The last 2 nights I've had nightmares and increased anxiety in the morning. I also feel out of it like I'm kind of in a daze. I know that my doctor just increased my dose of Bupropion from 150mg to 300mg about 10 days ago so is this normal? Will this subside? I feel like maybe this is not the right medication for me but not sure if I am not giving it enough time. I feel so helpless right now like if this will never go away, please help. Has anyone experienced this while on Bupropion? Did it go away? I know everyone is different but I just need to hear something positive right now. I also hesitate to take the Ativan, I just hate taking meds so I resist taking them sometimes. It's like I get anxiety about taking an anxiety pill, this sounds crazy but that's just how I feel. Any advise would be helpful, thanks.
Nightmares & Anxiety on Bupropion?
Question posted by Anxiety go away on 20 Oct 2015
Last updated on 1 July 2020 by Samanthasmith2346
8 Answers
I know this is an old post, but I am experiencing the exact same thing. My psychiatrist increased my dose from 150mg to 300 mg. I do feel a noticeable positive difference In my attitude, but then night hits and I feel like sleep is torture. I have the most horrifying nightmares that wake me up feeling terrified. Sometimes the feeling lasts for a while in the mornings. I hope it goes away
I'm so sorry to hear that you're feeling that way. I can certainly relate. I also have anxiety when it comes to taking manmade meds... especially psych meds. I took bupropion one time and had nightmares and anxiety from it. I never took it again. I already have enough problems without adding to them with side effects and increased or exaggerated symptoms. I am not a doctor, but in my opinion after trying many, MANY different medications, if it is causing those symptoms but you were able to take the lower dosage and it was helping, the dosage is probably too high now.
Personally, I believe that doctors should only increase the dosage of a medication if the desired effects are not met. Unfortunately, it has been my experience that doctors will increase the dosage until a patient is taking the recommended amount. We all have different physiology and tolerance levels, so I believe that this is a careless way of determining dosage.
I think bupropion is generic for wellbutrin. I was able to take wellbutrin years ago when it first came out and the doctors were giving samples. I had no issues with it at that time, but my physiology has changed, and I can no longer take it or other drugs that I once used somewhat successfully.
I currently take 25mg of sertraline, which is the generic for Zoloft. The prescribed dosage is 50mg per day, but, like you, I take as little as possible. If I feel like I'm taking too much or too many medications, I will stop taking all of them. What I do now is supplement with CBD oil which also helps with many other issues. I found a source for it that has an all natural product without all the additives. I would be happy to give you the information if you like.
I hope this helps, and good luck to you. Don't let your doctor be a drug pusher. It's important to take control of your own health.
I have been taking bupropion for a few months now and just started getting nightmares. It started off as deeper sleep and vivid dreams about nothing really important. And now that I have nightmares I feel paranoid and that increases my anxiety and makes me scared to fall asleep. Not completely sure that Bupropion causes the bad dreams but it puts me into deeper sleeps than normal and I wake up at 9 am like clockwork every day.
I am experiencing the same thing. I took 150mg bupropion for three days, and just increased to 300 yesterday. But I do not know if it is the drug that is affecting me. I have always had vivid dreams, but they are no longer good and barely tolerable. I think the only reason I can handle them is because I've grown so accustomed to it. I also feel completely hopeless and helpless. I have suffered from depression for as long as I can remember. I have an aversion to manmade medications, and I am only taking them out of desperation for some kind of relief. I have tried many kinds over the years, but only a few recently. This is the one I was willing to try because it seemed to have the fewest side effects. I have encountered several people who have taken the drugs necessary to get them back on track, or perhaps to get their bodies producing the right balance of chemicals, and then taper off the medications after two years.
When I began hearing that others were stopping after two years and doing okay, it caught my attention because years ago I stayed medicated for two years and then weaned myself off of everything. I was not perfect by any means, but I did manage comfortably and naturally for the next ten years without any mental medications. I know that I need help, and I am trying to keep that tidbit of information at the forefront of my mind so that I will take the meds that can help me through this difficult time. Believe me when I tell you that "difficult" is an understatement. It helps to know that it is a temporary necessity. I wish you the very best, and I wish I could give you more encouragement than that. Sometimes it just helps to know that someone else understands what you're going through. I cried when I read what you wrote because it hit so close to home. Good luck to you.
I don't understand why you haven't received my responses... We need to figure this out. This is not helping anyone if they are not getting the responses
Yes, not sure what is going on with the website bhouse. Not good like you said because sometimes you want to hear from someone or just get a pep talk. So the last 4 days were OK for me, very mild anxiety only about 1x per day for not too long but today it seems like it's lingered on a little longer, it's mild but there and it makes me feel like this is never going to go away. There is a lot of chaos going on in my life right now that maybe is was is causing it and not letting the medication work correctly but I feel like I am going to lose it if I can't feel normal anytime soon. I need to be able to let go of things that are out of my control but my brain doesn't know how to. I know there are a lot of us going through this but are there people out there that never get better? not even with medication? I feel like that is going to be me and it scares the hell out of me. I see my doctor in a week so I am hoping she can say something that will feel like I have hope.
Please let me know what the doctor saids. Don't give up... your doctor will get the meds best for you and it may be the one your on, but sounds like you need something else to go with it or change to another one. Did you say you take Zoloft,(sertraline). I take w/my Bupropion and it helps. I take one in the morning and the other at night. I am going to see if I can add you as my friend so we make sure to get each others help. Pls just hang in there and just talk on here when you need to. It's okay...
Thanks bhouse, No, I am only on 300 mg of Bupropion and like you I think she needs to add something else on to it. How long have you been taking the Bupropion with the Zoloft? In the past I've taken Celexa by itself 20 mg and that seemed to work well for me. So how can I chat with you now that you have added me as your friend. I am new to this site so I am not sure where to go. I tried looking but couldn't find anything. Let me know, thanks.
I haven't been on here in awhile. I knew we needed to be friends, so I added you. Now I need to see how we can private message each other. I have done it in the past. I have been on several different anti meds. I started Zoloft in March 2013 50mg, April 25, 2013 went to 75 mg, then 05-21-2013 I sent to 100mg. I am now on 150 mg of Zoloft. My psychiatrist is very good. I could call her during my 3 month period and she would change the dose. I'm not sure when I started on Buproprin. It could have been the same time. I am going to ck my records. So, you see it does take awhile and some changes. I started out on 100mg and worked up to 300mg that I am on now. The dosages should be uped slowly. I believe thats what helped me. After 4 weeks, I could tell when it needed to be changed or dosage change. This may not make sense. Depression is an awful thing. I can be fine and then the next moment, it's like a black veil covers me. I try to remember tomorrow may be a better day.
I'm depression or have a sad feeling now. Don't really know why. Well, I do know some of it. It's hard for me not to look back and wish I had made better decisions..I do try to look forward and what blessing I have now. Ask your doctor when you see him/her if you need to, can you call the office and leave a message. Thats what I do and my doctor always has someone call me back that day. I tell the person I talk to what is going on. Blessings to ya. Now, I'm going to go watch The Voice on tv. Something like that helps me. I pray we can help each other.
You should really try the Ativan your doctor prescribed. You may be scared, but it should help the anxiety.
OK everyone, It is me again, another week has passed. I need help. So, I've been on the increased dose of the Bupropion for 2 1/2 weeks now and I don't seem to notice much improvement, the last two days I've seemed to experience more anxiety, especially in the early mornings and at night before bedtime. How much longer do I need to wait. I know they say it takes 3 to 4 weeks but shouldn't I feel some kind of relief by now? How long do I wait before knowing if this medication will work for me or not? In the past while on Celexa it seemed like by the 3rd week I was already feeling & sleeping better and now on my 7th week of being on medication I still have insomnia. I know every time is different and it can take a while but I am desperate here. I need some reassurance that I will be OK. I feel like I am going to lose it. Help...
I would not give it any longer than 3 weeks. If you were going to see results from this medicine, I would think you would see some difference now. You don't want to have to go thru this and especially now that the holidays are just around the corner. No way would you enjoy them w/this depression/anxiety hanging over your head. You don't need to go thru this all the time... please let us know what your doctor suggest or does.
It is odd, I have responded to your comment BHOUSE, 2x already and it doesn't show up.
So the last two days I have felt a lot better and the doctor wanted me to wait it out another week or so. Wants me to give it 4 weeks on the increased dose so since I have felt better the last two days I thought I would wait but if it continues to be a roller coaster which is what it seems to be happening I will definitely have her change my meds. Thanks everyone for your comments. It is so good to hear from different experiences. I will keep you posted.
I had a similar experience on Bupropion, but more severe; paranoia, derealization, depersonalization, even hallucinated. Was scared to go to sleep because of the nightmares. Had to get off of it after a week because it just kept getting worse.
Yes, I've heard that from a lot of people but everyone is different I guess. For some people it works really well. I've actually been on it for 6 weeks now but just had the dose increased 10 days ago because I was still having anxiety (mild but there every morning) so this is why I was asking. Sorry to hear that it was awful for you. Hope you are feeling better now. Thanks for your input.
I have been on Bupropion for a year or more. I did not have nightmares until lately so I don't know if its the meds or not. I haven't lost any weight being on it. I heard alot of people say they do. I really need to lose some weight. I, also, tried Ativan and it didn't work for me. Just didn't feel good on it. I take Xanax 0.25 mg and it helps me. They say Ativan last longer and xanax is shorter time span, but w/xanax it helps within 15 mins & thats when I need it. I don't care if it doesn't last as long as ativan. I don't feel up or down, just normal w/the edge taken off of the anxiety.
I know how you feel, helpless and like the depression is not going away... just try it for a couple more weeks. Let us know how you are doing.
Thank you bhouse, I just need to be patient I guess but it such a horrible feeling that it feels like it will never go away. I need to stay positive, thanks a lot. Everyone's responses are very helpful and it is also good to know that I am not alone but I just have such a big fear of living this way for the rest of my life. I don't think I can do that. I also feel bad sometimes because I feel that I don't really have a reason to be this way. I haven't had any tragic events happen in my life that I could say causes this. I am just a worrier and I overthink everything and can't get things out of my head. I have quite a few family members that suffer from this as well on my moms side of the family so my dr says it is in my genes. My biggest fear now is that I hope to god I don't pass this on to my kids. Thanks again for your input.
I understand your afraidness. I was at that point once for a long time. I think I was trying a diff medicine. Anyway it was my mom's 90th birthday and we were giving her a party here at my house because she lived w/me. I went thru the emotions, didn't want to eat, but did because I wanted everyone to know I was okay. I think they could tell anyway. Nothing seem joyful. I thought it would never end. But, praise God it did. It's trail and error, but they finally got me on the right medicine. I'm okay now, but I still have fears of going back to that feeling. Please, if after a week or two, call your doctor. I am under a physiciatrist. (May not be spelled right) but thats okay. ) There is help. I don't think I will ever be 100%, but I don't know anyone who is. But, I'm trying to keep focused on the good things, my family, my children, my grandchildren and now my great grandson. I look at the trees every morning and thank God for a new day. His nature is sooo beautiful. I hate depression and anxiety. Please talk on this site anytime you need to.
Sphynxxx,
Wow! We are all suffering from the same fears and sorrows even with medication... and life goes on. I am on Tofranil and have suffered from weight loss. I welcome some of it but hope it tapers off soon. I eat good and often but the weight is melting off. I am waiting for the medication to get pass the side effects stage. I have been on this med for 10 weeks now. I know the more time passes the better I will feel God willing. Manager 5
OK everyone, It is me again, another week has passed. I need help. So, I've been on the increased dose of the Bupropion for 2 1/2 weeks now and I don't seem to notice much improvement, the last two days I've seemed to experience more anxiety, especially in the early mornings and at night before bedtime. How much longer do I need to wait. I know they say it takes 3 to 4 weeks but shouldn't I feel some kind of relief by now? How long do I wait before knowing if this medication will work for me or not? In the past while on Celexa it seemed like by the 3rd week I was already feeling & sleeping better and now on my 7th week of being on medication I still have insomnia. I know every time is different and it can take a while but I am desperate here. I need some reassurance that I will be OK. I feel like I am going to lose it. Help...
I'd say it might be time to increase the dose again or consider switching to a different medication. Yes, it can probably take up to 3-4 weeks for the maximum effect, but I think by 2 weeks you should be noticing some positive effects.
My Dr once said that it's possible to tell even after only a couple of days whether a medication is helping or not.
why is someone not getting my responses
Anxiety go away; Good morning glad you put down the dose increase that is what is happening you are having just like some of the beginning side effects of when you start this medication this well go away.You doctor is increasing your dose to get you to the blood level for maximum benefits one good thing is they don't last as long.It can take 4 to 6 weeks to reach the blood level maybe faster when it's a dose adjustment. Now by not taking your Ativan when you need it can cause another bunch of problems because the anxiety attacks can make and your mind remember them and it creates problems with your condition.As my Doctor says take it just as if it were your blood pressure or diabetes pill and don't worry about addiction they even have studies where people like us are so thankful and relieved that we have medications to help us there is very little drug addiction or abuse in us.
So please take them as doctor has prescribed or at least as you are adjusting to the Wellbutrin.Also if and when you have to go off of it both of these medications have to be withdrawal slowly so we don't have rebound effects.You're worrying to much if you really want to feel normal take it as prescribed. Have a great day.and try not to worry
Thank you for the input chuck1957. I guess I just worry too much (worry about everything and anything) and in the past when I've been on Celexa it seemed like it kicked in faster and now with this one it seems like it is taking longer but I know every time it can be different. Thanks a lot for your answer. I've been asking a lot of questions but I just want this medication to really work for me. I've been losing weight on it which is great, it's giving me more self confidence. I gained over 20 lbs on Celexa and couldn't take it off and believe me I work out 4 days a week for an hour per day and I try for the most part to watch what I eat. I also left a message for my doctor to see what she tells me. Thanks again...
Not a problem hope it all works out, Don't worry about asking what you need to that is what we all are here for have a good evening.
I also suffer from insomnia since I've had the anxiety and I hear a lot of people say the Bupropion causes sleeplessness, will this also subside once the meds reach their full blood level? I think if I had a better nights sleep I would not have as much anxiety. I have to take something to sleep every night. Just wondering.
I also have been having nightmares from doubling up on my Wellbutrin dose from 150 to 300 mg. I'm glad I know I'm not alone. So the nightmares do go away eventually? I'm not taking Wellbutrin for anxiety. I'm taking it for depression.
Related topics
anxiety, nightmares, bupropion, dosage, doctor
Further information
- Bupropion uses and safety info
- Bupropion prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Bupropion (detailed)
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