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Wellbutrin XL for Depression User Reviews (Page 3)

Wellbutrin XL has an average rating of 7.4 out of 10 from a total of 286 reviews for the treatment of Depression. 64% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 15% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Wellbutrin XL

  • HiTMI
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 20, 2018

"Wellbutrin was a lifesaver for me. Without exaggeration completely changed my life. Before, my depression made me so fatigued, unfocused and unmotivated that I progressed in life at the rate of a sloth. SSRI's never managed to fix those issues. Finally got on Wellbutrin and oh my goodness I can't recommend it enough. Very mild side effects (ringing in ears occasionally, a few hours less sleep the first week or two, sweating) compared to the benefits. Most side effects went away around the 2 week mark. Stopped drinking every day, stopped smoking a pack a day, lost weight, motivated and focused. Thank goodness for Wellbutrin!"

9 / 10
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  • heyam...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • October 15, 2013

"I have been on Wellbutrin XL for a little over a year, and it has dramatically improved my quality of life. I have struggled with depression for almost my entire life, and only recently sought out treatment, and WOW, what a difference! Wellbutrin didn't cause any weight gain – if anything, I lost some weight – and it didn't decrease my sex drive. It took about a month for it to kick in, but it was well worth it."

9 / 10
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  • Colle...
  • December 24, 2013

"I have never felt compelled to share my experiences about medications with others, but recently my mother showed me all of the horrible reviews that antidepressants are being given. I want others to know that there are, in fact, real people who benefit from antidepressants. I have been on Wellbutrin at 300 mg since March 2013, and while I did lose around 15 pounds (I was dieting at the time, but the Wellbutrin also could have contributed to it), I have experienced little to no side effects at all, and I have found that I no longer experience crying spells or urges to hurt myself. The only warning I have is that it really does lower your tolerance to alcohol, so be mindful if you choose to drink."

10 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Kiwiana
  • January 30, 2013

"I started taking it on 24th January 2013. I weighed 414 lbs. It's now 30th January, and I weighed in at 405 lbs. Total pounds lost in 7 days is 9 lbs. It curbs the hunger, and I don't crave food. I am drinking lots of water, and I have 2 cups of green vegetables a day. Side effects so far have been insomnia; however, my doctor prescribed sleeping pills, which I take 1 at night, and I sleep right through. I will keep you all posted on weight loss."

9 / 10
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  • Better...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 9, 2018

"I’m very wary of meds as I hate the idea of a band aid for something that could be fixed in other ways... however my depression got so bad I couldn’t stand myself anymore. I work in the mental health field so obviously I need to be well to help others. When nothing I tried was working and I was really beginning to lose hope, I finally gave in and tried Wellbutrin. I’ve had excellent results! Occasionally have weird dreams, but it’s nothing I can’t handle (I enjoy dreams!). My energy is back to normal, I’m able to enjoy the things I’d lost enthusiasm for! I’m hopeful again. I do want to note that I also work at doing a bit of exercise each day, eating healthy, sleeping better, and avoiding substances that harm me in any way. The meds also helped me reconnect with my spirituality! It’s truly been an amazing experience."

9 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • Pano
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 28, 2019

"I have had anxiety and depression all my life. It got to it's worst point and started affecting my relationships where I was very irritable, upset, and just overall in a terrible mood. I came to a point where I couldn't even talk about my emptiness without crying. I was never someone to take medication but my Dr prescribed this to me. I take 1 pill a day and over the course of 2 months I was visibly seeing the changes. I had a lot of the anxiety lift away - not all of it but my mood was definitely more stable. I was able to think clearer. I don't want to increase my dose but it really helped me. I noticed when I missed a a day of taking it I felt my anxiety coming back. I realized the anxiety and depression were coming back and then remembered I wasn't really consistent for a week. Just be on a schedule with this. I am thankful for this medication... And that it has improved my day to day life."

9 / 10
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  • RyGuy
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 24, 2012

"I take Bupropion HCL XL 150mg. I noticed an EXTREME improvement in my mood the very first day of taking it. I still take it with no side effects whatsoever. It helps me so much I cannot stress how much it has helped me for this past month of taking it."

10 / 10
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131 Report

More FAQ

  • Edna
  • July 22, 2016

"I have been taking Wellbutrin XL 450mg/day for 9 years, the brand only (I have done some personal research about brands versus generics and do not believe that generics are as good, effective, or reliable as brands). This medication saved my life, so I guess that I was lucky that it suited me. Within the first year, I remember having a dry mouth, more energy, loss of appetite, and weight loss. With time, these side effects stopped. I have no side effects now, and what this medication clearly helped me with is to still feel myself and go through my emotions without falling into the hole of depression. So I feel functional, which was not the case before taking it (for example, staying in bed because of feeling a deep sadness etc...)."

10 / 10
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  • Kate...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 16, 2014

"I have been on 150 mg of Wellbutrin with 50 mg of Pristiq daily with nominal results. My doctor upped the Wellbutrin to 300 mg and it has made all the difference. It is like day and night. I just hope I keep responding to this medication forever. It has changed my life and given me hope again. Keep trying and talking to your doctor. Good luck!"

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  • Skinker
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • March 10, 2016

"I have been taking Wellbutrin 300 mg XL for over 10 years after a major depression. It was very effective at stabilizing my mood. It also helps with my mental concentration and focus. I tried the generic which didn't seem to work as well. I am under extreme stress with a challenging job and a difficult relationship (separated now) because of my partner's alcohol abuse. I was very fearful of another episode but so far have managed to remain stable. I would be lost without it."

10 / 10
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  • Lemon...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 10, 2018

"I started taking WELLBUTRIN when I was 14 and I’m 40 now.in between that time I stopped and started because I was being stubborn. But after realizing that it really is a struggle for me to do it all on my own. I started taking Wellbutrin again and it’s been three weeks and I honestly have gotten so much accomplished, I communicate better, I am so focused, I don’t get really annoyed or irritated like I use too, I’m a better mom and I’m working harder at work. I’ve only had a few side effects slightly shaky and a few weird dreams. But I have to be honest with myself, I need to take this medication in order to be a better person. I definitely recommend sticking through it especially if you can see better result happening in your life. Good luck!"

10 / 10
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  • AngeL...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 3, 2017

"I've been on medicine 150 for less than a week. I feel a little high, anxious, nervousness. But that is a relief compared to the last year sleeping upwards of 20 hours a day with no will to live. I took 300 mg. 10 years ago and lost 35 lbs within months. Already 4 days in I'm down 3 lbs quit smoking and keep trying to nap because of habit but can't sleep my life away. Thank god. I feel a little manic at times but remember this from before it will wear off. I already got up last 2 days and exercised haven't done that in 3 years. I'll report feeling in few months once I'm up to 300mg and stable. 1st day in 3 years where I'm not feeling dread."

10 / 10
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  • cash
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • April 19, 2016

"It takes about 2 weeks to feel Wellbutrin kick in and about a month for it to be full effect. I am on 300 mg a day and take it in the morning only. If you take it too late it will keep you awake. I am on other med for Bipolar that cause weight gain, but this med seems to be the opposite and has actually helped me lose weight. Sometimes the med "runs out" in the afternoon and you can kind of feel the let down. It works great for depression and would be good if used by itself for weight loss. Would recommend using it, but you have to be patient with it."

10 / 10
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  • Just...
  • March 26, 2014

"This stuff worked wonders for me, and additionally I had absolutely no side effects whatsoever from it, so talk about a double win when we tried this medicine out. Started on 300mg and it took about 75-80% of the edge off of the depression. Proceeded to add ability (had a rare side effect, made my eyesight horrible), added Prozac 40mg (helped but made me go limp in ways a guy never likes to happen), then down to 20mg (side effects mostly went away) but still not enough, went to 600mg of Wellbutrin and have been 100% depression free for the past 1 year."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • June 25, 2016

"Absolutely recommended if your body does not like SSRIs. This medicine has helped me AMAZINGLY--before taking it, I was experiencing ridiculous mood swings going between anxious and having panic attacks to depressed and crying. This medicine has given me my life back. I am no longer trapped in the hole of depression and my anxiety, while still present, has gone from being this massive panic to contained, manageable, and approachable anxiety. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is a stimulant, and because of this, it does make you feel stimulated. I've noticed some muscle weakness, but that's it. I switched to xl and I'm not sure how I like it yet--it seems like the releases are kind of random. Take early if you can so you can sleep! :)"

10 / 10
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  • Egear
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 8, 2020

"After reading a lot of these reviews, I have never heard of as many mixed effects! Mine, so, too. Been taking a dose 150mg Wellbutrin XL for depression for about 6 weeks; then increased the dose to 300 mg 1 week. I've been on tricyclics for 30 years and they really worked! Wellbutrin makes me feel "unaffected", almost anesthetized. I don't want to talk, eat or sleep. 150 mg works better for me. I have lost about 5 pounds, but my depression is no better after 6 weeks. Anxiety is also increased even though I'm on Buspar and Klonopin. Klonopin doesn't seem to work with Wellbutrin. Panic attacks have decreased. I don't understand the effects Wellbutrin has on me. I'm different but not better. I'm hoping one morning to wake up to a breakthrough!"

5 / 10
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  • Rln
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 29, 2023

"I was on bupropion for 12 weeks and I was experiencing fatigue, GI issues & headaches. My doctor suggested I try Wellbutrin XL name brand to see if it would make a difference and gave me samples to try. Immediately the side effects went away & I had tons of energy. However my insurance would not approve for me to take name brand even after a PA. So I am forced to go back to generic or I have to switch medications all because of insurance bureaucracy. So my doctor is putting me on a medication that is similar to Wellbutrin that is newer that just came out. Insurance should approve it. However this cost more than the Wellbutrin name brand. So long story short generic is not the same as name brand."

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  • gemin...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • November 10, 2012

"Wellbutrin XL has saved my life. I have been on this medication for 18 months, and my only regret is that I didn't start years earlier. I did not realize that I have been depressed for nearly 20 years, and with that came many side effects, which included a full-blown eating disorder. I was a compulsive overeater that had nothing to do with willpower. It was more like an alcoholic or drug addict. I am so happy now and love my life. Thank you, Wellbutrin XL."

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  • Demarco
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 29, 2019

"This was the worst experience I’ve EVER HAD. If you are on this medicine and are trying to push through the bad side effects (anger, irritability, panic attacks, dark thoughts) GET OFF THIS MEDICINE. Do some research on this medicine- it has a 30 page black box label with the title "SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS; AND NEUROPSYCHIATRIC REACTIONS"that literally warns people about suicide while on this medicine. I yelled at my partner and my family, and for some people this might literally ruin relationships with people due to the extreme irritability. I have been off this for about 5 days and woke up today the happiest I’ve been in a long time. Don’t feel bad if this one doesn’t work out for you. Things will get better! I am so glad I decided to stop taking this! Always talk to a dr about stopping first because the withdrawal effects can be severe but I really recommend anyone doubting the effectiveness of this medication for them should not be on it. This medicine could have been the end of my life. Please learn from my mistake!"

1 / 10
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  • CLO
  • February 9, 2016

"I read a lot of people saying that it's not working all that well for them, although I see one point in common here, it's only been 2 weeks. On some people it takes a little longer. I would say at least 3 to 4 weeks to get the full effect. Sometime you have to take a higher dosage. I'm at 200 mg now, and I see a difference. Talk to your doctor is 150 mg is not working for you.At the same time I have to admit, that at the beginning it's really hard regardless...so give time. Good luck everyone."

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  • Happy
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 28, 2023

"Wellbutrin (150 mg XL once a day) has saved my life. I have been taking it for about 5 weeks. After a traumatic breakup 8 months ago, I went from being the happiest person I know to someone struggling with severe depression and anxiety. 2 months ago, I was beginning to get a little better when I broke up with the same ex again and found out my best friend was dying in a few weeks. I had been reluctant to take antidepressants before but at this point, I really had nothing to lose. My only regret is that I did not go on Wellbutrin earlier. I have had zero side effects and I feel exactly like myself before depression. I don't feel like I'm on medication at all. I started feeling the effects only days after starting the medication which is cool too because I know SSRIs take a lot longer to kick in. The one downside is that you are not supposed to drink because it raises the risk of seizures. I still drink 1-3 drinks socially a few times a week though (not that I recommend) and I've been okay."

10 / 10
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  • Hello...
  • April 30, 2016

"Today was the first day I have had to take this medicine, I have already experienced the dry mouth, & not really caring to eat. I am only 20 years old, I've made a lot of dramatic changes in my life in the past month, & I've dealt with depression for a while but was honestly scared to admit it. I have read very many reviews and I am nervous about it, but at the same time I'm pretty happy to see the positive reviews, I'm wanting to feel happy like I should, & do things I want to do without worrying about what thought will ruin my plans for that day. Prayers would be appreciated while I get use to being on this, & start learning if it's for me or not."

5 / 10
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  • penny
  • August 24, 2013

"Saying goodbye to Wellbutrin. Sadly, I have to come off this medicine after 2 years. It worked well for me; my weight went down, and my sex drive went up. However, insomnia got the best of me. I could never get more than 4 hours of sleep a night and 6 with an Ambien. The lack of sleep is taking a toll on me sadly. I recommend this medicine and hope you don't have the sleep issues that I did."

8 / 10
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  • Golfe...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 10, 2018

"I've been on and off of various antidepressants and although the SSRIs helped when my little brother passed, the side effects were dreadful but I also no longer wanted to move - slept all day and every day with no sex drive. Hello Wellbutrin! Honestly, it changed my life. I have so much energy, sex drive back, and lost 10 lbs. The only downside is I don't always sleep well - but not in a groggy tired sort of way - seem to just wake up in middle of night and feel like I could go to the gym or something, but I will work my way through this due to all the positive things that have changed,"

9 / 10
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  • Mcgell
  • December 2, 2015

"I have been on generic wellbutrin XL 150mg for about a month and a half now. All I can say is that it is an interesting drug. I didn't want to really go on it because, while I have depression, it is not that bad. I was hoping to get on something to help my anxiety because that is way worse. Well the first 3 weeks I was on it were fine. I felt a little bit more energy and libido and no side effects. Then all of a sudden from week 3-4 I got extremely anxious, stressed, and angry. Everything made me angry. I can happily say that those side effects have passed and I now have none. These last 2 weeks have been great. Tons of energy and drive. Love cleaning now for some reason and I used to hate it."

8 / 10
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85 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.