Bupropion and Headaches: What Users Say

• F21...
• June 14, 2020

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "This drug Wellbutrin has been life-changing for me. After trying SSRIs and SNRIs that didn’t work, it did the trick. Yes, it sucks at first; the side effects are horrible, but you have to give it time. And on these meds at first, I got the head zaps, anxiety like I had never felt before, heart palpitations, lack of appetite and weight loss, headaches, nausea, severe insomnia - the whole nine yards. But after about 5 months on 300 mg, I turned a corner and feel better than ever. I can focus, I’m not tired but can sleep if I need to, my anxiety largely went away, I’m happy and can orgasm too. All the side effects pretty much subsided, save for the appetite one... I still don’t have to eat if I don’t want to, but I’m not repulsed by the idea of food anymore. So seriously, it isn’t a conventional drug and it’s bad initially, but PLEASE stick with it. Don’t expect it to work overnight... these things take time. I promise you will get results. You got this. Hang in there!"

• Boo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 6, 2020

Bupropion for Depression "I've been on Wellbutrin XL 150mg for about a year now and I've gotta say it's worked wonders for me. I was on Lexapro a few years ago and stopped taking it because the weight gain and zero sex drive were bringing me down. I wasn't taking any antidepressants for a year and a half and still couldn't lose the weight. My doctor put me on Wellbutrin, which I was nervous about at first because I also have generalized anxiety disorder and I read that it could exaggerate it. The first month I had splitting headaches and was only sleeping maybe 4-5 hours a night. Since then, things have obviously evened out, but it did take a few weeks. I feel great now, I'm energetic and passionate about things I haven't been in years. I started at 168 lbs and have lost 30 pounds; I'm officially down to my pre-lexapro weight. I'm so glad that this medicine works for me, it's made such a huge difference in my day to day!"

• Pyl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 3, 2021

For ADHD "I've resisted medication for my depression for years, after terrible experiences with SSRIs: weight gain, suicidal ideation, flat affect. But finally asked dr to try me on 150 mg Bupropion XL. Within a week, my desk was tidy (a first), sleep improved, social anxiety and deep sadness reduced. Who knew?? All these years (I am 60), I had undiagnosed ADD, fighting against which caused depression. Transient side effects: mild headache, change in detecting odours (not in a bad way...noticed some perfumes that appealed before no longer do so, and vice versa with others.) But overall, this has been a godsend. I've done more ADD research (really, had no idea I had it as I was never hyperactive and am fairly high functioning) and am having both my son and mum tested. Consider this medication if you're struggling; it has changed my life."

• Kat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 26, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was originally prescribed 300mg Wellbutrin XR as a true antidepressant. I have managed to completely stop smoking, and I've lost over 20 pounds in about 6 months of taking my medication. I have seen most of the weight drop in the past couple of months. My only complaint is the headaches in the beginning for about a month. Tylenol knocked those out quickly though."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2020

For ADHD "I was given 150mg of Wellbutrin XL to help with ADHD symptoms primarily and also anxiety. The only side effects I noticed were headaches (but they responded well to Tylenol and really weren't very bad anyway), and a mild pounding in my ears on the first day when I would lean over. Maybe a little bit of a fuzzy feeling and pressure in my head. I attribute all of those symptoms to the fact that this drug can raise your blood pressure. Only slight dry mouth/lips. No constipation, ringing in ears, no nervousness. I could tell it was doing something within 2 hours of taking it. I was alert in a way that I haven't experienced since childhood. Getting things done was much much simpler. My appetite wasn't really affected. I experienced hunger at mostly the appropriate times but found fighting off the urges to binge on snacks was very easy. Falling asleep took maybe 15-20 minutes longer than usual. Overall I'm very happy."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2020

For ADHD "I was given 150mg of Wellbutrin XL to help with ADHD symptoms primarily and also anxiety. The only side effects I noticed were headaches (but they responded well to Tylenol and really weren't very bad anyway), and a mild pounding in my ears on the first day when I would lean over. Maybe a little bit of a fuzzy feeling and pressure in my head. I attribute all of those symptoms to the fact that this drug can raise your blood pressure. Only slight dry mouth/lips. No constipation, ringing in ears, no nervousness. I could tell it was doing something within 2 hours of taking it. I was alert in a way that I haven't experienced since childhood. Getting things done was much much simpler. My appetite wasn't really affected. I experienced hunger at mostly the appropriate times but found fighting off the urges to binge on snacks was very easy. Falling asleep took maybe 15-20 minutes longer than usual. Overall I'm very happy."

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I took Wellbutrin to help me stop vaping. A lot of reviewers quit within the first 2 weeks. For me, it was after 1 month. I was a heavy vaper after 2 years of quitting cigarettes. It was hard for me to find reviews on bupropion and vaping. The first week, I was anxious and had some irregular thoughts. The second week, the anxiety went away but I had horrible headaches. The third week, I had days where I felt completely down, and every day I felt sick and slept a lot. Just as I was about to give up and try another avenue, I woke up one morning 28 days in and didn't want to vape, and all of the side effects went away (except for the vivid dreams, but I'm okay with that). A few days later, I gave up vaping completely. 15 days today and it is as if I'd never smoked, and I did for 15+ years. I was nervous about being on an antidepressant at first because I didn't need it, but I feel 100% normal. Also, I do not snack to replace nicotine cravings because of this miracle medicine! Hang on!"

• Shr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "OK, so this is day 2 for me on bupropion medication. I already have a bad headache this afternoon, and I'm pretty sure it's because of the medication. Other than that, I feel nothing special happening to me so far. I know it's too soon. I have mixed feelings about starting this new medication. I'm excited and scared at the same time. I'm taking this for weight loss intentions only but I suffer from anxiety and bipolar disorder, so it will definitely help me all around, I think. I had the energy to go to the gym this morning, so that's that! :) I will definitely keep you guys posted eventually. I can't rate the medication yet since it's too soon."

• Jas...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 21, 2014

Bupropion for Depression "When first taking Wellbutrin, my mouth became really dry, I got a few weird headaches, and I felt some physical numbness when I touched my skin. However, after a month the symptoms were almost non-existent and my depression and anxiety improved drastically. Also, my doctor prescribed it to me to help with ADD/ADHD. I noticed that my focus was also better. This may be simply because anxiety can cause you to lack attention and it fixed the anxiety, but either way it worked great for me."

• Aut...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 12, 2014

Bupropion for Depression "I relied on these reviews when I first started meds, so wanted to share my experience. I have been on Wellbutrin XL 300mg for about 2.5 years with extremely positive results. This is the first antidepressant I have ever taken, and I have been much better on it. No more falling through emotional thin ice 20+ times a day, no more crying, and hardly any negative thinking. Started on 150XL for about 1.5-2 months then up to 300XL. Experienced almost no side effects -- only a few occasional strange headaches in the beginning. Only side effect is constipation, which can mostly be mitigated with fiber and good eating. Exercise is still a must for me to feel okay. Before, post-gym I would go from -6 to 1 or 2. Now with Meds I go from 3/4 to a 9/10."

• Dav...
• August 11, 2018

For Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced "46-year-old male. Started taking Bupropion (branded as Zyban) to help stop smoking. Unfortunately, within 1 day, I completely lost the ability to orgasm. I persisted once and 'forced' an orgasm. I immediately had an awful migraine-like headache. I suspect that those who find Bupropion helps their sex life had low dopamine levels; Bupropion increases the effects of dopamine. For those like me where Bupropion has killed their sex life, I suspect dopamine levels were already high. If you take a NDRI when you already have high dopamine levels, it will kill your libido/ability to orgasm, as the brain literally thinks you are always 'post-orgasm'! Orgasm is the point when the brain releases the most dopamine (narcotic drugs aside). If dopamine levels are too high, the brain thinks you have recently reached orgasm and will not allow you to orgasm (easily) to prevent very high dopamine levels, which can be harmful (can cause psychosis). This drug is certainly not for me."

• 32a...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2017

For ADHD "I am taking Wellbutrin for ADHD and mild depression. I started on 150 mg XL for 3 weeks and increased to 300 mg XL because I didn't think it was working as well as it could. Initially, I did experience side effects, including headaches and nausea. I also experienced agitation and irritability initially on the 300 mg XL. However, by the following week I felt even better than I did on the 150 mg XL and it lasts all day! It is important to find the right dose for you. Some people do better on less, some more, some on sustained release, some on extended release. I feel like I have the focus, energy, and motivation that will be life-changing. Advise: tough out the side effects, they will go away and it will be worth it."

• Fai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 27, 2021

Bupropion for Depression "I am on week 3 on Bupropion 150 SR, I went off Paroxetine cold turkey and started this. First week, I was tired all the time and had some weird nightmares that went away starting the 2nd week. Then the 2nd week, I felt awkward. I was not myself, I was very irritable, didn't want to be around people, had some headaches that week, and wasn't interested in doing many things. I was about to quit, but my doctor told me to please give it a try until week three when it is supposed to start working (from week 3 to 6). So I did with a lot of effort, and I am so HAPPY I DID HANG IN THERE!! I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER. Today is my day 22, and I at last feel peace, joy, and motivation again to do things I didn't want to do before. I am eating less, not so hungry, stopped smoking, and do not need caffeine to function as I did before. It doesn't have side effects on libido like Paroxetine. So far, it has been worth the wait of 3 weeks of not feeling so well. IT IS WORTH IT. PLEASE HANG IN THERE!! Pray for all to feel happy."

• Hon...
• July 7, 2021

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I am on day 3 of taking 150 mg Wellbutrin XL, extended release. I was previously taking 10 mg Lexapro for 4 years. I found myself constantly fatigued, absolutely no libido, and gaining weight. I'm a 44-year-old, 145 lb female. Day one I noticed immediate effects such as calmness, and I wasn't as sad. Keep in mind, I took a month off from no meds at all. I wanted to give my body time to adjust without having the Lexapro in my system. Day 2 and 3, I noticed my appetite was suppressed. I wasn't as hungry as before. I have also been experiencing a slight headache. I am also dealing with insomnia. I think I got maybe 1 hour of sleep the first night, second night, slept better but did wake up and had a hard time falling back to sleep. I will keep you updated and good luck to anyone taking this medication! I have read horror stories of mixing this with alcohol. I haven't tried it and am almost scared to have a glass of wine...I'm not a big drinker but am scared to have at least 1 or 2 glasses of wine."

• rou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 22, 2014

Bupropion for Depression "I have been on bupropion for a month. I have lost the sadness, obsessive dark thoughts, and have more energy and fewer aches and pains. I felt a little weird taking it at first (mild headache, taste in my mouth) but those have gone. This is great stuff, and I feel hopeful and focused. I am not snappy and withdrawn from my spouse."

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

Bupropion for Depression "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."

• Ddd...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 29, 2020

Bupropion "Aside from the minor headaches and nausea, my experience has been better than most of the recent reviews. I started on Lexapro several years ago, but the sexual side effects were just too much for me compared to the minor effect it had on my well-being. I've had none of that with Wellbutrin, and I feel much better. I've lost approximately 35 lbs since starting, though I've also changed my diet and exercise patterns. My brain is no longer a swirl of indistinguishable thoughts, and I'm able to focus for more than a second at a time."

• Mah...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 30, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "I give this a 10 for this miracle drug. For about 10 years, I was under treatment for bipolar depression, seasonal affective disorder, and general & social anxiety. I tried different drugs (SSRI drugs made me hypo-manic) until one day my doctor added 150 mg of bupropion to Depakene and quetiapine, and suddenly everything changed. At first, I had dehydration, restless sleep, and a bad headache for about one month, but day by day, the side effects went away, and my energy boosted, my anxiety disappeared. I enjoy being socially active, and my winter blues are gone. Depakene's numbness has disappeared. I tried 300 mg after 6 months, but it gave me heart palpitations. Now, after one year, I'm stable and happy at 150 mg, and I really, really, really suggest this drug to give it a try. Finally, I want to thank the inventor of this medicine."

• TM1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 3, 2015

Bupropion for Depression "Wellbutrin XL 150mg for 3 weeks. This medication has changed my life. Went to PMC to renew Ritalin prescription after Adult ADD diagnosis. Family history of depression, PTSD (combat-related). Personal history of adolescent drug and alcohol abuse (nothing hard). Held a firm belief depression could be 'powered through'. Apparently, depression has set in at 33, which I treated with Adderall and Ritalin. My drinking got so heavy I fell and suffered a serious concussion. Doctor denied my Ritalin script and prescribed Wellbutrin. Had side effects: severe bloating, headache, pressured speech. All gone. Energy is sky high, focus is on point, and weight is down. Can't say enough about this medication. Hope it stays this amazing forever."

• Emi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2013

Bupropion for Depression "I am only on my 3rd day with Wellbutrin SR (150mg once a day for now) but I really feel good about this medicine already! I'm brand new to antidepressants but had been on Lexapro for 2 weeks prior to getting the Wellbutrin prescription, and I really did not like the Lexapro. With it, I had been having a headache every day, tense muscles, felt emotionally numb, was tired all the time, couldn't focus, and absolutely could not reach orgasm even having sex every day (which was extremely frustrating). Since switching 3 days ago, I have had more energy, more ability to focus, I feel happier about life as a whole, and I have been really productive with school work (I'm a college student). I also have noticed that I'm not feeling as hungry. Good feels."

• Bec...
• January 13, 2015

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "Wellbutrin has saved my life. It's a miracle. About 6 months ago, I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and localized anxiety disorder. I was put on Lexapro, which didn't help much, and the side effects were awful: total loss of sex drive, bad headaches, and nightmares every night. Then, about 3 months ago, they put me on 200mg of Wellbutrin daily, and I started feeling better within a week. It was incredible! I am now happier than I have ever been. I feel like a new, improved version of myself. My sex drive has drastically improved, but my appetite has not returned. In fact, I have lost weight despite not changing my eating or exercising habits. Other than those, I have no side effects."

• nos...
• August 2, 2019

Bupropion for Depression "I have ADHD and depression, that's why Wellbutrin was prescribed. I think my depression was caused by taking Ritalin, the first-line ADHD medication. I started off with 150mg XL. The first two weeks were hard, I had a lot of side effects: severe headache, very dry mouth, sleeplessness. I stuck through it and noticed I became a lot more positive. If I had a setback, it'd still affect me, but not as long as before. I noticed that I had more perseverance, more energy too. I had severe brain fog, and it started to go away. But exams were coming, and 150mg didn't do the trick to be able to study well, so we upped my dose to 300mg. I had to adapt again. Many of the side effects came back, but sticking through it was the right thing to do. My concentration became much better, and I became more disciplined and ambitious in my goals. I started to clean my room up, planning and preparing things. I noticed it felt like it came from myself, not from an external stimulus as with Ritalin."

• Ang...
• March 7, 2021

For Anxiety "Bupropion is not intended for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Unlike sertraline or fluoxetine, bupropion acts on dopamine. Dopamine is not indicated in anxiety disorders. My doctor prescribed this medication off-label for anxiety, and my experience was very negative. Not only did bupropion not relieve symptoms of anxiety, it also caused severe nervousness and paranoia, high blood pressure, fast beating heart, constipation, difficulty concentrating, increased anxiety, not feeling alert, having trouble speaking, tremors, shaking, headaches, among other unpleasant side effects. Even though there are claims on the internet that bupropion is an effective treatment for anxiety, it should never be given to individuals with anxiety. Bupropion is an antidepressant medication that blocks the reuptake of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is not implicated in anxiety disorders such as panic disorder. Bupropion is intended for the treatment of depression, not anxiety."

• Tot...
• April 4, 2014

For ADHD "I am an adult male in my 40s. I was very distracted, anxious, and sexually had a driven behavior, almost addicted to it. It made me have problems with my personal relationships. Fortunately, sports became an escape, but it was still a concern. I was diagnosed with ADHD and received Strattera for almost a year. It improved everything in my life, but I always had a headache, especially in the afternoon. My psychiatrist recommended Wellbutrin 150 once a day and then twice a day. It worked for me. I am not as focused as with Strattera but happier with no headaches. I take the first dose at 7:00 am and the second at 3:00 pm. If I cannot take it before that time, I prefer to miss that dose, otherwise, I can't sleep at night."

• ora...
• May 8, 2015

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I've had severe depression and increasing anxiety since I was 18 (23 soon going on 24 now!) but was only officially diagnosed last summer, a few months after I graduated college. I started taking Wellbutrin SR in September 2014, and eventually went up to 300 mg a day. At first, it just gave me headaches, worsened my chronic insomnia, and gave me an immediate burst of way too much energy. Now, I no longer experience any of these effects. One of my biggest issues before was a total lack of motivation, but Wellbutrin has fixed this almost entirely. I'm actually able to leave the house now and I finally have a job that I enjoy going to and am actually able to focus on. I really wish I had started taking this sooner, but I'm glad I'm on it now."