance, I also discontinued using my Cymbalta (it just didn't seem to be doing anything...) and now I am so dizzy that I can barely function. I know that the withdraw from Cymbalta can be pretty nasty but according to my therapist I should be over the majority of it, could the dizziness be from the switch in the wellbutrin's?? Has anyone else had horrible dizziness from generic Wellbutrin SR 150? I feel like I am at my wits end, I can barely see straight and I know that I shouldn't be driving, it feels like I am perpetually drunk. HELP PLEASE!!

After 3 year on paxil 40mg my doc suggested to continue with the paxil but also start WB 150mg...

anyone have any experience with marijuana and WB?? i've been an avid(daily) user of mj for 10 years. but with all the side effects that have been on appearing lately i have no idea of the consequence?

oh and did i forgot
same question goes for alcohol but only used in appropriate means(socially,never going over board)

and then really is it worth it through all these side effects?? im 5-6 weeks in, and ive had a haedache for a weak and am light headed\sensitive to bright light

I just started WB XL again after going off of it in 2006. I don't even remember exactly why I went off of it then, but I have been having some side effects that I don't see mentioned much on this forum. I have suddenly gained about 6-7 lbs since Saturday evening, about 3 days ago. I hadn't really eaten more than I regularly do, but I can't figure out how this could happen so quickly! I'm relatively average-small in size, and it is a big shocker because some of my clothes are seeming tighter. Two other side effects I'm experiencing are constipation and dizzyness. I even feel like it takes me longer to focus on things. The constipation thing is very bad, even laxatives seem to not be working to well. My head is spinning and I can't go to the bathroom! Did anyone else experience these symptoms??? Especially the weight gain one? And does anyone have any advice on how much longer this is supposed to last?

Eileen:

I didn't experience the weight loss actually I lost a ton of weight while on the XL. I think your body is just in shock and will adjust eventually in a nother week or so, maybe sooner, but the real reason why I wanted to respond to you is that the constipation was definately a side effect for me and still is after being off Wellbutrin for two years due to it's side effects. I would suggest drinking an 8 oz. of Aloe Vera juice as it's a normal practice for me everyday since it helps the digestive system move regularly and it's cheap to buy at Walmart. It's also very healthy for you. You will notice a difference in a day or two once you take it. It can be mixed with water or juice. I prefer straight. I also did experience the dizzyness and it was more severe when I quit cold turkey to the point where I suffered Vertigo for 3 days straight and the doctor wasn't sure what was causing it and now I know. I still suffer from the ringing in the ears even after 2 years being off of it!!! I also blame the Wellbutrin 100% for my irregular heart beats which was never an issue before taking the wellbutrin and now is a serious matter to the point I'm on medication to regulate the heart and blood pressue. Just be carefull and continue to monitor each side effect as it appears and keep in regular touch with your doctor. Everyone reacts differently according to his or her body type. Hope everything will work out eventually.!

I'm so glad that I found you all.. I am using WB XL/450mg for 8 months -the max dose- the problem is that I recently started to experience the same things right before I started to take this medicine; drastic mood swings, feeling tired, lower back pain, hopelessness, desire of crying (all the time) So I checked w/my dr and found out that sometimes your body can become immune to the effects of the medicine. So basically even though I’m taking it every morning it is not doing anything to me. Dr. can't increase the dose because I'm already maxed out and at the beginning it was very difficult to get over the side effects so I don't think I can handle a similar case. So please tell me if anyone experienced something like this? And what was the solution to that if there was any?

I'm so glad that I found you all.. I am using WB XL/450mg for 8 months -the max dose- the problem is that I recently started to experience the same things right before I started to take this medicine; drastic mood swings, feeling tired, lower back pain, hopelessness, desire of crying (all the time) So I checked w/my dr and found out that sometimes your body can become immune to the effects of the medicine. So basically even though I’m taking it every morning it is not doing anything to me. Dr. can't increase the dose because I'm already maxed out and at the beginning it was very difficult to get over the side effects so I don't think I can handle a similar case. So please tell me if anyone experienced something like this? And what was the solution to that if there was any?

taking cymbalta 60mg and 399of wellbutrinxl for smoking noticed problem in my balance falling down is it safe to take both together started with 150xl and was ok is the dose too high or dangerous together

I just started taking Wellbutrin XL 150 mg 3 days ago. I am now officially scared to death. I have read all the posts and I am 2nd guessing my decision to start. I have felt a little "groggy today, but should I prepare for worse?? Help!!

I stopped taking wellbutrin after four days. I was on the generic 150mg. I felt like crap all the time. My panic attacks were getting worse. I called my doc and he said to stop taking it and we would try something else. When I went in to see him he switched me to Effexor . I am four days into it and dont feel any of the side effects that i did from wellbutrin. its a much better drug for me

I have experienced some nausea while taking WB XL, but has anyone experienced a more sensitive gag reflex? I have noticed that I'll be very hungry but can't eat because I feel like I'm gagging. Please help I've been on many medications and this one works best for me and I don't want to have to quit because I can't eat. Thanks

Hi all,

I have terrible side effects with the wellbutrin. I am on 200 mg per day. It has helped the anxiety and depression and my energy level enormously but I have the dry mouth, sleep only two hours per night, constant racing heart, blurred vision, inability to remember things and learn new information. So.. I have been on it for four months now and the side effects are the same. I cut the dose in half and went down hill really fast so I started taking it again and I am back to the same awful side effects again. Help! My doctor doesn't know what to give me so she just says to keep taking it and it will get better but she's not the one living with all these side effects. EEEEK.

All these side effects sound very similar to what I"m going through right now with Lexapro withdrawal. The worst are brain buzz, fatique and nausea. I am still able to do my job everyday, but by the time my 8 hrs are over, all I want to do is crawl into bed. Getting a good night's rest is out of the question. My dr told me there would be no side effects from coming off this drug, and in fact, she asked me why I would want to stop taking them at all. I thought that was very irresponsible of her.

I've been on WB SR for about three months now. I was having the dizzy, fog feeling, so my doc suggested I go up from 150 to 300. The fog is still there if not worse. Today I got really nausous out of no where. I thought I was going to have to pull my car over. I've lost weight and the depression was getting better, but within the last month I'm in a funk and can't get out of it. No appetite, no ambition. Will this ever end?

I have been on generic wellbitrin 200mg a day for 2 weeks. My Dr has me taking 300mg a day now. I went on wellbutrin because I had alot of anxiety. My thyroid is alittle out of wack. Alot of the symtoms I was and still am having could be from my thyroid because I have almost all of thyroid symtoms. Anyways I am really considering not taking this medication after reading all of these side affects. I have never been on medication and sometimes I think it covers the promblem rather than fixing it. I cried for two days last week and coudn't figure out why I was crying and now I know why. I am also dizzy,I wake up in the morning with racing heart and axiousness but sometimes I had that before. My sex drive was already up and I need to gain a few pounds not loose any. I already am a busy body I have 3 kids and a husband and am pretty young. I just wanted something to calm me down in life so I could stop & smell the roses. Does coming off of it have bad side affects? I don't know what to do. It sounds like alot of people are unhappy with this. Can anyone relate?

Hi folks--I had been taking Paxil for several years but for reasons I won't go into stopped taking it recently...I stepped down gradually, however, but soon after going without it completely my old depression, anxiety, and the works came flooding back. Frustrated and frightened, I found a new doctor who prescribed Wellbutrin XL instead of placing me back on a SSRI. Since first taking it two weeks ago today, this is the first day that every waking moment hasn't felt like living hell (though I don't feel greatly improved today). The worst of it has been an overwhelming sense of gloom and doom, a super-charged anxious sensation that disaster would strike any moment. I've been crying a lot, too--I never do that. Meanwhile, my appetite has disappeared and I have to force myself to eat solid food. I've always been a champion sleeper but this drug has me wired at night, not energetic but just unable to go to sleep easily (and waking a lot when I finally do fall asleep). So far the only positive effect, assuming of course it is not a coincidence, is that I suddenly have a strong urge to read (which I once had, though it disappeared years ago), and I've been tearing through books. Anyhow, that's my tale...I sure hope it gets better!

I'm glad I found this site too yet after reading alot of the posts.. I'm frightened.

I have had depression since my pre-teens (I'm 32 now). I also developed anxiety disorder in my twenties. I've taken every medication under the sun and haven't had much luck with them except for imipramine (which i took as a teen).

My last medication that I was on was Celexa and it didn't help. It made me more anxious and didn't help the depression. Yet, I'd been off it for several weeks and I became severly depressed.

Now my doctor wants to put me on Wellbutrin. Not sure if it is SR or XL (as I haven't picked up the medication yet. just saw my dr yesterday)but, I'm frightened to death that it will make me more anxious, depressed and keep me from sleeping (which I'm lacking severely).

I also didn't know that it is taken to quit smoking and to lose weight which, I need to do both of those but, I'm really concerned that like all of the others, it will only make my symptoms worse.

All-- I suffer from mild to moderate depression and sudden unprovoked anger symptoms. My family asked me to talk to a doc about anti-depressants. After a week on Zoloft (which was a disaster to my sex life - I could go all night but no orgasm) My doctor has now prescribed Lexapro. But that has the same side effects - only add erectile dysfunction to them! I was wondering about asking for WB... but after reading this site I'm really afraid to take ANYTHING. I haven't even tried the Lexapro yet... Is there any hope?

I have started on Wellbutrin 150, twice a day and it has been difficult. Hand Tremmers the first week , nausea about 50% of the time for the first 6 weeks, I have been short tempered and not as kind to people as I need to be. I am determined to wait it out and make it work. I finally lost 5 pounds by the 7th week. I am in my 8 th week and still not quite right. Still a bit depressed. I was on lexapro for 4 years and it changed my life. I was only sick for 3 days and when it kiked in I was a different person. I could live with the night sweats and lack of libido because I knew why. I could not live with becoming obese, 40 pounds in 4 years. 10 months ago I started swimming a 45 min mile, 3 times a week and still gained 5 pounds! This wellbutrin has got to work and I won't give up easily.

After 7 months on WLB xr 150, I stopped cold Turkey....I feel so much better!!! My Dr. put me on for anxiety, I felt like a vegetable, could not focus, cried easily, dizzy, could not sleep without sleeping pills, wore people out with my energy, had to force myself to eat....to some that's great... it's been 8 days since I stoppped, I am waiting for the "Big Crash" so far I feel MUCH better....I told My Dr. I wanted to stop he said NO, your doing good...well I took it into my own hands, and feel so much better, I am focused again, getting things done, I really was just watching grass grow!!!!!

Vivian

After 7 months on WLB xr 150, I stopped cold Turkey....I feel so much better!!! My Dr. put me on for anxiety, I felt like a vegetable, could not focus, cried easily, dizzy, could not sleep without sleeping pills, wore people out with my energy, had to force myself to eat....to some that's great... it's been 8 days since I stoppped, I am waiting for the "Big Crash" so far I feel MUCH better....I told My Dr. I wanted to stop he said NO, your doing good...well I took it into my own hands, and feel so much better, I am focused again, getting things done, I really was just watching grass grow!!!!!

Vivian

I'm new to the board...just found this site today. I am on my 3rd round of Wellbutrin. I was diagnosed with PCOS also known as Insulin Resistance- so I also take Metformin. I am actually taking the generic form bupropion which works best for me. I did have alot of the side effects mentioned- but I also noticed when I stopped "cold turkey" or stopped taking the meds at all- I gained all my weight back, my acne came back and so did all the mood swings. *Which is why I am on the meds again* I will be checking out the site often... Thanks!

I was only on Wellbutrin (XL?) 150mg for four days to treat my depression... unfortunately, that was enough to give me one of the worst experiences of my life.

Literally the day after I started it, I began having uncontrollable crying episodes. I'd cry several times a day, usually suddenly and without much (if any) reason. I became much more deeply depressed than before, and was bombared with suicidal thoughts by day 3 or so. I thought I was going completely insane.

Needless to say, I stopped taking it. I've tried three SSRI's in the last few weeks, and none have worked - but this has been the worst for me.

I have taken Wellbutron for 2 weeks now and I have had some nightmares and I dont normally have those (about my boyfriend getting in a motorcycle accident and it was so real.) Has anyone else had these while taking Wellburtrin?

I started taking wb 4 years ago after the birth of my daughter and I loved it from the get go. I had the dry mouth which I can live with. But what I really loved was the weight that I lost and how normal and good I felt. I stopped taking it when I got pregnant again but went back on after I finished breastfeeding and once again I had great results. Then I got pregnant a third time and for a third time after breastfeeding I started taking the wb (I am currently perscriped sr 200 twice a day I have also tried the xl which did not do the trick). This time it is just not working. I told my doctor I thought they must have changed the recipe or something. I not only gained weight I seem to be resistant to losing it despite everything I try (i.e. diet and excerise) and the nausea is lay on the floor and don't move for fear of puking bad! I don't know if this is my body getting to used to the wb for it to work or if it is the generic (from watson labs) my doctor had no advice whatsoever. But I just wanted anyone who felt similiar reactions to know they are not alone. The nausea was so bad I had to quit I have three little ones and cannot be incapacitated that way. To those for whom the drug still works congradulations for a while this drug was awesome.

I have been taking generic wellbutrin for 2 months with no bad side effects....except that last month my period was a week late and now I think that its more than a week early (or 2 weeks if you consider that it was late last month!). HAs anyone else had problems with their period???

When I read Cheryl's post #14 about feeling something in her throat it relieved my fears of something lethal being wrong with me. My biggest problem, though, has been length of time to focus combined with an inability to remember details. My therapist says this is because the WB has reduced my "hyper-vigilance" which is part of my anxiety issue. Maybe I am not loosing my memory, just relaxing so I forget little things like my keys, or my glasses? Is this going to worsen? I have been taking WB XL 150mg for almost 3 months, for depression.

Hi,

I have been on 300 mgs of Budeprion for about 6 weeks now. Started with the brand name for first 2 weeks and followed through with the Budeprion. and feel like i am in a constant fog, have no appetite, lost about 6 pounds, (not necessarily a bad thing there)and my moods have been very erratic. I feel great as long as no one upsets me then I lose it.-My coping mechanism is nil. Energy level is elevated but not overly so. Have had some thoughts of suicide, which has not ever been and issue for me. Kind of scary. As if I do not have any control of my thoughts. My ability to focus is diminished. I have been crying A Lot and have been very reactionary to everything. I was out in the sun for about 4 hours with my friends and husband the other day and when I got home I felt like crap. I felt sick to my stomach and lightheaded. I noticed that within 24 hours I developed insanely itchy skin, mostly on my back, chest, legs and arms. It is so maddening! It literally feels like there are maggots crawling under my skin and nothing seems to help, literally the itch I cannot scratch...tried the benadryl pills and itch cream..and it doesn't work. I am more photo-sensitive, headachey, and I cannot sleep what so ever. I have noticed a big difference in my mood for the better, but my husband is losing patience with me and we are currently seeing a marriage counselor. This may be very well the last resort for our relationship. I don't want to lose him and am really hoping this is it drug-wise. I was on Zoloft during my pregnancy in 2003 and continued on it until about a month ago, which is when I switched to Budeprion. Zoloft lost it's effectiveness over time and caused some nasty side effects for me,(bloating, sleeplessness,extreme weight gain- about 30 pounds!) but not near as bad as Budeprion! I am shocked to read all of these posts and the negative comments. I am kind of discouraged by it and wonder just how safe it is. I have suffered depression most of my 34 years and wonder if I should keep up with Budeprion, switch to the Wellbutrin XL brand name, or get off it and start something new. I am very concerned and really don't want to be a guinea pig anymore with all these different drugs. Any advice? Anyone else notice that A rash occurred after being in the sun for prolonged periods of time? I am now on day 2 of this itchiness and rash. I cannot stand much more of this and will be contacting my doctor immediately, now that I have read that others have had the same experience. I thought I had sun poisoning, but now I'm not too sure. I feel so alone and helpless. Please, anyone offer me some advice, as doctors don't care.

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to add a positive. All the side effects people are describing were things I was experiencing BEFORE I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with depression. I love this drug!

I have been taking the generic WB sr 100 mg twice daily. The only side effects I had were the occasional headache which I realized was due to dehydration or lack of food because my appetite was lacking. This was a good thing since I was an emotional eater and had a weight issue. Now I feel great!

Maybe all of you have symptoms because the drug hasn't completely kicked in yet curing your depression or maybe you need to eat or drink more. I would seriously watch your hydration levels as this drug tended to dehydrate me a little but I needed to get in the habit of drinking water more anyways.

Everyone is different and reacts differently but I wouldn't discredit this drug right away without giving it a good chance.

My brother has been on this medication for 6 mths and has lost almost 30 lbs. We were both emotional eaters. I have lost 5 so far but it has only been 5 weeks. I feel MUCH better and like myself.

I know lots more positive cases but I'm sure they aren't reporting them because they have no need to complain. I wouldn't freak out from all the negatives. Again everyone is different but a small portion of people do have negative side effects. Its on the label. Maybe this forum is from the small portion.

My husband is a dentist and he said this drug is VERY common among patients so it can't be as terrible as this forum makes it out to be.

Just make sure you are in good health before you take it. And as it says on the label don't mix it with alcohol. Happy WBing!

PS There is also a big difference between the XL and the sr. I have heard a lot of negative things about the XL as far as more serious side effects, so if you are on it consider the sr. And I can't see a difference between generic and brand name. I would go with what fits your budget.

Hi,

I have noticed a lot going on since my last post. My moods are even more erratic and everything seems to piss me off. case in point- My husband told me tonight that he wanted to get a dog. I blew up at him and basically told him where to go, as I am stressed enough, juggle working from home, keeping a house, doing ALL chores and raising a rambunctious 4 year old- that I did not want to deal with this too-it was the icing on the cake, so to speak. I am so stressed out that I broke out in hives on my face a few hours after this argument. I have NO support system what so ever, and don't know where to turn. I started taking the budeprion 300 mg because I wanted to take something that would HELP me. Instead I feel like I have lost it totally. Has anyone else felt this effect? Not sure if the drug is part of the cause, or my personal circumstances- which are not good, or both. I thought I would feel a difference by now - it's been about 6 weeks since I started the budeprion . I would really like to know how long this drug has taken to work for anyone else.

Has anyone noticed any diminution in mental acuity? I sense that I am not as sharp and verbally dexterous as I was before going on Wellbutrin and this concerns me.

Hey, i have been taking cymbalta 60mg for almost a year now, when i started it was great, i am supposed to be on it only a while loonger, but i have noticed that i have like electric shock effects if i miss like one day, i don't know what this is, i was on welbutrin xl before this and it just made me feel detached from myself. is anyone else able to tell me that i am not crazy and this is normal or is it something more????

Hi,

I was quite relieved when I read some of your posts pertaining to the negative side effects of this drug.

I've been on XL for about a month and it has been horrible for me. I can relate to the excessive yawning. Everytime I get in my car, I feel like I am going to fall asleep and my eyes water.

However, the most disturbing side effect is the extreme anger and irrational behavior I have been experiencing. I have been yelling alot and flying off the handle. I have been getting so angry and that is very out of character for me. I feel worse off than I was without the drug.

I was simply depressed after my husband's death and this has made me feel crazy. I really can't afford to wait it out because I am the mother of a toddler. I can't continue this behavior as it is affecting my son. Has anyone else experienced this kind of adverse behavioral reaction???
Stephani

CASEY,
I am back on Cymbalta after a bad trial with Wellbutrin and I don't know what you mean by electric shock. However, I feel my heart beating really weird and it effects my vision at the same time. Kind of like I am going to just short out or my heart is going to stop beating!! It is a strange feeling but, all of my EKG's have come out fine. It only happens when I miss a day or two. Hope that helps.
Stephani

I have just finished switching from Effexor to Wellbutrin which was intended to increase my energy. I definitely feel more energetic, but I am extremely agitated and panicky. I have been experiencing a total loss of interest and a distaste for many things that I previously enjoyed. I seem to be triggered by everything, which is very different from my usual calm demeanor. I have read that people experience these types of symptoms for the first few months and then they settle down. Has anyone felt the way I am, and found that they felt better after sticking with it for a while? I didn't like Effexor that much, but it was a hell of a lot better then Wellbutrin is right now.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Hi All....I too am switching from Effexor (5 years) to Wellbutirn...I believe the side effects are mostly from coming off the Effexor..night sweats, nightmares, mood swings, tremors, brain zaps...not to mention just typing this is a challange...hands are working faster than my brain...I told my Doc. that I would like to quit smoking and go off the effexor...that's when he switched me to Well. It's only been a week but looking back on my life to the past 5 years...it seems that I have been in a heavy fog...no emotion...went through a divorce a year ago..after 20 years of being married and didn't even cry once...wow..I feel much clearer...I am reading a book about going on and getting off these med's..I suggest it be read..
"Your Drugs may be your problem" Dr.Breggin and Dr. Cohen. I'm starting to believe that these drugs permanantly damage our brains and make it worse in the long run...I'm glad I found this site...nice to know I'm not alone...I wish us all to someday have good times...

A friend of mine took this for a while. She had problems with nightmares, too. It got to the point where she prolonged going to bed at night. They reduced her dosage and the nightmares subsided slightly, but continued. They finally stopped when she switched to a different medication.

Hi all,

I can't tell you how relieved I am to find this site (and others like it). Like so many others who've posted here, I've had a horrifically bad reaction to Wellbutrin---one I never could have predicted. I've been on the 300 mg dose for 8 days.

SUMMARY OF MY EXPERIENCE:

I'd been taking Prozac for a two or three years and decided to switch to something else because of "anorgasmia" (delayed orgasm). Also it seemed as if it wasn't working as well as it used to. One of my girlfriends takes Wellbutrin (and certainly has no anorgasmia, as I can attest), so I decided to try it too.

Having already tapered off Prozac on my own a couple weeks before, I got an Rx for Wellbutrin from my regular doctor. He started me on 150mg for 7 days and then increased to 300mg. While taking the 150mg I didn't have any side effects to speak of.

About 2 days after starting the 300mg I began having CRUSHING headaches that lasted almost all day at various levels of severity. This went on for the next few days until the headaches started to wane by about Thursday. However, the headaches are still present and haven't gone away completely. On Prozac my headaches were virtually gone.

Along with the headaches I'm also feeling the jangly-nerve-brain thing that others have described as "brain shivers" or "brain zaps," dizziness, and even classic symptoms of depression that I don't remember feeling since before I went on Prozac---"psychomotor retardation" (moving slowly, feeling fatigued), anxiety, intense sadness, hopeless, and a sort of disturbing bewilderment.

But the WORST symptom, and the lowest point of being on Wellbutrin, came yesterday. The day before yesterday, Saturday, had been no different from the others. Same headache, same feeling that the Wellbutrin wasn't working, but nothing more. But when I woke up Sunday, oh my God: I had the CRYING JAG from Hell. It lasted 3 or 4 hours and never totally went away even that night. To understand how alarming this was for me, you need to know that (a) crying is not one of my usual symptoms for depression and (b) I didn't even have anything specific to cry about!

Another strange thing: A few times as I started sobbing and heaving from the sobs I would suddenly break into an uncontrollable yawn. Eh?!

After about 3 hours of on-and-off crying I went to my computer and tried to type out some REBT (Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy) self-help exercises to help myself cope with what was going on. But soon it morphed into an "if anyone finds this" document that I planned to attach to a suicide note if I ever had to write one. Bear in mind, I had no idea at this point that the Wellbutrin was causing the crying because I hadn't researched that side effect---only the headaches.

In all my years of depression, while I've certainly had suicidal thoughts or wishes that I'd die in a car accident or from an illness, I NEVER sat down, weeping, to write a suicide note or began to make concrete plans to do something like that. So to those who say, "Of course you felt suicidal and weepy, you're depressed! Give the Wellbutrin time." Uh-uh. Sorry. Ain't true. This never happened to me on Prozac, Effexor (which I took years before), the tricyclics (which I took in my early twenties), or Paxil (which I took in my later twenties).

This morning I had to go to work, and so far I've been able to suppress the urge to cry, but the urges have not gone away in the least. I also get really hopeless, anxious, bleak in my outlook---in short, symptoms of depression, but not symptoms that are usually a part of MY depression. And these symptoms get worse when I feel "the weeps" coming on again.

After reading the other posts on here, I've definitely decided to stop taking Wellbutrin and go back on Prozac. Being able to have a timely orgasm is no help if you're dead because you blew your brains out.

BTW, everyone, a psychiatrist told me today that you can take Viagra to combat the sexual side effects of Prozac (and possibly other SSRIs, but I didn't ask about the others). He said most family doctors aren't aware of this.

Thanks again to everyone who posted their experience on here. Now I know I'm not just a crazy anomaly and I have hope that I CAN make the crying jags and hopelessness stop by stopping the Wellbutrin. What a lifesaver.

I went in on the 3rd for a GYN visit. My GYN is also a FP. We were discussing birth control, and I admitted that my husband and I rarely have relations. About twice a month.. if that. Although she hasn't been my regular doctor (she is now) I felt comfortable talking to her. She asked me all kinds of questions and it was suggested that I take Wellbutrin for my depression/low sex drive/and anti-social tendencies. My pharmacy gave me the generic. So far I've only noticed a few things. One, I'm finally acting the way a young married woman should act (much to hubby's suprise), and secondly, I'm friggin hot and sweaty all the time. Usually I'm colder than hubby all the time. It's been a cool July, and yet I've been needing cold air on me frequently. I almost feel like I'm having hot flashes. I've got the fan on now, wearing a robe, and it's 73. Normally I'd be in full pjs and possibly a sweater at 73 degrees. I am feeling more able to spend time with our friends though, after a long time of them complaining that I was never around.
Reading some of the posts, hopefully I can look forward to decrease in spending habit, and weight loss would be the cherry on top. I've gained 50# in 4 years, and I'm tired of being tired.
Also, I've not noticed any irregularities in my heart rhythm. I've a hx of PVCs, PACs, and Tachycardia, but so far I'm not getting any of those. Thanks for the heads up though.

RE: Menses (periods)

I too noticed that my menses was early this month. I was expecting it the last week of the month, and instead I got it last week (unfortunately, that's the same time my inceased libido. What timing...). I didn't think anything of it, because the point of my visit had been to replace my birth control method, and the Depo was getting out of my system. Also, I've never been dead-on regular more than a few months.
I am on the generic Wellbutrin XL. I started at 150 for 3 days, and now have been taking 2 150s for 16 days.

Hi, I am on wellbutrin 150mg/day. It has been about 4weeks now and i have just really started to feel the side effects.. I felt the dizzness in the begining but now its a whole bunch of things such as severe dry mouth, major inc urination, dizziness, diahreah and constipation...etc....As for how its been working for me....I take it for ADD unlike most of you who posted here..It has defenantly helped with my anger outbursts, i am able to focus a bit more but i think that it will take more time on it to really help me focus more..

Hi, I just stumbled upon this site and am pretty relieved. Much like any medicine there are those who react really well, really badly, or not at all to it. I'm sorry to hear about all those who've had negative experienced with Wellbutrin. I myself have been on Lexapro and Zoloft in the past. I had some small reaction with Zoloft but it seemed to go away quite quickly.
I've now been on Wellbutrin XL 150MG for just slightly over 3 weeks now, and I am PRAYING that this stuff continues having these results. Within the first week I was noticing a difference in my motivation and mood, and within 2-3 weeks I couldn't believe how different I was feeling. I wasn't anxious, I started my class again and was motivated and able to concentrate amazingly well on text reading that normally puts me to sleep(literally), and have actually been working out and just feeling much better in general. So far I haven't had any negative reactions, I hope it stays that way! My doctor and I have decided to keep on the 150MG, I'm so hoping I finally found meds that actually work and will continue to work for me.

I am taking 100 mg of generic Wellbutrin a day in the morning, and I have noticed a more sensitive gag reflex. This is also a symptom of my high blood pressure medication, lisinopril, however, so I'm not sure which is causing it, or both.

To the person who loves the Wellbutrin XR but isn't sleeping, I had the same problem with XR and SR. Ask your doctor to switch you to the old-fashioned NON-sustained release Wellbutrin and you will be amazed at the difference. A colleague who has been taking it for years also cautioned never to take it past 10 am as it can cause insomnia.

I also have restless leg syndrome at night from Wellbutrin (another side effect), which sometimes makes it difficult for me to sleep. For this, I sometimes take Neurontin at night, which treates restless leg syndrome and causes drowsiness. It take about 2 hours to take effect, however, so take it earlier in the evening.

Thanks to the person who mentioned the difference between name brand and generic. I may try the name brand.

Regarding withdrawal symptoms from other drugs like lexapro (took that a few years ago, but it killed my sex drive), it is recommended you take prozac to ween you off drugs like lexapro and effexor (horrible withdrawal side effects of dizziness, nausea, flu like symptoms -- I missed work thinking I was sick!). I took generic Prozac for a few days and all side effects disappeared forever. Thank God!

PS I have been having weird irregular periods since taking Wellbutrin, despite being on the pill, which normally regulates me completely. I get break-through bleeding mid-month, and then a delay of one week after stopping the pills before my period will come. Am wondering if Wellbutrin should be considered as a possible suspect... thanks to the other woman who shared about this.

I started taking Wellbutrin over 10 years ago, right after the birth of my twins. That pregnancy, unknowingly, caused me to develop hypothyroidism. I was entirely depressed and cried often, probably due to major post-partum as well as the change in my thyroid. I started on thyroid meds and tried several antidepressants. When I finally tried Wellbutrin, it was almost immediately as though a weight was lifted off my shoulders and the world was in color again. I know it should take a couple of weeks to take affect, but it promptly let me breathe a sigh of relief.
I'm sure that I've had many side effects over the years that I haven't attributed to the Wellbutrin, but I praised its ability to give me relief. I've tried various forms...tried both the XL and the SR, tried different dosages, tried name brand and generic. I can't say that the XL and SR made noticeable differences in the two, but the generic quickly showed its stuff by not working nearly as well. I went that route because of insurance coverage, but went right back to the name brand regardless of the cost. Unfortunately, the insurance companies compare all generics with generic antibiotics and think that any and everyone should be able to take them as though they are some broad-spectrum drug, and charge you accordingly if you dare use the name brand. Soap box...sorry. Anyway, I've gotten to the point to where I think...at what point should you try to determine if you even need antidepressants in your life any longer? When do you try to wean off of them, or do you? Well, I've bitten the bullet and have reduced my dose for a couple of weeks now. I can't say that I’ve noticed any changes in much of anything other than being oddly drained and can’t get out of bed in the morning. We’ll see…

I have been on WBXL for four months. I haven't had problems until a week ago. The symptoms are my throat feels like its closing and like there is something in it even though I know there isn't. I feel like I have someone putting pressure on my chest. I keep thinking I'm going to have a freaking heartattack. I take something for my thyroid also. That and Wellbutrin combined shouldn't cause these problems. Only about three weeks ago the doctor put me on 450mg a day. I am wondering if I would just be better off taking 300mg. I had a urinary track infection this past weekend and had to take a antibiotic and pain meds. I am wondering if all of the medicines mixed is causing my heart to feel this weight on it and my throat closing up. I don't know but I feel like I'm going to freaking have a heartattack. I'm only 26years old. I have been annoyed easily lately and I am like a zombie at home. I don't talk to my kids, I don't play with them, I don't want to do anything or see anyone. I started taking this medicine to get rid of my depression and now I feel worse so much more worse. I have lost 15lbs but it's not worth feeling like this and being a crazy woman to my children. I haven't see many of you get any answers back from anyone. Just lots of people asking questions. I really hope someone could help me with this. I like to loose weight but I don't want to loose my mine. I need someone to write me back and help me. My doctor seems to think I have freakin' acid reflux....that ain't it. I have no burning in my chest and I've never had it before. He now has me takin' meds for my headaches, meds for my urinary track infections, meds for acid reflux, thyroid pills and the Wellbutrin. I never had these problems except for the thyroid in my whole dang life. I can't believe I even started to take the medicine. I was depressed but now it's worse. HELP ME.

I have been on WBXL for four months. I haven't had problems until a week ago. The symptoms are my throat feels like its closing and like there is something in it even though I know there isn't. I feel like I have someone putting pressure on my chest. I keep thinking I'm going to have a freaking heartattack. I take something for my thyroid also. That and Wellbutrin combined shouldn't cause these problems. Only about three weeks ago the doctor put me on 450mg a day. I am wondering if I would just be better off taking 300mg. I had a urinary track infection this past weekend and had to take a antibiotic and pain meds. I am wondering if all of the medicines mixed is causing my heart to feel this weight on it and my throat closing up. I don't know but I feel like I'm going to freaking have a heartattack. I'm only 26years old. I have been annoyed easily lately and I am like a zombie at home. I don't talk to my kids, I don't play with them, I don't want to do anything or see anyone. I started taking this medicine to get rid of my depression and now I feel worse so much more worse. I have lost 15lbs but it's not worth feeling like this and being a crazy woman to my children. I haven't see many of you get any answers back from anyone. Just lots of people asking questions. I really hope someone could help me with this. I like to loose weight but I don't want to loose my mine. I need someone to write me back and help me. My doctor seems to think I have freakin' acid reflux....that ain't it. I have no burning in my chest and I've never had it before. He now has me takin' meds for my headaches, meds for my urinary track infections, meds for acid reflux, thyroid pills and the Wellbutrin. I never had these problems except for the thyroid in my whole dang life. I can't believe I even started to take the medicine. I was depressed but now it's worse. HELP ME.

I've been taking generic WBXL(450 mgs) together with Lexipro (15mgs) for about 8 months. Recently I've begun to sweat incessantly. To make sure it was the antidepressants, I went off them for 3 days. The sweating stopped. I don't want to go off them because they've helped me unbelievably. However, I'm becoming very uncomfortable with these side effects. any suggestions???

Nikki, it sounds like you should get a second opinion, or ask if you can be worked off the meds to prove to your current doctor that it is the meds as you suspect.

I have been taking Wellbutrin SR 150mgs twice a day for almost 9 months. I am bipolar 2 and borderline. I quit smoking,even quit using cocaine (which have read it helps with that too) and lost a ton of weight. I was doing well with the spending and the reckless behavior. Sleeping like a normal person and not babbling about nothing. Now over the past 2 months Im a bit manic again. Im not depressed at all and Im thrilled about it. Im not smoking or using , im binge eating now and again. but the biggest issue is the irritability. Well, it's downright MEAN and RAGE. I'm getting waves of rage rushing through me and i snap at people very easily and i feel physically uneasy. My boyfriend calls me "mean mari in the morning" for upon waking up, it truly is the worst. Im usually a sweet, kind and gentle girl, so that's why I'm thinking it's a wellbutrin thing. any ideas?

Glad to see this post, and all the comments, with the exeception of a few, scare me. Have been on WB XL for one week for OCD/anxiety (prescribed by MD, who I am not sure understands) no effect yet, but diarrhea and urge to bowsel movement increasing. Any comments on this side effect. A bit embarrasing. Also, what is with this crying? Perhaps I have not been on it long enough. Help me out. I started WB because I can no longer go on with OCD/anxiety ruining my personal and social life. I though Hypnosis might help, but MD dismissed. Comments on the above?

Wow, I too am so glad to have found this forum and to know that some of my side effects are normal! I have been on WBXL 300 (non-generic) for about 4 months now and have had some frustrating side effects. I had my thyroid removed about a year ago and am taking synthroid. I have been losing weight by intensly exercising (60 minutes of running/walking or fast biking 6 days a week plus weights 5 days a week, plus aquafit 2 days a week and other random things). I was over 300 lbs and am currently in the low-mid 200s. I went through a really bad breakup four months ago, got tested and diagnosed with depression and was put on Wellbutrin. Suddenly my weight loss has STOPPED DEAD. It is so frustrating as I exercise like CRAZY and I stay the same no matter what I do. At first I thought it was just a plateau, but it has lasted 4 months now and I have done all kinds of things to vary my routine, so I'm starting to suspect it's the Wellbutrin, even though I know most people lose weight on it (it feels a bit unfair actually...). I wonder how much I would have gained if I didn't work out the way I do.

I have also found that I am incredibly consitpated and sweat profusely. At first I had literal hot flashes about an hour after I took the pill. Those have stopped, but I notice I sweat 3 to 4 times as much as I used to (I am SOAKED by the end of my workouts, which I never was before). I have started taking bisacodyl for the constipation, but worry about becomming "dependent" on it. Like others, I also had a lot of breakthrough bleeding a week before my period, which I also have never had before.

What's more concerning is my terrible insomnia and fatigue. I am exhausted in the evening when I get home from work and tend to be groggy during the day, but even if I manage to stay up and not fall asleep in the early evening, suddenly I can't sleep at night when I DO go to bed. I have been falling asleep around 3 am and it's really screwing up my life (almost more than the depression was in my humble opinion). If I do fall asleep when I get home, I wake up around 11 and don't usually fall asleep again until 4 or 5 am. After reading your posts, I am starting to think this may all be due to the Wellbutrin, but I've only been on for 4 months and I know my doctor wants me on for at least 6. I guess I don't really have any questions, but I'm sure the venting will make me feel a BIT better! :)

Hi all,
I was wondering if anyone knows WHY people say not to prescribe to someone who has an eating disorder? what does it do? I have previously had an eating disorder (6 years ago) and was wondering what the concern is about that... any ideas?

ps i also feel like crap... nausea, headaches, dizziness, sweating and sleeping issues, but am willing to give it a go and stick it out for 6 weeks or so. (am at end of week 2 - 150mg WXL in addition to 100mg Zoloft, which i have been taking for 12 years now)

SR VS. XL?

I HAVE BEEN TAKING THE GENERIC WB 300mg XL AND WAS JUST BUMPED TO THE WB 400mg SR. I HAD BEEN TAKING THE GENERIC FORM OF THE 300XL FOR THE PAST 6-7 MONTHS AND FELT NO MOVEMENT EMOTIONALLY. I HAVE BEEN TAKING THE WB 400mg SR, (THE BRAND THIS TIME) AND WHILE I FEEL MORE ENERGY AND A BIT MORE CLEAR EMOTIONALLY, ITS EFFECTS SEEM TO "WEAR OFF" ABOUT 8PM. MY DOCTOR ASKED ME TO TAKE IT IN THE AM, BOTH TABLETS, INSTEAD OF 8 HOURS APART. HE WANTED TO DO A SLIGHT INCREASE FOR A MONTH TO SEE THE REACTION. IT HAS ALWAYS SUPRESSED MY APPETITE. SINCE I WENT ON THE WB SR 400mg I GET THESE FOOD CRAVINGS EVERY NIGHT ABOUT 10 OR 11PM. ITS NOT BAD FOOD CRAVINGS, ITS LIKE YOGURT, DRY CEREAL, ETC. LAST WEEK, I DID CRAVE ICE CREAM, AND I NEVER WANT ICE CREAM. I WAS REALLY ANGRY. WHY IS THIS MAKING ME LIKE THIS? TOTALLY OUT OF CHARACTER. I TRY TO DRINK WATER TO FILL MYSELF UP. I FEEL LIKE I AM GRAZING EVERY NIGHT. THIS IS ON THE BRAND. WHEN I WAS ON THE GENERIC WB XL 300mg I NEVER FELT THIS! 2 YEARS AGO WHEN I COULD AFFORD THE BRAND WB 300XL I REMEMBER NOT HAVING FOOD ISSUES EITHER. DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ME OR HAS ANYONE EXPERIENCED THIS THEMSELVES? pERHAPS I SHOULD BE SWITCHED FROM THE WB 400mg SR BRAND TO THE WB 450mg XL BRAND? IT'S ONLY A 50MG DIFFERENCE, AND THE 100 MG, HAS MADE ME FEEL BETTER! MINUS THE GRAZING AND INSOMINIA. WHICH, THE INSOMINIA I COULD USE A BIT OF ADVICE ON TOO... AFTER ALL, IT IS LIKE 3:15 AM..
THANKS FOR ANY ADVICE, IT WOULD REALLY BE HELPFUL!!

I STARTED WBXR 4 DAYS AGO AND HAVE NOTICED THE TINGLING SENSATIONS/ NERVE SENSATIONS AT INTERVALS. GOTTA TELL YOU " NOT fUN" HOPING THE S/EWILL DISAPATE. I FEEL CALMER, MORE ENERGETIC AND MORE IN CONTOL OF LIFE!

I STARTED WBXR 4 DAYS AGO AND HAVE NOTICED THE TINGLING SENSATIONS/ NERVE SENSATIONS AT INTERVALS. GOTTA TELL YOU " NOT fUN" HOPING THE S/EWILL DISAPATE. I FEEL CALMER, MORE ENERGETIC AND MORE IN CONTOL OF LIFE!

I STARTED WBXR 4 DAYS AGO AND HAVE NOTICED THE TINGLING SENSATIONS/ NERVE SENSATIONS AT INTERVALS. GOTTA TELL YOU " NOT fUN" HOPING THE S/EWILL DISAPATE. I FEEL CALMER, MORE ENERGETIC AND MORE IN CONTOL OF LIFE!

I stopped taking Wellbutrin 300 mg a couple of weeks ago. I had weened myself off of them in the month or so previous. What I am wondering is can the quitting effect my menstrual cycle? I am usually never late but now find myself over a week late. I have had a tubal ligtation so pregnancy should be very unlikely. I was just curious if anyone else had ever had similar problems after they stopped taking Wellbutring.

As a note to one of the other posters about eating disorders - specifically I think they mean bulimics. Wellbutrin can have a bad heart side effect with bulimics so they don't give it to known bulimics.

Generic Wellbutrin made me horribly sick for months...dizzy, exhausted...just plain ill. When I went to dr. for sickness he correctly diagnosed generic Wellbutrin. I began immediately brand name WXL 300 and within two days felt wonderful. Now my insurance won't pay for brand name WXL because there is a generic available which I cannot take. The only thing I can take is Cymbalta because it does not have a generic. So yesterday I was on WXL 300 and today began Cymbalta 20. I am very worried about if there will be sexual side effects. I took Zoloft years ago and did have the side effects. Is Cymbalta 20 the same as WXL 300? Will Cymbalta cause the lack or sexual desire or orgasm?

Thanks

Question for any of you who take several different antideppressants together ...Why did you and your Dr. decide to do that? I have read on a bulletin board that when one person added prozac to the wellbutrin the side effects of the WB went away. That sounds very interesting to me because the side effects are making me crazy! Yet the WB is working (for my depression) better than the prozac or lexapro did.
I hate to medicate even more, but the last conversation I had with my DR. about the side effects ended with 3 new Rx's for headaches, insomnia, and constipation. I haven't filled any of them because I am not comfortable masking problems with more meds.
I am also feeling that the WB does have an effect hormonally...each month my bleeding is heavier, my pms can be wicked (but not always) and I have noticed more facial hair and thinning hair (not enough to stop WB...but I'm not happy). I think it may effect testosterone (yes, women have testosterone too). Increased sex drive, weight loss, hair loss, facial hair, more aggressiveness (think pms)...all due to testosterone. Any thoughts on that one? I'll be asking my obgyn but I don't expect an informed answer.

Oh...one more thing. The WORST month of my life was the month I took the generic for my WBXL 300. I won't make that mistake again!

Hi All,

I have been taking wxl 450mg for about 8 weeks now. I was wondering if anyone else has this side effect:
Clintching teeth? During the day when I am concentrating on something, I realize that I am bearing down really hard on my teeth. Sometimes it is to the point of my jaws hurting. Has anyone else had this to occur?

Hello,

I have been taking generic wellbutrin for 10 days and still have these awfull side effects. I feel like I am in a cloud and dizzy. I feel sad and irritable. I know side effects can last a couple of weeks but shouldn't I feel them diminish by now?

Hey folks-

Curious, i know exactly what you're talking about. WB XL has given me ridiculous driving anxiety & while sitting at a red light, i'll often realize that i've been clenching/gritting my teeth. the same thing happens at night from time to time & my jaw hurts.

here's my issue: i *was* on WB XL 300 mg for about 6 months starting in Jan. Lamictal was added in Feb. i had very few side effects the first time i was on it - some anxiety (weird b/c i'm never anxious), some tremors, insomnia, etc - but that all went away. i stopped taking WB b/c i still felt meh. i was able to get out of bed, but i still hated life.

my doc put me back on WB XL (150mg then 300mg) 3 weeks ago b/c Lamictal alone wasn't doing too great. now i'm having terrible side effects: uncontrollable shaking, insomnia, horrendous anxiety, random crying fits. i sometimes cry so much & so hard i feel like i'm hyperventilating. i don't know if i can handle this much longer. has anyone ever gone off of it & started back up? how was it for you?

whew, that was long. i think i need a nap. thanks!

Hi everybody,

I have been taking 150mg Wb on the first week and then I get to 300mg. I have to stop it because I noticed that I was pregnant. I leave the pills without getting down the dose and I dont get any troubles by doing that, but I continue my visit to the dr. A month ago I lost my baby and I get in a really bad state, so the dr. decide to start again with the first week on 150mg and then to 300mg but for the XL. Now Im having troubles, but Im not sure if this have to do with the Wb. Im constipated, a headache that stay for hours,the feeling to have a heart stroke. Those are the worst of all. Im note sure if thishave to be because now i have the XL Wb which the dr. say it's stronger, or if are because of the pills that im taking for natal control wich is named jazmin. I need to know to see how I should proceed? pLEASE I will be very gratefull.

I took the brand name 150mg WB XL for one week. I seemed to be doing better on the brand name 150 mg dosage. My doctor then had me start on 300mg. My insurance would really only pay for the generic. The brand name is quite expensive. I also take 40mg Prozac. I took Paxil for about 4 years but was advised to switch by a fertility specialist. I did well on Paxil and the withdrawal was awful. I have been on the 300mg generic WB XL for about 11 days. I have been having serious crying jags. I experienced dizziness, numbness & tingling in my extremities. I seem to still feel a lot of anxiety. I can barely eat. I take Ambien CR to help me sleep, but I wake up at around 3AM and can't go back to sleep. I nearly fall asleep driving to work and I'm very tired all morning. I've been reading on this forum that it may take 3 or 4 weeks for any anti-depressant to work. I don't know how much more of this I can stand. Has anyone had these side effects & they went away after a period of time? This is a great forum to know that I am not alone.

I am wondering if anyone has any advice for me, I posted a question on August 10th, 2007 it was # 186. I had to switch from the brand name to the generic form of Wellbutrin SR 400mg because of insurance and cost factors. My doctor said there would be no diference in the Wellbutrin SR 400mg vs. the 450mg of the XL if I wanted to switch. He said they only came out with the extended release formula because thay were running out of the patent on the SR formula. My fears are that I don't want any weight gain as I have experienced before with antidepressants. I seem so anxious at times during the day, like over stupid things. I need to relax. Can anyone relate? While I am feeling better, I don't feel calm ,as i should. I also would like to go to sleep at a decent hour. 5- 6 hours of sleep in 2 days isnt good on anyones body. Please any advice????

It's been interesting reading all the comments and Wellbutrin and Cymbalta. I was on Wellbutrin for 4 years with wonderful results and no side effects...it was prescribed because I was diagnosed with major depression. Recently it just stopped working...over a period of weeks I could just feel all the old symptoms returning. First trip to the doctor, he upped it from 300mg to the full 450mg...did nothing for me after 2.5 months. Last week he put me on Cymbalta beginning with 30mg for two weeks and increasing to 60mg after that. So far no side effects from the Cymbalta, but I did have some withdrawal symptoms from the Welllbutrin...more like a feeling that my blood sugar dropped overnite...this went on for about two weeks and would last thru half of the day. Finally has cleared up.

As far as the Cymbalta, it has taken away the depression and anxiety within the first week, but the tiredness and achiness are still present. My doctor said to give it a full two weeks for it to have it's full effects.

I have nothing bad to say about the Wellbutrin. After having been on it for 4 years, just like any other medication I am sure my system adjusted to it and like many antibiotics do, it became less effective. I only hope that I have as much luck with the Cymbalta as I did with Wellbutrin.

It's been interesting reading all the comments and Wellbutrin and Cymbalta. I was on Wellbutrin for 4 years with wonderful results and no side effects...it was prescribed because I was diagnosed with major depression. Recently it just stopped working...over a period of weeks I could just feel all the old symptoms returning. First trip to the doctor, he upped it from 300mg to the full 450mg...did nothing for me after 2.5 months. Last week he put me on Cymbalta beginning with 30mg for two weeks and increasing to 60mg after that. So far no side effects from the Cymbalta, but I did have some withdrawal symptoms from the Welllbutrin...more like a feeling that my blood sugar dropped overnite...this went on for about two weeks and would last thru half of the day. Finally has cleared up.

As far as the Cymbalta, it has taken away the depression and anxiety within the first week, but the tiredness and achiness are still present. My doctor said to give it a full two weeks for it to have it's full effects.

I have nothing bad to say about the Wellbutrin. After having been on it for 4 years, just like any other medication I am sure my system adjusted to it and like many antibiotics do, it became less effective. I only hope that I have as much luck with the Cymbalta as I did with Wellbutrin.

I am on generic XL, 300, and generic Zoloft 100, and have been for a few months. The only side effect I am having is sweating. Any time I even slightly think about sweating, it's buckets. So yucky. Thoughts about how to deal with it??

I have a question for all you WB users. I have been on WBXL 150mg for three days now. Anxiety seems to have quelled, but today I got extremely nauseated and threw up several times have been sick and shaky feeing all day (since about 11:30 am)I take it at breakfast. Is this a fluke or has anyone else had this happen.
Kent

I have also been prescribed Wellbutrin for Attention Deficit Disorder. I have only been on it for two weeks, but have noticed the impulsivity drastically reduced. I do not crave caffiene or sugar the way I used to. I do not have tons of thoughts swirling around in my head as much, so I am much better able to focus. SOcial interaction with people is better too, probably the result of less anxiety. I have not had side effects yet, except for a little dizziness one day. I was irritable yesterday, but could have been due to hormones. Thanks for the posts, I will definitely switch from generic if side effects occur. I would love to hear from others who are on Wellbutrin for ADD. Thanks!

I have gotten hives and wheals all over my body. My hands and feet swell. Has anyone else had this happen to them. I am not sure if it is the medication. I am on 150mg twice a day.

I have been taking wellbutrin xl for 3 months, 350 mg a day. Within the past 2 weeks I have begun to feel "scattered", having difficulty getting the words I want to say, feeling frustrated. Has anyone had this problem?

I've been on cymbalta for 6 months and my sex drive was nill. Doc put me on welbrutin and said to cut cymbalta by half and wean into the wellbutrin. OK fine..but now I'm crying like I was before any meds and agitated more than ever.. Is this normal- how long before I'm dried-eyed and not a biotch.

I started taking 150mg of wellbutrin XL about 3 weeks ago. I has made all the difference in the world for me. I was bumped up to 300mg, filled the prescription, and took it for a week. What a difference. The brain fog returned, I'm lethargic and tired all the time.

They still don't have a generic for the 150mg, so I'm going back on that.

Please check the orange book from the FDA, It has a listing of all generic and brand name drugs available in the USA. Here is what I found. Wellbutrin is the brand name, brupropion is the generic, and then there is budeprion, a third generation of the brand name drug. Perhaps this is why it does not work like the other 2.

So, has anyone had problems with body odor? I generally do not have a problem with smelly armpits, but since taking this medication I am repulsed by the smell of my own underarms! I am not sweating any more than usual, just smelly.

Has anyone had any withdrawal symptoms after having taken 300mg of WB for only 4 weeks? I don't think it's going to work for me & the side effects are too weird. If it helped, I could deal with the side effects. Not sure if I need to taper down to 150mg before quitting. I previously posted a comment on 8/24.

wellbutrin xl 300mg works great take it the same time every moring and give it a chance it has worked so far for me, remember same time every morning and dont crush or chew the tablet you'll screw your self up bad

Hello All!!

Thank you for your responses the information has helped me to learn more about the side affects of WXL. Now I know that what I am experiencing is routine for this drug.

For those of you who are feeling slugish or tired, ask your doc about Adderal. I had taken it breifly and it was great for my energy level and my focus here is a fact sheet.
http://add.about.com/cs/medications/a/medfactsheet1_2.htm

Also, if you can add an exercise routine to your day it will reduce the insomnia considerably.

Please let me know if these suggestions help you as they have helped me.

Happy Health,
Curious

I'm taking WBXL 300mg a day, in the AM. I'm also having "postural hypotension," which is dizziness and lightheadedness when standing up. Has anyone had this side effect with WB? I dont know if it is related to the Wellbutrin.

Thanx in advance for any responses.

Steve

i was wondering if anyone here who had taken Wellbutrin had experienced a side effect such as achey muscles in their neck and shoulders? My whole body has ached since i started to take the medicine and that as been about a week @ 150mg once a day, tomorrow i start at 300 mg...does anyone suggest a time of day to take it that is better than another? i tried last year to take it and found that taking it before bed was the best result for me, and this time i have been taking it in the afternoon and have these side effects now like aching and headaches in the afternoon...

After reading through the posts I switched my 300mg doses from bedtime to morning. I am sleeping slightly better through the night but I am and have been very sluggish and achy through the day. My neck hurts a lot. I still am having B.O. issues. My stomach hurts a lot through the day as well. Basically, I just feel like crap all around. I think I have been on Wellbutrin for about 3 weeks now.

This may have been mentioned already and I apologize for not reading all the posts. I have been on 150mg for 4 days now and I am supposed to go up to 300 here in about 3 days but Im not sure if i'll be able to handle it. My most major side effect is what feels like blood rushing/surging/pulsing?? through my veins in my head and down my arms into my hands periodically throughout the day. What I find strange is that I can cause that sensation to occur without fail by moving my eyes from left to right very quickly. I was on Wellbutrin before several years ago but I don't think the dosage was this high and never had this problem. I am also switching to Wellbutrin from Effexor which I got off of specifically for the strange "buzzing" sensations it would cause.
So not sure if anyone has any similar experience with this or has any idea on how to reduce this sensation. It makes it very hard to concentrate during the day at work as I feel like I am only about 25% really "here".
Thank you

I'm new to this board. In the past I've always gone to another forum. I was googling my issue and came across this page and related to a lot of things I read. I was wondering if anybody else experienced issues with taking painkillers (norco) with antidepressants. I've been on wellbutrin 300xl and lexapro 20mgs for over 3 years and was relieved from my anxiety and depression from them (with the exception of that time of the month) over a year ago I got in a car accident and had extensive nerve damage and sciatic pain so I've been on norco daily since then and been okay. However in the last 10 days or so I've been feelin extremely tired, anxious, dry mouth, dehydrated and depressed. I thought it was a bug but now I'm questioning whether or not its burnout from my meds. I was wondering if anybody has experienced this after so long and if anybody has had experience with pain meds counteracting the antidepressants. I also am on methatrexate for scleroderma that came out of remission after the accident so needless to say my body has a lot going on. I'm just wondering if the way I'm feeling is from my anxiety (since it seems kinda familiar) or if I have something else going on. Obviously, I will call my dr about all of this Monday morning but in the meantime I was hoping to hear some opinions. Ita always better to feel not so all alone. My dr had said before that I was already at kinda a high dose for lex and wellbutrin so I just feel stuck.

PS- sorry so long, I'm just lookin for somebody to understand

I've been on wellbutrin XL, 300mg for almost 4 months now and I don't really like it anymore. The one thing it has helped with is that it took away my cigarrette cravings which is awesome!

However my depression and anxiety are not really any better and I think the reason for that is because the drug makes me so damn tired and logey all the time. I have feelings of being light headed and dizzy and all I want to do is sleep. Feeling like this can cause your anxiety and depression to heighten.

I am going to ask my Dr. reduce it down to 150mg and eventually stop taking it. It's just way too strong for me.

I am 35 years old, and have had Depression, anxiety, and some OCD issues my whole life. It got worse in my late twenties. I even had a 'breakdown' and lost a great job. However, I have no history of psychosis, bipolar, or mania. I have friends with bipolar and schizotypal disorders, and recognize their problems as different from my own.

Anyway, it took a long time to get back on track, but I have a good psychiatrist, and I work and go to nursing school. For a while I wasn't taking any meds at all and felt fine. But I was a smoker, and I couldn't quit. Zyban was not a high enough dosage.

So I am back on Wellbutrin XL 300mg a day. I desperately want to quit smoking, and it does the trick. But other problems are creeping up that are really distressing to me.

I am always hungry and have gained sooo much weight, which is making me depressed.

I had to rent 'Saving Private Ryan' a few weeks ago to try to make myself cry, because it is very hard to cry.

Sometimes I feel energized and really sleepy during the day, if that even makes sense.

My house is a mess. I mean like, a big mess. I can't seem to get motivated to clean it up.

I can't fall asleep until very late at night, and I am drowsy in the AM when I have to get to work.

But the most embarassing part is that I have been preoccupied and obssesing about exboyfriends. And I mean EXboyfriends. Guys I haven't seen in 6-10 years.

I am trying to look them up online, I sent two of them emails. This is not me. It is embarassing. If someone I hadn't talked in 5 years sent me an email I would think they were weird.

I know this sounds like I am really weak, but when I stopped Wellbutrin in the past, I started smoking again. I am being really honest here, and I know if I taper off I will be smoking a pack a day within 6 weeks.

Sometimes I think I would be better off being a smoker than making such a fool of myself. I just don't know what to do. I am too embarassed to tell my psychiatrist some of this stuff. And everyone (my family) thinks I'm doing so well, because I have excellent grades in school, a job, and friends (I just haven't invited them over for awhile.

I know I am going on and on, but the other thing is, why do I feel so much better at night? Every night I tell myself that I will get up and clean, and exercise (I used to run) and that I will cut back on the Wellbutrin and not smoke, and in the morning I feel awful again. And if you met me at school, or at work, you would think I was totally fine.
It is very complicated.

SS-New York

I'm so glad some of you have posted about Wellbutrin's possible effects on your periods. I have been on Wellbutrin XL 150 for about 3 months now and was late during the first month and then early the next 2 months, even though I am on birth control pills and am very regular. I wondered what was going on, but never thought it could have anything to do with the Wellbutrin. For those of you with this effect on your periods, please keep us updated as to whether or not it continues.

I'm on B XL 300mg/day. Came to this site looking for posts about clenching teeth problems and have read a few people have same issue. This is an unfortunate side effect which for me seems to be much worse in the evening or at least I notice it more in the evening. However it's a side effect I can live with since my mood has gotten a lot better (I'm bi-polar). I've been on the med for about 8 weeks. I also take prozac, lamictal, buspar, and seroquel.

I too have had an AWFUL experience with the generic (budeprion). After 3 great months of the brand my insurance decided to switch me to generic. I couldn't figure out why I was gaining and gaining weight despite running 4-5 days a week, I was so fatigued, irritable, and felt like I was in a fog. It also reaked havic on my menstural cycle. Along with awful PMS and I was three weeks late, then I had my period again in 2 weeks, then it skipped a month. All my depression symptoms had returned. After a little online research, I finally put two and two together and realized it was probably the generic wellbutrin. I had my doc write me a new brand necessary prescription. I'm now back on the brand 300XL. It's been about 2 weeks and despite a little dry mouth and stomach pains I'm feeling so much better. I have energy again and I feel like I'm happy again. I'm hoping it also can help reverse the awful weight gain I had from the budeprion as well.

I recently started taking wellbutrin XL- 150 mg. Since I started taking it my resting heart rate went from 60 to around 80. I'm an athlete and work out 6 days a week. During my workouts my heart rate is up around 160. Is this normal? And, is this safe. Please let me know ASAP.

Thaks

on 9/1/07 i suffered a grand mall seizure because of taking
wellbutrin. it has been documented by the hospital, my primary care doctor and a
neurologist. in the process of
having the seizure, i injured my left shoulder and have been in severe pain. i ca't function on my job. i think i am going to be forced to give up my job and file bankrupcy. wellbutrin raises your chance for seizure as you get older.
stay away from it.

my dr. prescribed me wellbutrin SR and the pharmacy dispensed the generic budeprion automatically. my first 3 days on it were AWFUL. i cried pretty much the whole time, had suicidal thoughts, extreme anxiety, could not stand to be alone anywhere, excessive sweating (soaked through my clothes) and tremors. i also had a lot of trouble focusing on ANYTHING, and for the first time in my life, I had trouble speaking. it was terrible.

i talked to my dr. and have been taking the brand name xl version for 6 days now (150mgs/day). i've had dry mouth, on and off. the worst side effect for me is my stomach pain and nausea. also ,when i had my usual cup of coffee in the morning with my wellbutrin - the combination left me in the bathroom every 15 minutes or so. i guess caffeine doesn't mix well with this drug.

on day 6, my stomach is still aching a little, but it's not too bad as long as i keep drinking some tea and make sure i have food in my stomach. other than that, i'm definitely feeling sharper, more aware, and able to concentrate on tasks at hand. i gave a presentation for the first time last night without having a panic attack!

i am going to stick with 150mgs for a few more weeks and see how i do. id say, generally, that the positives outweigh the negatives for now, but i hope more of the negatives will go away once this med levels out in my system.

good luck to all of you! get well soon! :)

i've been taking effexor 150mg each day......then my doctor added 150 of wellbutrin xl......i have been feeling very hot and this is all above my neck. my hair at my neckline sweats and also my upper lip....its uncomfortable for those around me because i have to have a/c most of the time...i've only been on this combination for 4 weeks...will this go away....i haven't seen many posts about sweating

I started taking Wellbutrin XL after the birth of my daughter 4 years ago. It took a while to kick in but worked pretty well. My regular doctor decided to switch me to Prozac, which did not work. Then he switched me to Zoloft which made me suicidal. He also put me on another I can't remember, maybe Paxil. I asked him to put me back on Wellbutrin and have been fine on that. I take 300 mg of XL every day. I am fine as long as I take my dose on time. There has been a few times I have been out and couldn't afford to refill and that was a nightmare. Please don't go off by yourself. You feel like you have the flu all the time and the depression and anxiety come back 300 fold. It was horrific. My mother suffers from bipolar so I am guessing it is genetic. Just the other day I missed a dose...and started having panic attacks. Heart racing etc. It is horrible. I took my medication again but they are still happening. That ususally does not happen.

Another thing, I noticed that before I could have a glass of wine while on the medication, not together of course. But now...if I drink alcohol at any point, the next day I feel like someone ran over my head with a truck. I have flu syptoms for a few days. Not worth it. That is odd to me that it just started affecting me after 3 years. Also...more advice on not taking this at night... if you do, whenever you wake up to roll over or whatever, you can not fall asleep. Your mind will race and you can't put it asleep. Sometimes I get only 4 hrs of sleep. Many days I have very little sleep on this med. That also is new for me. Now if that is happening, I will skip the dose till the morning and I will sleep too long...almost till noon. Just odd.

I also have no sex drive any more...that seems new too.

Is anyone else out there on this for a long time and starting to experience other symptoms? New to them?

Hi I've been on Wellbutrin 100sr for 3 weeks now. Dr. just increased me to 150. At 1st I felt better, then I started to have the spaced out feeling & sweats & chills. Now I have muscle aches, bone pain, headaches & still have the spaced out feeling. Also I have absolutely no appetite. I basically just eat junk food because it tastes good & I'm not hungry. I'm also congested so I'm not sure if I have a cold or if it's a side effect. I called in to work yesterday because I felt so miserable. How long for you all before the s/e went away?? I know for some of you it was about a month which gives me about another week to be miserable. Also, I am on the generic & thinking about switching to brand name since you all seem to think there is a difference. Maybe that would help lessen my side effects. A dose increase that is much higher is not an option since I am bipolar & my doc does not want me to go into mania. Thanks!

Jenny

I have been on Wellbutrin XL 300mgs for a month now. I am pleased with this medication so far. However, since switching my medication to morning time, I get more sleep but still not enough as I would like. I am still depressed most of the time but I am much better off now than when I had just started the medication.

Hi,
I was on Prozac for 5 years, forgot a bunch of doses over a 2 week period in February and spun into a terrible depression very quickly. Decided to try a different med when this happened because the loss of sex drive was really not doing my marriage good. Went onto Wellbutrin and had some of the side effects, but knew that they'd pass. Wound up adding Celexa to the mix about two or three weeks in due to an irritable/violent streak I'd say. So, since March I was on wellbutrin XL 300 and 20mg celexa. Gained 20 pounds, was drinking excessively (self medicating?). Now I just met with shrink and we are stopping the wellbutrin tomorrow. All at once. I am kind of concerned about this- shouldn't I taper off? I am staying on the regular dose of celexa while doing this. Anyone stop wellbutrin in this way (on an SSRI while stopping)? What can I expect?

I've been taking Wellbutrin XL for over a year now. I started with just 150mg the first week then went up to 300mg. I had the typical side effects (humming in the ears and a slight nervous energy and no appetite) but the change I felt was worth it. I saw imediate results in my energy level and I wasn't supressing my emotions any longer - I could actually cry and feel better after instead of just feeding my despair. I was vastly improved from my previous state, but I still got depressed regularly. I just had the energy to deal with my issues instead of doing nothing, I got a much better job and even went back to school. I recently hit a plateau and my Dr. told me to up my dose again. Now I take 450mg a day and I have not heard of many people taking this much. At first everything was wonderful, I was so happy and at peace there wasn't any kind of struggle inside to keep my grip on myself, I have since started having some very strange side effects. I'll feel lightheaded and weak and jittery at the same time. I don't get upset anymore over petty things, but I'm worried that I could be taking too much and that really stinks because I don't want to take something that makes me feel like a zombie. Has anyone had these kinds of side effects?

Jenny, yes there is a difference between generic and Wellbutrin - I read that there are 3 subtypes of the drug and Wellbutrin had a mix of all of them? That could be totally bogus though! Wellbutrin is very expensive though, so if you can afford it, take it. As for your s/e's I never felt bone and muscle aches, but my appetite has been effected, which I kind of like because I have lost weight. Goo luck to you!
Kay

Hi, all:

To all of those who puzzled about Wellbutrin, generics, SR, XL, and how they all fit together: I'm a pharmacist, as well as a patient.

Wellbutrin is GlaxoSmithKline's brand name for bupropion. There are other manufacturers of buproprion, who may use their own brand names, such as Budeprion, or they may just use the generic name. Bupropion comes in 3 release types: regular, which need to be taken at least 3 times a day; SR or similar twice-a day formulations; and XL or similar once-a day formulations. Wellbutrin brand commes in all 3 forms, and at least 1 generic manufacturer makes each of the forms, as well, though perhaps not in every dosage strength. I'm currently taking a generic form of the 300mg XL.

Government standards keep the amount of drug within 5% of the stated strength, and standards regulate the closeness of drug release between the branded and generic products. Ideally, they would be identical, but sometimes patients are very sensitive to slight strength differences, to different food colorings, binders, etc., so you may respond better to one brand than another. Sometimes a generic is better for a given individual than the big brand, sometimes vice versa, and for most it doesn't make much difference.

Regarding sexual side effects: Bupropion is a useful add-on for many people to counteract the sexual side effects of SSRIs. However, some people need to clear all the SSRI out of their systems for bupropion to improve sexual function. I'm one of these: bupropion eventually improved my sexual function above my unmedicated level, but it didn't do anything for me until the SSRI I was being switched from was completely gone.

Nobody really knows why, but all antidepressants take 2-4 weeks to really kick in. As near as we can figure out, it's not just the drug that helps the depression, but all the adjustments your brain makes to the drug, the adjustments it makes to the adjustments, and so on. Because of all the interlaced adjustments, it is rare for a missed dose or two to have a major effect on your overall mood. Withdrawal rebound depression typically doesn't show up till 4-21 days after you stop cold, depending on how long your drug lasts in the body. (Withdrawal, as I'm using it here, doesn't mean you are addicted to the medicine. It just means your body has adapted to the drug and it isn't happy if the medicine is suddenly gone. If you work in a foundry and suddenly go outside, you'll feel cold even if it's 70F outside, until you readjust.)

Because the drug takes a while for its full effect, you may get side effects (often transient) before you start getting any benefit from the drug. Also, there may be a transition period when the antidepressant is starting to work, but it hasn't finished with all the adjustments, yet. For example, you may have started to have more energy, but not yet to feel better, so you start griping and crabbing at the people you live with. I try to warn my patients about this possibility, and ask them to warn their loved ones about it, so they will know it is a transient phase that actually indicates that the drug is starting to work. (Everyone needs to have patience with each other at this time, but it is easier if they know that it's partly the drug talking.)

If you do get an antidepressant that works, and you are not experiencig intolerable side effects, DON'T stop taking it just because you are feeling better. If you stop sooner than 6-12 months, you run the risk of having a relapse, even if you have tapered down really slowly to avoid a withdrawal rebound. If everything has been going well for the last 6 months, then you can discuss with your doctor whether you are a good candidate to stop the medication at this time. I can't count the number of patients who have stopped 3-4 months after starting an antidepressant, then showed up in misery 2 months later to start all over again. Stopping too soon not only puts you at risk of a relapse, but next time the same medication may not be as effective.

Crissy:
As far as the depression is concerned, you may do just fine going off the Wellbutrin quickly, since you are staying on the Celexa. You'll need to let your shrink know if you do have any problems.

You may or may not have any return of the sexual side effects. As SSRIs go, Celexa and its close relative Lexapro are pretty low in the sexual side effects department, but they can happen. If your SSRI does cause sexual side effects, one option that works for many people is to take a low-moderate dose of prompt-acting bupropion 30-60 minutes before intercourse. You are probably a good candidate, since the Celexa/Wellbutrin combination didn't seem to cause such problems for you before.

Kay: These symptoms sound like you may have a dose that's just a bit high for you. If they don't go away in a reasonable length of time, like a month or 2 and continue to bother you, or if they get worse, you may want to talk to your doctor to discuss an intermediate dosing schedule, such as alternating your current dose with the next one down.

Wow! thanks so much Judy for your reply - I think you're right about it being too high. I have been alternating my doses and I feel jittery and my headaches have subsided.
Kay

Wow! thanks so much Judy for your reply - I think you're right about it being too high. I have been alternating my doses and I feel less jittery and my headaches have subsided.
Kay

How long after you start taking budeprion might you lose weight?

Hello all.

I have been on one dose or another or Wellbutrin for about 7 years for depression. At one point, I was on Effexor and Wellbutrin at the same time. I wound up having to take an entire week off from work to get off of the Effexor. The withdrawals from that were very tough for me, but I got through it and have been doing very well on just the Wellbutrin for some time.

For the last year and a half I have been on 150mg of XL and seemed to do well. I recently decided to stop taking it though b/c it didn't seem to be working anymore. I consulted my psychiatrist about the possibility of discontinuing my use of it a couple of months ago, and he told me that when I felt I was ready, that I could just stop taking it b/c he also felt that my depression was not so promiinent any longer. I decided to stop taking the Wellbutrin recently, and today makes three full weeks of no meds at all. I have been extremely fatigued and have not been able to sleep well. I have also been eating everything in sight.

Does anyone have any insight into the effects that I have been experiencing? I figure that they are pretty common "withdrawal" type symptoms and will most likely subside in another week or so, but I am curious to see if anyone else went through this.

Any insight/comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

OK, so I've posted a few times recently, but I have more questions. First, for those who have been taking WB for a long time, is there any risk of dependance, and have you had long term health complications like high blood pressure? My ultimate goal when begining this was to be able to control my depression without the use of medications. But the thought of not taking WB is so frightful to me, I just can't go back to the way I was. Also I have noticed that I have a lot more OCD tendancies, I've always been that way, but have been able to ignore it - or maybe I was too depressed. But either way, I find it strange. Has anyone had an increase in obssesive thoughts?

Hello Guys,
I wrote in a few weeks ago about an unbearable side effect. Sweating above the neck. It happens anytime, anywhere. It's very embarrassing. I would like to know if this side effect goes away? Should I stick it out? The other side effects aren't visible. Easier for me to deal with. Can someone help? This subject hasn't been dealt with very much.

I just started WB SR 150 mg on 2 days ago--today was 3rd dose.

I had a frightening episode of chest pain on one of the hundred times I woke up last night (sleep was fine the first night, horrible the 2nd night), and my chest is still tight this AM.

Anyone else get this? It doesn't appear to be a common side effect.

I am very glad to have found this website. I am on day five of the generic wellbutrin 150mg 2x a day. I've seen a few posts where people have mentioned that they have had what could be described as electric shocks. They appeared for me on day two in my limbs or body when I made a movement. I spoke to a friend of mine who had the same experience. It's almost like parts of your body temporarily buzz like a tuning fork. It's intense and somewhat unpleasant. Although it hasn't disappeared completely, it has definitely subsided to a manageable place by today (day 5).

Otherwise for the side effects, the sleeping has been getting easier night by night. And missed sleep doesn't necessarily mean that I'm tired the next day.

I started with SSRIs for anxiety. I gained 35 lbs or so, and lost my sex drive. On top of these reasons for trying something new, I started taking wellbutrin because I was having difficulty digesting any of the SSRIs that I tried, the last of which was effexor. I switched immediately from effexor to wellbutrin without tapering. Maybe this is what is causing the electrical sensations. I couldn't say.

Hi...I have been reading this post for about an hour as I am switching to wellbutrin tomorrow from effexor. I was taking prozac for a couple of years but weight gain was more of an issue than depression. I was switched to effexor about 3 weeks ago and over the last week have had extreme nausea and headaches to the point where I can no longer deal with it. Hoping that wellbutrin will help!!

Hello. I have been on Wellbutrin (generic 150 2xday) for over 10 years and have had no side effects. My doctor checks my liver enzymes and they have always been fine. I take milk thistle daily. Both my sister in laws take it and also my best friend. It has made a HUGE difference in my life. I have tried to quit several times and every time the feelings of uselessness, depression and crying returns. My husband begs me not to try and go without it. It made me feel wired and crazy for the first week but no problems since. Other than my head sweats like crazy!

I have just started generic welbuterin 6 days ago. I had been on paxil for last 7 years and felt it wasn't helping anymore. I did try welbuterin 3 years ago for 3 months (not generic) with good results. I am cash pay and could not afford it any longer. I went off paxil for 4 weeks and then started my new perscription of wb. My problem has been nausea with violent vomiting. I called pharmasist about generic vs name brand and they laughed at me. Any sugestions?

Hey Elle, I may be wrong, but that sounds like a bad reaction to the wellbutrin. you may be taking too much or you are just in that 1/3 of the population that has a bad time with WB. You should talk to your doctor ASAP.

Re original WB vs WBSR, does the old non-sustained form cause highs and lows? (I'm thinking of taking non-sustained WB because of sleep issues).

I have been taking Wellbutrin XL for a week and tomorrow will increase from 150 to 300.

I also take 20mg of Celexa, have for several years...but recently plunged into a deep depression which has had me almost totally housebound. I tried Cymbalta for 10 days but had really bad side effects. I would like to stick this one out in the ever present hope of bringing myself out of this depression and back into life again.

I have had congestion this whole week with achiness and am wondering if that is a Wellbutrin side effect. I am also constipated and really hate that- have NEVER had that problem in 54 years! I know it is too soon to see the positive effect so basically just am wondering if these side effects generally pass after a while.

Thanks for all the thoughtful answers here.

I have been taking Wellbutrin XL 150 for about 3 weeks now. I take it early in the morning before I go to work. Lately I have been noticing that I'm having these weird "spacey" feelings with a slight headache in the evenings. I'm wondering if maybe the medication is wearing off by the evening. Has anyone experienced these feelings? I was wondering if maybe I should increase my dosage to 300mg.

I am on a combination of wellbutrin and lamictal and I feel great. I want to add a general comment to all these posts--

EVERYONE's SYSTEM IS DIFFERENT!

I think we look towards other people to make sure our reactions are 'normal'-- if we are having reactions, they are normal for US! And through any kind of healing the most important thing is that we get to know our INDIVIDUAL bodies. The more we know ourselves, and trust ourselves, the better we will feel. If a drug doesn't work for us, we should find a very good doctor who can tweak it. Listening to other people's experiences can be helpful ONLY if we are building a more clear understanding of ourselves with compassion.

I do find it helpful to talk to my parents and my sister about how they respond to different stimuli-- I understand the similarities and differences between our bodies, and so can make sense of it all.

We are all working very hard to stay healthy, and we all deserve to be happy!

But we must never forget therapy and all kinds of other insight work. Sometimes we need to sob, need to release all the pent up sadness and anger. We cannot become healhty without gently examining our delicate psyches, and we need good people to help us with that.

A trusted therapist, nice friends and family and a good psychiatrist are essential!

With love,

R in NYC

I have been on Wellbutrin for 5 weeks. I had been on Celexa previously, for almost a year, but it caused me to be nauseated, so I asked for a change. BIG mistake. Although Wellbutrin does curb my appetite, I have become an emotional basket case. I cry all the time, any where I am (at Starbucks, the grocery store, work...EVERYWHERE!). I also have become an irritable and aggressive B@#$%^&. I have had several people tell me they are not sure what is wrong with me but that I am not the same person I used to be. Even my own daughter doesn't know me and tells me she would rather me be sad then to be yelling and screaming (sometimes at people I dont even know). I am sure Wellbutrin works for some, but for me it just caused me to be totally irrational and out of control.

I just started WB yesterday. The doctor says to start with 100mg for the first two days and then move up to 200 and then 300 eventually. She put me on it for ADD and mild depression. I feel a little spaced out, tired and achey. I have kind of a headache but the worst is this burning sensation in the back of my neck just where it meets my head. I used to get the same thing on Adderall which worked like a charm but turned me into the angriest person ever. I just want to be normal. does anyone with add think it might just be better to take a stimulant instead? i hate pills, I don't want to take anything but I am such a mess, I need to do something.

I've spent the last hour reading these comments and haven't seen anyone mention my side effects. I've been taking the generic form of 150 mg Wellbutrin SR for one week.

Since then, everything tastes and smells horrible. I didn't want to quit smoking, but my beloved clove cigarettes taste like licking an ash tray and smell even worse.

Coffee tastes like rusty nails. Chocolate is overly sweet. The smell of meat frying in a skillet will make me gag -- it seriously smells spoiled to me and tastes a little rank.

I'd hoped it would help with depression, but this... depresses me. I also take 200 mg Lamictal for bipolar. I go to bed at midnight or 1 am and wake up at 5-5:30. I have a lot of energy and enthusiasm the first two or three hours, but my mood crashes by noon. Sex drive seems up. Motivation is sketchy. I mostly sit and stare at my computer.

Has anyone experienced the taste/smell thing?

I have been on Wellbutrin XL for about 3 months, at 150 mg. It started to relieve my depression symptoms pretty quickly, and until recently, I felt great about it, even lost a few pounds. I do have the side effect related to taste, but different than picturegirl wrote about. I have a bad taste in my mouth all the time. I also seem to be sweatier - my old deodorant/anti depressent doesn't do the trick!

But I write now to ask how you know if you need to up your dose? For the last few weeks, I have been feeling poorly again, with crying spurts and general depression. I have been under more stress, but I am wondering if the real problem is that my body adjusted to the 150mg, and perhaps I need more? I'm also GAINING weight now - is that possibly related to the Wellbutrin? Does your body adjust after a while and you need more to achieve the same affects?

I started with Lex. in summer of 06. Within 3 months, I gained 15 pounds. I asked my Dr. to switch me, he went with Wellbutrin SR.

At one point, I was taking 2 150mg tabs a day, somewhere along the line I am up to 2 200mg tabs a day.

I managed to lose the extra Lex. weight (yippee!) and even 10 pounds past that with very little effort because..the dry mouth and lack of taste doesn't make me want to eat!

Sex drive has been great.

I take mine in the morning, and every night before bed I take a dollar-store type of tylenol PM. I told my Dr., he said that was fine. I bet I can sleep w.o it, but I tend to go to sleep well but wake up mid-way thru the night, so at 30 pills for $1, that works for me.

I do notice I cry more easily and I'm on edge a lot more lately. I am wondering if I need to cut back to 200 mg. a day OR be switched to something else.

I have had weirder periods, but I was chalking that up to the "starting my 40's" thing.
Thanks for all the comments.

I've been WXL 300mg since September and was having usual side effects like dry mouth, loss of appetite & sweating. However about 2 weeks ago the Dr upped my does to 450mg because I was going thru some personal problems and 300mg didn't seem like they were doing the job. I feel much better but the one thing that I have noticed is the bitter taste in my mouth. I mean really bad, I have to either put a mint in my mouth or chew gum all day long. Has anyone else noticed this problem?

Has anyone had problems with constipation on Wellbutrin 300 XL? Also, I have been on Wellbutrin for about one 1/2 months and felt that increased energy at first, but now I feel a little more overwhelmed and fustrated, depressed like I used to feel. I also am getting where I do not want to go to church again. I have 4 girls and I am having some problems with my ex-husband turning my older ones against me, which is probably alot of what is wrong with me. I dwell on this constantly and it is keeping me from enjoying my younger children. My oldest child is also ADD and I am always staying on her about homework and studying. My older kids just seem to worship the ground their dad walks on and I feel like all the do with me is walk on me. I had thought of switching to Lexapro but after reading this the other entries, I am really afraid to. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Hi-- I've been on Wellbutrin for a while now, and recently with an increase in dosage, I've experienced weight gain and hair loss. Any one else had those side effects?

I we taking Wellbutrin SR 150 mg once a day for 3 weeks. Then I increased to 2 tabs a day, after my first appointment with a counselor--I wanted to wait
until someone saw just how bad I felt before I increased the dose.

Within 4 days, I began to have symptoms of a flare-up of my cystocele (bladder herniates into vagina) which are urgency and frequency of urination. 4 days later that progressed to pain and I immediately withdrew today to 1 tablet a day.

The symptoms are much improved today and I have only had 1 tablet.

I am so very disappointed. The 150g mg once a day did not help me feel much better, and with the twice a day, I got a glimpse of what it feels like to feel good and function more normally. I have no other side effects at all, any that I did have (upset tummy, trouble sleeping) passed after a day or 2.

I am not willing to try any other drug, as I have tried Zoloft and Lexapro in the past and either was not happy with the way they worked or had horrible withdrawal. My doctor named off several meds we could try if the WB doesn't work, including Effexor and Cymbalta but after reading up on them on this site, I am not going to take ANY of them.

I am so sad about this. It's like a cruel joke...seeing how normal I could feel, then have to let it go b/c I can't tolerate the bladder pain.

I imagine over the next few days I will become depressed again, now that I'm back to 1 tablet a day...

I am researching COMPULSIVE BEHAVIOR ON WELLBUTRIN. I have had major compulsive systems such as addition to games, gambling, etc. It seems that once I enjoy something, I cant get enough of (Spider Solitaire). i have wasted weeks playing on the computer. I have major responsibilities and deadlines to meet. (Back Taxes!) I get up every day determined to meet them headon. Then I sit down and play solitaire for hours (10 hours is my latest). I have been on W since 99 and had wonderful luck for the first four years. I am from the South and after my experience with Hurricane Rita, I have been in a black hole and cant crawl out. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, Kat

I have been on wellbutrin xl on and off (for insurance reasons) for the past 5 years (i'm 28 yrs old.) In the past 10 years I have also tried serzone, prozac, effexor, lexapro, cymbalta (i think that covers them all..) and i have to say wellbutrin BY FAR has been the most effective. i have been diagnosed with depression, bipolar, anxiety, and struggled with eating disorders, and generally have had ups and (mostly) downs through the years. i must say that wellbutrin has been the most successful at bringing me back to normal. my relationships are better, i am by far happier, i went from a complete struggle to get out of bed in the morning to facing each day with energy and a positive attitude. (i do recommend therapy along with Rx if you have severe depression.) and i should also note that i have taken lamictal (an anti-seizure / mood stabilizer) along with the well-butrin since wellbutrin alone can cause seizures in people with eating disorders and can cause manic episodes in people with bipolar. at any rate i HIGHLY recommend people try wellbutrin. and give it some time to start working. also it has had no negative effect on sex drive.

I'm seventeen and have been suffering from severe depression for about eight months. Before that I never had any kind of depression, it was actually sickining to some people how happy I was. I was a stright A student, played compettitive sports,had tonz of friends, LOVED to travel exc. (just wanted to bust the myth that all depressed teens wear all black and listen to emo msic, it happens to anyone) I have added WB 3 weeks ago, in addition to the sixty mil of Prozac I am already on (I was on eighty before the WB) As for side effects, dry mouth, intense sweating, shaking when still, loss of appitite and bad headaches (headaches only at the beginning). I think the WB will be augmented as I am still a little down, but it really helped me with energy and motivation. I am in my last year of highschool, and fighting like mad agenst this horrible ilness. I hope to go to university like I have always assumed I would.

I'm seventeen and have been suffering from severe depression for about eight months. Before that I never had any kind of depression, it was actually sickining to some people how happy I was. I was a stright A student, played compettitive sports,had tonz of friends, LOVED to travel exc. (just wanted to bust the myth that all depressed teens wear all black and listen to emo msic, it happens to anyone) I have added WB 3 weeks ago, in addition to the sixty mil of Prozac I am already on (I was on eighty before the WB) As for side effects, dry mouth, intense sweating, shaking when still, loss of appitite and bad headaches (headaches only at the beginning). I think the WB will be augmented as I am still a little down, but it really helped me with energy and motivation. I am in my last year of highschool, and fighting like mad agenst this horrible ilness. I hope to go to university like I have always assumed I would.

I have been taking 150 mg Wellbutrin XL (1x am) for 9 days.
It was prescribed to treat depression and to help me wake up. So far I have felt tired, weak, groggy, and disconnected. My depression has not improved either.

My question is:
Has anyone had similar effects which subsided with time? If so, how long did it take?

Thank you in advance for you help.
I understand everyone reacts differently to medication. I guess I am just looking for some hope and inspiration to keep taking my meds.

Hello,

I started taking Wellbutrin when I was 21 to help combat the symptoms of depression that accompany birth control methods for me (Last month I was combating intense anxiety, fear, depression, overwhelming emotional responses and weight gain that occured 2 months after taking Depo Provera). I never have these experiences when I am not on brith control.

My dose is 300mg each morning at 7:00am. I can't afford name brand so mine is called: Budeprion XL 300mg.

My doctor believes this is a good fit for those with mild anxiety, depression and possibly ADD. It has been the difference bewteen barely making it out of bed and having a really productive and positve day.

When I am on Wellbutrin I am relaxed, focused, wake refreshed, sleep soundly, can concentrate, and rarely cry/experience moodiness, and actually drop a few pounds (women retain weight around the mid section when they are anxious).

I imagine this positive experience we are are trying to achieve with Wellbutrin. If you are having some of the intense experiences described above, you might consider an alternative. I hated prozac and zoloft. Both resulted in immediate increases in anxiety and very low levels of concentration.

I do, however, get mild headaches in the early evening and have a drier system (you have to really doctor your food regime not to get constipated).

Also, I strongly suggest reaching out to close friends and family for support and keeping a very consitent sleep schedule, NO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS and a solid workout program. You might also try liver cleanse supplements so your body doesn't get polluted.

I have very few symptoms of withdrwl IF I do these things.

Hope that helps! Best of luck to everyone on their journey towards peace of mind!

I was put on Wellbutrin a number of years ago to either compensate for sleepiness cause by taking pain meds for back trouble or for possible depression. I really haven't had problems unless it caused me to be sleepy (which I don't think it did - on 400 mg/day SR) until recently. Just a little while before I was put on Wellbutrin, I had half of my thyroid out for Thyroid cancer. I was put on thyroxine and told that my "levels were normal." Recently I was diagnosed with sleep apnea and found that hypothyroidism can cause the sleep apnea. The second Thyroid doc I had also stated that "levels were normal." I did some research and asked for a T3 drug. Second Doc passed me to an endocrinologist. I was given T3 (in my terms a miracle pill) and all of the sudden I had energy again and I am appearing to sleep much better. The problem is now I have terrible problems with dry mouth. A doc told me that was just because of my sleep apnea, but that doesn't explain having the dry mouth all day long. Cytomel (T3) does not have a side effect of dry mouth and that is the only new drug I'm taking. Sorry to ramble, but had to layout the background. Here is the question. Is it possible since I was hypothyroid that I wasn't metabolizing the Wellbutrin (generic) fully, but now that I have adjusted my metabolism I am now metabolizing the drug and having terrible dry mouth?

i take wellbutrin xl 300 mg.

i've noticed my hair thining- bald spots. i used to have a really thick set of hair, but now it just looks 'lifeless.'

i heard 2500 mcg of Biotin helps.

I miss me...WB has turned me into a zombie and I'm more depressed than before. I've only been on it for 5 days, but I don't think I want to see if it works out after reading these posts. One of my major complaints about WB are the constant hallucinations. While mild they make me anxious, agitated and a little paranoid. I don't have much in the way of visual hallucinations, mostly hearing sounds and perceiving them to be threats and smelling odd smells that don't exist. I'm also emotionally "flat", have no interest in anything and I'm shaky and feel very cold most of the time. And I've never had anger issues before, but now I don't trust myself around anyone. I just want to be alone. I was told this medication would work for Seasonal Depression and help me to quit smoking, but right now I miss how I normally feel. Has anyone else had hallucinations? Do they go away or should I quit taking WB right away? It doesn't make sense to suffer for a full month when my seasonal depression only lasts for 4 months anyway - does it make sense to hang in there and see what happens? After reading these postings, if WB doesn't work for me, I'll go back to being un-medicated. It doesn't seem so bad now.

To add to my comment above, I'm taking generic 100mg SR twice a day. After only 5 days, do I have to worry about withdrawals if I quit?

My dose was just increased fro 75 mg per day to 200. I'm having trouble breathing and feel like I'm having a heart attack. Bitchie as all hell. Any similiar experiences?

I'm new to the boards. I've been on Paxil off and on for over 12 years. They seemed to have stopped working. Sad, blue, depressed again. Went to psychiatrist to get a real diagnosis. I am bipolar II. My primary doctor added wellbutrin (generic) XL to give me more energy and counteract the sexual side effects from the Paxil. Anyway, while on the WB I have been incredibly irritable, anxious, angry, aggressive and short-tempered. Very out of character for me to yell and scream at everyone. I say whatever I feel like, even if it is hurtful, and I snap instantly. I asked Dr. He said that the WB could make me irritable but he is leaving me on it and weaning me off the Paxil. He added a mood stabilizer, which is helping a lot, but I still feel the effects of the WB. My question is: Many people have complained of similar side effects--anger, agressiveness--short-tempered, etc. Did they actually GO AWAY when you stayed on the WB longer? I have been on WB for about 2 months now, and the side effects still remain. Will they go away or not?
Thanks.

HI, I started welbutrin 2wks ago didn't experience any side effects on 150mg the first week started to take a 2nd. dose of 150mg and after 4 days I developed a ringing in my ears. I stopped for 3 days and still have it. My doctor wants me to cut back and go to 1 pill a day for a week and see if it stops. I feel better my energy level is up and it has made a difference in a short time, but I can't live with the ringing in my ears and I'm afraid it won't go away. Has anyone experienced this? thanks

I am in my 3rd week of taking Welbutrin SR. First 2 weeks, 1 tablet a day. After 2 weeks, 2 a day. I still cry a lot every day and I can't even tell if it's working or not. I am in the middle stage of a very painful divorce and I think my wife was seeing someone else because I have ED.Anyway, everytime I think of her being with someone else I begin to cry. We have a 6 yr. old and it hurts not to be able to put her to bed anymore.Thanksgiving and Christmas is coming up and I am very afraid that my depression will be more painful than now. Someone please tell me what to do. I'm so tired of crying. Can't take much more.
William C.

Has anyone experienced muscle/joint pain? My left arm feels fine until I extend it to the left and back such as when closeing a door on your way out of a room. The pain is pretty bad but disappears as soon as I bring my aarm back. I went to a chiropractor for a number of treatments which did no good. It seems if I stretch in the direction of the pain, it gets better. Recently I have begun experiencing pain in my right hand when I make a fist, this pain feels more like it originates in my joints more than my muscles, however it radiates into the muscles as well. Help.....

I have been on Busproprion 150 mg in the am and at noon since July in addition to Lexapro 10mgs per day. My biggest symptom of depression was not having energy and feeling perpetually tired. This went away with the generic WB. I got off the Lexapro (because I felt like maybe all I needed was the WB for the energy boost) and then started it again in the beginning of November when, after two weeks, I had a major depressive episode. I loved the WB - I felt focused and energetic. In the last six weeks, I also started taking Seasonique for birth control. My depressive episode - crying, irritability, sadness, apathy, indifference, not enjoying things that I used to enjoy - has continued if not gotten worse. Can the pill interact with the WB? Is the pill my problem? Shouldn't the Lexapro kick back in by now - it's been a month? I'm scared to think from having read a lot of these posts that my generic wellburtin has just stopped working and that I've built up some sort of tolerance to it and now my symptoms - I've even felt suicidal and self-destructive again, which I haven't since I was a teenager - are worse than when I was just on the Lexapro. I'm a full-time graduate student. Should I up the dose of Buproprion to 450mg a day?

I started with 150mg of XR on the advice of my therapist & doctor about 3 weeks ago. I didn't notice any difference in how I felt. I am not clinically depressed, but I have been feeling crummy about a potential divorce. This week Dr. said to bump it up to 300mg. Within 3 days, my anxiety is up, I can't sleep, even when taking the meds in the morning. My short term memory is bad and I feel like I'm not in control of my thinking process. My mouth has a constant strange taste that brushing or mouthwash won't cure. Maybe taking it longer will change things, but I am already cutting back to 150mg/day in an attempt to re-stabilize myself. I have some very critical decisions to make in the next few weeks and I certainly cannot do that feeling like I currently do. I think I felt in more control BEFORE taking the Wellbutrin.

I have taken Prozac since 1987. Off during pg. one that lasted for 9 months and twins.
During this time I tried Wellbutrin once, and was very aggitated and hard to be around. I went back to prozac.
I have gained 20 plus lbs during this time. I exercise 1 hr plus weights daily and eat healthy. Wt should not be a problem. After researching prozac and wt gain I decided to try Wellburtin XL 150 again. However, 20 years ago I was bulimic, so I am a counsious of the problem with higher dosages of this drug and seizure.

I hope that I can deal with my depression with this drug and xanex if needed for anxiety.

Please give any advice, comments...
thanks,
maggie

So far so good. I am using xanex for anxiety as needed. I hope that this will help me lose the

i have been on xl for about 8 months and recently noticed that beside dizziness in the morning when i get up, i have really been losing memory....about little things and really big things too, until reminded of them. an example of my problem is: when i wake up in the morning i cannot remember what i watched on tv the night before. and often i can't seem to find the right word when i am speaking. i am on 150 mg and it really has been great for the depression, but this memory thing is really beginning to worry me. also, when i drink it seems to really affect me more. anybody else with these side effects? thanks...

William I am sorry you are going through this diffiult time. I think you need someone to talk to rather than just meds. You are grieving, and grief hurts more than anything in the world. No meds can make that easier. Try reading up about the grief process. Time will help. Try to hang in there until you get some time behind you and things will begin to improve.

Erin,

yes! I totally experienced moods that didn't feel like me. For me the anger was secondary to irrtability. It does go away. And for me it did take longer than I expected. It's frustrating but at least you're not alone.

I would say for anyone who is just starting on wellbutrin to hang in there. I found tons of side effects while getting on it and adjusting. Dizziness, dry mouth, irritability, crying MORE, clenched jaw, poor sleep, more diziness...

Ok, maybe I should just stop. My point is that, for the most part, it's not just you. And the side effects (most of them, the dizziness still gets me) will go away.

Ok so about 3 weeks ago i started taking wellbutrin. At about 1 and a half weeks my doc decided to increase from 150 to 300. By the way, it is the SR version. I take it in the morning and at night. I love what it is doing for my mood but I am having a horrible problem with acne, itching, and hair loss. I am a 21 year old female, don't need to go through puberty again(acne)!
Are these side-effects something that will continue throughout the treatment or are these some of the ones that clear up over time?
I may just suck it up cause I feel more like myself. Any suggestions/help/answers?
-MB

I took myself off of it (see 11/17). It's been a week and I am returning to normal. I feel more down now then I did before going on it, but I think with time I will naturally be 100%. I will never treat depression with meds again....

I had been on Effexor 150mg for about 9 months and have gained over 20 pounds, which causes me more depression. Also, I have a new husband (very supportive and wonderful) and have ZERO sex drive. My doc decided that because of the weight gain and sexual issues to change me over to WB and gave me 300mg to start because I had already been taking 150mg of Effexor. I tried quitting the Effexor cold turkey before and it made me so sick I ended up in the ER. Bad stuff!

My first day I have the chills and am shaking and unable to control this along with a freezing cold right hand.. just the right. I have horrid insomnia and can't sit still for more than a minute because I feel like bugs are crawling on me. Took two Tylenol PM at about 4 in the morning to be able to sleep.

Day two.. Throwing up every 20 minutes. Foggy. Irritable. Still feel the bugs crawling on me. I just felt horrible.

Day three, decided because I was taking WB at night I would skip and take the next morning. I felt pretty good, still insomia and shivering a little.

Took the pill today at 10 AM. Sick to my stomache (no vomiting), am cold, and today the anger EXPLODED. My husband, being aware of the drug change is about ready to pull his hair out. I feel totally out of control. I came in the room and started bawling and couldn't stop. I have yelled at him twice today for stupid things that I wouldn't normally snap over. And I don't mean just yelling, but swearing and wanting to leave... not like me at all. Again my right hand is cold, shivers, and though my brain is tired, my body is not. I am going to call the doc on Monday. I can not afford to keep changing meds and paying the 90 dollar office visit. It's making me crazy though. I feel totally out of control of my own body and mind. Isn't this stuff supposed to help??
I have read a lot of the side effect posts, and there are only a few that say the side effects go away. I can't continue to be yelling at my husband and kids. Is there anyone who experienced rage and felt like they were not in control of themselves that actually had this go away with time???

I've been on WBXL for about 8-9 weeks now and I feel like a new person. When I first started taking it, I was doing a lot of drinking. I did experience some of the side effects that some have described but didn't know if it was the WB or the combination with alcohol. I started drinking heavier off and on for the last year due to depression. It was so bad I ended up in the hospital where I was put on this med. I've read several posts where people have mentioned that it might not be for everyone. That must be the case because it has helped me tremendously! I have more energy and a better outlook on life and have had no desire to drink. I hope those who have had a bad experience and are still in need of something that will help will eventually find something that helps you as much as this has helped me.

I stopped taking cymbalta,after no sex drive,gained 30lb.I switched to wbxl.the dr. said to get off cymbalta slowly & start wbxl slowly.I didn't listen & stopped cold turkey,Then started wbxl full dose. I have had a headache for 3 wks now.I also am so irritable & not sleeping at night.i decided today to go from 300 to 150 a day to see if that helps. Do the symptoms finally get better?

I switched from Effexor due to restless leg syndrome, it was pure h*ll getting off of it, tapered for 6 weeks. Got put on Wellbutrin XL, now at 300 mg a day. Restless leg syndrome now wonderfully absent.

However, I have been had crying jags and angry outbursts ever since I started Wellbutrin (or quit Effexor). I wondered if it was just me; I see it is not. I'm going to taper off of Wellbutrin now and get off of it.

I have been on WB XL at 150 mg a day for 4 days. I've felt some significant improvement in my mood. I am not as quick to anger. I complete most of the tasks I set out to do and I don't feel like staying in bed all day as I did before. I look forward to seeing friends (before I avoided them). My psychiatrist suggested that I drink plenty of water. Plenty of water, like atleast have my body weight in ounces of water everyday. Although it is very early I think that might help with the side effects I've read some people experience. One symptom I've yet to read about is vaginal itching. The first 2 days were the worst. Now I've noticed it happens late at night and early in the morning. Ladies, have any of you experienced this? (Sorry if I've grossed anyone out.)

I have been on WB XL at 150 mg a day for 4 days. I've felt some significant improvement in my mood. I am not as quick to anger. I complete most of the tasks I set out to do and I don't feel like staying in bed all day as I did before. I look forward to seeing friends (before I avoided them). My psychiatrist suggested that I drink plenty of water. Plenty of water, like atleast have my body weight in ounces of water everyday. Although it is very early I think that might help with the side effects I've read some people experience. One symptom I've yet to read about is vaginal itching. The first 2 days were the worst. Now I've noticed it happens late at night and early in the morning. Ladies, have any of you experienced this? (Sorry if I've grossed anyone out.)

Experiencing severe insomia with Wellbutrin.

If you like being up 24 hrs a day take the drug.

I went back to Paxil I can sleep now.

I have been on 300 mg of Wellbutrin now for about 3 months. I've been feeling better, but I noticed that I seem to be clenching my teeth together like I am under stress, but I'm not. I catch myself doing it and then tell myself to release and relax. Then it starts all over again. I don't realize that I'm doing it. Is this this a side effect of Wellbutrin? If so, how long will it last?

Jessi:
A lot of what you are describing (Nausea, foggyness, anger etc) might be discontinuation syndrome from the Effexor. Wellbutrin and Effexor are pretty different (Wellbutrin works differently from almost all other modern ADs), especially at 'just' 150 mg of Effexor, but not all doctors know this. That might also mean starting at 300 mg Wellbutrin is a bit much. Have read of others having anger problems when starting out on Wellbutrin (this side effect supposedly usually goes away, however), and starting at 300 mg might trigger that.

Seems like the longer you've been on Effexor, the longer you get these symptoms, and if you quit suddenly, they can get pretty bad. Advice I've seen several places is using an SSRI (Prozac seems to be best) for a while or taking Omega-3 capsules.

A bit over a week ago I stopped taking 75mg/day of Effexor after being on it for 3 weeks; was on Lexapro some months until then. Started on 150 mg/day of Wellbutrin three days later. No problems going from Lexapro to Effexor, but got discontinuation syndrome from stopping the Effexor, even after starting on Wellbutrin.

Wellbutrin is supposed to have way less sexual side effects than Effexor for most people (many experience side effects boosting sex drive after a while, even, and it's sometimes used to reduce sexual side effects of SSRIs) so there's that, at least.

Chris:
Have started to notice some jaw clenching last day or so. Amphetamine, which works on same neurotransmitters as Wellbutrin (although far more drastically, obviously) causes this as well, so might well be related.

Can post some cites for this stuff if anyone wants to know more.

Week 2, have increased from 150 mg of WB XL to 300. I am less anxious but slightly jittery. I have more hunger pangs, but when i think of actually eating food I'm completely disinterested. When I do eat, I can get down about half of my meal. Am experiencing insomnia again since the increase. I was prescribed 2 mg of lunesa but it is ineffective so far. Oh and the itchiness has subsided.

I've been on the generic (300mgs) now for a week--went straight on it. Noticed some insomnia, but have been dealing with that fine. However today I noticed that my hands are shaking just a bit---so of course I'm thinking I've got Parkinsons--but then thought about starting the Wellbutrin. Has anyone else had this particular side effect? I've heard that tremors could happen--is that what's happening to me?? Would appreciate anyone else who's had this and been fine. oh--also taking Effexor--150mgs, and have been on that for about 5 years. Seemed not to be helping as much, but doctor said I could take both with no problem. Is he right??

I've been on the generic (300mgs) now for a week--went straight on it. Noticed some insomnia, but have been dealing with that fine. However today I noticed that my hands are shaking just a bit---so of course I'm thinking I've got Parkinsons--but then thought about starting the Wellbutrin. Has anyone else had this particular side effect? I've heard that tremors could happen--is that what's happening to me?? Would appreciate anyone else who's had this and been fine. oh--also taking Effexor--150mgs, and have been on that for about 5 years. Seemed not to be helping as much, but doctor said I could take both with no problem. Is he right??

My boyfriend just got prescribed Wellbutrin. I know he was on other antidepressants (Lexapro), but it was destroying our relationship - he didnt have a sex drive, so he would go off the drug for a month to get his sex drive back, but even though he was in the mood, he was depressed, which is a major turn off for me. Does anyone have any first hand experiences of the results that wellbutrin has on the sex drive?

Also, he has issues falling to sleep and takes ambien. Will wellbutrin have an effect on his sleep schedule at all?

thanks!

i have been taking the generic 150's for around 6 months and ive noticed my mood is better, but as soon as it wears off i feel worse then ever, ive also noticed a higher level of anxiety and i feel overly emotionaly sensative to just about every thing now wich is a huge down side, any one else dealing with the sensativity thing?

I am so addicted to smoking and I really want to quit, but the withdrawals are so awful that I'm considering going back on Wellbutrin like I did 7 years ago. When I took this drug the first time, I felt stoned all the time, which made my job as a waitress interesting to say the least. I did quit smoking, as the cravings just seemed to go away and the cigarettes didn't make me feel any better. It was like the dopamine receptors are blocked by this drug and lighting up just doesn't activate the dopamine reward system anymore.
I don't remember having any problems upon quitting after 6 months, but these posts are scary!!
I know that I have bad reactions to SSRIs and after having what I swear was a Seratonin Syndrome episode with Zoloft, I started having panic attacks which I'm still dealing with every once in a while 2 years later!!
Addicts are stuck in a dopamine reward cycle, and the only way to remedy this is to exercise. (At least this is what I read recently) Addicts have less dopamine receptor sites, and exercise builds new ones. The Welbutrin sits on the dopamine receptor sites and constantly stimulates them, which is what made me so "doped out" when I was on it to quit smoking.
SSRIs do something altogether different. They increase your seratonin, and when you're naturally low in seratonin, your body will have more receptor sites for it (makes sense, more catchers mits up ready to catch the very few balls flying their way) So when I took Zoloft, my seratonin production went through the roof, and all of my numerous receptors were overloaded. That caused the reaction, and I believe it also caused my brain to get all out of whack, which caused the panic attacks that started shortly after the incident. Incidentally I flushed the remaining Zoloft down the toilet that day and have never looked back. I recently tried Prozac for my anxiety because I was getting really tired of dealing with it, and I had awful side effects, to the point of quitting after only 3 days. I say, listen to your body!! Anyways, I guess what I'm on here for is to offer my support to anyone dealing with panic attacks, they're AWFUL and scary, and I think they do definitely get exacerbated by all of these drugs. I'm not Tom Cruise or anything, trust me, I carry Xanax like a freaking security blanket and take half of one from time to time, but I really think that depression and anxiety are sometimes made worse by these drugs that doctors get paid by drug companies to push.
Our bodies and minds have not evolved at the same rate as our lifestyles. We literally have the same brains and bodies that our caveman ancestors had, and with our extremely stressful lifestyles, we are simply not "built" to deal!
Stress relief is key. I'm trying exercise, but as a smoker, that's kind of tough!
Hang in there everyone, you are not alone!

Hi there,

I'm so glad you have this forum! I have been on 300 mg of Wellbutrin for about 2 months. The first few weeks were fantastic. I had tons of energy, the hopelessness disappeared- i was more focussed than i had ever been. I felt like the real me. The past month, however, has not been so great. I have a constant headache on the right side and blurred vision. I have a very hard time focusing. I just feel fuzzy all the time. How do I get back to that feeling I had the first few weeks? Thank you so much for your help!

I'm a 48 year old white male who started 150 mg Wellbutrin (WB) XL once-a-day, exactly 3 weeks ago. I stopped today, cold turkey, due to the intense insomnia, anxiety, and agitation it created (and I lost 5 lbs when I didn't want to). Words can't describe how much better I felt today, so much more relaxed. I'm hoping like heck I have a good night's sleep for the first time since I started taking it (my average time falling asleep was around 4-5 am, including some intensely uptight all-nighters). I've had mild depression about 1/4 to 1/3 of the time, for almost 20 years now, but dealing with that was nowhere near as debilitating as the above-mentioned side effects.

And I need to add that the WB greatly exacerbated my restless leg syndrome (RLS), another serious factor contributing to my insomnia. Interestingly, WB is supposedly a help for many experiencing RLS. For me, it had the opposite effect.

Reading many of the informative posts here clearly illustrates how the same medication may be one person's trash and another person's treasure. Hopefully we'll all find that pot-of-gold at the end of our painbow.

Not certain I'm going to pursue other alternatives.

Well I am trying it again. I just have one question. After taking WB for about 4 years. At 450 mg XL it all of a sudden stopped working. I went for a good 6 months begining to expierence symptons of the past. Fatigue, sleeping all the time, "weight re-gain", very low self esteem. So I quit taking it. At 450 mg there are a lot of side affects that just were not worth going through if the meds weren't going to work anymore. Howerver, now a year later I have gained 75 lbs, no motivation to do anything, sleep all the time and my body just won't co-operate to do anything I need to do in life. So I'm going back on it. Has ANYONE EXPIERENCED THIS MED JUST STOPPING, NOT WORKING ANYMORE????? please share if you have...

I started the generic WB, 150 mg, 2x a day, a week ago. I have energy once again to do things. I am more focused, don't think about stuffing my face all the time, and of all the ones I've tried, I like this one the best (so far). Paxil gave me terrible withdrawls, Serzone, Prozac, and Lexapro made me terribly tired. It hasn't seem to kick in for the depression yet, but I'm moving from Lexapro to WB, so it may be that the Lexapro is leaving my system, and the WB hasn't built up yet. I'll keep you posted!

Laura,

Over the past 12 years I've been on a half dozen different antidepressants, all with their own special variety of side effects. Lexapro absolutely destroyed my sex drive. Gone. Vanished. Completely disappeared. For that reason alone I decided to get off of it. Wellbutrin has been the opposite for me. It has not messed with my sex drive in the least. In fact, I've experience far fewer other side effects with it than with any of the other ADs. Your boyfriend's mileage may vary, of course.

It's too bad that you feel his depression is a major turn off for you. This poor guy is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't. He can either take meds that make him feel better but wreck his sex drive, or get off the meds in order to have a sex drive again but knows that you're not turned on because he's depressed. I know it's really, really hard dealing with someone else's depression, but do try to cut him a break if you can.

Hello,

I have been taking Wellbutrin XL for almost 3 weeks now. I had a little dizziness and shaky hands at first. I have noticed an increase in energy and am overall feeling better. These last few days however I have had frequent urination...I am constantly going to the bathroom. I did see this as a possible side effect on their website? Just wondering if anyone had this and if it got better. I am assuming it will but just takes time. I have not experienced any weight gain which is great...Paxil made me gain a ton of weight right away.
Thanks for any input.

Hello,

I have been taking Wellbutrin XL for almost 3 weeks now. I had a little dizziness and shaky hands at first. I have noticed an increase in energy and am overall feeling better. These last few days however I have had frequent urination...I am constantly going to the bathroom. I did see this as a possible side effect on their website? Just wondering if anyone had this and if it got better. I am assuming it will but just takes time. I have not experienced any weight gain which is great...Paxil made me gain a ton of weight right away.
Thanks for any input.

I started taking wellbutrin about 3 weeks ago now. The past two days have been absolute hell at night time. I am on a very low dosage (100mg 2x day). I take the first pill at 6am when I wake up and the second at 3pm because of sleep problems. The past few nights (around 8 or 9pm) I have been experiencing AWFUL mood swings. I went through a family tragedy back in April (main reason for the med) and with the holidays approaching I don't know whats the cause of what at this point. Has anyone else experienced mood swings that after the fact they look back at the situation and feel crazy?! If so, did you continue taking the med--and if you did, did things smooth out quickly? There are a lot of factors that play into it--grief, depression, etc so it's hard to say what might be the cause of what, but I never had mood swings like this before taking Wellbutrin. Any advice would be great. Thanks.

I have been on WB for 4 years. Overall it seems to work well. When the XL came out I immediately switched because of ease of dosage. I would never forget to take that afternoon dose again. After several weeks I noticed I wasn't feeling myself. I did not relate it to the changs to XL because I assumed I was getting a nice steady dosage.

For those of you who have been on the XL you may have noticed the casing from the pill will sometimes be foating in the toilet after a BM. At some point I got curious enough to fish the casing out. To my surprise the casing was not empty. The entire pill had passed through undigested. The Dr. told me that if you have 2 or more BM's a day you may have "hyperdigestion". I certainly fell into that category. So for the period of time I was on XL I actually had a less steady dose, as some pills would dissolve why others would not. I had to go back to the SR twice a day. So, if you think you may be a person who passes food through your system faster than others you may want to literally be "on the lookout" for undigested WBXL.

This also pertains to any extended release medication such as Oxycontin or AmbienCR. Make sure your not just flushing your money away.

The info in this forum has helped me beyond measure. I've been on WB for a couple of months, and it's been a nightmare. My meds nurse increased my dosage from 75 mg two times a day to 150 mg two times a day about 2 1/2 weeks ago. I've had horrible, devastating mood swings, bad enough that I contemplated checking myself into a mental hospital last night. Reading the posts here made me feel so much better, I can't begin to tell you how much! After talking to my meds nurse, the dosage has been lowered to its original level. At least until I can see her. I was on Prozac prior to the WB and want to go back to it. Hopefully this will not be difficult, but I will fight for it if I have to. Again, thanks for all the posts! They really helped me a lot!

I've only been taking Wellbutrin XL for two days and I've developed this weird pain in my lower back and liver area. Do you think it could be the meds?

Week 3. I've switched to generic WBXL because of my insurance. It has been 3 days since the switch and I haven't noticed any adverse side effects as some people posted here. I eat WAY less than I used to. SO, far I've lost a total of 5 pounds in 3 weeks. It's not that I am starving myself, I just am completely apathetic when it comes to eating if that makes any sense. When I do eat, I eat until I'm satisfied. I used to eat until I felt stuffed. I continue to have more energy and am functional. I've been out of work, save temp assignments here and there, for about 6 months and would stay in bed all day before the meds. I think part of why I haven't been hired is the depression, I looked awful before. I was just miserable and it showed. I'm less anxious and shy when meeting new people. Most importantly, I don't feel so hopeless. I have experienced a couple of crying jags which are kind of embarassing. Also my neck is so stiff. I've been walking around smelling like Icy hot the last couple of days.

For Kim: posted 12/8/07

I too have experienced a miraculous boost in energy and have only been medicated a few weeks. My psychiatrist explained that its the initial abundance of serotonin (sp?) in my brain and that I may have some more down periods as I level out on the meds. Give it a little while longer and you'll probably feel better. You are still in a period of adjustment.

I have been on WBxl300 with food and without for about two weeks and early this week I started to experience flu like symptoms. Nausea, vomiting, diarea, and constant stomach pain. Does anyone know if this goes away? I feel like I can't function because I am sick. I would really appreciate some advice on this. Thanks

hi to everyone on the drug train! I have been suffering from anxiety/major depression for most of my life..as a kid i was able to keep up at school and managed very well, although it was only to keep up an illusion of normalcy for my family and friends. Inside i was always frightened, though not an emotional wreck.

Along came high school and puberty and what do you know? I suddenly became manic/suicidal/and majorly depressed. The suicidal ideation happed after i was prescribed Zoloft. I was 17 at the time(1995). I am 29 years old as of 02/08/2007.

So,anyhoo...now i am on Wellbutrin XL and have just started on 300mg a day. I like this site and hope that i can be helpful to anyone who may need advice on what the hell is happening to them on this freaky ride, as i have tried quite a few of these drugs.

By the way, what happped to Crazymeds?

So far my symptoms with Wellbutrin are as follows: dry mouth, no appetite, edema in outer extremities(ankles, fingers, legs) dry skin, bloated abdomen...does ANYONE ELSE GET THE DREADED BLOAT BELLY? and if so, what the fuck? I got it before during the first two weeks of starting on 150mgs but why? why? why? Doc doesn't know. Also, my menses is all out of whack. Only comes around every three months...also, what EXACTLY is an aniketonic...i really do not want to become a diabetic, ok?

to Rhonda: #1-are you only taking Wellbutrin and nothing else and did you start taking a lower dose or just began by taking 300mgs?

Most of the time, if you lower the dose (at least this is my experience)you will feel a lot better. I remeber when i first started on WellbutrinXL back in 2002 i was initially taking 150mgs to start along with Remeron 30mgs. I felt horrible and my doc lowered the dose to 75mgs (apparently they do not manufacture 75s in the XL brand anymore, but maybe you would feel better on a small dose of the SR brand instead...)

A lot of the time i have the same mysterious "flu-like" symptoms with all of the different meds i've taken. When i started Remeron i felt like total shit for three weeks, but then it went away and i felt better. AND my depression was gone and I felt more like myself. Also felt like that with Paxil initially and after i stopped taking it.

Sometimes you just have to get through it. But just make sure you don't get any of the rare side effects like swollen throat and rash or swollen, hive-like arms and legs and lips and tongue. Also, a really good sign that it is working the way it should is that you are horny horny horny. You will basically feel like a nymph-o for a while until the med stabilizes.

Take care!!!

I was on paxil for almost 5 years and it worked for the most part but i still got anxiety from it. the anxiety ive vbeen experiencing since 2001 is constant..not just panic attacks. i have been off meds now for several months but have been having terrible anxiety/depression. im currently taking vitamin b6, b12, folic acid, p5p, amino acids all persrcibed by my naturopath but its been doing nothing...if anything ive been feeling worse. has anyone tried celexa or wellbutrin for anxiety? if so, whuch one would you recommend? also. whn i was on paxil i had zero sex drive...i hated that!

My doctor paired up Wellbutrin and Lamictal together. Has anyone else had that recommendation come their way? Any concerns I should have? Does anyone know if if either can impact Libido and/or testosterone production?

Liane

Hi. I also have taken Paxil and Paxil CR which made me have very little sex drive and gain weight. I am happy to say that Wellbutrin has not had that effect at all...It has actually increased. I have anxiety...especially at night where I cant shut down. Wellbutrin really seems to help with that. My Dr. said it isnt for severe anxiety but can help with mild anxiety (or the kind brought on more by stress or certain situations). The side effects of wellbutrin all seem to be gone now after 3 1/2 weeks.
Hope that helps. Also can I just suggest Yoga...I go at least twice a week. It has really helped with the anxiety and is good exercise.

I will be starting Wellbutrin tomorrow. I was taking Cymbalta for 2½ weeks. Just last week I noticed my sex drive has suffered. Arousal and orgasm has taken longer and almost diminished. I won't let that be taken away from me!! I know that wellbutrin has low sexual side effects. I enjoy sex and being sexual.. I would just like to know about others experiences with this drug. This is the only anti-depressant I'm on.

Thanks in advance!

Christina:

Crazymeds' domain registrar messed up, and they lost the website name. It's back up at crazymedz.org .

Liane! Don't jump back on the brain chemistry altering drug train again before you try some SERIOUS mineral loading for a couple weeks. Heck, give it a month and see what happens. I know it seems hopeless sometimes, but I've dealt with anxiety and panic attacks for years, and this seems to help me way more than any drug ever has.
Before you go to bed, take:
500mg Calcium Citrate; 1,000 mg Omega-3 (wild salmon); 250mg Magnesium; and a Blood Builder tablet (by Mega Food).
I've gone back and forth for years as to whether or not this natural approach is worth a darn, but the side effects of the drugs are so awful for me that I am willing to try it again. I've been doing this for a while and feel good. Also, with anxiety, you might just have to quit running and face up to why you are experiencing the anxiety in the first place. Search and search until you find the right person, and talk!! A psychotherapist can do wonders, my panic attacks have been greatly diminished since I figured out my issues and told a few people in my life how I feel.

Hi,

I just started wellbutrin about 9 days ago. Well the side effects have really kicked in the last 3 or 4 days.

Extremely gassy, bowel movements 3 or 4 times a day, it has totally aggravated my acid reflux, as well as a tingling sensation in my head.

Has anyone else had these side effects, how long did they last? It's driving me crazy thinking its my heart or something else bad.

I have been on WBXL for a few years now. Also I have just taken up drinking. Last night i had a bad night. I usually take my pill in the morning but yesterday I forgot to take it until the night. I also went out that night and drank. Then today i couldn't eat at all and got sick a few times. I have been able to go out if i take my pill in the morning and not wake up feeling like i was in a fight the night before. I just wanna know if that happens because i took my pill that night or if i drank too much. and i knwo it says it on the bottle but this hasn't really before.

I know this is not cool to post a questions without reading all the other posts cus the answer may be out there, but because of what I think might be side effects of the wellbutrin, I'm having trouble reading and concentrating. My situation is complicated by the fact that I don't know if I'm experiencing paxil withdrawal or wellbutrin side effects. Does anyone else on Wellbutrin experience a "ch ch" like sound/ sensation, especially when looking a different way, or feel dizzy, lightheaded, kinda disoriented, nauseated... Anyone elses thoughts about whether this is paxil w/d or wellbutrin s/e would be so helpful!

I know this is not cool to post a questions without reading all the other posts cus the answer may be out there, but because of what I think might be side effects of the wellbutrin, I'm having trouble reading and concentrating. My situation is complicated by the fact that I don't know if I'm experiencing paxil withdrawal or wellbutrin side effects. Does anyone else on Wellbutrin experience a "ch ch" like sound/ sensation, especially when looking a different way, or feel dizzy, lightheaded, kinda disoriented, nauseated... Anyone elses thoughts about whether this is paxil w/d or wellbutrin s/e would be so helpful!

I was started on 150 xl then went to 300 about 3 wks ago. Have been taking it at night. I've been losing sleep then developed bad headache the past 2 days. last night I had such a bad nightmare followed by severe panic that has lasted all day off & on Now I'm sorry I took the dose again tonight I don't want to even take it tomorrow even in the day all I ask is to make it thru the night w/o feeling so scared if anyone is there please talk to me

this is for tom ya I've also experienced the 3-4 bowel movements daily. have not minded cuz things r usually the other way for me

I was taking various anti-depressants for many years, and none of them seemed to help. I changed to a different Doctor and was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. I was put on Wellbutrin XL 150 and Topomax. I take the Wellbutrin in the morning and the Topomax at night. I sometimes still have episodes of depression, but it is usually pre-menstrual related. I take prozac during those extra bad days.

In response to a part of Comment 315, I am so glad to hear that if I'm horny horny horny, it means the meds working.. I can't tell you how 'charged up' I am.

I do have to ask about palpitations.. I have a horrible feeling that it's causing them. And I'd hate to go off of this medicine! Also I got the jaw clenching thing going on, too! Drives me nuts, I try to be aware of it but I can't help it!

Happy Holidays, btw.

Hi, I just got off of Effexor 37.5mg and started Wellbrutin XL 150mg. I feel worse than ever I am walking around hating everyone X-mas with my kids I'm so sad. I hate my husband he just gave me clothes and I want to divorce him because he dosen't spend anytime or interest in me. I'm fighting and crying all the time. I don't know if I should stick it out. Effexor was great but really effected my libeato. Pls help. Lori

I started taking Wellbrutin XL 150mg a couple of weeks ago to counteract my case of 'holiday blues'. It's worked fine for elevating my mood and decreasing the frequency of crying spells, however the drug has given me an awful case of cotton-mouth. My mouth is so dry I have to drink water constantly which of course, makes me go to the bathroom quite a bit. Does this annoying side effect subside with time? Thanks & Happy New Year.

I have been on the generic form of Wellbutrin XL for about 8 weeks now. I have always been one to have migraines but they seem to have gotten worse over the last few months. My most annoying side effect is the dry mouth! The nurse at my work said to be careful because severe dry mouth could lead to other mouth problems such as thrush. I have now began obsessing about this which is making it even worse! I know that it is a side effect but how bad will it get?? Any thoughts would be great!

this is a comment back to virginia. I was on both lexapro and wellbutrin at the same time and I didn't think I needed to be on both so I quit the lexapro and now I'm on 150mg of Wellbutrin XL. I have only been taking the wellbutrin without the lexapro for about 7 days now. I have had the same symptoms so bad to the point where I was going to go to a neurologist to get my head checked. I have a very funny feeling in my head when I move it side to side or when I get up from lying down. It feels as if I'm going to pass out. I also for the past 2 days have had a problem with tingling/numbness sensations in both of my hands. I work EMS and I keep a check on everything when I feel like this, so I'm thinking that it is the medication. The bad thing for you and me is I don't know how long this lasts. If it last too much longer I'm going to be one of those that does the cold turkey way and hope that the side effects of that is not worse than they are now. If anyone knows the answer please let me know.

i've been on prescription wb (low dose, twice day) for a little over a week. i'm 15 years old, and i've heard wb hasn't been proven effective on younger ppl. but my depression and eating problems were so severe that i decided to start on it over winter break (it worked for my mum). after a few days, i started sweating nonstop- i was always hot even though i'm usually cold-natured. my sweat also smells horrible. its been hard to fall asleep and when i do manage to fall asleep, i wake up frequently, often due to nightmares. i have a constant headache. i had a little trouble breathing in the beginning, but i'm not sure if that's related. in the past few days, i've gotten even more depressed and hopeless, crying all the time and feeling angry constantly at everyone. i've never been this angry for this long before. i'd really like to quit wb, but i've heard others say the symptoms lesson after a while. but there's no way i can go back to school if these symptoms continue. i can't talk to anyone or do anything. and i go to boarding school, so once i get there i'm kind of stuck. any suggestions?

I just started taking W XL (150 ml)after four (4)years of Effexor XL (225 ml)and I found the following (almost immediate) side effects.
Tingling (lips), vivid dreams, inability to sleep properly, nervousness and frequent urination. I understand that the transition from one strong medication to another
After reading the posts on this forum, I will tough it out because the Effexor had many more side effects such as lack of energy, lack of motivation, severe sexual side effects as well as a feeling of being doped up. Again, after 4 years of being what term as comatose, I feel that W XL is worth the transition side effects. An an unusual product that is helping with teh side effects (believe it or not) is caffeine-free Diet Coke. I stopped regular coffee after the 1st day (I was going nuts with the caffeine running thru my system) but the diet coke seems to temper the jitters at any time during the day. If it works.....

I just started taking W XL (150 ml)after four (4)years of Effexor XL (225 ml)and I found the following (almost immediate) side effects.
Tingling (lips), vivid dreams, inability to sleep properly, nervousness and frequent urination. I understand that the transition from one strong medication to another
After reading the posts on this forum, I will tough it out because the Effexor had many more side effects such as lack of energy, lack of motivation, severe sexual side effects as well as a feeling of being doped up. Again, after 4 years of being what term as comatose, I feel that W XL is worth the transition side effects. An an unusual product that is helping with teh side effects (believe it or not) is caffeine-free Diet Coke. I stopped regular coffee after the 1st day (I was going nuts with the caffeine running thru my system) but the diet coke seems to temper the jitters at any time during the day. If it works.....

I just started taking W XL (150 ml)after four (4)years of Effexor XL (225 ml)and I found the following (almost immediate) side effects.
Tingling (lips), vivid dreams, inability to sleep properly, nervousness and frequent urination. I understand that the transition from one strong medication to another
After reading the posts on this forum, I will tough it out because the Effexor had many more side effects such as lack of energy, lack of motivation, severe sexual side effects as well as a feeling of being doped up. Again, after 4 years of being what term as comatose, I feel that W XL is worth the transition side effects. An an unusual product that is helping with teh side effects (believe it or not) is caffeine-free Diet Coke. I stopped regular coffee after the 1st day (I was going nuts with the caffeine running thru my system) but the diet coke seems to temper the jitters at any time during the day. If it works.....

After freaking out about the dry mouth, I quit cold turkey on Saturday. Today (Monday) I went to the Dr to discuss the dry mouth issue and what the nurse at work told me about thrush. She assured me that the dry mouth is the most common side effect of Wellbutrin and that there is virtually no way that dry mouth alone will cause thrush. She did, however, tell me that the dry mouth will probably not subside as long as I am taking Wellbutrin. Now I have to decide if the dry mouth is worth it...I think it is. I have lost 13 pounds in the last 8 weeks. I have already noticed after not taking it for 3 days that I am eating like a pig again! So I guess I will go back on it...

Hi. I started taking wellbutrin last week 150mg XL and upped the dose to 300mg XL and I notice a lot of side effects like dizziness, nauseous, a bigger appetite, stomach ache/cramps, etc.. does it get better after a while? if so how long? or should i go to the doctor and ask to change it?

This is a response to posting 325; Virginia on December 22. I too have been on Paxil for several years and I am in the process of transitioning to Wellbutrin. I am experiencing the same side effects as you described in your posting. I'm thinking it may be a combination of effects caused by weaning off Paxil and starting Wellbutrin. I have gone without Paxil for several days in the past because I was low on pills and didn't get them filled. During those times I felt strange sensations when I bent over to pick something up or when I turned my head. Hard to dscribe the sensation but it was strange and I had an associated strange feeling in my tongue as well.

I've now been on Wellbutrin for 1 month. The dry mouth has subsided, and overall I feel pretty good. I have vivid dreams, not as hungry and I don't focus on coffee and chocolate like I used to. I sometimes feel edgy or weepy, but overall, I feel pretty good with alot more energy than ANY of the others I've been on.

Has anyone had problems with a change in mood while on Wellbutrin? Like erratic or aggitated behavior? Thanks!

I just wanted to say that I changed from Lexapro (for anxiety ) to welbutrin 150 twice a day about 5 months ago because i thought the lexapro was making me gain weight. Boy do I wish I had never done anything. I have become irritated by the slightest thing and I can cry if somebody looks at me wrong. I didnt realize this was a side effect until recently and I do not like the way I have started to be mean to my family and boyfriend. I am going back to lexapro pronto.

I just wanted to say that I changed from Lexapro (for anxiety ) to welbutrin 150 twice a day about 5 months ago because i thought the lexapro was making me gain weight. Boy do I wish I had never done anything. I have become irritated by the slightest thing and I can cry if somebody looks at me wrong. I didnt realize this was a side effect until recently and I do not like the way I have started to be mean to my family and boyfriend. I am going back to lexapro pronto.

I have been on wellbutrin 150 mg XL once a day for 3 weeks now... The 1st day, I felt thus burst of energy, but it went away pretty quickly. The last 2 weeks, I have felt increasingly irritated and angry.. I feel this urge of throwing things when something does not go my way, which never happened before.. My family is suffering from the present situation and I don't know whether I can hope that these effects will vanish any time soon. I also keep having these suicidal thoughts...
I tried Prozac before but had to stop because of the anxiety it was causing..

I just started taking Wellbutrin XL 150 and have had the worst dreams and hallucinations at night I have ever experienced. I have woke up out of breath and extremely scared from some of my dreams. Has anyone ever experiened weird or scary or too real feeling dreams??

I have been taking Wellbutrin XL 150 mgl for 3 weeks now and had a very bad dream last week. I dreamed that I was taking sleeping pills from my bathroom cabinet, then went to the cellar to pick up a couple of bottle of wine. I then left home to check in a motel and started drinking a mixture of both.. At that point in my dream, I woke up in disarray..

I've been on WBXL 300mg for a year and a half now. I've never had any side effects until the past couple of weeks. I've had a few episodes where this wave comes over me and my heart starts beating very fast. I don't know what a heart attack is like, but it feels like my heart will beat out of my chest. I've also been very drowsy and yawning all of the time. I'm concerned because I think it's odd that I've never had side effects (not even weight loss)before and now a year and a half into it, I am. Has this happened to anyone on here? I've noticed that most of you are having side effects within a few months of starting WB.

I forgot to mention that I started taking a low dose of oral contraceptives (Apri) 3 months ago too. I haven't read anything about these conflicting with WB though.

I was prescribed Prozac 40 mg and Wellbutrin SR 300. My doctor didn't tell me to start off just taking the 150 mg for a few days! So, perhaps because of that, I had some pretty scary side effects. The worse one was how my head felt. I can't even find words to describe it, but there was a very heavy, dizzy, and busy feel to it. Also my neck got really hot and I was jittery. Insomnia (which I had before anyway, but it made it worse). The worst days were 2-4, at one point I thought I was going to die my head felt so strange. By day 5 (today) I feel pretty normal, and my head is clear now. I did have constipation, just today. No dry mouth or excessive thirst as some seem to have. PS I am on the generic buproprion.

I was prescribed Prozac 40 mg and Wellbutrin SR 300. My doctor didn't tell me to start off just taking the 150 mg for a few days! So, perhaps because of that, I had some pretty scary side effects. The worse one was how my head felt. I can't even find words to describe it, but there was a very heavy, dizzy, and busy feel to it. Also my neck got really hot and I was jittery. Insomnia (which I had before anyway, but it made it worse). The worst days were 2-4, at one point I thought I was going to die my head felt so strange. By day 5 (today) I feel pretty normal, and my head is clear now. I did have constipation, just today. No dry mouth or excessive thirst as some seem to have. PS I am on the generic buproprion.

has anyone noticed undigested wellbutrin sr 150mg in their feces?

has anyone noticed undigested wellbutrin sr 150mg in their feces? I guess i should say i take 150 mg 3 times per day. i've taken this dose off and on for several years and have never had this problem. it worries me, plus i know things are not right. i am very emotional and want to sleep my life away. without it, i am a total *#%@ if you know what i mean. please offer any advise. thanks!

Week 6

I seem to be regressing. I don't feel as bad as I did before I was medicated but there has definitely been a dive in my mood. I am stuck on the couch. i have errands and things I need to take care of but I can't get off of the couch. I'm sleepy and tired or anxious and can't keep still. I've started taking 3 mg of Lunesa at night, which knocks me completely out, but I am super groggy in the morning. I had been sleeping 'til 12 or 1 in the afternoon, but have been forcing myself out of bed by 9 or 9:30 the past 4 mornings. My therapist has suggested I make a schedule for myself each day. I will try that tomorrow. but has anyone else experienced regression? If so, was your dosage increased? Also, my appetite is a little better and i have now lost a total of 13 pounds. Everyone has noticed. My best friend thinks I'm starving myself.

I still experience crying jags.

Wow.....good to know that I am not the only one with some of these symptoms....of late I see the anxiety and near panic following the first hour after my one a day dose of 150mg SR. It seems to subside after an hour or two, but in general I feel hyped up most of the time. I am able to focus much better at work, and don't seem to have the down moods I used to have. The flip side is that I feel nervous a good deal of the time, and OCD symptoms are increased. Wife also says that I am much more aggressive and even paranoid at times....I can see a bit of this but hard to be very objective about yourself of course. I am considering asking to be taken back to the 75 mg once a day dose to see how that works. Good luck to all of you with your challenges. It seems like a good drug, but needs to be monitored for the variations in body chemistry between people.

I am bipolar 1 and was put on Wellbutrin XL 300mg before I was diagnosed. It cured my depression but threw me into mania, I didn't sleep for 2 weeks! I wouldn't recommend it if you are bipolar.
CLM

I have been on WB XL 150mg for 3 weeks. Prior to that I was taking 10mg Lexapro. Until a week ago, I took both and tapered down to 5mg Lexapro. I've been on the WB solo for about a week. I am dizzy, cranky, have increased blood pressure and fitful sleep with crazy dreams. I have been looking all over this site to get an answer to my question and still haven't found it. Do these side effects subside? My dr. told me that if my BP does not go down by next week, I have to go off the WB, but I don't want to quit if there is hope for positive results. The reason I switched meds was because I have consistently been 20 pounds overweight since beginning anti-anxiety meds 4 years ago. I started with Effexor extended release (You MUST taper off this VERY slowly to the point of counting the little beads...)and then went onto the Lexapro, which was terrific. Just thought I'd give WB a try since so many have good luck with weight loss. My BP has gone down a little - 122 over 86 with pulse of 85 is average. Anyone have any thoughts?

Wow...I'm surprised to see so many negative side effects! I've been taking 300mg for 4 years now (afraid to go off just because of "life" before the drug!) with not a single problem. I was on Zoloft for a year before and gained 30 lbs. Three weeks after beginning the welbutrin, 16 lbs had melted away, and the emotional numbness from the Zoloft was also thawing. Wellbutrin makes me feel "normal", and even a so-called psychologically normal person has his or her minor ups and downs.

Hello..
I am so glad I found this site! I have been taking generic WB SR 100mg, once a day, for one month. With all of the postings that I have read, this seems like a VERY low doseage. My sex drive is way up, but I have not been able to sleep! I took .5 mg of klonopin the other night, and I felt like my heart was going to beat out of my chest. I stayed awake for hours, and it really freaked me out. Does anyone know if these or any other sedatives mixed with WB SR is a bad idea? I'm going to have to talk with my doc....

54 year old female, heathy and active/fit, on WB for 18 months for depression. Happy w/ results. Long term side effects have been tingling in extremities when I wake up at night. Some of the RLS sensations others have mentioned. Insomnia less than that associated with menopause, thankfully. Feeling "dizzy" around midday most days is a recent development; have not felt as if I would lose balance until today. Got to a chair. Most disconcerting, but single event so far. Anyone have this effect? Anyone ever actually lose balance? Scary to think about this occurring while driving. Some weepiness lately...does one develop a tolerance for the drug long term?

Has anyone had the side effect of a bad taste in your mouth. When I first started on WB, a couple of years ago, I was taking too high of a dose and it was causing a bad taste in my mouth. I read at the time that this was a possible side effect but I do not see this side effect listed anywhere now. I am again experiencing this bad taste and am wondering if it is the WB. Any comments?

At 37.5mg I felt great but it affected my libido. I was put on Wellbutrin XL 150 mg. and that was ok but didn't "carry" me as well so it was upped to 300 mg. The side effects were terrible, and I was heading into a bad depression, so back to 150 mg plus the Dr. added Cymbalta 30 mg every other day. So far so good. I still have a sllight dry mouth frequently, and lots of gas, but no diarrhea. I take Phazyme to reduce the gas, and that helps a lot. I do have a few strange dreams but not bad.

Has anyone experienced increased gastritis/upper abdominal pain with WBXL? I had been on Prilosec for gastritis prior to starting on it with good relief from my GI symptoms and now find that I'm having increased discomfort. Anyone else?

Has anyone experienced increased gastritis/upper abdominal pain with WBXL? I had been on Prilosec for gastritis prior to starting on it with good relief from my GI symptoms and now find that I'm having increased discomfort. Anyone else?

I do wonder if Wellbutrin has lead to a worsening of my reflux....could be

Have been taking Wellbutrin (along with weaning off lexapro) for 2 weeks and am experiencing pretty bad headaches and blurred vision.
Also waking up very tired but am starting, after the 1st week, to sleep through the night.
Does anyone else experioence the headaches from the wellbutrin or perhaps it is the reduction of the lexapro.
Thanks, Paul

Have been taking Wellbutrin (along with weaning off lexapro) for 2 weeks and am experiencing pretty bad headaches and blurred vision.
Also waking up very tired but am starting, after the 1st week, to sleep through the night.
Does anyone else experioence the headaches from the wellbutrin or perhaps it is the reduction of the lexapro.
Thanks, Paul

I am on my 4th day of the generic wellbutrin... Today I noticed I was yawning all the time, and the anxiety is starting to lift...Something happenend today that would trigger my anxiety.. i would generally not be able to work, want to leave, or start crying.. I would feel so out of control.. Today (day 4) was different.. I still feel the anxiety but I can function...It's weird but good... Like I said, only Day 4.. i'll check back.. btw.. i'm on 150mg a day..

I started taking wellbutrin sr instead of the generic that I had been on for 5 years and have had a horrible experience.
I have very bad anxiety, rash, face flushing, irritability, racing thoughts, manic behaivor, even more severe depression, and body aches. I have been in pain since taking this, and I was starting with only 75mg.
Be very cautious when starting this, and have close friends and family monitor your behavior. I am switching to something else, what I do not know yet, but I would rather have depression than depression with all of these side effects.
The generic may be better for some, it was for me.

Wow. I guess my move to Wellbutrin is a total success story.
I had been taking 20mg Celexa (SSRI) and 50Mg Trazodone (to sleep) and having anxiety (Ativan). My MD had me try starting Wellbutrin generic 75mg once/day, and we soon went to two (total 150mg). I managed to get my Celexa down to 10mg, but now I'm stuck. I had upped WB to 225mg, and that's when I had dry mouth, fast heart, lots of thirst and peeing all day - that was just too much for me. According to my MD the normal dose is 150-300mg, so a lower dose may work well for some of you.

I've lost weight - really lost my appetite - but that's not been too bad, because I needed to lose some weight anyway. (Weight that I'd gained on Celexa!).

Right now I'm working on figuring out exactly when I need to take my 2 pills, so I feel the best. After what I've read here, I think I'll take a pass at either of the extended-release varieties. Besides, the generic is CHEAP.

Hi i've been on celexa for 3 years for anxiety and i finally winged off it which the withdrawls were really harsh. Now i'm on wellbutrin XL I like how i feel mentally right away i felt like my old self again all happy, but my stomach has been torn up. It's been three weeks and everytime i eat i get sick and either end up puking or having extremely bad stomach cramps and diarea. It is so bad and hard to live with, specially working haha. I'm trying my best to hang in there and i self pay my doctor so I don't want to go back to just be told hang in there. Is this the best wellbutrin or is thier a lower dosage. or can anyone tell me how long the stomach issues go on for??? I feel perfect till i eat and it doesnt take long before the cramps come on ( like labor pains sometimes that strong), and i have to run to the bathroom. Someone please help me understand what i need to do and if its worth hanging in there. thanks jess

Hello, I've been on 300mg of Wellbutrin XL for about 4 months. My dark depression has faded. I lost 15 pounds, and has helped with my IBS. My dreams have been increasingly intense, very vivid and realistic, which scares me a bit. I'm a smoker and i have quit until i drink alcohol. Which I'm not sure is such a good idea but have not had any side effects from drinking and taking WB. The side effect that i really dislike is my moodiness increased and i started crying at things i usually would not cry about. I also say things that i would usually not say. Sometimes it's a good thing because im not embarrassed anymore but when i get upset (which happens very easily now)its all downhill from there. I wanted to know if anyone has had this side effect and if so what they did to fix it. Should i higher my dose to 450mg? I really am concerned and would love someones advice. Thanks

Hello, I've been on 300mg of Wellbutrin XL for about 4 months. My dark depression has faded. I lost 15 pounds, and has helped with my IBS. My dreams have been increasingly intense, very vivid and realistic, which scares me a bit. I'm a smoker and i have quit until i drink alcohol. Which I'm not sure is such a good idea but have not had any side effects from drinking and taking WB. The side effect that i really dislike is my moodiness increased and i started crying at things i usually would not cry about. I also say things that i would usually not say. Sometimes it's a good thing because im not embarrassed anymore but when i get upset (which happens very easily now)its all downhill from there. I wanted to know if anyone has had this side effect and if so what they did to fix it. Should i higher my dose to 450mg? I really am concerned and would love someones advice. Thanks

I started WB 2 weeks ago at 150 mg. and have had major emotional outbursts, edginess and irritability along with suicidal thoughts and a decreased threshold for emotions and a spacey feeling. Will these side effects go away?

I started WB SR about a week ago, and within a few days I started feeling very intensely anxious for no good reason. Out of nowhere I would be shaking and crying and wanting to hide in bed. I thought this medication took awhile to absorb into your system? Is this a side effect? If so does it go away?

I started Wellbutrin a week ago at 150mg and am to increase to 300 (on SR). I'm afraid of increasing for fear of a seizure (I have had anorexia and bulima - not since 7 yrs. ago, but am still concerned, and my eating habits are still bad). The Dr. seems to think I'll be ok though. Any thoughts on the seizures associated with eating disorders??? Also, within the past 3 days I've been feeling VERY shakey inside/like shocks going through my body - not painful, just abnormal and am wondering if anyone else had experienced this. It feels like what I experienced when I missed my Effexor for a day - and the feeling lasts all day. Thanks for any response.

ive been on welbutrin for 4 weeks now and noticed that all ive gotton from it was feeling like a zombie and nervousness all the time. i have A.D.D and i think that once your on welbutrin all of your creativity goes away so i want to get off this stupid drug but im worried about the withdrwal sypotoms... can anyone tell me if going off it will have serious side effects

ive been on welbutrin for 4 weeks now and noticed that all ive gotton from it was feeling like a zombie and nervousness all the time. i have A.D.D and i think that once your on welbutrin all of your creativity goes away so i want to get off this stupid drug but im worried about the withdrwal sypotoms... can anyone tell me if going off it will have serious side effects

ive been on welbutrin for 4 weeks now and noticed that all ive gotton from it was feeling like a zombie and nervousness all the time. i have A.D.D and i think that once your on welbutrin all of your creativity goes away so i want to get off this stupid drug but im worried about the withdrwal sypotoms... can anyone tell me if going off it will have serious side effects

Six weeks into WB (150 mg) and I have lost weight and have passed the initial withdrawal phase. I am very edgy and it is noticed by my friends and co-workers. I am also on 1mg of klonopin 3x a day. Still edgy and am having bizzare thoughts. On Effexor XL, I was a zombie. I want balance. Any suggestions?

Six weeks into WB (150 mg) and I have lost weight and have passed the initial withdrawal phase. I am very edgy and it is noticed by my friends and co-workers. I am also on 1mg of klonopin 3x a day. Still edgy and am having bizzare thoughts. On Effexor XL, I was a zombie. I want balance. Any suggestions?

My wife has been back on her Effexor for several months now, after having stopped feeding our third child. She was having some concentration issues and weight gain, which had not happened when she was on it before she got pregnant. Her doctor added 150mg of WB XL yesterday and she started it last night. After having read a lot and scanned almost all of the posts, this drug greatly concerns me. She looks to me to gauge her mood and actions to see if her meds are working. She is a stay at home mom and primary care giver for our three children and watches other children on an infrequent basis. I noticed there were a couple folks who were taking both drugs, but neither offered long term analysis as to how long they stayed on the meds together. Has anyone been on Effexor and WB XL at the same time? If so, what benefits, side effects did you notice? Thanks...

I have been on WXL for 2 1/2 months. My weight loss has slowed down. I'm losing between 1 and 2 pounds every 2 weeks. Total weight loss so far is 27 pounds. I am genuinely happy. It is hard to believe that I was suicidal just 3 months ago. This is not to say that I didn't experience any side effects because I did. I had severe headaches and the feeling that my head was too heavy for my neck. And the insomnia. I was prescribed lunessa for that and that helped alot. I'd have stomach upset and constipation as well. For the most part all of the side effects have subsided. My appetite has returned, though I still don't eat as much as I did before. I'm less compulsive. I'm not so quick to anger. My friends have all commented on the changes in me. I just feel better. I'd be content to be on tis medication for the rest of my life........

I have been on Wellbutrin for about 4wks and Cymbalta for about 6wks. I have noticed my urine smells bad. Could this be from one of these meds?

I have been on Wellbutrin for about 4wks and Cymbalta for about 6wks. I have noticed my urine smells bad. Could this be from one of these meds?

I have been on Wellbutrin for almost 3 months now to prevent anxiety attacks and increase my libido hopefully. I was having panic attacks with no warning so things like Ativan didn't work. A month ago, when I developed extreme sadness (lots of family stress) I went back. She didn't want to increase the 150 mg so just added 12.5 mg time released Paxil. Within 3 weeks I became my normal cheerful self, much to my husband's delight. I have not had a panic attack in 3 months. My side effects seem limited to hand tremors and yes, my urine has developed an unusual odour.
I am very happy with my mixture and feel quite normal already, just keeping a Tide pen handy for the spilled coffee.

I was perscribed Wellbutrin XL 150 mg and then suggested to up my dosage to 300 mg by my therapist (after only 2 weeks mind you) I was okay with that though because my experience with the Wellbutrin had been fine up to that point (tons of energy, loss of appetite)- I should point out, I have been on a long journey with my weight and lost 70 pounds over the past year (through diet and exercise) but, I still needed to lose about 25 pounds. Initially on the 150 MG i lost about 10 pounds or so, and i was sooo happy. BUT, once i started on the 300 mg, i had to take the generic because it was way less money (about 100 less amonth to be exact). DO NOT TAKE THE GENERIC. it has taken me 3 months (the amount of time i have been on the generic wellbutrin XL) now to figure out why i am RAVENOUS constantly & cannot seem to satiate my appetite. I was once so controlled with my eating and able to have willpower above and beyond most... but now, i think of food and i have to eat it. I have gained back all the ten pounds i lost & an extra five. My cravings are ridiculous- not usually for "unhealthy foods" per se but for an abundance of things that could be good for you in moderation- Cereal, fruit, CANDY- i crave sugar non stop. I MISS MY SELF CONTROL so, three days ago i decided not to stop taking it. I would rather be back to being midly unhappy and moody then FAT which would make me completely miserable all over again... my advice, think long and hard about medicine in general- if you need it, take it but, if you are like me & are on the fence-- be CAREFUL... i wish i had never bothered... all I have done is gain weight & become what my friends call completely indifferent to the world- on the plus side, you do get things done.

For Post 388 that Ashley wrote. Sorry to hear that generic didn't work for you. I started the first two weeks on WXL and then had to switch to generic for insurance purposes, but I didn't notice any adverse effects.

I'm a 44yo male and have been on 450 mg of Wellbutrin XL for about 18 months. This is the first med that I've tolerated... doc tried me on several. My lasting side effects are an occasional slight dizziness and crying. The crying can be a problem. Damn, I've cried at commercials! I should mention that I'm not what you'd the picture as the crying type - 6'2", 275lbs a former college football player and now owner of a construction company. Needless to say, this has caused some awkward situations...

3 months total on generic Wellbutrin now. Dosage taken from 100 up to 150 3 weeks ago. Last weekend hand, arm and leg tremors hit peak, but seem to have subsided this week.

I am so glad I found this site. I have been to the doctor twice this week and to the ER once. I started SR 150mg two weeks ago. Paranoia, hot and itchy hands and feet, electrical shocks, and extreme anxiety have been a real problem. Has anyone else experienced this?

I've been on Bupropian SR for 3 months now and of all the antidepressants I've tried, this one is the one that I can tolerate. I do have vivid dreams, but most of the side effects have diminished. The only one that hasn't that does frustrate me is short term memory lost. I can't remember a darn thing anymore!

Anyone else have the ear ringing? I'm on 450 mg welbutrin daily since dec. ears started rining on 300mg in october. worse with the increase. At first I didn't mind it - almost felt comforting - in an odd way. but now it is very loud. I'd like to up my dose, but am very hesitant because if the rining gets louder i'm afraid i won't be able to think.... anyone else have this?

Anyone else have the ear ringing? I'm on 450 mg welbutrin daily since dec. ears started rining on 300mg in october. worse with the increase. At first I didn't mind it - almost felt comforting - in an odd way. but now it is very loud. I'd like to up my dose, but am very hesitant because if the rining gets louder i'm afraid i won't be able to think.... anyone else have this?

my doc thinks I should try wellbutrin..I am afraid to medicate but I cannot seem to feel better on my own..I am a stay at home mom and somedays I feel like just leaving..or not getting out of bed and just laying there and crying all day.I am really bitchy to everyone and often have alot of anger.my patience is gone..and I have to operate on automatic to function enough to make sure the kids are well taken care of...clean,fed, comfortable etc...I try to make everything happy for but I have no energy or desire to play with them anymore..they miss the old mommy who laughed alot intstead of crying all the time..any advice on wellbutrin anyone?I have never medicated for depression before..

my doc thinks I should try wellbutrin..I am afraid to medicate but I cannot seem to feel better on my own..I am a stay at home mom and somedays I feel like just leaving..or not getting out of bed and just laying there and crying all day.I am really bitchy to everyone and often have alot of anger.my patience is gone..and I have to operate on automatic to function enough to make sure the kids are well taken care of...clean,fed, comfortable etc...I try to make everything happy for but I have no energy or desire to play with them anymore..they miss the old mommy who laughed alot intstead of crying all the time..any advice on wellbutrin anyone?I have never medicated for depression before..

E - I had ringing in my ears at first...was worse when I drank alot of caffeine. I don't have it at all now.

I'm in the process of weaning myself from Effexor while I start the Wellbutrin. Last week I stepped down off the Effexor in the manner that my doc prescribed, but things were a bit wonky in my physical chemistry. I took a miss on the last dose of Effexor and instead increased the Wellbutrin to the 300 mg I was going to increase to anyway-- essentially I cut four or five days out of the prescribed transition calendar.

The reason I did this is because the dizziness has really become obstructive in terms of my ability to get out of bed and proceed with normal activities. A couple of years ago I was on Lexapro and recall that I experienced the same side effect, though to a lesser degree, while ramping up the dosage. It was hell, is hell, but in the case of Lexapro was worth enduring because it helped my mindset so tremendously.

Anyway, sorry to blather on-- after reading through most of the posts on here I noticed that only a handful of people have experienced this dizziness (on top of the tearfulness, which I attribute to being off a tear-stifling sugstance), most recently Scott. Does the dizziness wane over time? Or does it just remain with you? And, in general, how long does it take for initial side effects to decrease to the level where they will remain? Anyone?

Thanks--

elizabeth

so glad I found this site, I've been taking generic 150mg for 5 days now for anxiety, depression and quitting smoking. ALL that I've read from the comments above are and have pretty occurred minus the vivid dreams and sweating. The worst symptoms are tingling and numbness down arms, light tremor, electrical shock feeling, slushy brain, tightness in my shoulders, upper back and neck, difficulty breathing, jaw clenching, bad headaches,and now yesterday day 4 a few crying spats and anger fits for really no reason, also I feel like a zombie, oh and I have that uncontrollable itchy feeling mostly on shoulders and down back, "not fun" only happens at night, and dry mouth, and an awful taste in my mouth too..the only positive would have to be increased libido, which was healthy to begin with...besides that I feel awake, but can't focus too well, real foggy head, and driving seems different as I'm not as alert..dangerous!! I...anyway, after reading all these comments I think I will stop the med. because it sounds to me that the symptoms really don't go away..if they did that would be one thing..I've never had so many side effects in my life? guess I'm allergic..this site helped me immensely ..thank you all who wrote..I thought I was loosing my mind for real! I think I rather live my anxiety and blues than feel drugged out zombie all the time, and feel physically wiped out...best of luck to everyone..if anyone feels the same and has any advice for me I'd appreciate it..maybe i need a diff. med, i will talk to my doc. peace

Elaine from March 5th. Your story sounds a lot like mine. I've battling your same feelings for the past two years... I struggled on my on for one year..tried fluoxetine for one year ..that seemed to help a little but got off because I didn't want to medicate. Well a year later I ended up in the same dark place...and now I have seen a pscyhiatrist that educated me on my depression and I am now taking the wellbrutin. It has been a week and a couple of days. I am scared, not sure If I made the right decision but felt I had no other choice. I tried the self-help books, 4 mos. of therapy.... have talked to death about what I am battling with close friends and nothing was helping. So I felt like I had no choice. I sure hope this helps. But after reading all the other entries I am slightly more terrified of developing the dry mouth and gaining weight.

No weight gain here, only a loss. I started out at 212 and am down to 204 after 2 months. Good side effect for me.

No weight gain here, only a loss. I started out at 212 and am down to 204 after 2 months. Good side effect for me.

I was in a bad car accident in 2004 and broke my neck and lacerated the right side of my forhead of....3 plastic surgerys later and 2 neck surgerys later...I ended very depressed...about my looks my pain in my neck made me very mad and mean.I was going down hill....I felt like turning back to drugs to numb my pain.
I am also a recovered drug addict...but I have a child..who truly even in my depression saved my from just going and shooting up again.I ended up telling my mom how I felt because I knew I was about to fuck up if I did not speak up and tell someone who would stop me! My mom and I called Kaiser..my insurance and ended up talking to a doctor about my depression and urge to get high. He told me that Wellbutrin helps recovery addicts because they have depleted alot of the dopemine in there brain and that among other things causes bad depression and makes you feen for the feeling you get when you get high from Herion....the feeling of being numb having no pain and feeling very happy not sad at all.....So he said that over time Wellbutrin would make me feel like that but it's healthy unlike Meth and Herion that has nasty chemicals cut in them.
Anyways....I felt like shit...for the first month...crying...still wanting to get high....and overwelming sadness.....But the doctor bumped me up to 200mg twice a day and kepted promising me that sooner or later it would start to help me.
Long story short...I have been taking it since Oct..o7 and it's March 08..around christmas I noticed how happy I was in big bear with my family ...how talkative I was.I did not even think about getting high anymore...

Everyday is different I still have days where I feel depression and the urge to get high....But Wellbutrin is not a miracle drug for me it just helps me maintain my thoughts and feelings so they are not so out of control. If there are poeple reading this who have problems with usong Meth or Herion...and you don't want that Fucked Up life anymore ....But you just can't stop using....maybe you should try Wellbutrin.It might help you like it helped me.

I have been taking Wellbutrin SR for 4 weeks now. The first 2 weeks was 100mg SR, and the past two weeks has been 200 mg SR (100 mg twice a day). I feel like I can concentrate better on day to day things, like busy work, and talking to people, but my "big picture" thinking is very cloudy. Basically my life on wellbutrin feels like a regimented process of getting through each day. I don't think about my future anymore. I don't really have hopes anymore. I can't make decisions about things that aren't happening right this second (for instance I had the hardest time committing to a weekend trip for tomorrow). I really don't like it. I don't feel like myself. Before I went on wellbutrin I had confidence and self-esteem issues, now, I just flat out don't care about anything really. And that scares me. I want to quit taking it and do counseling with a psychologist. I'm really scared that I will never get back to the mindset that I had before wellbutrin. I wish there was something I could do to "reset" my brain back to where it was.

I have been taking Wellbutrin SR for 4 weeks now. The first 2 weeks was 100mg SR, and the past two weeks has been 200 mg SR (100 mg twice a day). I feel like I can concentrate better on day to day things, like busy work, and talking to people, but my "big picture" thinking is very cloudy. Basically my life on wellbutrin feels like a regimented process of getting through each day. I don't think about my future anymore. I don't really have hopes anymore. I can't make decisions about things that aren't happening right this second (for instance I had the hardest time committing to a weekend trip for tomorrow). I really don't like it. I don't feel like myself. Before I went on wellbutrin I had confidence and self-esteem issues, now, I just flat out don't care about anything really. And that scares me. I want to quit taking it and do counseling with a psychologist. I'm really scared that I will never get back to the mindset that I had before wellbutrin. I wish there was something I could do to "reset" my brain back to where it was.

Hi i've been on WB XL for about 3 months now i went through all the side effects of stomach problems, sick, headaches,etc. Now those are gone and it should be in my system but i'm way bitchier on this stuff. My husband walks past me the wrong way and i flip out over nothing. I have no patience at all for anything. I haven't lost weight and i still feel depressed more than before. is this just a side effect before it starts working good or is 3 months to long and this wb xl just isn't going to work for me? please help me

Hi i've been on WB XL for about 3 months now i went through all the side effects of stomach problems, sick, headaches,etc. Now those are gone and it should be in my system but i'm way bitchier on this stuff. My husband walks past me the wrong way and i flip out over nothing. I have no patience at all for anything. I haven't lost weight and i still feel depressed more than before. is this just a side effect before it starts working good or is 3 months to long and this wb xl just isn't going to work for me? please help me

Hi i've been on WB XL for about 3 months now i went through all the side effects of stomach problems, sick, headaches,etc. Now those are gone and it should be in my system but i'm way bitchier on this stuff. My husband walks past me the wrong way and i flip out over nothing. I have no patience at all for anything. I haven't lost weight and i still feel depressed more than before. is this just a side effect before it starts working good or is 3 months to long and this wb xl just isn't going to work for me? please help me

Hi i've been on WB XL for about 3 months now i went through all the side effects of stomach problems, sick, headaches,etc. Now those are gone and it should be in my system but i'm way bitchier on this stuff. My husband walks past me the wrong way and i flip out over nothing. I have no patience at all for anything. I haven't lost weight and i still feel depressed more than before. is this just a side effect before it starts working good or is 3 months to long and this wb xl just isn't going to work for me? please help me

Hi, I got the generic 150SR in the mail a few weeks ago, and it made me feel like a total zombie. By day 4, I thought my head would explode and I thought, 'this can't be right.' So I threw it in the trash and called back and asked for the brand wellbutrin, and started it today. It is completely different from the generic so far. Well, this is day one. I'll keep you posted.

int he begining of WB XL I felt like eating less and felt great mentally now almost 3 months into it i'm feeling a huge appitite again and depression? what is going on? I haven't missed on pill why is it reversing on me? will i get to where i feel better again?

Have been on Welbutrin SR for 11 days now (100 mg) and am having increasing problems with insomnia. I am a moderate drinker (1-3 glasses of wine a day). Is this the problem? I feel very upbeat and sociable and my anxiety and irritability has greatly reduced, but I can't sleep . Am ready to give this up and settle for some depression to avoid sleep deprivation. The instructions say no drinking - should I be giving up altogether on alcohol?

You are correct in that you should not be drinking with the Wellbutrin. Also, when are you taking it? I would highly recommend taking it as soon as possible in the morning, it can cause insomia.

reply to 353: I have had two occasions recently that I passed a large yellow jelly bean type item in my stools. It floats. I know this is gross, but when I cut it open it had the consistency of a gummy bear, and it had a white cotton like center. Last night after passing another one I did an experiment and put on of my Wellbutrin XR in a glass of water. This morning it swelled up into a white jelly like "bean". Maybe after it passes the outside turns yellow. I have searched the net and found a few other people have this exact thing, but none of them mentioned they were on Wellbutrin. I will follow it up and let you know.

Day 5 on the brand 150 sr is going very well, nothing at all like the generic, which I had to stop after day 4 because I felt HORRID.
Greg, my instructions say NOT to stop alcohol when starting wb, please read yours again. But I do agree that morning is the best time for dose.

Am posting same thing again because I'm new to this thread and didn't mean to post as an anonymouse...won't happen again.
Day 5 on the brand 150 sr is going very well, nothing at all like the generic, which I had to stop after day 4 because I felt HORRID.
Greg, my instructions say NOT to stop alcohol when starting wb, please read yours again. But I do agree that morning is the best time for dose.

What are the side effects of Budeprion SR if you stop cold turkey .

What are the side effects of Budeprion SR if you stop cold turkey .

What are the side effects of Budeprion SR if you stop cold turkey .

I quit taking the welbutrin and I am SLOWLY getting back to normal. The numbness, tingling, and electric shocks are pretty much gone. I just mentally do not feel right yet. I was wondering how long it takes for you to mentally get back to normal after quitting. I still feel extreme anxiousness and paranoia.

I am so glad i found this site i am 53 and was diagnosed at age 19 with bi-polar back then they called it manic depression. the last 12 years i have really been strugling with really bad depression suicidal thoughts hopeless feelings and feeing worthless and unmotivated to do anything ane angry. i felt like my brain just wasn't working i couldn't focus it was just blank. i had a manic episode summer of 05 that lasted until jan 06 and then i crashed and ended up in the hospital for 14 days. since then i have been on a number of conbinations of drugs. cymbolta,geodon,triliptol,prescription mega vitamins,limictol,lexapro,ambien and remeron. I experienced decreased sexual drive with all of them. The lexapro made me very agitated and had mild anxiety attacks. I was on cymbolta geodon and triliptol and ambien at the same time at first i felt like i was high but at the same time i was very withdrawn and paranoid. that subsided after a few months. the ambien made me sleepwalk and eat among other things at night with no rememberance the next morning. switched to remeron and seraquil which only made me gain weight and i had gastric bypass 5 years ago and experienced no problems from that surgery. not even extra skin after the loss weight. the medication seems only to work somewhat for a little while. i havent felt good or like myself for a long time. i am still a cocaine user because it is the only time i really feel halfway decent. I developed a stuttering speach after going on the lamictol and i had loss of hair while on the seraquil, however i am on high blood pressure medication and am not sure that is not the cause of the hair loss. I just started surfing the net in hopes to find something to lift me up out of this black hole and give me my sex drive back as i always had a very strong drive before all these drugs. i have come to the realization that i have to be on some kind of drug after over 35 years. of being in denial. from all the comments i have read on wb i must say i have read more positive than negative. especialy the increased sex drive. has anyone experienced the stuttering speach or horrible night sweats from any of these drugs. I am wondering if the cocaine mixed with these drugs is causing the stuttering. anyway it is good to know i am not the only one feeling this way and constantly looking for the right combination to feel normal and functional.

to mari and traci i heard that wb was good help aid for quiting smokingand cocaine & ect. i rather be on the manic side of bi-polar than the depressed side. I decided to give it a shot because i really want to quit cocaine and get a sex life back as i am sure my husband would greatly appreciate that i am calling my doc tomorrow

I've been on WBXL for 6 weeks now. In the beginning, i had the dry mouth and awful taste in my mouth. that went away after a short time. My biggest problem is sweating and body odor. i love the way the drug makes me feel, I am actually happy again but i'm still waiting for these side effects to stop. Please tell me that it will.

I've been taking brand wb 150sr for a little over a week, and it's completely different from the terrible experience I had with the generic. If you are having trouble with the generic, throw it in the trash and insist on the brand. I am getting the brand in the mail from Canada, which is the only way I could possibly afford it.

I've been taking brand wb 150sr for a little over a week, and it's completely different from the terrible experience I had with the generic. If you are having trouble with the generic, throw it in the trash and insist on the brand. I am getting the brand in the mail from Canada, which is the only way I could possibly afford it.

I had a severe anxiety attack and blacked out at work and fell down a staircase. My Dr put me on lexapro, xanax,when he felt those weren't working he then put me on wellbutrin XL ontop of everything else. Within 2 weeks of starting the wellbutrin I started having suicidal thoughts and started cutting myself. When I went to see him to show what was happening to me and tried to tell him I felt like I was going crazy, he took me off the wellbutrin and xanax cold turkey and I crashed.It was hell for me! He really didn't seem to care what I had done to myself like he had seen this happen many times before. I do not recommend anyone taking wellbutrin XL!!!!!

I've been on Prozac and Lexapro and gained 18 pounds in a year, and I have a small frame. I went to a new doctor and they told me with my symptoms I shouldn't have taken those pills. ( I was very upset because the weight gain). He put me on Wellbutrin SR 150mg. Its been 4 weeks and I feel pretty good. The first week and half was so bad for me. The constant dry mouth, nauseau, not eating, still having mood swings. Then it all just stopped and I feel great, I don't get upset easily, don't make up horrible stories in my head, not losing my temper, AND STOPPED SMOKING :) O ya, I have lost 5 pounds too!!! I love it, but I think everybody has different side effects, etc. Good Luck to all, and make sure you talk to your doctor about what you should take,so you dont get screwed:)

I've been on Prozac and Lexapro and gained 18 pounds in a year, and I have a small frame. I went to a new doctor and they told me with my symptoms I shouldn't have taken those pills. ( I was very upset because the weight gain). He put me on Wellbutrin SR 150mg. Its been 4 weeks and I feel pretty good. The first week and half was so bad for me. The constant dry mouth, nauseau, not eating, still having mood swings. Then it all just stopped and I feel great, I don't get upset easily, don't make up horrible stories in my head, not losing my temper, AND STOPPED SMOKING :) O ya, I have lost 5 pounds too!!! I love it, but I think everybody has different side effects, etc. Good Luck to all, and make sure you talk to your doctor about what you should take,so you dont get screwed:)

Late October I was prescribed Wellbutrin XL for depression. It started with a week of 150MG then went on to 300MG. 3 weeks later i started feeling drowsy all the time, after 6 weeks I could not form sentences, was confused and delusional, had tremors, and multiple other symptoms. I went to the hospital where they checked me for tumors and said to stop the WB. A week of 150mg later i was off of it.

Now it is over 3 months later, and I still have neurological issues that I have never had before. I have trouble focusing 24 hours a day, which sometimes gets really bad for long periods. Constant headaches, drowsiness no matter how much I sleep. and sometimes tremors.

no doctor has been able to help me, and these problems are greatly effecting with my life. to the point of having trouble with school and getting jobs.

Does anyone know if wellbutrin could be the problem? We have searched in every other area and no answers seem to come up.

I started taking prozac in 1987 for bulimia. It was a god sent. But after giving birth to twins(1999)I never felt ok. I had constant sucidial thoughts. I upped the prozac, felt better, then the same thing. not depressed, but very anxious, and intrusive sucidial thoughts.

I will skip a lot of attempts at medication (and a diagonis of bi polar 2 which I am not).

I stopped the prozac and started wellbutrin 150mg for 1 week and increased to 300sr (or xl) the 2nd week. Let me be honest and say that I thougt I was going to hurt someone....very aggitated and mean. I had some xanex that I took as needed....

Today, I am on Wellbutrin 300sr and doing great. However, the wellbutrin does not help with my 'worry' and I have figured out that if I take prozac 20mg 2 times a week the anxity/worry is manageable.

I can not began to tell how WELL I feel and how different my life is.

Hope this helps someone.

Contact me if needed.

Just wanted to comment so that it might help someone...I have been diagnosed with severe depression, anxiety, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and Bi-Polar. The depression and anxiety were diagnosed first, then the PTSD and bi-polar in the years after.

The first 5 or so years that I started taking anti-depressants I tried many, many different anti-depressants. Because I also have Fibromyalgia, I am very sensitive to drugs and their side effects. So, I had trouble with many anti-depressants.

The drug that sticks out in my mind the most is Prozac, because when I went on Prozac I remember the side effect that made me say, "NO, I will not take this any longer." That side effect was very strong suicidal thoughts. I took myself off that immediately. But that was probably 15 years ago.

During the period of time I was trying to find a correct anti-depressant (probably over 6 years or more) I probably tried 10 or more different medications, to my Psychiatrists frustration. All with side effects I couldn't, or wouldn't put up with. Those included more anxiety, no sex drive, dizziness, feeling like I was waiting for my eyes to catch up with my body when I moved sometimes, feeling ill and restless, or not being able to get up in the morning because I was feeling "mediciney." And, probably many more side effects I don't remember.

In the past 4 years I have experienced more loss than most people experience in a lifetime, or in such a short period of time. I have handled the losses pretty well, all things considered, and had to have only a little help over-and-above my current antidepressant. That help was a drug that helped my anxiety. I don't remember what it was, but it worked in the time frame I needed it to work.

The drug that I was finally able to take for my depression, with no side effects, was Wellbutrin SR. I started taking Wellbutrin SR about 9 years ago. I don't remember what dosage I started out at, but I know I did stair-step up to my current 200 mg's twice a day.

The Wellbutrin SR didn't "all the sudden" make my world a better place, but over time I felt like things were "right" again in my world. And there were no side effects. I still had a sex drive and didn't have any strong food drive. No dizziness or "ill" feelings. No side effects for me at all. I do remember this because it was so REMARKABLE for me to not have side effects.

I did ask my psychiatrist if I could, or should, switch to Wellbutrin XL when it came out, but he said NO! "NO, I don't think that would be a good choice for you," then he dropped it. So I dropped it as well. The Wellbutrin SR was still working terrificly so why rock the boat?

I have to admit that after so many years on the drug I have starting to wonder if it was still effective, or was I "better (more mature...LOL)?" I concluded that wasn't the case....LOL!

About a four months ago my Fibromyalgia and Degenerative Disk Disease became over-whelming. My FM was the worst it had been in years (FM cycles, sometimes it goes in remission and sometimes it flares.) I was spending all my time in bed, in pain. I couldn't sleep, or do anything. Times like this I know I am very ill. No denial that FM exists! LOL! During this time I was working with my PCP getting my Thyroid med's re-adjusted, so I had an appointment that I had to go to. No lying in bed this day!

When my doc. came in and asked how I was doing on the current dosage of Thyroid medication, I told her it was hard to tell because I was having a horrible time with pain control and depression. She knows of my record with severe depression, so she asked how bad the depression was. I looked her straight in the eye and said, BAAAAD! She suggested I try an additional anti-depressant and pain med. She suggested Cymbalta (30 mg's once a day) for the depression, as it would work in conjunction with my Wellbutrin SR. I was on the Cymbalta for about a week (with no ill effects,) then I could try Lyrica (200 mg's twice a day) for the pain.

The side effects I have now are dry mouth, veracious appetite, swollen knees, very heavy feeling body, any movement of my head or body makes my eyes spin in my head so I have to stay still with my eyes closed until the spinning stops, and I am very, very tired. I am sleeping about 15 hours a day.

I have recently read the side effects of Cymbalta and Lyrica. There were also blogs like this one from people that explained their side effects. There wasn't much said about Lyrica. But WATCH OUT Cymbalta! There was so much negative and scary information about Cymbalta that I am extremely worried. I am just as worried about trying to wean myself off the Cymbalta. The side effects are so bad that I can't believe Cymbalta will stay a med. for to much longer. With all the bad news it would be a major cu for EILilly to be able to keep it on the market. But, with all the bad press it still is on the market, so...money always wins.

I am not saying that your side effects aren't from Wellbutrin, but if you are taking Wellbutrin and Cymbalta at the same time I would be more inclined to check into Cymbalta being the cause of your side effects.

One more note. At one point my insurance wanted me to switch to a generic Wellbutrin SR. I tried the generic of Wellbutrin and almost immediatly could tell that it wasn't working for me. I started feeling very anxious and depressed. I had to get my doctor to petition my insurance company to get me back on the generic. That has happened to me twice when Wellbutrin SR has come out with different generic forms of Wellbutrin SR.

I, and several other people I know have also had bad side effects from Ambien. They include: flue like symptoms, low grade fever, depression, lethargy and dizziness. My mother even had to go to the emergency room after fainting. It was related back to her Ambien usage so she stopped taking it. She immediately felt better.

From what I've read here, some of you might be having symptoms from a generic form of Wellbutrin XL. Or, you might be developing side effects on the medication that you have already been taking, not your new medication. It can happen, because it happened to me!

I hope this is literate~~I am so tired!! I do hope this helps someone too.

Hi everyone I am like sabrina I just started taking wellbutrin 150mg sr and now i am getting a little worried about the side effects. First i have to take one pill aday for three days then starting with the fourth day i have to take two pills one in the morning and one in the afternoon. This is day two for me and I have'nt had any side effects as of yet. But I plan on talking to my Doctor in more depth about the side effects. Now I have heard from a friend of mines that her doctor said that she should take it for weight loss. Is this true?

kim

Hi everyone I am like sabrina I just started taking wellbutrin 150mg sr and now i am getting a little worried about the side effects. First i have to take one pill aday for three days then starting with the fourth day i have to take two pills one in the morning and one in the afternoon. This is day two for me and I have'nt had any side effects as of yet. But I plan on talking to my Doctor in more depth about the side effects. Now I have heard from a friend of mines that her doctor said that she should take it for weight loss. Is this true?

kim

I've been on anti-depressants since 1994 - mostly SSRIs and Trazodone for sleep. Late last year (after scads of huge life changes) I realized that the SSRI I was on was not making it for me, and my psych added generic Wellbutrin at 75 mg once a day... and we upped it to two after a couple of days. I felt pretty good (still going through more heavy life changes), but after a while I noticed that I would feel really trembly after taking the second dose in the afternoon - my hands would shake - and since I felt pretty good without taking it, I cut back to just the one dose in the morning (75mg) with 10 mg Celexa in the evening with my trazodone. I experienced welcome weight loss since I was on WB, at first the appetite was non-existent but eventually got back up to normal - but I eat less. My sex drive is also recovering.

The only symptom I'm having that concerns me is some ongoing GI disturbances - hard to pass stools and burping almost all the time (or feeling like I need to burp). I thought that last bit was just me, but now I'm wondering, could it be the WB?

If so, I'll just live with it.

For Jess, Re Regression

I felt the same way you felt at about 6 weeks on XL. Keep taking them, you will balance out. Trust me. You are adjusted to the meds so the effect seems less intense.

Hi all.

I was on Lexapro 10mg for 3 years. (A few breaks, but always re-started it). The SSRI seemed to work very well for anxiety, and fairly well for mood... It seemed to 'stabilize' my mood (the lows didn't go as low -- but the highs didn't go as high either). I had transient nausea (often triggered by a smell or something), and zero interest in sex.

I happened to switch pdoc's (because of a move), so I discussed all this with the new Dr. She immediately suggested WB, reduced my Lexapro to 5mg, and gave me klonopin (as needed, 1mg) for anxiety. (My anxiety tends to be acute and episodic, not chronic).

WB (150 SR) came on strong over days 1, 2 and 3. It felt like a weak amphetamine. Productivity and concentration levels shot through the roof, and mood was elevated. This started to calm down starting on day 4. After a week on WB, I dropped the Lexapro from 10 to 5. It was a bit uncomfortable for a few days, but not too bad.

At this point, it is important to note: I broke out of the SSRI "fog" (that I didn't realize I was in). Explaining this in full would take a while, so I'll summarize:

I started having 'feelings' again... I was in the basement, and felt a twinge of nervousness. I was watching a crime TV show, and felt excited. I watched Mr. Rogers speak in this clip

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a41lJIhW7fA

and it moved me to tears. This may sound normal to most, but was a HUGE contrast to my experience of life on the SSRI.

So, on WB, I feel human - and well.

No depression. Interest in sex came roaring back. I feel 'in touch' with the world again. Anxiety has popped up a few times, but it is completely manageable with .5 clonazepam (I split the pills... 1mg is too strong).

I suppose I've noticed a bit of dry mouth on WB, but no other side-effects.

So, obviously I prefer the WB over SSRI for depression/mood. Anxiety does not seem to be managed by WB (and I don't know of any mechanism of action that suggests that it should). Luckily, I'm able to kill the occasional anxiety with a benzo. And yes, my doctor and I went over the potential for abuse and dependance of this drug. I have no interest in taking it for any kind of intoxication (actually, I'm not sure why anyone would... it doesn't produce any pleasurable feelings). I'm also not worried about dependance, because I don't need it very often. But, I will certainly admit, in the grips of panic - it is really nice to have a 'silver bullet'.

After 4 months, I'm still on 150 SR - and see no need for 300. Klonopin as needed for (rare) acute anxiety. I'm symptom free and happy.

(And, yes, I'm still on 5mg of Lexapro. I don't really think a dose this low is doing anything helpful - but the SSRI side-effects are completely gone, so I'll keep taking it for now).

Cheers all,
--j

elaine (Posted March 5th): Obviously, the symptoms you describe point to a depressive disorder. Please make an appointment with your family dr. and discuss your options. Your fear of medicating your depression may actually be a presentation of an anxiety disorder.

Mood and anxiety disorders frequently overlap. Both are treatable.

I don't mean to imply that experiencing anxiety indicates a disorder. Anxiety is a perfectly normal response to stress. But, be honest with yourself - if you have powerful fears that don't seem rational, please discuss with a dr.

kim: weight loss is common on WB. In studies, up to 28% of people taking WB lost more than five pounds. It isn't clear why WB causes weight loss. Loss of appetite (a common side-effect) may be responsible.

Weight loss may be desirable for lots of people, but I started WB at my ideal weight... And, I've been struggling a bit to keep it up!

I have a 15 year old son who had been on w xl 300 for for 6 years. A year and a half ago he was diagnosed with bipolar, it has been a year from hell revamping meds. Upto 2 weeks ago he was still taking 300 xl, and has been having horrible hallucinations for about the last 9 months with up and down manic swings that would make your head spin. His Dr informed me that all the chaos was caused from his w xl. Has anyone else every experienced anything like this?

Thanx,
A Mom

Hi all- I started taking wellbutrin SR 150 once a day about 5 days ago. I'm doing pretty well, have nausea for about 2 hours after I take my dose, my ears are ringing, but I can deal. My main ? is.... when do the side effects stop? I'm going on about 4 hours of sleep and feel okay, but how long do I need to give this? I'm laughing more & seem more carefree already-not excessive though- I guess I'm just wondering how long the nausea and insomnia will last? Are we talking months?

I started taking Wellbutrin Xl 150mg two weeks ago. At first I was fine but then my doctor upped my perscription to 300mg and thats when my life turned into hell. I've been nauseous, dizzy, tired, weak, and just completely out of it. The symptoms remind me of flu like symptoms with body aches and headaces. Unfortunately, my doctor has been MIA since he upped my dosage and now I'm not sure what do to. I decided to cut the pills in half and take them every other day instead of every day but I feel even worse. I can't function and I don't know what else to do.

I've been taking generic WB SR since last Thursday; spent the rec'd four days at 150, then increased my intake to 300 mg twice a day.

I'm currently in college and insanely busy. I work extremely hard and have trouble with insomnia for quite some time--script sleeping pills don't even phase me. Anyway, I've gotten about eight hours total sleep in the last week--which I know is scary unhealthy. Also have lots of stomach clenching, which has made it impossible for me to hold down food; the dizziness is scaring the crap out of me...just managed to fall asleep earlier and woke with the worst vertigo feeling of my life. Anyway, I was wondering how much long these symptoms will last...they're scaring the crap out of me. I've been on other meds before and completely believe that the adjustment time is well worth the effort, but I'm scared.

I have been taking 150 mg Bupropion (Welbutrin) daily for the last 2 years. Crying and sadness resulted this week in my doctor supplementing this with 30 mg of Cymbalta.This has left me tired, a feeling of being "high" and sleepy. Has anyone else been on a combined diet of these 2 drugs? and if so what are your results?

I just started taking Wellbutrin a week ago. I am taking 150mg twice a day. I am already on Klonopin for anxiety and panic attacks. We went with wellbutrin because every other antidepressant I tried ruined my sex life. I have noticed since I started that I am angry quiet often and snap at the drop of a hat. My anxiety seems to be back where the Klonopin alone had been working great. Anyone else feel like this? If I were to change can anyone suggest something that won't affect my sex life? I have tried Paxil, Prozac and Lexapro.

I've been on Wellbutrin 300 for about 2 years for anxiety and it has done well for me. I am concerned about any long-term use side effects. Does anyone know if it is one of the drugs that can lead to Parkinson's - I have heard that some anti-depressants can do that. Are there any things to be concerned about?

Regarding comment 443: I was like you, not sleeping at all. When I took Wellbutrin XL it got worse. My doctor prescribed 3 mg of lunessa each night. I took them for about 2 weeks. I sleep fine now. I know you said script sleeping pills didn't work. If you haven't tried Lunessa, please do.

I have been taking Wellbutrin XL for about 4 months now. I started with the 150 and after a month went to 300. It took a little while for it to kick in maybe a month. But I love it, I have never felt better. The sexual side effects are awesome, sex has never been better (well, maybe in my twenties). BUT of course with my luck I just started noticing that my hair seems to be getting thinner. I am thinking about reducing my dosage to 150 and then maybe even going off it completely. I'm sorry but great sex or not it's not worth being 36 and bald especially for a woman. I guess I was hoping someone could relate and give me some sort of feed back.

445 comment-- Give it time, your body takes time getting used to it and after a couple weeks you will start to feel great. I've been on it for over a month and I love it. I have lost my 13 pounds that I put on taking Lexapro and Prozac, my mood is great and I always feel motivated :) Just see what happens.

Question... Taking Burpropion SR 150 mg 2daily for 3 weeks now. Sex is great but am very argumenative and just a B.... I feel more motivated and energetic but my relationships can't suffer for it. Everyone is getting on my nerves and that is not normally my personality. Usually very easy going. HELP!! after 3 weeks will this go away and has anyone else felt MEAN???

Wellbutrin does cause an increase in anxiety/irritabilty in many people. I have been on it for 5 months and it sure has increased my anxiety. I was already rather irritable.
Greg

I get my prescription from Canada (only way I can afford it), started off with 150, now am on brand 300 XL. I was doing a little better after a few weeks but was not great. Because I didn't reorder in time, there was going to be a small gap so my doc gave me a script for 10 which I filled at my local pharmacy. The pills look totally different, the U.S. ones are large, oval and tan, the CN ones are small, round and white. But the biggest diff was the U.S. ones DID make me feel great. Then when they ran out I went back to the Cn, after a couple days I started feeling really bad, kind of like the flu but with a very fuzzy head and confusion about the simplest things. I was wondering if any of you have gotten their drugs from Canada, or if there are any Canadians out there who would know something about this. Thank you.

response to comment 446, i found this article that talks about the link between anti-depressants and Parkinson's, i.e. there is none. Here is a link to the article:
http://www.scientificblogging.com/news/do_anti_depressants_cause_parkinsons_disease

I have been on Wlebutrin for about 6 weeks now. I notice my muscles are really really sore and stiff, and my irritability levels are the same as before I was taking an SSRI. The SSRI left me feeling tired all the time. Welbutrin has upped my energy level, I have lost some weight, and am not totally without libido. However, along with the irritability, I have also had one depression episode like those I had before seeking any medical assistance. It was only once, and seemed to be linked to not taking the pills EXACTLY 6 hrs apart (I am on three a day).

I am wondering if the anxiety tapers off at all? Too, I have not been diagnosed with bipolar. I have depression. Is anyone else who is depressive with no manic curve posting here?

response to comment 446, i found this article that talks about the link between anti-depressants and Parkinson's, i.e. there is none. Here is a link to the article:
http://www.scientificblogging.com/news/do_anti_depressants_cause_parkinsons_disease

I have been on Wlebutrin for about 6 weeks now. I notice my muscles are really really sore and stiff, and my irritability levels are the same as before I was taking an SSRI. The SSRI left me feeling tired all the time. Welbutrin has upped my energy level, I have lost some weight, and am not totally without libido. However, along with the irritability, I have also had one depression episode like those I had before seeking any medical assistance. It was only once, and seemed to be linked to not taking the pills EXACTLY 6 hrs apart (I am on three a day).

I am wondering if the anxiety tapers off at all? Too, I have not been diagnosed with bipolar. I have depression. Is anyone else who is depressive with no manic curve posting here?

I just started taking this medicine. I've had problems with premature ejaculation that I've never spoken to the doc about... I just deal with it...

However, it seems to have gotten worse with this medicine. I don't see it as a side effect, so I'm just wondering if anyone else has this problem or if I'm just imagining it. Kind of embarassing to discuss with the doctor either way though.

Thanks.

I began taking 75mg daily of Wellbutrin about 3 weeks ago.

I am noticing my Meniere's disease symptoms increasing.

Coincidence? Anybody have Meniere's that is taking Wellbutrin?

Hello Everyone,

I have been on the generic Wellbutrin 150 for almost 2 years now, and decided I am going to wean myself off. I am really scared though about side effects. I don't want to start feeling depressed again. Does anyone have any advice or stories about taking Wellbutrin for this long and then stopping? I would appreciate ANY stories or precautions. Thanks everyone!

With regard to premature ejaculation (post #455), Wellbutrin is actually supposed to cause "ejaculatory delay". It certainly does for me. I've read that some docs have even prescribed it to treat premature ejaculation. I'd suggest that you do discuss it with your doc and see what your options are.

I JUST STARTED ON THE WELLBUTRIN, AND I STOPPED COLD TURKEY, I FELT LIKE IT WAS MAKING THINGS WORSE.HORRIBLE MOOD SWINGS, SNAPPING AT EVERYTHING, MOTHERS DAY WAS HORRIBLE..IS THIS NORMAL TO START OFF ON? i AM TRYING TO GET AHOLD OF MY PCP TO CHANGE THIS...WHAT SHOULD I DO?? HELP!

I JUST STARTED ON THE WELLBUTRIN, AND I STOPPED COLD TURKEY, I FELT LIKE IT WAS MAKING THINGS WORSE.HORRIBLE MOOD SWINGS, SNAPPING AT EVERYTHING, MOTHERS DAY WAS HORRIBLE..IS THIS NORMAL TO START OFF ON? i AM TRYING TO GET AHOLD OF MY PCP TO CHANGE THIS...WHAT SHOULD I DO?? HELP!

I JUST STARTED ON THE WELLBUTRIN, AND I STOPPED COLD TURKEY, I FELT LIKE IT WAS MAKING THINGS WORSE.HORRIBLE MOOD SWINGS, SNAPPING AT EVERYTHING, MOTHERS DAY WAS HORRIBLE..IS THIS NORMAL TO START OFF ON? i AM TRYING TO GET AHOLD OF MY PCP TO CHANGE THIS...WHAT SHOULD I DO?? HELP!

I JUST STARTED ON THE WELLBUTRIN, AND I STOPPED COLD TURKEY, I FELT LIKE IT WAS MAKING THINGS WORSE.HORRIBLE MOOD SWINGS, SNAPPING AT EVERYTHING, MOTHERS DAY WAS HORRIBLE..IS THIS NORMAL TO START OFF ON? i AM TRYING TO GET AHOLD OF MY PCP TO CHANGE THIS...WHAT SHOULD I DO?? HELP!

I have been on Wellbutrin XL 300mg for a week, after having started with Wellbutrin SR 150mg twice a day for a month before that. I have had a severe cough that has made me really unhappy. There is a tickle in my throat that leads to an intense coughing spasm and often vomiting. Any ideas? I see that in the literature that there is a 4% chance of respitory problems. My family doctor suggested it might be the Wellbutrin after I took a course of antibiotics with no result. I really hope not, I am so much happier on this than I was on Paxil. I have not y