Wellbutrin XL for Depression User Reviews (Page 5)
Reviews for Wellbutrin XL
- Anonymous
- April 26, 2015
"I used to take 75 mg 2x a day and quit. I felt like it was not working and had terrible side effects. After 6 months of not taking medications, and situations got hard to cope, I asked to be put back on. The second time around, the 75 mg had me very nervous, anxious, dizzy, and 'dopey.' The doctors said that the immediate release is harsh on your system and switched me to 150 mg XL. And just 3 days into the new dose, I do not have such harsh side effects. The only side effects I have are no appetite, dry mouth, and vivid dreams. Overall, I am no longer having obsessive negative thoughts (which triggered my anxiety), so I'm overall not as anxious or having panic attacks. I feel more motivated and energetic, but it's only 3 days in on this dose."
- Cot...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- December 9, 2017
"I was prescribed Wellbutrin XL for depression and panic attacks. Although I was about 30 pounds overweight, I had no intention of trying to lose weight while being depressed. My doctor told me, just for me to know, that this drug could aid in weight loss for some people. After being on the drug for a few days, I noticed that I didn’t have the food cravings I always had, and I missed a few meals because I just forgot to eat! I decided to give weight loss a try, and I am happy... no, overjoyed, to say that in 6 months, I lost 40! I am not trying to lose anymore, just maintain my loss, and so far I am having no problems. FYI, I am 64 years old and have not weighed this little for 30 years!"
Frequently asked questions
- Does Wellbutrin XL/SR cause weight gain or loss?
- Can I stop taking Wellbutrin suddenly or should I taper off?
- How long does it take Wellbutrin XL/SR (bupropion) to work?
- What's the difference between Wellbutrin XL and SR?
- Den...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 4, 2016
"Just switched over to Wellbutrin and so far, so good. I had been on Zoloft for a year, following a diagnosis of depression. Zoloft was just awful for me. The entire time I was on it, I battled chronic fatigue, no libido whatsoever, some memory loss, nerve problems, vertigo... you name it. And on top of all of that, I completely stopped working out and put on 30 lbs in 10 months. Feel like I am back on the road to being me on Wellbutrin. 150 mg XL seems to work for me. Thank God - I was prepared to swear off any and all antidepressants if this didn't work. Also, I haven't drunk alcohol for going on 10 years, so if you're sober that eliminates one of the big drawbacks for a lot of people."
- Anonymous
- August 27, 2009
"Taking these pills was the best move I've ever made. Before, I was on edge, had horrible thoughts, and was moody. I was anti-social, wanted to stay home, and not associate with anybody. Now, I go out and have a normal 22-year-old life!"
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Stv...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 24, 2013
"I tried Bupropion SR generic first. It worked well for depression and rid me of my feelings of despair and hopelessness, but it made me very irritable, and I was up and down all day. I switched to genuine Wellbutrin XL, and what a difference! I can only assume the coating on these is superior, as my irritation is completely gone, and I feel leveled out all day. I was given Citalopram first and lasted four days on it. I felt spaced out mentally, but the sexual side effects were too much to deal with, none of those with Wellbutrin, in fact, the opposite. I was at the end of my tether, this medicine makes me feel normal."
- Anonymous
- July 13, 2008
"This is the first drug I've ever taken for depression and have been on it for three months now. I can tell a big difference in my emotions. I feel considerably happier now on a daily basis and haven't felt any significant side effects. I think I got lucky on my first try with an antidepressant and would definitely recommend it to others."
More FAQ
- VAT...
- March 13, 2015
"I have been suffering with outrageous anxiety and depression on and off for years. I have tried Zoloft and used Xanax until it didn't work anymore. I was just about to give up and felt like I was losing my mind when I was prescribed Wellbutrin XL 300mg only in the generic. I had taken it for two months and felt NOTHING. I was desperate. Then a friend who also uses it said to switch to the name brand. I kept reading how after 3 days you feel different, and I DID TOO! I hope this continues because I am feeling so much more relaxed and more like myself. I have stress, but it is not burying me and throwing me into panic. Listen, the generic does not work at all. You have to get the name brand! Hope this helps someone."
- bux...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 25, 2012
"I have been on 150 mg of Wellbutrin XL for two days, and I can already feel a difference. It has removed all appetite, which seems to be a side effect, but in all fairness, I didn't have one before I started taking the meds! I have depression and panic attacks, and after just 48 hours, I am excited about the holidays! I baked five dozen Christmas cookies today! I haven't been interested in the holiday season in years! I do recommend getting the brand name meds and not the generic, as I have heard many issues arising from the generic form. Happy holidays!"
- Anonymous
- April 23, 2010
"Depression, and I would not be surprised to be told I have ADD. ADD was something never thought of in my day. Anyway, Wellbutrin XL 300 in one month has moved me out of a 3-year funk of sleeping all day if I could. Getting nothing done and things piling up, getting up to go all day and living off of 6, 7, 8 hours of sleep in a day, reduced eating in a good way and I could go on about any number of positives. Funny how I could be this lucky to find the drug that works for me. An inhibitor of dopamine reuptake rather than ever being involved with taking various SSRIs as a first line of attack. So far, I have nothing negative to say about this medicine except I wish I found this earlier for me."
- MsE...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 24, 2013
"I've been on a long list of medications for depression for many years, some worked for a while, some not at all. I reached my lowest point 6 months ago and haven't really recovered. I finally took matters into my own hands and asked the doctor for Wellbutrin, as the ratings looked overall pretty good. I'm on day 3 now and seem to feel uplifted already. I'm actually making plans for the day, which I haven't done in months. I'm still apprehensive to give a 10 rating, but I'm keeping hope. I had trouble sleeping, but no other side effects have shown up yet."
- Ele...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 23, 2015
"I started Wellbutrin XL 150 mg 2 days ago, and almost immediately it has taken my 'sadness' away to the point that I don't feel the heaviness on my chest anymore. I even told my mom that I feel normal -- and this is what normal people feel like. I can honestly say I have been depressed for 3 years after 2 breakups, job/career issues, and a death of a friend. I can say I feel no emotions (I guess I have been so sad for so long, I didn't know any other emotion but sadness and depression)."
- Che...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- September 18, 2017
"I was started on 75 mg at first, and for 2 weeks, I had the worst side effects. I literally thought I was going insane. The doctor told me it was normal and to ride it out another week. So I did, and it passed. They moved me to 150 mg XL, and it worked wonderfully for years. A few years in, I had to go up to 300 mg XL, but I was still panic-free and depression-free. Until recently, when it stopped working and I had Prozac added to the mix. I would recommend Wellbutrin XL to people. Just know you can push through those awful side effects for a few weeks to feel better."
- imm...
- April 5, 2012
"I have been taking Wellbutrin for 6 months. It has changed my life. I have suffered with depression my whole life (I am 41) and only finally got help after being admitted to a psychiatric facility. The first two weeks on Wellbutrin were horrible. I had severe anxiety and gastrointestinal issues. I ate broth and crackers for a week! But every single side effect was gone in about 3 weeks. I sure know it doesn't work for everyone, but it certainly has for me. I know it can be scary to try new medication, but give it a go; it might be the one for you."
- Jad...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 3, 2020
"I started Wellbutrin 150 mg after being taken off Lexapro 10 mg for GAD/OCD. The Wellbutrin's side effects started as soon as I started taking it, bouts of explainable crying and outbursts. I began to withdraw from family (my 5-year-old son) and started with increased suicidal thoughts. Horrible med for me, but had good reactions for others. I quit cold turkey after three weeks and no side effects to that decision. I started Prozac after about giving myself two weeks to reset from that. I also started therapy (CBT/DBT) once a week. I'm hoping to get off meds entirely."
- Gra...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- December 12, 2016
"I have been taking Wellbutrin XL for so many years that I can't remember when I started it. It has been the only med that has really worked for me. I tried generic bupropion and cannot take it because it upsets my stomach and does not have the same effect on my mood or emotions. Now I am in a quandary. In March, I go on Medicare and was already told that Medicare will not pay for Wellbutrin. I don't know what to do. For about 2 years, I have been getting it through the manufacturer's discount program, but once I go on Medicare, I can't get it through the manufacturer either. This really stinks! I hope someone has a solution because I cannot afford $1,500/month for a prescription!"
- 17 ...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- February 16, 2016
"So, I'm 18, and I was prescribed this medication about a year ago, but it was the generic brand of Wellbutrin 100 mg. Now I am on Wellbutrin 150 mg. Ever since I have been on this medication, I have become so irritable with everything. I'm not sure why. But it seems like every little thing sets me off, and I can't stand anyone. It's to the point that I'm starting to get in trouble with my parents, my boss at work, and even sometimes at school... I get so aggravated with everyone and everything. It has caused me very bad anxiety. I have an appointment scheduled with my psychiatrist in 3 days, and I am going to be lowered off of this medication. It has been the worst experience with medications I've had. It's made me miserable!"
- Man...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 23, 2020
"Sadly, this drug didn't work so well for my anxiety/depression. I have been on Prozac for the past two years with fantastic results but some sexual side effects. I requested a script for Wellbutrin XL. I added this to 10 mg of Prozac. The first couple of days, I was full of energy and got a lot of cleaning done. I had extreme difficulty falling asleep the next few nights and had to resort to taking Zopiclone. Wellbutrin helped me to lose about 5 lbs in a week (with diet and exercise), and I had no desire to drink alcohol and made it very easy to diet. Ultimately, it was making me agitated, anxious, and angry. I was losing sleep, tinnitus was acting up, and I was experiencing eye pain. I may have continued to stick with it, but it made my sexual dysfunction worse to the point where it was difficult to orgasm even on my own."
- lil...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- June 5, 2016
"I've been on generic Wellbutrin XL 300 for 12 years. I was trying to quit smoking, and this was recommended as it was also being marketed as Zyban at the time. For me, it helped with cravings and depression, and I've never picked up another cigarette. There are 2 things that bother me. I cannot sleep without also taking Trazodone. I just drift in and out of a light sleep otherwise. The other thing that may or may not be related to WB is that I have chronic constipation. I say may or may not because I'm scared to get off of WB to see if that's what's causing it. Different drugs work differently on different people, of course, but, like another person suggested, it also kept me from gaining weight until menopause. Hope this helps."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 14, 2019
"I rated Wellbutrin a 5 for depression, but that might not be entirely fair. I felt nothing good or bad while on 300 mg for 1 month... I felt no side effects whatsoever the entire time. Unfortunately, I also felt no difference in how I was feeling. Still had the apathy, unable to do the smallest, easiest tasks like showering or paying my bills. I have depression and anxiety, but only because of the above mentioned problems, not before. So, in conclusion, while I didn't have any of the bad side effects reported in other reviews, I also did not feel any better while on it. I had the same experience with Paxil CR and Lexapro, but with those, I had a great many side effects, short and longer term. Good luck to everyone. Hang in there, that's what I'm trying to do."
- gue...
- January 22, 2014
"5th day on Bupropion XL 150. I am supposed to take this once a week and then double the dose. Right now, I am feeling I should not double up as I don't like the side effects. First few days, I felt like my heart was racing a little, jittery, clenching my teeth, trouble falling asleep. Am I still as depressed? No. Am I laying in bed and not getting my work done? No. I wouldn't say I am motivated, but I am getting done what needs to be done. Lost weight. No real appetite, but at night I get hungry. My MAIN concern is I feel anxious and self-conscious. I am in school and I have a job where I need to work with superiors and be able to listen and perform. I feel like I am just going through the motions; an out-of-body experience. Will this end soon?"
- int...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 24, 2023
"Where do I start? Wellbutrin has saved my life. I was very nearly ready to give up on all of it, and then I saw an ad for Hims and took the survey. I was prescribed the generic brand of Wellbutrin, Bupropion, and I have never felt better, quite literally. I still have some hiccups here and there on 150 mg, so I am about to start 300 mg, and hopefully, that will complete the metamorphosis to my true self. If it worked for me, it will work for you. Basically, if you're on the fence about it, don't be. It is a miracle. This is all coming from someone who has never done a pharmaceutical in their life, save for way back when I got a root canal and the dentist had me take a Percocet beforehand. At any rate, if you're thinking about taking an antidepressant, then think no more. Wellbutrin is the drug for you."
- Pud...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- October 13, 2016
"I was prescribed generic Wellbutrin XL back in mid-August. I was diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, and depression. For the depression, it really did work, I didn't get bored of some things as I used to, and when I skipped a day, I could tell. As for the ADHD part, I feel like it helped a little. I got terrible grades in high school and didn't like doing homework. I'm a freshman in college and now have straight A's. I feel as if the medicine has helped me stay focused on my academic goals I have set, but lately I've been unmotivated, so I had a check-up with my doctor, and she wanted to know if I wanted to try something else, so I said yes, and she prescribed me Escitalopram. I would recommend Wellbutrin, it helped me."
- Cti...
- November 7, 2019
"I am about 4 weeks in on Wellbutrin XL, and things were going great until yesterday. Before that, I felt more energized, and my appetite was suppressed. 150 mg of XL. However, I took my daily dose and started itching like crazy... palms... feet... and scalp... eventually developed into hives on my legs. With the extended release, the Benadryl would help for a little while, and by evening... another breakout. I was in my office with coworkers and felt my chin turn hot, and my wrists broke out. Looked in the mirror, and my chin was red and blotchy. They watched the rash and hives develop on my wrists. So aggravating... was really liking the medicine. I thought it was the generic, since I had just switched, but went back to name brand, and the same result occurred. Did some research and read that delayed hypersensitivity to the medication can show itself at 4 weeks. :("
- No ...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- October 24, 2015
"I have been on antidepressants for 5 years, and several of them made me gain weight, and I always had this feeling of shakiness. My doctor switched me to a combo of Wellbutrin XL and Prozac 20 mg. I've lost like 15 pounds and feel way better! Made such a huge difference for me in how I feel about myself. I agree with others that have posted, I only take brand-name meds. I've heard so many issues with how generics don't work as well. To me, to feel better and finally be able to enjoy life, it is worth it. My two cents..."
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"I had a great experience with this antidepressant. I am 18, and I've been on it for four years. I forgot to take it today for the first time in years. I've been crying and shaking all day because my body doesn't know how to function without it. Needless to say, I need it to get through everyday life. It's worked so well for so long. I can't see myself getting off of it anytime soon."