I've had some changes since switching from Wellbutrin 150mg to 300mg XL. And not in a good way!?
Question posted by Kisha1976 on 3 May 2013
Last updated on 1 February 2019 by JohnGaines
I started Wellbutrin (generic) 150 mg 2x per day back in October, and it's been a miracle drug. I haven't felt that good in many years, my appetite decreased dramatically, and I had lots of energy and my anxiety subsided a bit.
In early March, I started on 300mg XL (generic-Par Pharmacuticals) once a day; I figured it would be easier than having to remember to take the 2nd pill. I started taking it around 8pm everyday; since I started on the 300mg XL at night, I've been feeling kind of blah at times, and my appetite is completely out of control; I am constantly hungry and gaining weight again (I'm already overweight). Also, I'm not nearly as energetic as I was before, and I'm having sleep issues, not being able to fall asleep until 3am. And it's not even the most restful sleep.
I'm wondering if I should switch back to the 150mg/2x per day. I've also read conflicting views about taking it during the AM vs. PM. Maybe I should start taking it in the morning instead?
I just want to get to back to the happy, energetic person I was a few months ago. Right now, I just feel very 'meh' and very, very hungry. Thanks for any advice!
To all of you taking psychiatric meds prescribed by a GP I would encourage you to seek out a board certified psychiatrist if at all possible. They simply have greater expertise and experience with these types of medications. My psychiatrist recently switched me from 450mg of bupropion SR once a day to a combination of 150mg of SR and 300mg XL per day taken all at once. This decision was not for any medical reason, but because my Rx insurance would no longer cover the dosage of SR I was taking, but they would cover the combination. Five days into the new regimen and my brain feels foggy and dull. Fortunately, I have a stash of 150mg SR tablets and a good enough relationship with my psychiatrist (I've been seeing him once a month for ten years)to know he would concur with my decision to change back to the old regimen. Within an hour of taking 450mg of SR I could literally feel my brain coming back to life like thawing a cold numbed limb under warm water.
Listen to your body people and advocate assertively for yourself. No one else can ever advocate for you better than you can do it for yourself. Making medical decisions based on insurance company policies is just bad medicine, plain and simple. I know that my psychiatrist was just trying to do me a solid, but it didn't work out. What I will do now is get him to contact my Rx insurance plan directly and explain to them why it is a 'medical necessity' that I be kept on the SR and that should be sufficient according to the guidelines of my plan. I really feel for those of you who don't have prescription drug coverage, or are under-insured. I could not function at all without my bupropion, and I could never afford it without insurance on my SSDI income. If you do happen to be lower income, make sure you check out 'Extra Help' which is a federal program that helps lower income people pay for their drug plan and for their medications. My cost for a 90 day supply of 150 mg SR tablets at 450mg per day is $3.40. My Rx plan premium costs about $15 per month and there is no doughnut hole. Good luck to you all, and keep fighting the good fight!
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EC
Ecarl67
8 Oct 2018
I have the same problem only that I don't want to eat at all not sure what to do
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IN
Inactive
7 June 2017
I see that you have been on here recently, which tells me that you are still looking for an answer, so I want to talk to you about your experience. I have a similar problem... I was started on 150mg once a day; it changed my life! I was up, I planted flowers, took my dog for a walk! Then my next Dr. appt, she increased my dosage to 300mg once a day. Now I don't feel as good. I am drinking and smoking like before. You would think that more is better, but sometimes maybe less is more? Have I not waited long enough for the new dosage to take affect? and if that's the issue, why don't I have the same level of 'calm and happiness', at least, that I had on the 150 dosage? IDK! and I had to check the manufacturer... even though 'they' say each manufacturer has the same bio-equivalency of the drug, many many posts suggest this is not true. In fact some (Teva in particular, which has supposedly been resolved, and then Watson) have tested as not equivalent.
My 300 is the same manufacturer of my 150. But! I have read on FDA website that, in the past, certain manufacturers had discrepancies in the dosages they were selling. I know this has supposedly been addressed with 'some' of them, but since Watson and Activas merged, is Activas now at Watson's level? Idk. I would appreciate if you would either reply or continue to post. Thanks! and good luck!
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KA
Katasmith
13 Aug 2017
Was great to read your response on this. I too began Wellbutrin 150sl on June 1. I felt much more energetic, started eating better, cut down on my 2-3 glasses of wine in the evenings, overall felt much better. Had been on Lexapro 10 mg for many years previously. Feeling tired all to time and much more expressed lately due to life events, doctor changed my med to the Wellbutrin 150. A month later, July 1, he increased the dose to 300sl. Since then I have experienced increased agitation, irritability, lack of concentration, and overall higher anxiety. I was with 2 good friends and my husband last night, had some drinks and a good day at an art fest, ended up getting in an argument about politics, which I never do! It wasn't the wine, I remember the entire conversation, I just became so angry! Am calling my doc tomorrow to get a new script for the 150sl, I believe the 300 is just too high a dose for me.
Also concerned about the drug manufacturers and the side effects that could occur from using different ingredients in the formulas that vary from one manufacturer to another. Would appreciate any feedback from those who have found 300sl to be way too much. Thanks! Hate to go back to an SSRI, weight gain and lethargy are such bad side effects of those drugs.
KA
Katasmith
13 Aug 2017
First paragraph edit, should be depressed not expressed on my comment.
KD
kd295
14 April 2017
Even though this question was posted 4 years ago, I figured I should respond. I was put on Wellbutrin 150 mg at the end of February. I felt great. I was doing much better with my ADD and my Depression. But then two weeks later, my doctor switched me to the 300 mg. After about a week of taking the 300, my moods got worse. I was more irritable and I could never get a full nights sleep. My appetite was raised quite a bit, but I'm 110 pounds so that's not a bad thing. But because my depression got worse, my doctor now wants to put me on Buspar. (Something to help my "anxiety") but rather than getting put onto more pills, I would like to just go back to the 150 mg of Wellbutrin. Thoughts?
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CR
crschaefer
21 Jan 2015
I am supposed to take 300 mg a day, from my GP, and my OBGYN non-prescribing Dr. Said that was too much so I dropped to 150. I have been talking the lower dose for over 10 years. I feel much better than the higher dose. I take mine at night.
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RO
RonMan
4 May 2013
Kisha,
Glad to know that Wellbutrin is working for you. Please take a look at the details on this site about Wellbutrin and weight gain.
Wellbutrin is known to cause weight loss a dosages of >400 mg per day; however, as with all drugs individual reactions will vary.
Frenchie's suggestions are excellent. I spent many years on Wellbutrin before it stopped working for me. I had to take it in the morning or it interfered with my sleep. It did not make me hungry, but it did make my stomach feel strange. At first I ate to get ride of the feeling before I realize that I was doing the wrong thing and gaining weight. After a little will-power I got that under control and found that a cracker or hard candy got rid of the queasy stomach (my wife taught me that one from her experiences with morning sickness). I stabilized my weight, but did not loose any weight until I switched to Viibryd, but that is another story.
I hope our input helps.
Good luck.
RonMan
Votes: +1
4N
4N Substances
4 May 2013
Hi Kisha, Nice to meet you. As another long time user of Wellburtin, I agree with LaurieShay. You're getting a blast in the evening you don't necessarily need and I can see why it's interfering with sleep. I'd talk to your MD about an AM dosage. Many individuals coming out of the fog of depression also put on some weight initially, because they are feeling so much better and kind of coming back to life. Wellbutrin is known for not causing weight gain in the majority of individuals, one of the reasons it is so popular. Try to harness this newfound energy and positive vibe to work out, ride a bike, walk, do some yoga, join a class-it would be great timing. And since you're particularly tuned into your body right now, you might give Weight Watchers a try.
We also have a dietician friend here in the group who will magically appear if we summon her! But don't give up on your Wellbutrin! This may be just a little tweak in your prescription that could have you feeling much better soon. Please keep us posted! Regards, 4N Substances
Votes: +1
LA
LaurieShay
3 May 2013
I take my 450mg Wellbutrin XL in the morning. The extended release mechanism is going to deliver equal amount of medicine throughout the 24 hours, where as the immediate release gives you a surge twice a day. As far as weight gain, choose healthy snacks like fruits and vegies and it will help a lot.
