Wellbutrin and Insomnia: What Users Say

• ali...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 20, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "Like others on this site, I have tried so many antidepressants. SSRIs take away any sexual feeling for me, and I tend to put on weight and not have the best self-image with them. Bupropion is the only medication that really allows me to feel my feelings, and talk more easily in social settings. After your adjustment (some insomnia for a few weeks) it actually helped me to sleep better. It took me a few times of trying this medication to really get it to work for me. It helped with my anxiety rather than making it worse, but depression was my biggest problem: hopelessness, fatigue, etc. This medication makes jokes funny, trees prettier, and makes me feel emotionally stronger. Remember that it takes courage and patience to get help and to stick with it until it works."

• And...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 31, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "Give this medication a fighting chance! I almost quit a month in, but I am SO glad I didn’t and toughed out the negative side effects. When I started, I felt dazed and sedated but wired and jittery at the same time. My insomnia was horrible. Other side effects I experienced included tinnitus, horrible anxiety, hand tremors, heart palpitations, and a really short temper. I desired nothing, but had the energy to do everything - weird combo. OKAY, now for the GOOD, and things I think people should know before giving up this medication - the side effects last a LONG time (two and a half months for me) but they DO all go away. I was now able to get up early to work out, got into cooking, lost weight, and felt hopeful about life. Sex also got WAY better now that I could stop living in my head, which was a huge plus. For the first time in a long time, I can really say I feel happy. So give it time!"

• F21...
• June 14, 2020

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!"

• Can...
• September 5, 2020

For Depression "I was a 250-pound, fat, and happy married man until I was diagnosed with stage 3B cancer. My wife and kids convinced me to see a psychiatrist and get treated. Anyway, he started me on Wellbutrin (Bupropion generic) at 200mg per day. He said this med has been around a long time, and it's very safe and effective. Note that I don't have anxiety. After a week on Bupropion, I would sing on the way to work and was unable to wipe the smile off my face. After about 6 months, these feelings wore off, but I was still better than before. My psychiatrist upped the dosage to 300mg per day. I take two 100mg pills at 9 am and then one 100mg pill at 2:30 pm. Overall, I'm happy. It worked for me. The only side effects are a little insomnia twice per month and ringing in my ears four times per month, which lasts for hours each time. The ringing is very low. I get my generic meds for a 90-day supply each time, and my insurance charges me $24 for that 90-day supply (300mg/day)."

• ras...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2020

For Depression "After a break up with my girlfriend and one true love of my life, I went to a really dark place and had serious suicidal thoughts. I was first put on Brintellix, then Valdoxan, and three weeks ago on Wellbutrin. It's been six months since the break up, and after using this med for 3 weeks, I'm finally able to enjoy life again and have energy to get through the days with pleasure. This med has so far been a life saver for me. The first two weeks were hard, and I had serious insomnia, but now for the first time in 6 months, I don't need Ambien to sleep anymore. I seriously recommend this med, at least for me it's working perfectly so far. Just give it time to start working, and you will feel better."

• Lei...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2021

For Depression "When I tried an SSRI I ended up lying on the floor almost unresponsive. I won't take one again. In the last year my depression and anxiety got really bad. Horrible panic attacks, slamming doors, screaming, irritability... then came the suicidal thoughts. My doctor suggested Wellbutrin. I have a very sensitive body so I started on 75 mg once a day. Man. I noticed a difference within the first day or two. The third day I woke up with tons of energy and unpacked my suitcase that had been sitting in my closet for a week, before I even started working! Unheard of for me. My outlook on life has improved, I don't snap at my husband, I don't get annoyed. Plus I've lost 4 lbs and my sex drive has increased slightly. The only side effects I've had were the brain 'zingers' people talk about (they have subsided) and pretty bad insomnia. I'm hoping the insomnia goes away, but right now the positives definitely outweigh the negatives! A world of difference!"

• Nat...
• June 6, 2021

For Depression "Just starting this med. The first couple days, I didn’t think it was doing much, but I noticed I couldn’t sleep for very long. I wasn’t as hopelessly sad as I had been the week prior, but I was experiencing an array of stomach-related side effects (constipated until I was very much no longer constipated, bloating, stomach aches, and VERY nauseous the first night). Fast forward a few days, I still can’t sleep very much. I’m artificially active is the best way to describe it. I’ve been pretty inactive throughout the pandemic, but I walked to get iced coffee in 90-degree heat, cleaned my apartment, had people over, then went to the gym later because I was so jittery and couldn’t sit still. It also has given me quite a bit of anxiety and some irritability alongside the constant need to be active. I hope that over the next few days, the anxious thoughts, stomach issues, and insomnia calm down."

• dep...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 10, 2014

For Depression "I have been on bupropion for about a year, 150mg taken every morning. I noticed a difference on day 2. Everything was just normal. Not bad normal, but good normal, like you woke up after having a really good sleep - and like a weight or pressure has been lifted. It's really hard to describe. Everything seems better. I kid you not. Music sounds clearer, looking around outside, it looks clearer... like I am out of a fog. So... I tried an experiment while I went on vacation. Didn't take anything for 2 weeks. My mood slowly returned to negative. Little things ticked me off, that shouldn't have. I decided to go back on. Same effect on the next day, mood lifted. It gives me slight insomnia, but also takes away some appetite. Great."

• Anonymous
• August 29, 2009

For Depression "I was set on trying Wellbutrin. I have tried Paxil and one other I can't even recall the name of. They made me feel like a zombie and my husband wasn't fond of them due to the sexual side effects. Wellbutrin was the hardest drug to get accustomed to. I went for a month having one side effect after the other. One week would be sleepless nights, the next would be general irritation at everything and everyone and perhaps the worst was nausea. I stuck it out and I am extremely glad I did. It has been amazing for me. I am much more motivated and excited about life. It increased my sex drive 100%! I also tend to be a social smoker and it obliterated that for me. I love this medicine. I take 400 mg daily."

• Hap...
• June 16, 2014

For Depression "I started taking Wellbutrin 150mg one week ago. I suffer from mild depression, but I feel like I am going through a rough patch in my marriage/life and needed something to change. I exercise regularly, own a business, and sleep well, but just didn't have that 'get up and go' that I felt others had. So, my doctor had given me a prescription for Lexapro that had horrible side effects right off the bat: heartburn, insomnia, and this kind of stressed-out feeling that made me VERY uncomfortable. My doc gave me a new prescription for Wellbutrin, and I take it the moment I wake up each morning. I feel happy, energetic, and ready to tackle the day. No insomnia, but I do have a reduced appetite. This may be just the ticket!"

• Mat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 14, 2013

For Depression "I started taking 150mg Wellbutrin SR about a month ago to treat severe atypical depression, and it has been nothing short of miraculous for me. The first two weeks were rough. I had some heart palpitations brought on by a combination of the meds and caffeine, so I had to stop the caffeine. I also had to work through a bit of insomnia early on, but that side effect has subsided, and now I actually sleep and wake well rested. For the first time in a decade, I'm hopeful. My negative thoughts are still there, but unlike before, I have control over them. I can manage them in a non-destructive way. Words cannot express what it feels like to know that you can, for the first time in so long you can't remember, function as a normal person."

• Tab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2017

For Depression "I am a 57-year-old breast cancer survivor who has been in excellent shape, trim, and happily married. After menopause, I developed insomnia, weight gain, and depression. I can no longer take estrogen due to breast cancer, which made me feel tired all the time. Thyroid medicine helped but not enough. No energy and lost interest in doing things. My doctor insisted I try SSRIs such as Lexapro and Zoloft, but I had bad side effects. I tried many supplements but not much help. I tried Bupropion HCL SR 150 mg. It worked right away. I take it early in the morning and have energy all day. I did not have side effects except for losing 2 pounds and experiencing insomnia if taken after 10 am. It changed my life! I've been on it for 4 months."

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

For Depression "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."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2019

For Depression "I have been on antidepressants for decades. My P.A. put me on Zoloft, and I took it for months with no effect. I asked to try Wellbutrin, as it helped me back in my 30s. Been on it three weeks. I CANNOT explain how bad the anxiety is. I cannot sleep. I cannot speak well, nor can I remember words or their spellings. Let us not mention that sudden feeling of rage and anger. Decided to do some research and find other people's experiences, and here they are. Many with the same issues. Perhaps all of this would dissipate over time, but I can't live like this. I will discontinue using it, and I hope that this helps someone. Please keep fighting, NEVER give up. I'm going to keep searching for the right cure for me."

• Anonymous
• December 2, 2009

For Panic Disorder "I started taking Wellbutrin after gaining 10 to 15 pounds on Paxil. I'd already tried Prozac. Wellbutrin did give me some uncomfortable side effects like ringing in the ears, sleepless nights, and I did have a lot of panic attacks while I was getting started. So I had to take Zoloft with it for a while, which canceled out my sex life. Now that I'm only on the Wellbutrin, I've lost 10 lbs and my sex life is better than ever. No one drug works for everybody, keep trying till you find the right one, don't suffer! My doctor chose this one so I could shed a few lbs. I gained on the other. 45-year-old female married 18 years, 4 kids... nice to know sometimes so you can relate."

• Sar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 20, 2024

"Female, 27, 150 mg XL for overeating disorder, ADHD, depression, and anxiety. After 10 days, insomnia improved by switching to taking it at night right as I'm falling asleep. It increased focus, energy, and contentment while reducing hunger. Initial agitation subsided quickly. Previous meds like Adderall, Vyvanse, and SSRIs had unwanted side effects, but Wellbutrin combines the best of both, allowing creativity and emotional connection. It's improved disordered eating, social interactions, and focus on work and creativity. Lost 3 lbs, feel more accountable, and have a better schedule. Glad I gave it a chance after being hesitant due to online reviews. It's nice to have my life back and feel like myself. I will update if anything changes, but for now I'm so grateful for this medicine."

• 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."

• Mik...
• January 22, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "Stopped taking Suboxone for opiate addiction and Wellbutrin saved my life. Only thing I use that I should’ve looked into years ago for my depression, anxiety, and slight ADHD! Highly recommend it to opiate users coming off blockers or meds. Side effects: insomnia for the first week, and dry mouth. Otherwise, I’m a big placebo guy but I noticed an instant change in mood (for the better)!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 4, 2017

For Depression "Started Wellbutrin XL at 150 mg once a day to treat depression and anxiety, although was more concerned about depression. The first week I was on it, I was absolutely miserable. I did not sleep or eat at all, and was crying constantly, and I think it definitely worsened my depression. However, I called my doctor and had my dose lowered to 75 mg and not extended release, and I immediately felt better. I have been on that dosage for about 6 months now, and I feel amazing. I am able to control my emotions so much better, and I rarely have meltdowns (I used to have a complete meltdown anytime anything negative happened to me). I definitely plan on staying on Wellbutrin. Would just recommend you make sure you are on the right dose."

• eli...
• June 3, 2016

For Depression "Shortly after my 20th birthday, I developed what I later found out was major depression. After starting counseling, I reluctantly started taking Wellbutrin, and within a few days, I was a noticeably different person than I had been the past 6 months. I began to act like my old self again, gaining confidence, and for the most part, being free from all of my depression episodes that had occurred daily. The biggest side effects that I experienced were weight loss/loss of appetite and trouble falling asleep at night, but after about two weeks, those both went away. I've now been taking 300mg daily for about six weeks and feel great! I'd encourage you to give this medication a try because it can potentially really change your life."

• jtt...
• November 18, 2014

For Depression "I've been on Wellbutrin (my first antidepressant/anxiety med) 150mg once a day for about 7 weeks. It's good for those who emotionally eat. I've already lost 15 lbs because I don't have that feeling of hopelessness & it gives me no appetite. I have to force myself to eat for nutritional reasons. On the downside, my insomnia is out of control & affecting many parts of my life. I also have experienced several itching fits after about a month & needed Benadryl to get some relief. Otherwise, I would give it a 10."

• sam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 19, 2024

For Major Depressive Disorder "Depression or MDD, whatever I had, almost took my life away. Whatever positive reviews you've seen, I experienced all or most of them. At first, I did have insomnia, trembling hands, low appetite, but didn't have anxiety. Additionally, I felt like my heart chakra opened. All my life, I've been scared of cold water, but now I feel like the warmth inside me is sufficient for me to not bother about the cold hitting my body, haha. But the best part for me was it worked within 2 hours of taking that first dose. If it had taken more than a day to start working, I wouldn't have survived. This medicine has fixed probably 95% of all the problems I had in my life, whether it was self-esteem issues or an inability to focus, or even executive dysfunction, etc. everything was fixed. It fixed an addiction of more than 10 years in one shot as well. I cannot say enough for this medicine. I want to see what else it will do wonders for in the future. I hope you take this medicine if you need it, and I hope it works."

• TDS...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 12, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I had been on Prozac for a year to battle some severe depression and crying daily. It worked well for the first couple of months, but then I noticed it made me feel just 'blah' and negative. I couldn't get emotional either way... angry or sad. I also didn't want to do anything and gained 25 pounds, plus horrible sexual side effects. I got sick of it finally and asked my doctor for something different. He started introducing 150 mg of Wellbutrin for 2 weeks while I reduced the Prozac. The Wellbutrin started working after about a week. My mood was a lot better and I had more emotions. I also feel more motivated to eat right, work out, and improve my appearance. I'm now on one 10 mg Prozac in the morning and 2 separate doses of Wellbutrin (300 mg total). In about a week, I'll drop Prozac and see how it goes. I've only had a slight headache sometimes and a little trouble sleeping, but overall, no side effects with Wellbutrin. Very happy so far."