Bupropion for Depression User Reviews

• Mel...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 1, 2024

Wellbutrin (bupropion) "I take Wellbutrin 75 mg for 20 years for anxiety and depression, really works for me and I do not gain any weight, love this medication, saved my life."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 29, 2024

Aplenzin (bupropion) "I am purely posting this review to educate others in my position so that they don’t experience the same problem. There are many others like me online in other postings that have developed tinnitus from this medicine. Please know that this is a risk with this drug as it’s not very commonly known, moreover, the FDA doesn’t take tinnitus into consideration when looking at the safety profile for approval. From what I’ve read, tinnitus is more common at the 348 mg dose and higher and as a combo medicine with other psychoactive drugs. I was pushed to start this drug in combination with Effexor at 150 mg. I started for a week on the 174 mg and then was given the 348 mg. By the end of the 2nd week, the tinnitus set in and has been a problem since I discontinued 2 years ago. Again, I’m sure this medicine has worked for others, but I feel compelled from an ethical perspective to educate others of this possibility as to prevent others from having the same problem that I and others have been dealing with."

• sss...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 25, 2024

"I have ADHD with recurring depressive episodes. Taking Elontril 150 mg along with methylphenidate, it's helped massively to level me out and lessen the anxiety that living with ADHD brings. Tried escitalopram 20 mg before getting diagnosed, which did absolutely nothing."

• Big...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2024

Wellbutrin XL (bupropion) "Wellbutrin was a long shot for me. I was convinced that maybe SSRIs were not for me, so maybe I had to try an SNRI. Did some more research and landed on Wellbutrin. Showed up for a doctor's appointment soon after and brought up reasons why I wanted to try this drug. I was prescribed. I am writing this about 3 weeks into my journey. What. A. Game. Changer. My mood has lifted; my motivation has shot up; my libido has improved immensely. My interest in hobbies-things I haven't turned to in a long time, literally years-have returned. Music sounds better to me. Food tastes better. Even the sun feels different on my skin. I'm much more social/friendlier. More productive. Cons: the insomnia. Yes. It's been a bit of a struggle, but honestly? It's worth it... If SSRIs haven't worked for you in the past (like me), speak to your physician about Wellbutrin :)"

• cap...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 5, 2024

Wellbutrin XL (bupropion) "I've taken Wellbutrin on (mostly) and off for the last 20 years. 300 XL for the most part--less didn't help as much, more made me anxious and jittery. It didn't get rid of my depression, but got me to a place where I had the ability to function well enough to make it through life and consistently take other action (exercise, therapy) that would help. It was prescribed for major depressive disorder; I tried going off a few times but always ended up needing it again. I did use it only during the fall/winter for a few years that were less stressful, but in the last 5 years with recent world and life events I've started struggling again and questioning whether I may have something else as well, like ADHD. I've also been taking escitalopram for the last year or two, but it's a bit hard to tell what it's doing. Pros: fairly effective without noticeable side effects. Cons: still experienced some level of debilitating depression (~1 day/month), may have gone down in effectiveness?"

• NDC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2024

Wellbutrin (bupropion) "I hesitated to take any medication for years and years, but after a series of difficult life events over the last year, I was feeling a heaviness and hopelessness that I just couldn’t shake. My eating disorder behaviors worsened, I gained lots of weight, and had no energy. After reading reviews on this site, I decided to try Wellbutrin. It’s been a month now, and I would say this medication has changed my life. I am more in control of my thoughts and am able to stay in the present. I am sleeping better, have way more energy, and feel way more in control mentally and emotionally, so the eating disorder behaviors have significantly decreased. The only side effects I have noticed are the decreased appetite and a bit more irritability. Otherwise, I am so happy I had the courage to take the plunge. It’s been great!"

• ror...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 20, 2024

"Bupropion has been a wonder drug for me! I struggle with anxiety and depression. Multiple SSRIs have been horrible for my body (>5 persistent side effects by day 4). Bupropion effects kicked in during the first week and didn't give me any side effects other than occasional palpitations. I started waking up early and having more consistent sleep, with more energy, it has become easier for me to laugh. It didn't really help the anxiety part, so tackling it with PRN medicine. Took 150 mg for 7 months, currently on a break (likely until winter)."

• Jc6...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 30, 2024

Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) "This medication was initially excellent for me. I had started a new job in college and was very stressed and couldn’t handle the social interactions required. Eventually, I became suicidal and was placed on Wellbutrin. This medication allowed me to work, function, and actually enjoy life. It worked for about a year, then stopped. My MD added Celexa, and this didn’t really help. Turns out I had undiagnosed ADHD, both my brothers have it. I was switched to Adderall, and this helped a lot but still wasn’t quite right. I added Wellbutrin back in, and both work excellently together. I can experience all my emotions again, rest, and find peace with life. I also have POTS, and I take propranolol, and this helps to prevent any panic caused by this. My point is, I really suffered for over six years until I found something that truly worked. I really do feel so much better and feel like a whole person. Please do not give up. I promise there is something that will work. Fight for yourself."

• Dan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 10, 2024

"First 2 days: Very happy, excited, energy. First week: Very uncomfortable, uneasy, energy with insomnia and migraines. Second week: Side effects eased as I calmed down. Third week: Side effects gone, and I started to feel optimistic. 1 month: Felt so hopeful and optimistic, my outlook on life flipped. I felt so grateful, and life became easier. I thought I was fully cured. 1.5 months: I got even better and realized I forgot what being better felt like, I stopped trying to find when I was “cured” and let myself keep getting better. 2 months: I peaked and this is where I stopped getting better and settled, very happily. If you have anxiety, I’d recommend pairing this with an SSRI. I experienced lots of anxiety before starting Prozac with this drug, which could be exacerbated from the energized feeling, or was simply present because bupropion doesn’t treat anxiety."

• CLM...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 6, 2024

Wellbutrin XL (bupropion) "I've been on this for several years. The first 2 1/2 weeks were rough. I was sleepy a lot. But now, several years later, I feel great. I still have an occasional 'low' day, but I'd highly recommend this to anyone living with depression."

• Nig...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 28, 2024

Wellbutrin (bupropion) "For years I was on SSRIs and they almost destroyed my life. This drug saved it. I feel like myself without that awful hazy effect that SSRIs produce. It helps a lot with anxiety and my PTSD. It also helped me quit smoking."

• Jul...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 6, 2024

Wellbutrin (bupropion) "I started with 150mg in June 2023 and didn't notice a difference. I went up to 300mg and had insomnia frequently at first. It's gotten better but it still happens here and there. I try to make sure I get mentally tired first before bed. I also have the buzzing noise in my ears all the time. I honestly don't notice it much unless I'm sitting in absolute peace but it's annoying to hear it. This med also made me lose 10lbs right off the bat and I am now maintaining that weight even though I haven't been eating great. But overall I feel more calm, very little irritation/moodiness and focused. I've lightened up a lot. I have also been taking Lamotrigine for years which didn't really seem to help until I started this drug. It's been a life saver."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2024

"Started taking 150mg 3 months ago, lost my appetite almost completely for the first 2 weeks as well as some nausea, but my appetite eventually came back. As for my mood, I haven't seen any positive change at all. I still feel tired and have bouts of depression. I haven't lost any weight either, like a lot of people claim to. My psychiatrist increased my dosage to 300mg per day today, so we'll see how that goes. I will report back in a month or so."

• Anonymous
• December 29, 2023

Wellbutrin (bupropion) "I started taking it. I can cook and exercise, but I feel worried all the time."

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 17, 2023

"I’ve been on Bupropion for almost two years and it’s completely turned things around for me, mental health-wise. I used to struggle with debilitating depression but haven’t suffered any serious bouts of it since being on this medication. I sing its praises often and am very thankful for modern medicine like this. It has improved my quality of life so much and given me an overall state of well-being and a more positive perspective. I don’t feel like a different person on it, just the person that I’m supposed to be without depression."

• Vip...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 10, 2023

"The best depression medication I have used. It gives vitality, energy, and a rush to life, has few side effects, and has made me stop smoking, but it is not good for people who suffer from anxiety."

• How...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 30, 2023

"Due to burnout and chronic stress building up, along with untreated mental conditions, I had a mental breakdown and either had to get on medication or go to the mental hospital. I got on bupropion and it instantly stopped my obsessive suicidal ideation. Everything seemed more colorful in life during the honeymoon period, but that faded. Maybe it increased my energy slightly, along with a little bit more anxiety, but otherwise I did not experience many side effects, but I am not too sensitive to medication. Overall, and after the honeymoon period, bupropion helped me manage my moderate ADHD and gave me a more positive outlook on life and curbed my depression for the most part."

• gar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 6, 2023

Wellbutrin (bupropion) "I'm on day 5 of Wellbutrin. I've had severe anxiety and depression for the past 10 years, and I'm 26 now. I've been hospitalized twice for suicidal feelings. Tried all different kinds of medications for the past 8 years. I had no hope anymore. I switched doctors this week after getting fed up with my old psychiatrist who I felt didn't understand me and couldn't give me the care I needed. My new doctor understands me and she started me on Wellbutrin this week. The first day of taking Wellbutrin I felt relief. The fog of hopelessness was lifted, and although my situation is still bad, I now feel like I have the ability to overcome it. Now on day 5 I'm feeling much better, like I can actually focus more on the present moment rather than being stuck in my head. Side effects have included dry mouth, some stomach issues, anxiety, and insomnia. My doctor gave me trazodone to sleep better which has helped. Please do not lose hope or be scared to try medications. They can help."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 26, 2023

Wellbutrin (bupropion) "At week 3 of taking Wellbutrin, I got a serious serotonin rush that lasted only 1 day (it was fabulous) and by week 4, I had superpower concentration. My work was getting done faster, and I was clearheaded. But by month 2, it all went away. I am starting month 4 and I am unable to concentrate again, I am crying, I feel 'down'. I feel exactly the same as before I started. I don't want to go on a higher dose because, where does it end? For me, I'd have to say it didn't work."

• Bok...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 25, 2023

"A good medication but I've got addicted. It's very easy."

• C M...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 12, 2023

Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) "I have major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, PSSD (Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction), and ADHD (combined type). Wellbutrin worked wonders for me in the first year as far as depression. It did not seem to have any (negative or positive) effects for me for ADHD, anxiety, or any sexual effects. I kept needing an increased dose for the same effect and maxed out the dose a year ago and it no longer helps me at all. That one year of happiness was worth it though as I had no side effects while all SSRIs and SNRIs have tons of side effects for me."

• Dar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2023

"After a year of slogging through each day with my head feeling like it was stuffed with cotton, I finally asked my psychiatrist if I could try Wellbutrin based on reviews on this site. It cleared my head day one. I am not angry and sad all the time. I have motivation & positive thoughts again. Tackling my very challenging life now feels doable. I have PTSD, GAD, and long-standing depression. The depression got to the point I wasn't really functioning and was just putting one foot in front of the other but felt so hopeless, flat, and angry. In the past, I tried Zoloft, Effexor, and amitriptyline, but bupropion improved my life day one. I just called doc to discuss increasing dose. My appetite is about the same. I feel a little agitated but am suddenly a functional human being again. I have jokes, I'm not flat; the fog lifted. I'm getting things done and they don't feel impossible! I wish I took this drug a long time ago. The only issue is effects seem to wear off halfway through the day."

• Alv...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 20, 2023

"Taking bupropion/Wellbutrin/Zyban for about 25 years. 150 mg is my current dose. I tried a higher dose and felt zaps to the top of my head, sudden anxious/startled feelings, anger and obsessive feelings, and developed “Zyban allergy” wounds on my chin, stiffness, and joint pain. Currently, no problems, though I do snap at people sometimes. If I stop taking it for a few days, I start feeling sad and very tired. I work on medical records, and I notice that doctors prescribe high doses of bupropion sometimes with corticosteroids and/or testosterone. Please note that this medication can make people angry, agitated, and reckless. If you’re a doctor, do society a favor and stop blindly prescribing these high doses and med combos."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 18, 2023

Wellbutrin (bupropion) "I want so bad to love this! I took 150 mg combined with Lexapro. The Lexapro I’ve been on for a few years, and it’s helped tremendously with the depression. However, recently I have really struggled with the motivation to do just about anything. I was prescribed Wellbutrin to help with the motivation, and it was night and day! Within five days, I felt like a new person with a new outlook on life. Grad school became less daunting, I started working out again and doing more around the house. However, after about a month, the itching started. My hands, my elbows, my scalp, behind my ears, AHHHH!!! I cannot do it. I give myself welts scratching, it is miserable. I’m so sad to stop taking the Wellbutrin, but it’s not worth it for me :("

• som...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 17, 2023

Wellbutrin (bupropion) "I started bupropion 75 mg and was on it for 10 days. The first days, I was agitated and hypervigilant, had problems with driving as everything attracted my attention, and felt a bit more active. I became careless and a bit arrogant. My empathy and people-pleasing behaviors lowered. I could socialize, not feeling inferior. Slowly, the medicine lost effect. The next 10 days were bupropion ER 150 mg. It gave me grave depression, I feel like I am in a cage, extreme depression, and I feel people are all monsters. I still have empathy, but no joy, no happiness, nothing. I can study, and my brain fog is gone. I can focus if I eat something. Now I am on 300 mg bupropion ER. Still very depressed. No joy. My kidneys are starting to hurt, and I have some breathing problems and nasal dripping problems. Super aware of my surroundings, studying is easy. I have lost joy, and I sleep all the time. I have a dull headache. I feel like if I continue, I will have a mental episode."