After being on bupropion for 6 months I started having severe digestive issues. Nausea, burping, bloating, gas, loss of appitite. After months of testing they took out my gall bladder. I still experienced the same symptoms. I decided to go off bupropion and it took months before I started feeling normal and eating again. Then the depression hit. I was on Prozac but my depression was the worst ever. I decided to go back on the bupropion and after 3 weeks the digestive issues are back. I'm on only 150 mg xl. Anyone else have these symptoms?
Anyone on bupropion having digestive issues? Stomach butterflies, burping, bloating, gas?
Question posted by sdale37 on 29 May 2019
Last updated on 5 January 2024 by Sbark
12 Answers
Sbark
5 Jan 2024
Yes I have been taking 300 bupropion XL for six weeks after starting with 150 mg for two weeks.
I have the worse indigestion and belching 24 hours a day even when just turning over when sleeping, I have no taste either and all my favorite food taste terrible.
I found this site today and filed a report with FDA.
Will call doctor on Monday and get off this stuff. It has been awful with throwing up, barely eat and even more indigestion with plain water.
I am besides myself.
I hope no one feels this way but if you do it could be the medicine, where it is made as well.
Jon-is-my-name
6 Oct 2022
I was on SR Bupropion at 150mg a day for about 5 months between late December 2021 to the end of May 2022. After a week or two on the pills, my intestines behaved more strangely than they ever had before. Lots of noise and movement (other people could hear them make gurgling noises when they sat next to me) and 3 bowel movements a day when I always had only 1.
I stopped taking them on June 1 of 2022, and some symptoms subsided or started to subside within a couple days. But I've still had issues all day, every day. I have been in constant pain all day every single day this year, and despite two upper endoscopies and a colonoscopy, physical therapy, changing my diet 3 times, probiotics, antibiotics, and omeprazole, it hasn't gotten much better.
If you could tell me via private message how many months it took for your digestion to return to normal, I would appreciate that very much. I've been off the pills for 4 months now and I'd like to know if there's a light at the end of the tunnel, and if so, where that light is.
Also, I reported this pill to the manufacturer months ago and didn't receive any follow up about it, despite receiving follow up from every manufacturer of every other pill I was on this year, none of which I reported for adverse effects. Seems fishy to me.
stefinVT
27 Jan 2022
Yes! I have been dealing with diarrhea, gas, and bloating for three years. It’s my every day life. I’ve had endoscopy, colonoscopy, gall bladder scanned, you name it.
I saw another doctor, my third, today for a second opinion. she was the first one to mention that it could be the Wellbutrin that I started three years ago— at the same time I begin dealing with the stomach issues. When I went online to do some research this thread came up. Mine is distributed by Slate run pharmaceuticals and made by Yichang Humanwell.
So yes, I am thinking it’s connected. So far there has been nothing else that would caused these issues for me. she’s going to do a additional lab work and a CAT scan of my stomach, pancreas, and liver. If all of that comes back normal, it certainly seems to point to the Wellbutrin. It’s been helpful for me, but the stomach issues have taken a serious toll on my daily life.
anne2022
17 Jan 2022
I have been taking Bupropion HCL XL 150 mg (for the first time) for about a week. Have experienced stomach pain about 5 hours after taking and then after eating an evening meal, experience horrible intense bloating with my stomach looking like it's 6 months pregnant. Very uncomfortable feeling and concerned that I may not be able to stay on this medication, particularly after reading other's experiences on this site. The manufacturer is listed as Par Pharmaceuticals. Tried to do research to see if they've ever had a recall from FDA, but haven't found anything. So not sure if my issues are due to the specific manufacturer or just the drug. I'll continue another week or so to see if I can adjust to the drug, but if not, it's back to the doctor to prescribe something else. I haven't checked the pricing for Wellbutrin, but would guess it would be more expensive than the generic.
Joliebell
17 May 2021
Slate Run is not the manufacturer of Bupropion HCL (SR) 150mg. Slate Run is the Distributor. If your Bupropion SR prescription bottle says Slate Run, your medication is manufactured in Yichang, China by Yichang Humanwell which is owned by Wuhan Humanwell Hi-tech Ind. Co., Ltd. If your medication is Made in China they have to use an American Distributor. You can use the Pill Identifier on this website to search for the manufacturer of your medication. For example: If your pill is YH177, you can search for it on this site and scroll down to read: Labeler/Supplier: Slate Run Pharma. Manufacturer: Yichang Humanwell Pharma. If you are unsure or cannot find your medication on this site you can contact the Distributor directly by phone or email and ask for "Chain of Custody." Be brief and informative. Ex: "Please respond with Chain of Custody on Bupropion SR 150mg - Purple - Round pill - Imprint YH177.
Please reply with the City/State/Country this medication is manufactured in. Thank you."
The "Insert" or "Instructions" for the Yichang Humanwell manufactured Bupropion HCL SR 150mg should say to take with a small meal to prevent upset stomach. You can contact your Pharmacy/Pharmacist and explain you are having unpleasant side effects and want to change the manufacturer. Do not stop taking prescribed medication without consulting your physician.
MidwestSarah9999
6 March 2021
I have taken generic Wellbutrin off and on for about twelve years. When it works, it is the ONLY thing that successfully controls my depression/anxiety and brain fog/concentration issues. The issue is each manufacturer tends to vary wildly.
Now I have always had some stomach trouble; usually, I'm IBS-D. It's a struggle, but the bupropion actually helps. Until my pharmacy switched to Slate Run pharmaceuticals.
For a couple days, I felt fine. But the nausea started to take over (I had been on bupropion prior for about 3 years--just not this manufacturer). I would gag so horribly I would throw up any time I swallowed even water, and everything upset my stomach to eat. I had the worst heartburn I've ever had and seriously thought I was dying a couple times. Eventually, after a month, I stopped taking this medication and my symptoms subsided.
Except...
Now I have the worst stomach issues I've ever had. It completely messed me up and triggered the worst IBS-C flare I've ever had. It's so painful that I can't get out of bed for hours or even days, stuck on the couch. I'm stuck with bloating so bad I look pregnant (I'm most definitely NOT), belching, the worst twisting stomach cramps and stomach "butterflies" as the first poster mentioned I've ever had, and I'm so backed up, nothing works. It's been months and I still feel horrible. HORRIBLE.
After much research I learned that yet again, many people are reporting problems with the Slate Run version of Wellbutrin. Before this, I was taking the Actavis brand with NO issues--in fact, it worked like a charm--and before that, I took the PAR version (which has been taken off the market because of consumer complaints--mine being one of them. The PAR version gave me horrible, stabbing headaches, extreme irritability, and made me suicidal).
For years, the XL, generic version of Wellbutrin has been riddled with issues. I know these are strictly manufacturer problems because I've taken other versions of it with absolutely no issues. But when the manufacturers change, then I have problems. For a while, I was able to get my doctor/pharmacy to acquire one of the other manufacturers (and of course, I paid triple for it), but it became such a hassle with insurance I finally asked to change. Nothing works as well as a GOOD manufacturer of bupropion, but there's nothing I can do until the government fixes the issues with allowing companies to vary the formula too much. If you look it up, there are many reports various versions of this drug being completely ineffective and causing a lot of issues. It doesn't seem to happen in the SR version, but the XL it does--an issue with the delivery of the main ingredient, I don't know. But it's been an issue for years.
To sum up? Yes, I have had massive stomach issues from bupropion XL, but ONLY certain manufacturers. When it works, it's brilliant. When it doesn't? It's a nightmare and you're not alone. Yes, antidepressants including this one can cause stomach upset but this is beyond normal, and it only happens with certain manufacturers.
My advice to anyone here reading this: REPORT, REPORT, REPORT to the FDA when you have an issue. Get these scammy medications off the market. The government should be ashamed for allowing such shoddy manufacturing, especially for something so serious as antidepressants. For some reason it has seemed to hit generic Wellbutrin XL the hardest; unless you do okay on SR or can get the name brand, be very careful with what manufacturer you get.
If you feel something is wrong, it probably is. Go with your "gut" (pun not intended). I hope this helps someone at least know they're not crazy over this issue and encourages them to report these funky side effects to the FDA and get this trash off the market. And I hope anyone reading this looking for answers feels better soon.
GoFarmers69
13 Oct 2020
How can I find out the manufacturer of my Bupropion?
Joliebell
17 May 2021
This website has a Pill Identifier. Enter the Imprint + Color + Shape. You should get a result. Scroll down to see the information. The Labeler/Supplier will display first and Manufacturer should be displayed beneath. If all you can see is the Labeler/Supplier, select "More Information." Then scroll down to the bottom of page and check for the Manufacturers. If your medication is made outside of the United States it will have a US based Labeler/Supplier and then below that will show the Manufacturer. If you cannot find the information you need on this site you can contact the Distributor directly by phone or email. Ask for a Chain of Custody on the medication. For Example: "Please reply with Chain for Custody for bupropion SR 150 + Purple + Round + Imprint YH177. Please provide Lab/City/State/Country this medication is manufactured in."
WildcatVet
27 Jan 2022
It should be noted on your prescription bottle's label.
Barb_2020
2 Oct 2020
Check the manufacturer of the Bupropion. I've been taking it for a couple of years. (300 mg XL) Recently my pharmacy changed to Slate Run Pharmaceuticals from Cipa and I started having a ton of bad side effects that I never had before. I was miserable and it took me a while to figure out it was the Bupropion manufactured by Slate Run. I saw other people having the same issue with this manufacturer.
Digestive issues, nausea all the time, bloating, loss of appetite. I'm going off the bupropion to see how long it will take for these side effects to go away. After this, if I go back on it will be Wellbutrin name brand only. I'll have to pay extra through my insurance but it will be well worth it.
Cheezits-plz510
7 Jan 2022
I also was just switched from Cipla to Slate Run from my last refill, and within a 3 weeks, all my depression symptoms returned. I also had significant jaw clenching which I didn't experience with Cipla.
Esmarelda
16 Sep 2020
Been on Bupropion for 4 weeks and have major stomach issues - diarrhea and constipation, bloating and stomach pain.
shillow2319
4 Sep 2020
Hi, yes I am on Bupropion and have noticed constipation and excessive belching .
WildcatVet
30 May 2019
"Gastrointestinal
Very common (10% or more of users): Dry mouth (up to 27.6%), constipation (up to 26%), nausea (up to 22.9%), vomiting (up to 22.9%)
Common (1% to 10% of users): Abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia, dysphagia, flatulence, gastrointestinal disturbance, gustatory disturbance, mouth ulcer, stomatitis"
himeluna
30 May 2019
One of the common side effects of bupropion is stomach pain/stomach upset. Symptoms of stomach upset primarily include nausea or vomiting. Certain people may also develop bowel movement difficulty (constipation), which can cause additional side effects of abdominal bloating, cramping or pain. Such side effects can contribute to decreased appetite, which can cause certain patients to lose weight while taking this medication.
If the side-effect persists and is already affecting your activities of daily living or is already bothersome, talk to your doctor. He may be able to give you an alternative medication that wouldn't give you such side-effects or revise it so you the side-effect wouldn't manifest too much.
Related topics
depression, nausea/vomiting, abdominal distension, bupropion, gas, gallbladder, bladder, stomach
Further information
- Bupropion uses and safety info
- Bupropion prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Bupropion (detailed)
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