I have been on the generic Wellbutrin for depression for about 3 to 4 months now and have packed on a significant amount of weight. I cannot get enough sleep, but I notice that I toss and turn all night long. Has anyone else noticed that this is a side effect of the medicine?
Does Bupropion make you gain tons of weight and also make you a very restless sleeper?
Question posted by brfyock2010 on 24 Aug 2012
Last updated on 25 June 2023 by Kellz67
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96 Answers
I've only been on bupropion for 3 weeks and I've gained 11 pounds. I already have a weight problem and certainly don't need anything to add to it. I'm thinking of just stopping it altogether. I'm already depressed enough; I don't need bupropion to add to it by making me gain weight I don't need or want.
Yes, these could be side effects as listed on Drugs.com:
"Very common (10% or more): Weight loss greater than 2.3 kg (up to 28%), weight GAIN greater than 2.3 kg (up to 11%)"
"Very common (10% or more): INSOMNIA (up to 45%), agitation (up to 31.9%), abnormal dreams (up to 13%)"
If you haven't already make sure your doctor is aware that you're having these effects.
I've been on Bupropion XL 150mg for weight loss and depression. I have gained 10lbs in a month. I'm swelling all over my body. I did read there are some interactions with kidney disease. I also have restless sleep. I'm stopping the medication. I love having the extra energy but I'm getting more depressed with the weight gain. Do what makes you feel better. A healthy mind leads to a healthy body.
I'm so happy I found this link. I have been on Generic Wellbutrin HCL SR 150mg 2x day for 7 months for anxiety and slight depression. I have gained over 20 pounds, I am irritable, my gut and butt are huge!!! I cannot lose the weight no matter how hard I try. I wake up in the morning very tired - never refreshed (so not me). I don't fit into my jeans. I am more depressed now than I was before I started taking it. I tapered down, and I am now completely off the med. I will NEVER go on another drug I need to take on a daily basis for anxiety.. Xanax works much better. I can use it on an as per needed basis, and no worries about weight gain or crazy side effects.
I hope the weight comes off soon!
"Very common (10% or more of users): Weight loss greater than 2.3 kg (up to 28%), weight gain greater than 2.3 kg (up to 11%)%
2.3 kg = 5.8lbs
Wellbutrin (bupropion) is considered more weight neutral than other antidepressants. Some people will experience metabolic changes to their weight but it can be loss or gain. Weight loss is more common.
I’ve been on Wellbutrin for about 3 years and whenever I google if it causes weight gain everything will tell you no or it’s uncommon…. But I’ve done nothing b he gain weight on it. I’ve tried everything and my weight doesn’t budge and if it does it’s up and not down. I’m so happy I found this and that maybe I’m not crazy or alone!
I just recently started Bupropion HCL 150 mg 24 hr SA. I receive my meds through the VA so it’s usually a generic drug. I do not have insomnia because I also take 150 mg of amitriptyline that helps me sleep. However, I had been on lorazepam 0.5 mg twice daily and my psychiatrist is lowering the dose to only once daily or PRN. She said this drug should not be taken every day. I have been taking this drug for more than 10 years at the same dose. I started on Wellbutrin a few months ago at a lower dose twice daily but would forget the second dose because that was the only medicine that I had to take in the afternoon. So, she changed it to once daily and as an extended release. I specifically asked her to put me on something that will not make me gain weight. I have gained at least 12 pounds and can’t fit into most of my clothes. My weight is something that I have control over and now feel like I don’t because of this drug.
After reading some of these responses, I am thinking maybe I should go up in the dose since some responses have been able to lose weight at a higher dose. I see her next month and will definitely ask about the weight gain and dosage. I had to go on depression meds due to PSTD. So, if anyone has any advice or can relate to my situation please let me know.
Unfortunately most, if not all, psychotropic medications have the potential to cause weight gain. Wellbutrin is considered weight neutral because it can cause weight gain or loss and is the antidepressant least likely to cause gain.
There's no such thing as a medication that won't cause weight gain is a certain number of users.
:((((
"Metabolic
Very common (10% or more of users): Weight loss greater than 2.3 kg (up to 28%), weight gain greater than 2.3 kg (up to 11%)
2.3kg =5.07lbs
Common (1% to 10%): Anorexia, decreased appetite, increased appetite"
"Psychiatric
Very common (10% or more of users): Insomnia (up to 45%), agitation (up to 31.9%), abnormal dreams (up to 13%)"
I started taking Wellbutrin XL (I use the generic which is bupropion) about 7 years ago. The psychiatrists I've seen all advised to take it the morning. It gave me a lot of energy and no downsides at all. I even lost weight. I can't contribute that to Wellbutrin because I don't know that for sure but I wasn't dieting or exercising. After getting used to it, the obvious energy went away. After each increased dose, that obvious energy would be back for a month or two. Medications can affect us all differently though.
I’m asking myself the same question, I’m on Wellbutrin 300 xl and I gained 15 pounds in a month, I quit smoking at least. I’m sure the pill works differently for some people.
Bupropion is considered "weight neutral" because it can cause weight loss OR weight gain:
"Metabolic
Very common (10% or more of users): Weight loss greater than 2.3 kg (up to 28%), weight gain greater than 2.3 kg (up to 11%)
Common (1% to 10% of users): Decreased appetite, increased appetite"
"Psychiatric
Very common (10% or more of users): Insomnia (up to 45%), agitation (up to 31.9%), abnormal dreams (up to 13%).
Side effects have been reported to be generally mild and transient. They are most common during the first 2 weeks of treatment and decrease in intensity and frequency with continued treatment. They generally do not lead to treatment cessation."
Omg! I have only been taking Bupropion for 3 1/2 weeks and I have gain a noticeably amount of weight!!! I was told that it would make me loose weight, My pants that are usually loose are now extremely to tight! I literately just thew the bottle of pills away. I did my Thorough research and it stated that the name brand Wellbutrin helps with the anxiety, depression and weight loss... that’s probably why it’s so expensive (500) with basic insurance. This medication gave me migraines and it worsened my anxiety and depression, aka angry woman! I just registered for some really good insurance and I’m going to my pharmacist in the morning to get the name brand.
It is weight neutral as a friend says, you can either lose weight or gain weight, it depends how you react to the medication.
I am on 100mg 2x a day and have gained 40 pounds in 6 months. I exercise, I watch what I eat, I count calories, I’ve tried everything. My doctor also refuses to acknowledge that my weight gain could be caused by this med which is very frustrating. He’s done blood work and other tests but always comes back to the conclusion that I must be doing something wrong like with my diet
Six months on bupropion and I've had no weight gain... in fact I've lost some weight. I also haven't had any adverse side effects at all!
Related topics
wellbutrin, depression, sleep disorders, bupropion, sleep, weight, generic
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