Wellbutrin and Depression: What Users Say

• AAn...
• November 13, 2014

For Depression "I was on Prozac and felt tired all the time, still depressed, and no sex drive. I thought maybe the dose wasn't enough and I was going through menopause, but the doc put me on Wellbutrin. I'm with the person above, I cannot believe in one day I felt better. I thought it was in my head. I made phone calls I would avoid because of anxiety, I got things done instead of sleep, and I felt so much happier next to my husband. Day two I woke up ready to start the day, completely the opposite of what I had been experiencing. Everyone is different, and you just have to see what works for you. Prozac is in a different class, and I just needed this antidepressant."

• Jan...
• March 7, 2020

For Depression "DO NOT TAKE THIS IF YOUR PRIMARY ISSUE IS ANXIETY. I got on this medication because I was having trouble with anxiety and insomnia. My NP wanted to start me on Wellbutrin 150mg XL and I kept reiterating to her that I have no depression whatsoever, I’m just anxious, but she said it would help. Within 2 weeks, I was so nauseated, in a complete brain fog, my anxiety got so much worse, my heart would race, I was having panic attacks daily, couldn’t sleep, my mind was racing non-stop, and although I’ve never felt as if I had issues with depression, I was so depressed on this medication! I went from being very high-functioning with mild to moderate anxiety to completely useless on this medication. I called into work multiple times (which I had never done before - I’m a nurse). I couldn’t focus, was so disoriented, and felt like I was just floating. I stopped and feel much better after a few days and I got on a PRN benzo for anxiety."

• Ron...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 12, 2025

For Depression "This medication was very hard to use, there was stomach pain and acid reflux. Sleep was poor, and I couldn't sleep more than 2 hours without waking at night. I became very agitated with anxiety and sadness that would come and go very fast. The agitation became worse, and I was looking for anything that irritated me to lash out and went into a rage and confronted others. My heart was always around 100 beats when I was at rest. I also had very strange thoughts that worried me I was losing control of my thoughts."

• Anonymous
• July 23, 2008

For Depression "I have been taking Wellbutrin for almost a month now and I have already noticed a change. I used to be this really upbeat, happy, positive person, and all of a sudden, I was tired all the time, couldn't sleep, was really sad all the time, agitated really easily, and also got snippy with people at the drop of a hat. My mom was the one who said I needed to go see the doctor and find out what was going on with me. I've tried other antidepressants, this is the only one that works for me."

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

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."

• JIC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 19, 2016

For Depression "I tried for 2 years after a major life change to get my life back. All the SNRIs and SSRIs gave me the worst side effects, and I became more depressed, dizzy, had migraines, and felt suicidal. This wasn't me, and every doctor wrote me off as being a bad patient. I was ready to throw in the towel and tried a low dose of Wellbutrin, and OMG. 2 months later, I was completely myself, and 6 months later, I'm medication-free. Don't give up, keep trying. I thought my life was over, and I was a difficult patient. Don't let message boards or doctors rule your life. If something isn't working, don't stay on it!"

• Lif...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2025

For Depression "Before I started taking Wellbutrin, I was very tired, stressed, had difficulty concentrating, sad, and unmotivated. Within a week of being on 150 mg a day, I felt such a tremendous positive change. I sleep better too. Now I am actually looking forward to the rest of my life instead of dreading it. I feel inspired, more disciplined, and my mood is stable. I hope this medication continues to support me as a method in my toolbox to improve the quality of my life."

• dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 12, 2013

For Depression "Taking 300mg Wellbutrin XR, and it is already working after only one week. I have good energy, and do not feel like hiding in my room anymore. It gives me a floating feeling a little bit, but absolutely tolerable compared to the horrible depression I was experiencing. I am bipolar, and have experienced no mania at all. I am grateful for this med!"

• abb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 14, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "I appreciate this space and every person's experience. I've been 10 days into this medicine, and I'm sleeping better. Depression is horrible, the crying, fear of death, losing my family, friends, pets. I want to be happy. I read how many found happy. I want to know that feeling. I pray that my outcome is like many of your stories. Thank you all for the encouragement in your personal stories you've graciously shared. Abby."

• Ger...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 16, 2018

For Depression "I have had depression for as long as I can remember. My depression tends to be more physical: tired, trouble staying asleep, physically exhausted, and no interest in doing anything physical (e.g., I was an avid runner and weight lifter before). Wellbutrin XL 150 mg has completely helped me in every way possible. I’ve been taking it for over 2 years and I have more energy than ever. Although I still have depressive and anxiety cognitive patterns, Wellbutrin has helped me with my depression and increased my quality of life significantly."

• Raq...
• September 24, 2020

For Depression "This medicine, Wellbutrin, just made me sleepy and irritable/depressed. Didn’t have any side effects like dry mouth or excessive energy. It kinda made my depression worse. Keep looking for the right med. It works for some, but unfortunately didn’t work for me."

• ctr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 4, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "After 1 week of taking Wellbutrin, I developed severe intrusive tinnitus. I have been off the drug for almost a year, and it has not faded at all. While obviously this side effect doesn't happen to everyone who takes Wellbutrin, it is frighteningly common. All of the doctors I've seen since then (psychs, ENTs, etc.) weren't surprised at all when I told them my tinnitus was from Wellbutrin. It has absolutely destroyed what was left of my life. I already had depression, anxiety, and insomnia, now all of these are 100x worse, plus suicidal thoughts. Again, I don't want to say 'don't take this drug' because all drugs have side effects, and I was one of the unlucky ones. But I would highly suggest something else as I would not wish this on my worst enemy."

• can...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 15, 2015

For Depression "The doctor put me on Wellbutrin two years ago while in an oxy detox program. I also suffer from depression and general mood swings, as well as chronic lower back pain (thus the oxy history). I take 150 mg XL once a day before going to bed. I never had any side effects, I consider myself lucky to have found something that really works for me. It helps me stay stable, focused, and generally in a good mood. A few months ago, while on vacation, I lost it and went three days without it. No adverse effects other than less energy, and when I told my doctor, he said I might as well go without it then. I just took my first pill again last night. Going without really started to show... lack of energy, wow! Depression, etc. The first morning back on, and I feel much better!"

• ano...
• April 7, 2016

For Depression "I have struggled with depression and anxiety for some time now. I was initially worried that the stimulating effects would exacerbate my anxiety, and it did-but only temporarily. Wellbutrin XL 300 mg has been the ONLY antidepressant that has worked. I take it in combination with Effexor XR 75 mg. I was taken off Wellbutrin in an attempt to switch to Effexor only, but it became quickly apparent that Wellbutrin controlled most of the depressive symptoms. I stopped it for 2 months-both of which were awful. Within a week of resuming Wellbutrin, my depression began to lift. I still have bad days, of course, but the effects of Wellbutrin make me more energized and ready to take on the world."

• bik...
• October 13, 2011

For Depression "I'm 29 years old, male on Wellbutrin 150mg SR. Initially, had nausea, but it went away after 2 days. I've noticed my sleep has vastly improved. I used to sleep 10 hours, sometimes more, and I still felt like I needed more rest. With Wellbutrin, I sleep 7-8 hours and wake up well-rested. Additionally, when 2-3 pm rolls around, I'm not begging for a nap. Concentration is much improved, mood is generally good, and I've lost 10 lbs. One warning I can give though is to NOT drink alcohol with Wellbutrin. It's not obvious at first, but the next 3 days it's back to depression, bad depression. Seems like alcohol blocks this medicine out. I can confirm this 2 times. Not sure if 3 hours of drinking is worth the 3 days of depression that follows after."

• Kac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 29, 2019

For Depression "Gave me horrible headaches, flu-like symptoms, horrible rash, and severe depression. I literally felt toxic on it. I’ve heard this drug can be very dangerous, and I see why! Got off immediately, or it would have destroyed all my relationships and myself. Also caused anxiety attacks. Be very careful with this drug!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 4, 2023

For Depression "Right away, it made me extremely fatigued, gave me heart problems, made me a zombie, and made depression worse. Nothing for anxiety. Straight to the garbage, feel so much better after stopping. Will be giving Doxepin a try now."

• Ree...
• August 31, 2019

For Depression "Made me very irritable and gave me deeper depression whenever I took the medicine. Also kept me up late at night and didn’t help my depression at all. Quit cold turkey and am doing much better now. Best to stay away unless you seriously need treatment."

• Sky...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 28, 2019

For Depression "I was prescribed 75 mg Wellbutrin 2x per day. I've only been on this for about 2 weeks, and the side effects are awful. Insomnia, total brain fog, can't remember mid-sentence what I was even talking about, killed my ability to climax (I also take Lexapro 20 mg, which killed my libido), massive panic attacks, severe agitation and mood swings, and irrational thinking. I'm so sad because I really wanted this med to work, but the cons outweigh the pros 100%. Good luck to everyone!"

• DRA...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 25, 2019

For Depression "This did not work, if anything, it made me feel worse. My anxiety was out of this world, and my depression got worse as well. I was on Lexapro 20 mg and hoped for a change. Well, I was hoping this would work, but it did not. I was on the verge of feeling I was losing my marbles. I hope for others it will help. Back to Lexapro 20 mg."

• Isu...
• March 12, 2016

For Depression "I was diagnosed with B.E.D., P.T.S.D., and depression. My doctor put me on this medication about a week ago, and I feel so much better! I have tried a lot of other antidepressants, and none of them have ever worked for me. They would make me sleep more (and usually, I sleep like 14-16 hours a day anyway) and just feel emotionally numb. I am currently sleeping 8 hours a night and waking up feeling energized. It has also helped with the B.E.D. Yesterday was my first day not having the issues I usually have with food. I seen some comments that say the person felt good for a while, and then it wore off. I am currently on 150 mg, and on Monday, I will increase to 300 mg. I will comment again when I have been on it for a few months :)"

• Van...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2017

For Depression "My depressive thoughts and ideation increased a lot within 2 weeks of starting. I called my Dr. and tapered the dosage, and they ordered extra small doses so my body would not be shocked. If you feel like you are having increased depression daily after starting this medication, please contact your medical team and ask to taper off."

• Hel...
• August 31, 2015

For Depression "I started Wellbutrin about 2 and a half weeks ago, and my anxiety and depression are worse. I am crying all the time, super anxious, and can't relax. Has anyone else had this problem? I take 30 mg Prozac and 150-225 mg Wellbutrin. I am scared to continue."

• Wal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 2, 2012

For Depression "I have been taking the generic medication, not the brand name, for about 3 months now, and after a couple of weeks, I would be in a good mood, and the little things that would annoy me wouldn't anymore. I wanted to do things and not just be home all the time. But recently, I have relapsed and went up on my dose from 300 mg to 450 mg and still feel depressed. I don't know if my body is just tolerating it or what, but I hope my depression improves."

• Con...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 12, 2023

For Major Depressive Disorder "I’m conflicted about how to review this. After trying many meds for MDD, I was feeling pretty helpless after all of them either failed or caused intolerable side effects, including increased lack of motivation to the point of not being able to get out of bed, extreme fatigue with the same consequence, social awkwardness (which is outside of the norm for me), extreme, fluctuating emotions, brain zaps, and memory issues. Meds I’ve tried for MDD include Lexapro, Pristiq, Celexa, and Zoloft, with each having various levels of the payoff of improvement in symptoms while causing the worsening of others. This drug did feel different and better in some ways — more energy and less general lethargy that affected my job, somewhat of a mood uplift, and more motivation. However, it did cause me more emotional volatility, making me more short-fused with others, and it worsened my ADD. In the end, I chose to discontinue this med, as it wasn’t worth the trade-off and was borderline dangerous."