I am taking meds for sleep Amitriptyline 25 mg and Buspar 20 mg 2x day for anxiety. But needed something for depression and motivation. I decided to take Generic Wellbutrin instant release 75 mg. It has been 4 days, it does ramp up my anxiety but my doc gave me xanax to get me past the transition. Since starting the Wellbutrin I have bouts of wanting to cry. Is this normal? Thank you
Is Wellbutrin making me sad?
Question posted by janiebme on 15 Feb 2016
Last updated on 25 September 2019 by Dottie25
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
11 Answers
Dottie25
26 Sep 2019
I was on Wellbutrin for one week. Horrible hallucinations/nightmares! Woke up at 4 am wanting to slit my wrists. Talked myself out of it bc bathtub was dirty and didn’t want to be found in dirty tub. I was on for 1 week: tapering took 3 weeks. That was my 4th antidepressant and I won’t take any more bc of side effects. I’ve been on Xanax on and off for 20 yrs, but I’m only sleeping 3 hrs night and thinking of switching to Klonopin bc it lasts longer.
Joepreach
24 Sep 2019
I began Wellbutrin about a week ago. I’ve noticed the following: agitation, sadness, and periods where I cry for no reason. I am not a weeper. I plan to move back to lexapro which I was on before.
Buck2504
27 Sep 2016
Wellbutrin is a good med to give you more energy and motivation. I take it. I think it's a matter of getting used to the medicine which may take a few weeks. If you're still having problems after that I would talk to your dr again. Wellbutrin may not be the right med for you. I get a general feeling since I've started posting on this website, that some people are afraid to talk to their drs. You need to have a comfortable relationship with your psychiatrist. Maybe more so than any other dr you have. You tell them things you wouldn't tell Anyone else! Your mind is a precious thing. You have to have a good fit. I'll get down off my soap box now. This wasn't aimed at you personally. I hope you didn't take offense.
Buck57396
aNurse2
26 Sep 2016
Responding to daily wine drinker with Wellbutrin... Don't Do It !! Read the Warning on the medication bottle. Wellbutrin is Not to be mixed with any form of alcohol. Not even wine ! If any doubts about this, please call your pharmacist or the prescribing Doctor. We do well to educate ourselves about our Health "Care".
aNurse2
26 Sep 2016
Hi. Interesting question and symptom. I just started Wellbutrin and also noticed episodes of crying. Don't last all day... and after the cry, I'm okay. After 1 week, it's way less. My PCP just increased to 150 mg SR daily. Because the cry "attacks" happened when started Wellbutrin, I am thinking it's a side effect that is dissolving already. Hoping the increased dosage doesn't start it up again, but won't cause me to stop trying the new antidepressant. I feel like I'm "doing time" with depression, so I can do the time to give Wellbutrin a chance , as the side effects are tolerable. The Depression is NOT. Hope this helps.
howielinux
23 Feb 2016
Yes its important that you tell your Dr ASAP, if he thinks Wellbutrin is a good choice for you maybe a slower release formula is a better choice. I noticed that when I 1st sought help for my depression I was so depressed I couldn’t cry, I was horribly apathetic and when I started Remeron and Risperidone I think it was I noticed I cried a lot but I felt human and my Dr said that can be your emotions getting back to normal (paraphrased) I'm not saying thats whats happening to you just sharing my experience
janiebme
23 Feb 2016
Hi Howie-
I did not think about a slower release Wellbutrin. I thought since I am having such a hard time with the instant release causing anxiety. Maybe the SR or XL would work better? Not hit me so hard and jump the anxiety up. Thanks for the suggestion. I see my psych doc tomorrow.
howielinux
23 Feb 2016
No problem, Good luck with your Dr visit
Inactive
23 Feb 2016
Hi Janie. I re-read your original post, "Is wellbutrin making me sad?" Now I see where the doc also gave you xanax to help temporarily with the anxiety. There are 4 meds mentioned here in this post. It's definitely a MUST that you let your doctor know what is going on. Hanging in there and being patient is one thing, but, we are talking about a "medication cocktail" here. Don't mess with it. Let the doctor handle it. Something in that med mix might be causing you an adverse reaction.
This is nothing to fool around with. If you feel THAT bad, considering the kinds of meds you're taking, 3 of which are specifically for anxiety, then the wellbutrin might be exacerbating your situation, or keeping the others from working. I have you in my prayers. Please don't try to handle this on your own. It's been 10 days now, and you should not be feeling this bad still.
janiebme
24 Feb 2016
Hi G-
Going to see the psych doc tomorrow. I am only on three meds. Amitriptyline 12.5 mg for sleep, Buspar 10 mg 2 x day and Wellbutrin 75 mg 1x day. I am no longer on the xanax. I am trying to wean off the Amitriptyline but taking it very slowly (doc knows about it). The amitriptyline can cause worsening of depression at this dose. I was not on it for depression but to help me sleep. Can you believe that my psych doc wanted to add Klonopin to the mix?? I said no thank you, that was two weeks ago. Thank you for your concern that was nice. I am trying to work with my doc. Will let you know how it goes.
Inactive
24 Feb 2016
Glad to hear it girl! You sound good... and hopeful! I really think our meds are more effective if we take a positive attitude about them. Oftentimes when I get a prescription, I worry that it could do something negative to me in the long run, then I worry about if it's doing more harm than good! When I finally settle down and give it a chance, things work out better. My poor husband is so patient with me, when he sees me torn between am I gonna take em or am I gonna quit, lol. Let me know what your doc says. Sounds like you're making progress on getting the right mix.
wannabbetter
20 Feb 2016
I took generic Wellbutrin SR for 2 wks and got more depressed. I wanted to give it a month but I wanted 2 drinks and was afraid of having a seizure. My problem is that I want an instant fix and that is unrealistic. Is the Wellbutrin helping you now? I also like to start low on any med, but when you tell a doc it isn't working they want to up the dosage & I cannot tolerate too many S/Es as I've gotten older.
Inactive
20 Feb 2016
Wanna, are you taking a generic brand? Because I found in my case that the generics were not all equal
wannabbetter
21 Feb 2016
The generic is by Sun Pharma of India. Did you ever have a drink w/the WB? I know it's better not to with an AD but I do like a glass or 2 of wine every once in awhile. Thanks.
Inactive
21 Feb 2016
Wanna b, I have tried several of the generic brands of Wellbutrin SR. I actually found them to be different. Although the ingredients are the same, the time release mechanism is different than brand name. Some of them dump too much all at once into our system and can cause anxiety and crying, because they don't release the med into our system the same as brand name. I also experienced fatigue, carb craving, weight gain, and other things I just couldn't tolerate.With the help of my doctor, I went through this for many many months to give each generic version time to work, like 4 to 8 wks. for each one. I felt like a guinea pig, but I wanted to prove to myself that one of the generics would be a good fit for me, because I can't afford brand name.
I took brand name wellbutrin sr for years while my insurance would still cover it. I told my doctor up front, "Don't give me anything that I can't take and be able to drink beer or some wine, because I'm not gonna stop drinking!" She said, "OK, no problem". My therapist and I had the same conversation and the answer was the same, lol. Although my partying days are long gone, so that doesn't apply to me now, lol!
I called all the local pharmacies and big box stores to find the different generics at the best price, because price varies from store to store. The generic I found to be the best for me, and I should know, lol, is: Bupropion SR 150mg made by Mylan Pharmaceuticals.
Two weeks is too soon to up your dosage. Every time you change your dose, your body has to start all over again adjusting to it. So here goes another 4 weeks of possibly having to wait for you to feel better. But it didn't take that many weeks for me to feel better on my Mylan!
Please, please don't give up on it yet. Unfortunately having patience doesn't come naturally for me, so I have to work extra hard on developing it. Argh! But, Wanna b, it's well worth it! Please keep me posted, ok? "G"
janiebme
21 Feb 2016
Hi Wanna b & G mc-
I would like a quick fix also. I agree with Gmc not all the generics are the same. I am only 8 days into my Wellbutrin generic 75mg instant release. It is kicking my butt, depressed, get hot and cold easily, tired, shaky, irritable and feel like crying. More depressed then when I started it. Doc wants me to up it to Wellbutrin generic 100 mg SR. Maybe too soon?? It is my choice. My anxiety is just manageable with the Buspar. I do not remember it taking so long to feel better last time I was on the WB.
I am with ya Wannabe, having too many side effects since I am older makes me almost not want to be in this world. I dislike the flat line depression I am in right now. My Psychiatric doc has not given me too many options... he suggested Klonopin... not going to go to a long acting benzo. I am also weaning off Amitriptyline slowly. Down to 12.5 mg a night. That could also be causing withdrawal symptoms. I also want to get past the 4 week mark with the Wellbutrin. My days seem to go by sooooo slowly. I do not want to add another med until I know if the WB will work.
Inactive
21 Feb 2016
I forgot to mention that hydroxyzine is the generic version of Atarax. It is prescribed for allergic reactions, as well as anxiety.
"G"
Inactive
21 Feb 2016
I suggested a med. that would be a "quick fix" for anxiety. But I got this notice: "The answer is currently pending approval". Funny, because hydroxyzine is considered an "antihistamine", so it is a very safe and common medication to take. "G"
wannabbetter
22 Feb 2016
Janie... pls post how you are doing.
wannabbetter
22 Feb 2016
I posted thanks for the info to G Mac, but I don't see it.
janiebme
22 Feb 2016
Hi wannabbetter-
I am still struggling with the generic 75 mg of instant release Wellbutrin. I am more depressed then when I started it. I am on day 10. My anxiety is constant, but at a low level. It is not a good feeling, like I may loose my mind. I have little energy or motivation. I see my doc this week. I either have to consider upping the dose or an add on, like a low dose of Lexapro for the anxiety. I do not know?
How are you doing? I hope better?
wannabbetter
22 Feb 2016
Ys ago I know my cousin has success w/WB + Lexapro, but I don't know at what doses. I'm not in a good place, but I don't do the right things to help myself. I just added you as a friend.
Inactive
22 Feb 2016
Janie, It sounds like you need to call your doctor's office and discuss how anxious you are feeling and tell him how bad you feel. I wouldn't raise the dose without the doctor's consent. These meds can be very helpful, but you need input from your doctor. It sounds like you need something more for anxiety in the meantime, temporarily, till the AD kicks in, or he might say this is not the one for you, or he may tell you to keep taking it either increasing the dose or continue on this dose. Since he is prescribing the AD to you, he needs to get with you and decide what to do as of now for your treatment. If you have to talk to the nurse and she wants to give the doctor a message, tell her your situation and ask the doc to call you ASAP.
Inactive
23 Feb 2016
Janie, I posted a new comment to you, but it got put up at the top, right after your question "Is wellbutrin making me sad?". Just wanted to let you know... "G"
Inactive
16 Feb 2016
Janie, for me, generic wellbutrin has been the best AD for my anxiety/depression with the least side effects. I also take a low dose of buspar for the anxiety. I took many other ADs, but this one works the best for me. So, hang in there! It's normal to have an adjustment period when starting new meds.
WildcatVet
15 Feb 2016
Hi, janie! As masso says, report these feelings to your doctor but it's not at all uncommon to feel WORSE in the initial days of starting an antidepressant. Mood swings, anxiety, increased depression have all been reported.
But the good news is these kinds of preliminary side effects resolve on their own in a matter of days to a couple weeks. So if, knowing this helps at all, you can look forward to better days ahead.
Good luck, WCV
janiebme
15 Feb 2016
Thank you WCV & Masso-
This is not my first rodeo with antidepressants. Have tried almost all of them. They either did not work or the side effects were not worth it. The wanting to cry out of the blue was a new symptom for me. Thanks for the reassurance it helps.
It is kind of humorous when you know more about the side effects of the meds your take then the primary care doc and psychiatrist. Calling and telling them I feel like crying would mean either a change in meds or increase. Not ready to change or increase yet.
I am in the hopes I can take the Wellbutrin and the symptoms especially the increase in anxiety will lessen. It is too soon to tell. Anxiety still puzzles me. It can take over my outlook and life if I let it. My psychiatric doc suggested Klonopin. It scares me to think of taking any Benzo long term. Do some people take it just as needed? Can it work like that?
WildcatVet
15 Feb 2016
janie, most people can handle benzos apparently. I wouldn't personally go near them with a 10ft pole. I was in rehab twice a few years back and the sickest people on the ward were always the benzo addicts. Prescription benzos! I guess you probably have to have an addict personality to start with... Oh, yeah, I guess that's the other reason I wouldn't go near them. LOL!
WildcatVet
15 Feb 2016
PS, I admire your courage and determination. You'll make it.
janiebme
16 Feb 2016
Hi WCV-
Thank you for the compliment. From what I have read from others, benzos are not a good option. I think benzos scare me more than my anxiety:) Too many horror stories. Glad you made it through rehab. Like they say one is good a thousand is better. I worked in addiction/mental health for a bit.
It seems that I am the one that has to figure out what works and what does not. You are lucky that you found what works for you. I am still struggling with that. I passed on the Klonopin when the psychiatrist suggested I try it. He left it open to ask if I wanted it. It was discouraging that he said I only had one option he could think of left, a benzo. The Wellbutrin is now day 5 and my anxiety runs high at times. It is affecting my sleep, I noticed I am having more nocturnal panic attacks. But hope this subsides the longer I am on the Wellbutrin. Do you take anything for anxiety? I take the Buspar it just take the edge away. Thanks for conversing with me.
WildcatVet
16 Feb 2016
Janie, it's not uncommon to feel worse when first stating antidepressants ~ increased anxiety and deeper depression. Don't ask me why, it's your brain all in a tazzy while it readjusts I guess. This usually subsides fairly quickly although it's tough to get through.
Remember that many people report starting to feel better in the first weeks, certainly by the 6 ~ 8 weeks it takes to build up your blood levels. Tough, but better than months and years of misery I think.
At the time I was taking Lexapro it completely took care of the anxiety part for me. Currently I'm no longer taking it, or any antidepressants, because my depression turned into manic episodes and I only take meds for my Bipolar disorder now. Lithium and Abilify are contriolling all my symptoms and I feel great.
Hope you do too... SOON!
wannabbetter
21 Feb 2016
It seems easier to treat bipolar depression (if diagnosed correctly) than major depression.
masso
15 Feb 2016
Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Related topics
buspar, wellbutrin, depression, post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, amitriptyline, sleep, anxiety and stress, generic
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