Weight gain after taking Bupropion HCL XL for 2 years???
Question posted by marla223 on 15 May 2017
Last updated on 15 May 2017 by chuck1957
I have taken the generic form of Wellbutrin - IC Bupropion HCL XL - for approximately 2 years. The last 6 months I have gained 25+ pounds and am doing everything exactly as before. I eat pretty healthy, exercise and have changed nothing. I have noticed that my emotions are a bit unsteady and I am more anxious, so it may not be working for the reasons I take it now.
Before Wellbutrin I took Pristiq for a bit over a year, which caused me to lose about 10 pounds in the first 6 months, hold steady for 6 months and then I started packing it on (about 25 lbs) while doing nothing differently. My doctor had had numerous people with the same experience on Pristiq so he switched me to Wellbutrin.
When I started Wellbutrin after Pristiq I lost the 20+ pounds I had gained fairly quickly/easily doing exactly what I also have. I stayed steady until the last 6 months.
After reading a ton of info it seems that I am not alone in the weight gain. Why am I able to take medication and then all of sudden my body "rejects" it and I start gaining? My weight is all in the stomach, hips, waist area. Anyone else have the weight gain happen after taking for a while?
marla223; Also make sure at your next appointment let the doctor know about the sudden weight gain most like wildcat said Wellbutrin in any form is one of the better as a weight neutral medication and it is not as common to say 16 to 18 months later start to gain weight from it. Myself I would be a little afraid of changing to something else being most of the others are for sure know to cause weight gain. wish you the best who knows maybe it's being that it is that time of year where we are not as active. good luck to you.
Votes: +0
JA
janiebme
15 May 2017
Hi marla- Maybe ask your doctor about taking the Wellbutrin SR and see if it makes a difference. Hope you find what works for you.
Votes: +0
WI
WildcatVet
15 May 2017
Hi, Marla! Unfortunately, for a few people weight gain comes along with the territories of most antidepressants/anti-psychotics and it has nothing to do with any change in diet and/or exercise. These drugs affect the person's basal metabolism and fat storage mechanisms and these are beyond our control. The newer, second generation antidepressants, Wellbutrin and Trintellix are considered the most weight neutral so stick with them if they control your symptoms. Happily, I'm in the 90% of patients using these medications who experience no weight gain ~ or any side effects for that matter, My best regards!
