I am starting my 5th week of Wellbutrin XL (150 mg). Generally, I am opposed to taking medications but my depression has really knocked me off my feet- crying, sadness, anxiety. I feel a little better but not sure if it's the weather or the drug. I had a lot of nausea, still some anxiety but don't feel much in the way of side effects now but still feel a little low. Any comments or suggestions would be helpful. Thanks.
How do I know if the Wellbutrin is working?
Question posted by outsidesue on 30 May 2011
Last updated on 2 May 2019 by cheeka01
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12 Answers
cheeka01
3 May 2019
I would talk to your dr. I'm kinda having the same problem as I've been on welburtin now maybe two months and like you had all the horrible side effects. After the first couple of weeks I started feeling great but that only lasted maybe 3 weeks. Now I feel like I did when i first started taking it. I'll be talking with my dr about it soon.If
cheeka01
3 May 2019
I've been on this medication for about 2 months now, the first two weeks were horrible with all the side effects, then I felt great for a few weeks. The thing is I started feeling like I'm going backwards the last few days. I have the nausea, stomach pains, headache, and crying. Why is this happening?
Bbrombos
25 March 2019
I was on 150mg for the first three weeks and then my doctor brought it up to 300mg a day and I still don’t feel any changes. I just feel neutral/semi down. I’m on week five now and don’t know what to do. I don’t want to switch bc I’m afraid of weight gain and other side effects from other anti depressants, anyone else experience this or have any advice? Thank you
NB0874
6 March 2019
Hello everyone its my 5th week on W. HCL XL 300mg my first time on anti D its been working ok so far now has anyone loss a lot weight on this anti D
WildcatVet
6 March 2019
Hello! About 30% of users will experience an average weight loss of 5-6 pounds. Substantially more than that should be reported to your doctor for professional advice.
Regards, Wild Cat
NB0874
6 March 2019
Thank You
Inactive
2 Jan 2019
I took Wellbutrin SR successfully for over 20 years. It was the best antidepressant I ever took that didn't cause low libido or weight gain. But it started to exacerbate my anxiety this past year when I took it, so it was not working for me anymore. In the beginning, it would make me more anxious until it settled in, then it gave me energy and motivation. I seemed to develop problems with it when so many generics came out on the market to replace the brand name Wellbutrin. The time release mechanism is not the same, so it would not release any of the med at certain points in the day, and at other times, it would dump too much into my system all at once. Therefore, the problem with my anxiety on the generics of it. I recently was prescribed Trintellix, which was great, but ultimately I could not tolerate the side effects. In the meantime, I will stick with my "tried and true" Buspar.
Analyzethis
1 Jan 2019
I find it helpful to review experiences from introspective and educated people with similar situations with which to create an algorithm to make choices for myself. So maybe I can help others.
Brevity isn't a strong suit of mine, because I think the details are what matters but I'll try my absolute best.
(I've deleted two versions of paragraphs in an attempt to cull confusing details... I thought they were useful, but this probably isn't the place)
So, I've been on Bupropion for... 3 weeks now. 150XL. Took a TON of convincing from my doctor who initially tried to get me on Lexapro because I've come in for exhaustion and heart palpitations.
I thought the DOCTOR was nuts for trying to prescribe that for chest pain (followed up with cardiologists - clean bill of health except minor early heart beats). Which I've been to the hospital for on other occasions (I'm a relatively young and healthy man so each time nothing comes up and they talk to me about stress) (Part of deleted paragraphs. I also have a severe form of IL-1 Gene from a test I took 12 years ago, I think this is biologically related so look it up if you wish)
So, no one know me here, but my wife does and some other close people. I don't come to snap decisions often, things are over analyzed to give me a best approach to a problem. I thought Bupropion might help. So I agreed to the medication.
I can unequivocally attest that, despite other things I've read you can feel affects within the first hour of taking your first pill... (More on that later)
Now the severity changes so don't think I mean max effect that fast, but you can feel a change if you are an analyzer like I am... Even when I try to ignore changes, like I did, I'm not one of those people that expect, then feel because of the expectation. I'm not.
-Affects/Side effects (I get everything from everything. Even Zinc and Magnesium make me angry and agitated but has the benefits to it too... I don't know why)
These came in waves increasing to day 3. I experienced increased in motivation and concentration for literally about 3 hours day one (that never came back) dizziness, slight but welcome numbness.
I noticed the "noise" in my head was like, gone... It was peaceful and quiet, and I no longer was wrecked from ruminating thoughts. I had severe headaches. Which peaked about day 3-5. I had heart racing issues. (Surely from the norepinephrine) On day 3 I was going to stop taking it, because they were bad. Short of breath, no endurance at all. It felt like when I was under the full effects in my youth from my IL-1 genes (when I was going to the gym or had adrenaline run through me)...
I ... DID experience IMPROVED sleep, substantially. (This is still in effect actually)
Dreams were only slightly more memorable, no change in severity or content.
Also... Um. Literally after the first day I noticed improved blood flow in... Other areas. Ahem.
That literally subsided after day a couple of days and went back to normal during reasonable situations which is fine.
However, 3 weeks in, my desire has been drastically reduced, which is unexpected. :Shrug:
I will have to say 1 week in, or even less. I felt more normal. I was desiring to play with my children. I felt like I had a bit more energy to do things. I felt motivate to attend church, read my Bible, and do what I could to serve Christ and my neighbor - if that makes sense to others out there. That was MOST welcome for me.
So 1.5 weeks in. Most of the side effects were gone, there were no positive secondary effects anymore, but I felt more normal. I was thinking that this might really work, because I didn't FEEL anything, except, I processed things more normal (for me) so I was quite pleased...
2-2.5 weeks in. I've noticed what the doctor considers depression symptoms coming back. So right now I'd say that the medication is about 15% effective and reducing about 5 more percent a day if I had to quantify it.
So, about the metabolism as Ive mentioned earlier. I am a fan of finding HARD evidence of things rather than take speculation from doctors who don't know my mind or body as well as I do. So I've tracked down another genetics test which I'm sure will sell out my genomic structure to some pharmaceutical unfortunately (like your 21 and ancestory businesses do - don't take those) that will actually test for pharmaceutical metabolic ratings, and can tell if you have Serotonin mechanism issues (which I don't think I have, but who knows).
Because I will say I've read things where people said they noticed effects after 3 days and everyone (including professionals) claim that is impossible. All the way to, I took it and it never did anything.
For me, everything happened. What does that mean? I don't know. Does it "burn out" receptors? I don't know, is that why I don't respond to the medication anymore? OR, will Genesight's test show that I either can't metabolize (maybe that's why I felt the effects, it spiked in my blood stream and I couldn't clear it fast enough until my body's enzyme production could eliminate it) OR do I metabolize it much too quickly and therefore the dose is too low.
I NEVER throw the easy way out at anything to fix it. I'm not the guy that lets the mechanic throw parts at a car to "fix" a problem. I research it and diag it myself until I am quite certain I can solve the problem with the least resource...
Hence the Genesight test.
So. Sorry for all of this rambling, but if anyone has questions, I literally signed up to try and talk to others about this medication - just for this. I don't take ANY other medication and I have only taken one SSRI about 4 years ago for 2 months that had disasterous effects on me... Everything else I steer away from and live a normal life. I don't do drugs never have. I rarely drink at all. Just some coffee or an energy drink or two a week if that helps anyone relate.
PeterBelelius
7 Feb 2018
The shift from escitalopram to wellbutrin has CERTAINLY made a change in my ‘awareness’ of the world around me, my ‘consciousness’, yet I’m not very sure as to what has changed exactly. I’m MUCH less of a zombie, so much less tired as I was on escitalopram, my motorics are quicker and I’m more active in general. I simply want to do things. But there is also an element of increased restlessness, perhaps anxiety, but it may well have to do with my dosage, which I’m still trying to find out. I have picked up reading again quite easily, which with escitalopram I was simply not interested in, I was like too tired and my afternoons here in the tropics were just lying there on my thin floor mattress, mostly in a half awake, half asleep state.
As I wrote, two days ago, my anxiety-level was pretty bad and I wasn’t sure if I’d continue on Wellbutrin, but for now I see it differently again, and I’ll try a week or so on 75 mg and see what happens. Of course, it’s a pleasure to be so much more alert again, the things around me stand out so much crisper and clearly again and it has nothing to do with the weather I guess. When I look at my laptop, I see it much better, the color, the texture, the light on it, the dust on it. What I do feel as a quite negative element is that I seem to be a little more socially unsure. But perhaps I can work on this, perhaps I’m guessing I’m a bit more paranoid.
Inactive
9 Feb 2018
Adding buspar to the Wellbutrin can give you relief from the start-up anxiety you're experiencing from wellbutrin.
Zio10
30 Nov 2016
Anyone having issues with high blood pressure.? This is one of the side effects. I just started 150 XL generic today. Im on 6th Anti-depressant.
Inactive
2 June 2011
Hi outsidesue!
I've been taking the generic of wellbutrin xl for 3 weeks now (150mg). I felt positive effects from it around the fifth day of taking it however I have a very high metabolism so it seemed to level off after two weeks. I was still feeling down and crying for no reason so the dr went ahead and incresed my dosage to 300mg. We'll see if this works, but I have to say, it has helped me to have more energy. I actually get out of the house now besides going to work. Good luck!!
outsidesue
2 June 2011
Thanks castaway. Let me know how it goes. I just went up to 300 today. Are you taking anything else?
Inactive
2 June 2011
No mam, nothing else. My increase started today too. I'm feeling a little jittery right now, but I'm sure it will subside at some point (hope so anyway). I'm curious to see if it helps with the ongoing depression. I have to admit, the depression is not as bad as it was, but I'm hoping it gets even better! :)
outsidesue
2 June 2011
You too. Have you tried other antidepressants?
Inactive
17 June 2011
Yes, I've tried Effexor (too many side effects), Buspar for my anxiety (made me gain weight) and Lexapro (also gained weight). Wellbutrin has been wonderful thus far.
newsbunny
29 Dec 2012
i've been on wellbutrin 150 generic for about 6 months and do think it helps, but i've found i am still drinking quite a bit, just about everynight a bottle of wine. i realize that wine is a depressant and probably doesn't help, but it helps me relax after my stressful day... my question is. i've noticed the wellbutrin isn't working as well as it did... would an increase in dosage help
caringsonbj
30 May 2011
I would think that your overall ability to function would improve, if you don't eat much that might tend to be improved, your mood with depression is affected and you don't really feel like doing anything I would expect you to feel like doing some things that you just didn't feel up to doing, maybe you will find that some of the effects of nausea, sadness, just that low feeling should continue to improve, It is my sincere hope that you soon start to notice things like this happening and you soon feel lots better! I hope you feel better soon
LaurieShay
30 May 2011
Hey outsidesue,
As Delila said the Wellbutrin reaches its maximum effectivenessa around 4 weeks or so. Are you taking just one XL 150mg a day? You may be increased to 2 pills a day. I take Wellbutrin XL 300 mgs a day along with another antidepressant, Pristiq, with fantastic results. If you are still feeling symptoms of depression such as crying and general low feeling then discuss increasing the Wellbutrin to 300mgs a day, unless you are already on that dose, or adding a low dose of another antidepressant. That is one of the nice things about Wellbutrin, you can take it with other antidepressants.
Best wishes,
Laurie
outsidesue
30 May 2011
Thanks. I am taking 1 XL 150 mg. Do you take the 300 mg all at once? I go back to the doctor next week to get this checked but I feel like I need to go back sooner. How long have you been taking both ad?
LaurieShay
30 May 2011
I take the 300mgs of Wellbutrin XL in the morning. I have been on this combo for over 4 months now. It has been a great combo for me, but everyone is different so best to discuss with the doc as he/she knows your particular condition. I have been on some kind of antidepressant for many many years and find them very beneficial for my depression. I would up the Wellbutrin first before going the route of adding another. But that's just my opinion. If you can't wait to talk to the doctor until your scheduled appointment then give them a call, he might see you sooner. If not or even if so, please keep posting here. We are here to be supportive.
outsidesue
30 May 2011
Thanks - all these comments are helpful. Is this dosage based on your weight? Did you start with that amount or work up to it? I will call my doctor tomorrow. Thanks.
LaurieShay
30 May 2011
No, the dosage is not based on weight. It is based on response. I started on the 150mgs a day and worked up to the 300mgs. I was on the 150mgs for a month before increasing. The literature points out the following:
Major Depressive Disorder: Initial Treatment: The usual adult target dose for WELLBUTRIN XL is 300 mg/day, given once daily in the morning. Dosing with WELLBUTRIN XL should begin at 150 mg/day given as a single daily dose in the morning. If the 150-mg initial dose is adequately tolerated, an increase to the 300-mg/day target dose, given as once daily, may be made as early as day 4 of dosing. There should be an interval of at least 24 hours between successive doses.
So the theraputic dose is generally 300mgs for Wellbutrin XL and can be increased within 4 days after intial dosing of 150mgs is well tolerated.
Keep us posted with the doc has to say,
Laurie
outsidesue
30 May 2011
Thanks Laurie. I'll call tomorrow and hopefully will get an appointment. How long have you been on it?
LaurieShay
30 May 2011
I have been on Wellbutrin this time for over 4 months. I have been on it in the past for several years. Then switched to other antidepressants to get better coverage. Talk to the doctor though, the increase in dosage may well do the trick.
Delila
30 May 2011
Hi, I would expect you to be feeling a bit more relief from your depression and anxiety quite soon. Usually we are told that the first 4 weeks are the induction phase and after these 4 weeks is when we get relief from our symptoms. Of cause it can take longer in some people and considering you are just starting your fifth wk you may just have to try to hang in there a little longer. If you still feel no better after another week, discuss this with your doctor. Wellbutrin is a good anti-depressant on its own, but can also be used with add on meds so maybe this would be an option for you? Have you ever used an ssri? Let us know how you're getting on : )
outsidesue
30 May 2011
Thanks. I don't know what an ssri is. I will hang in there. I got through the nausea and that I heard was the worst part.
Delila
30 May 2011
Hi an ssri is just a different type of anti-depressant. It stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, it works differently to the wellbutrin. It is possible to take an ssri with your wellbutrin to increase the effects. As Laurie says though, your doctor may decide to increase the dose of the meds you're already taking.
outsidesue
30 May 2011
I tried the celexa but felt worse actually more like unworthy. Are you taking one? I am open to different options which is huge b/c I generally don't take anything. I am wondering if I should try that again.
Tonka8561
30 May 2011
Hi - Perhaps your dosage isn't high enough. Mee, I take 300mg Wellbutrin and 20 mg Lexapro for antidepressants. You should go back to your PDoc and tell him about the nasea (sp?) and also that it seems to work a little, but certainly not enough. Do this soon. Until you can see him, it wouldn't hurt to tell him over the phone about your feeling sick to your stomach - it might be a problem. If you don't want to do that, call the pharmacy and ask a pharmasist about the side effect.
Delila
30 May 2011
Hi, i take celexa/citalopram in the morning (60mg), and seroquel in the evening for bipolar as well as amitriptyline at night. The amitriptyline is an anti-depressant, but i use it to help my insomnia as well. These 3 all work well together. It did take a little time to get to the right dosages but i am really happy on them now
pippen32
31 May 2011
I take celexa/citalopram and just added wellbutrin. I've been on it about a week and I have not see a difference yet. But I'm trying to look on the positive side, anything is better than nothing.
Delila
31 May 2011
Hi try to wait it out, it took me 4 weeks to get relief from celexa. I started on 20mg, i did this for 2 weeks and was still crying all day everyday, my doctor upped my dose to 40mg and another 2 weeks later i felt so much better! I am only on 60mg now because i was taking seroquel 200mg and my doctor wanted to drop it to 150mg because i was particularly sensitive to it. Anyway i felt like crap for 2 weeks so they increased my celexa to counteract it and i was like a different person! I hope you can get the same result i did. Hang in there
outsidesue
1 June 2011
HI- I wanted to let you know that I went to the doctor today and she upped my dosage to 300mg. She was reluctant to add anything else yet. I will see her again in 4 weeks and reevaluate. I hope this works but she also wants me to see a psychiatrist too. Eeks!
Delila
1 June 2011
Hi, thanks for the update. I hope on the increased dose you soon feel better and continue to do so. I know sometimes the thought of seeing a psychiatrist can be daunting but if you get a good one they can be invaluable. It was the psychiatrist that i was seeing (in africa) that finally gave me my diagnoses of bipolar and got me on a good mood stabiliser. I am still seeing a psych now i'm back in the uk and again, luckily, i've got a good one. Give it a try with an open mind. Good luck : )
ruthy0374
27 June 2012
I too have started taking wellbutrin and still don't feel any better. I have been on it for about 6 weeks. The pharmacist told me it takes 3 weeks for it to get in your system and start working. I also have anxiety and panic disorder which was better with zoloft. But the zoloft wasn't helping the depression. so far wellbutrin is no better. I am constantly tired and hurt and can't excersise b/c I have no energy. I also have low iron but still I want to feel better. I want to lose weight but just can't muscle up any muscles. This sucks. I only take 150mg as I am super scared of having a seizure. I Hope you find some relief.
newsbunny
29 Dec 2012
omg this sounds really dumb, but i feel better just being able to comment or connect with others in the same dumpster... depression... wow... maybe i need a support group???
Delila
30 Dec 2012
Hi Newsbunny & welcome to the site! If you have a surf around you will find that you probably can connect to a lot of people here on Drugs.com. Have you figured out how it all works yet?
robertestokley
9 Dec 2016
I'm only taking Wellbutrin but it seems to make me want to cry and it causes me to have horrible constipation. But I read a lot of how Wellbutrin is a good medication.; I'm not sure. But I am really tired of this anxiety and depression. I want it gone and I trust in God.
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