Ive been net diagnosed as having mild depression, and was prescribed Wellbutrin SR 150 once a day (I got the generic version). It is now day 2 and I literally feel nothing. No negatives, no positives, just feel like I never took anything at all. I'm so frustrated because all I want is to feel normal. To wake up everyday with a zest for life. To have ENERGY! After reading all the reviews I was so excited about the possibilities; thought this was going to be my miracle. Am I just not allowing enough time?
Bupropion - How long to take effect?
Question posted by crysc1015 on 6 June 2015
Last updated on 1 September 2020 by Rbraband
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
14 Answers
Rbraband
1 Sep 2020
Hello, here’s my experience so far:
I have been taking Wellbutrin for 2 weeks now. It was prescribed not only for my depression, but for my ADHD as well. If I was at 0% for depression and ADHD before, I’d say I’m currently at 30% for depression and 10% for ADHD. It doesn’t seem to energize and give a “euphoric” effect like my adderall did, but I am able to fall asleep faster. For the first few days of taking it I was EXTREMELY tired, but after a week that tired feeling has been subsiding. I take Wellbutrin SR 100 mg twice a day. I work late nights, so I wake up to take one early in the morning and go back to bed. Then I take another before work. I made the mistake of taking them 4 hours apart... DONT do that. It was an awful experience. Taking them 8 hours apart seems to be effective.
Sorry for the long reply (ADHD is not under control yet and my mind is all over the place). I hope this helps!
Dazedandconfused86
15 May 2020
Wow - you are in the exact same boat as me! I just started taking with mild depression.. I am not super down, but I am just feeling neutral all the time. I have lost my excitement for life. I am also a vegetarian, do yoga.. I have a healthy life style, own a business, have a family.. but I just never feel happy or excited. Also very effected with Covid and my business being shut down - figured this is a good time to try out Wellbutrin (also the generic one) and see if it helps me be a better mom and wife and over all happier.
How are you feeling now that you are about 4 weeks into taking it?
How are you feeling
Dazedandconfused86
15 May 2020
Sorry - new to this site and meant to respond to a different comment. Sorry
Cavi12
27 April 2020
I’m so glad to be reading this! I’ve been taking it for 2 weeks, and I’m still getting angry and moody. I also have lack of patience and energy.
I used to take sertraline that worked within a week. But I hated the side effects.
Here’s hoping it does work.
Vally99
18 April 2020
I’ve been on Wellbutrin for just over two weeks and I don’t feel any better. I did have a temporary good feeling a few days in and it made me feel hopeful, but that went away. I have a more moderate depression that doesn’t necessarily leave me feeling sad much of the time, however, I’ve had a lack of motivation and zest for life for several years and knew it was time to do something about it. Since I’m not working due to COVID-19 and self isolating, I figured this would be a good time to gauge it’s effectiveness for me. So far, it’s not helping but I have no plans to give up since everything I’ve read says it takes 4-6 weeks. I’ve been in a real “rut” for several years, so I really hope this works because I don’t want to go on another medication that’ll cause sexual side effects or weight gain. Fingers crossed!
WildcatVet
18 April 2020
Hi, Vally!
It's a pain having to wait for results when all you want is to feel better... I can certainly understand that because I've been there myself!
I started taking Wellbutrin (I also take the generic bupropion) several months ago and it's made a huge difference for me over all but it take a good month before I really starting feeling much better. You may need to be patient and give it a little more time to become fully effective.
It's difficult now with the Covid situation but try to distract yourself as much as possible with hobbies, yoga, meditation, etc. Something I found very helpful was getting outdoors as much as possible and getting some exercise . Try taking a good long walk or run if you can... the physical exertion can help release endorphins which can really make you feel better. Try to focus on some positive improvements such as better quality of sleep, more energy, better appetite (for healthy foods!) and not dwell on the negatives.
Best regards and I hope you're feeling better very quickly.
Vally99
18 April 2020
Wildcat, thank you so much, that was very helpful! I do eat pretty well as a vegetarian, except for the last few days, UGH... I do try to exercise most days, especially when it’s nice out. I run, bike, or just go for a walk. But, a day like today really spurs my lack of motivation and I have to fight it. I’m actually going to start yoga today and might even meditate! Because of your feedback, I feel much more hopeful that the effects of Bupropion will eventually materialize. I’ve never been a part of any support group, and already my decision to join this one is proving to be a good call... much appreciated! : )
Dazedandconfused86
15 May 2020
Wow - you are in the exact same boat as me! I just started taking with mild depression.. I am not super down but I am also not super happy. I am kind of just in the middle. I don’t laugh often and I find my smile isn’t genuine. I have lost my excitement for life. I am also a vegetarian, do yoga.. I have a healthy life style, own a business, have a family.. but I just never feel happy or excited when I know I should. Also very effected with Covid and my business being shut down - figured this is a good time to try out Wellbutrin and see if it helps me be a better mom and wife and over all happier.
How are you feeling now that you are about 4 weeks into taking it?
And updates on How are you are feeling now?
bry143
29 Jan 2020
how are you with this medicine? And for anyone else I am on day 14. I am still depressed. On average would you think it takes longer than that? I have already tried lexapro and Prozac. After upping the Prozac I felt it was starting to work but I didn’t like the sexual side effects and that’s why I changed to Wellbutrin. And you know when you change you start all over again! Ugh. Just let good like advice on the timeline. I am so tired of feeling sad :(
WildcatVet
29 Jan 2020
Hi, bry!
Patience and a positive attitude. Besides your medication try to find things that will divert your attention from your symptoms... read a good book, take a long walk, watch a funny movie, and so on.
"How Long Does It Take For Bupropion To Work? While depressed mood and lack of interest in activities may need up to 4-6 weeks to fully improve, disturbances in sleep, energy, or appetite may show some improvement within the first 1-2 weeks.
Bupropion (Wellbutrin) | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness"
Just for the record, although I've tried many different medications and therapies for treatment resistant depression and seasonal affective disorder bupropion was my answer! So glad I perservered.
Best regards and I think you'll be feeling better if you give the medication a little more time to reach therapeutic levels.
bry143
29 Jan 2020
Ok thanks! I just new on lexapro it started working faster. So I will ride it out. My family dr said 3-4 weeks. I do want to start walking again.
Bad Kreuznachge
8 Dec 2019
You need time the same happened to me. It will get better
Gwalk45
14 Nov 2019
The first time I took it: 4-6 weeks before full effect
•More motivation to do things such as workout, go out with friends, talk to people, pursue hobbies.
•I felt less anxiety and felt a bit better. I had started taking it before a big break-up and at first I felt super depressed. After a three or so weeks, I felt much better.
•For me, it helped control my appetite. Before I was eating a lot and was overweight. After it took effect, I would feel fuller faster. I probably cut down half of what I was eating. With my motivation to workout, I was back at a healthy weight and maintaining it quite easily. It’s not something that happens with everybody though.
I lapsed and am taking it again now for smoking cessation. After two weeks, a bit of motivation has come back. I feel slightly less anxious. My mood is lifted a bit. It’s helping with my eating, but not quite there yet.
Basically I can see most of everything I felt before coming back. Hoping it will come back fully soon. I quit smoking on my own for over a week, but had an anxiety attack and smoked. Ruined my progress. Just after that week and a half I felt great. Almost like taking these meds. Hopefully the meds help me quit. The great feeling I had after quitting for that time mixed with the effects of the meds should make me feel super great. That’s my hope anyways.
38brin8
18 March 2019
I felt a feeling depression for the first two weeks, and now in week 5 I don’t feel much better.
WildcatVet
18 March 2019
"While depressed mood, anxiety, and lack of interest in activities may need up to 4-6 weeks to improve, disturbances in sleep, energy, or appetite may show some improvement within the first 1-2 weeks. Improvement in these physical symptoms can be an important early signal that the medication is working.
Bupropion (Wellbutrin) | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness"
Let your doctor know exactly how you're feeling. You don't mention the dosage you're taking but if it's a lower initial dose (used to help your metabolism acclimate to the drug) an increase may be warranted.
Best regards, Wild Cat
ArleneFKT
17 July 2015
I take Welbutrin and Zoloft. They work great for me. I agree with everyone else..it takes 4-6 weeks to really start working because it has to build up in your system. I see you posted this in June... how are you feeling now?
crysc1015
8 June 2015
Thank you! Just Out of curiosity, what has each of your experiences with Wellbutrin been? In terms of what changed? What can I expect to feel?
fayfaith
1 July 2015
Crysc 1015 Don't forget to give Us an update and Remember you're not suppose to eat grapefruit while taking this medication.
Mgarthwait
8 June 2015
It can take 2-4 weeks to feel better!!! Don't give up on this medicine it does work and it works great!!
crysc1015
9 June 2015
Thank you! Just Out of curiosity, what has each of your experiences with Wellbutrin been? In terms of what changed? What can I expect to feel?
Inactive
6 June 2015
Hello Crysc, Give it some more time. It can take up to 4-6 weeks to reach the full therapeutic benefit; however, you may start feeling better within 1-2 weeks. I started feeling better in about 10 days.. hang in there... pamee
crysc1015
9 June 2015
Thank you! Just Out of curiosity, what has each of your experiences with Wellbutrin been? In terms of what changed? What can I expect to feel?
kaismama
6 June 2015
Some people have a placebo effect and feel better at first. It takes 4-6 weeks for it to reach peak effect. I switched to it from a different one and the first few days I felt that kick. It doesn't stay until the pills are truly working.
crysc1015
9 June 2015
Thank you! Just Out of curiosity, what has each of your experiences with Wellbutrin been? In terms of what changed? What can I expect to feel?
LaurieShay
6 June 2015
Yes, you must give this medication time to work. It takes a week to build in your system and upwards of a month to become fully effective. So be patient and give it time. You'll be glad you did.
crysc1015
6 June 2015
Thank you, that's reassuring! I kept reading comments where people woke up on day 2 and 3 feeling like a miracle had taken place so I thought maybe the fact that I'm taking the generic was the issue, or it just wasn't working. I thank you for your response. I'll update once I notice any changes :)
Related topics
wellbutrin, wellbutrin sr, depression, bupropion, generic, prescription, diagnosis
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