Wellbutrin XL and Depression: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• March 27, 2010

For Depression "I use Wellbutrin XL and it helps my bipolar disorder and adult ADD! It gives me better focus, eases anxiety, keeps me from becoming enraged for no reason and helps me from getting depressed! I no longer scream at my family (very important) and I don't sit and cry for no reason anymore! This is a miracle medicine for me."

• Its...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 9, 2025

"I am a woman in my 30s. I was all over the place. Couldn't focus, scattered thoughts, irritable, anxious, and impulsive until I got diagnosed with ADHD last year. I tried a few meds, went from a non-stimulant (Clonidine). I like Clonidine, but the problem with it is it really lowers your blood pressure, and I have high blood pressure. But if I ever missed a dose, my BP would come out higher than before I took the med, so that turned me off of that. To a stimulant (Vyvanse). I didn't like Vyvanse; it made me feel crazy and depressed. And then my doctor put me on Wellbutrin XL 150 mg. I noticed a difference in my mood within a couple of weeks. I was even able to get into a vocational school to do my prerequisites, and now I'm in a nursing program. My dose has upped to 300 mg, and I love it. I feel my moods are steady, I'm focused, and it really changed my life for the better. Just a real godsend! I highly recommend this medication to manage ADHD and depression."

• noc...
• July 31, 2013

For Depression "I started taking this medicine for depression and adult ADD-like symptoms. I did not notice any side effects at all in the beginning, very easy to start taking. However, after taking it for about two months, I noticed I was very easily aggravated and overreacted to little things like crazy! Very emotional, crying, deep emotional pain. I did not wean off, I just stopped taking it because I didn't feel like 'me.' No adverse reaction in stopping for me, although I don't recommend stopping cold turkey for others. Only a plus was reduced appetite and increased libido!"

• ray...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 13, 2018

For Depression "150 mg XL-brand WB, 2 wks, then 300 mg. Day 3 on 150 mg, INCREDIBLY restless, irritable, angry, which lasted 5 days, then felt normal until I upped the dose. 2 days, 300 mg SO angry, irritable, restless more than before. Emotionally exhausting. Feel more depressed than ever. Lasted nonstop 3.5 weeks. I was a nightmare. I isolated myself, luckily, I work freelance, so able to not work. Did have more energy, channeled into exercise, healthy diet, cleaning. It helped to focus on things, read many Wellbutrin reviews online. Helped to not feel crazy. Week #6 started to feel better. Not 'happy' but no longer crazy emotions. Week 7 now. I have more energy than before starting, more goal-oriented & drive to get things done. Again, don't feel 'happy' but don't feel like depression is in the driver's seat, so can do what needs doing, including changing external factors that add to depression. Still quick to irritation. Stopped smoking week 5. Glad where I am now, but adjustment period much more difficult than could have imagined."

• Ms ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2015

For Depression "Switching from another antidepressant to Wellbutrin XL made my depression worse. I became very hostile. Ugly mood changes. Changing from one antidepressant to another is the worst thing that I ever did in my life. Some family members are not speaking to me because of my hostile actions toward them. Every day I used was a sad day."

• Pho...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 3, 2016

For Depression "I had weaned off Effexor in October as I was tired of the side effects. I wanted to go the natural route with exercising and eating better to see if it would help. Unfortunately, I have been going through a hard time and needed something to help me through this. I started on Wellbutrin XL, 150 mg, about 2 weeks ago. I honestly can't tell if it is helping or not. I feel about the same mood-wise... very sad, crying a lot, no appetite, sense of failure, and no hope. I know things can't change immediately but was hoping I could be one of the individuals that experience positive results. Hope this changes eventually."

• DeG...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2023

For Depression "I am a 52-year-old man, and I have been experiencing constant headaches/migraines and degenerative neck/spinal issues with an unknown cause. To manage my symptoms, I have been taking various medications that have different side effects, leading me to feel depressed. Additionally, I have been smoking for over 35 years. In an effort to address both my depression and potentially quit smoking, I asked my primary care physician to prescribe Wellbutrin XL. Although I had no intention of quitting smoking, I began taking 150 mg once a day. Surprisingly, after only two weeks, I woke up one morning and decided to quit smoking. I did not experience intense cravings or mood swings during the transition. It has been a month since I quit smoking, and although my depression has not completely subsided, I am feeling alright. The only obstacle I have encountered is that many things taste bitter, even water. Nonetheless, my smoking habit is going away nicely. I recommend giving Wellbutrin XL a try if you are considering quitting smoking, even if you do not have the intention to do so. It worked for me."

• Meg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 16, 2013

For Depression "I was given this to combat the extreme loss in libido I get from taking SSRIs (Lexapro). It fixed the problem and made me function quite normally once again, but made me have big waves of depression. Definitely not the medicine for me, but if you're looking to recover sexual functioning back, this is worth a shot."

• Sun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 2, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was 26 years old and taking Wellbutrin for about 5 months. Within those 5 months, I became increasingly unmotivated, less energetic, and my depression worsened. I had terrible mood swings and was generally unpleasant to be around. My thoughts were not my own anymore, as I had horrific thoughts that were scary and confusing to me. Then came the night that I swallowed an entire prescription bottle of it. My thoughts were that either it would finally work and make me happy or it would just kill me so I wouldn't suffer anymore. I am obviously still here, and I am so grateful for that! I stopped it and was put on Paxil. So much better for me! I'm a happy girl again!"

• Bev...
• May 11, 2012

For Depression "My doctor prescribed Wellbutrin XL with the hopes of it helping me with mild/moderate depression as well as a severe lack of energy. Wanting to avoid the common side effects of SSRIs (namely weight gain and sedation), my doctor and I were both hopeful that Wellbutrin would work for me, as it is an atypical antidepressant. Along with mood improvement, Wellbutrin affects most people with an upsurge in energy, and even sometimes weight loss. Unfortunately, it affected me in a totally opposite way. I gained approximately 10 lbs. in the one month I was on Wellbutrin! Very discouraging! I think the worst thing of all was that I could barely function from day to day and just getting out of bed was arduous. I've never had that before. As for my moods, I found myself feeling even more depressed and prone to drastic mood swings. My doctor and I ultimately decided Wellbutrin was not for me."

• Sta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 4, 2022

For Depression "I went into this endeavor quite excited, knowing that there would be some compromises as always, and I was ready to trade. But this drug took away everything for itself. I was taking Zoloft and, upon me complaining about feeling well but not being motivated (probably I got used to SSRIs a little bit) to get my butt up and get stuff done, smoking 1.5 packs/day. Of course, to combat SSRI SD, we agreed on trying Welloft (Z 75mg - W 150mg). I've been taking Wellbutrin for exactly 20 days, and it's been a big disappointment. I definitely intend to take it for 2 months and know for sure if it's for me or not — not a day longer! Increased anxiety, aggression, appetite, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and short-term memory issues, worse depression, chest pain, headache. Severe climbing anxiety till it peaked at day 8, then I would have a bad one sporadically. I would consider myself almost impotent now. I remember Paxil days with a smile. Will update if anything changes at the 2-month mark."

• bel...
• November 2, 2015

For Depression "I've been battling depression for years now. I am now 42. About 10 years ago, I tried Wellbutrin XL 150 mg once a day. It's the only antidepressant I've ever tried, and it worked wonders! I wasn't sad anymore, I lost weight, and I was happy. Then, a few years later, it was changed to generic, and life wasn't the same. I was sad all the time, gained weight, basically depressed. Flash forward to a few months ago. Found the Wellbutrin site that assists with getting the name-brand drug for $50 a month. I have now been on Wellbutrin XL 300 mg once a day for three months now. I still don't feel as sad or down. Life is definitely looking up more often than not, but I have not lost any weight this time, which in turn makes me depressed. I will continue."

• And...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 21, 2022

For Depression "I take Seroquel 50 mg in the am and 150 mg at bedtime. I take Clonazepam 1/2 mg in the am and 1 mg at 3:00. And I take 150 mg of Wellbutrin XL in the am. Seroquel helps me fall asleep. Clonazepam (Klonopin) gets rid of some anxiety. But I feel awful, always fatigued, depressed, irritable, moody, lonely, quick to anger, and self-non-social. My psychiatrist said, “There’s no magic pill, take a walk outside.” I have no desire to talk to people, never mind going outside. What am I supposed to do?"

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2019

For Depression "I have had depression and anxiety for about 5 years. I was taking Zoloft for most of those, and I felt like it kept me stabilized. I have gained about 50 pounds in the last 5 years. I started thinking about it, and it all started around the time I started taking medication, so I thought maybe this whole time that was the reason. Someone recommended this medicine for weight loss, so I told my doctor, and we decided to give it a try. For 4 weeks, I was on 150 mg. I felt miserable, angry, always fighting with my family, more depressed than ever, hopeless, etc. I told my doctor, and she suggested upping the dose for another 4-6 weeks to see if that improves everything. I've been taking the higher dose for about 3 weeks. I've been balling my eyes out. I can't even go into my house without feeling an overwhelming wave of depression hit me. I feel like I can't spend a minute alone. I feel angry all the time. I think this medicine has pretty much been bad for me and will be talking to the doctor again."

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2019

For Depression "I have had depression and anxiety for about 5 years. I was taking Zoloft for most of those, and I felt like it kept me stabilized. I have gained about 50 pounds in the last 5 years. I started thinking about it, and it all started around the time I started taking medication, so I thought maybe this whole time that was the reason. Someone recommended this medicine for weight loss, so I told my doctor, and we decided to give it a try. For 4 weeks, I was on 150 mg. I felt miserable, angry, always fighting with my family, more depressed than ever, hopeless, etc. I told my doctor, and she suggested upping the dose for another 4-6 weeks to see if that improves everything. I've been taking the higher dose for about 3 weeks. I've been balling my eyes out. I can't even go into my house without feeling an overwhelming wave of depression hit me. I feel like I can't spend a minute alone. I feel angry all the time. I think this medicine has pretty much been bad for me and will be talking to the doctor again."

• Aid...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 26, 2022

For Seasonal Affective Disorder "For the first 5-7 years, this Wellbutrin worked 100% for SAD; the only side effect was memory problems, but it didn't matter because I was doing so well. I was taking 300 mg/day year-round. After 6 years or so, it started to not work as well. 450 mg helped for one winter, but the next winter it only helped for around 2 weeks. I tried going off it one summer (in case I had built up a tolerance) and felt 'blah' all the time, and going back on it, it only took that away initially. For the last 2 years or so, I felt that blah-ness while on 300 mg/day; a constant low-moderate grade depression/apathy/numbness, and mental emptiness too. It completely stopped working for SAD. I hope others who benefit like I did initially don't experience this too."

• Wib...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "Wellbutrin was without a doubt the most effective antidepressant I've ever taken. Unfortunately, a month and a half into treatment on 150 mg XL/day, I started getting cystic acne. It was terrible, and I knew it had to be the Wellbutrin, so I looked online and noticed other people complaining about getting acne as well. It was terrible, it only made my depression worse because I had these big cystic lumps on my face. A month after tapering off and taking antibiotics prescribed by my dermatologist, it finally went away, but I went back to being depressed."

• Hil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 7, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "This was possibly the worst thing the doctor could have given me. Granted, he didn't know any effect it would have on me, but never again! After about a week or two, I had to stop taking them. It actually increased both my depression and anxiety. I was always tired, but I was super jittery as well. My mother informed me that I looked like I was on meth. Thanks, mom!"

• raz...
• March 5, 2011

For ADHD "I'm bipolar and ADHD. I took Tegretol and Effexor for 8 years. It worked for me, but it was a death embrace. Cognitive functions related to attention, willpower, and judgment declined. I read about lithium's neuroprotective properties and switched, which is working out for me. I added Wellbutrin 300 XL for the ADHD 3 weeks ago, and so far it has increased my depression, it might be settling down, though I seem to be getting better. This has to work. These are bad days. Wish I had taken lithium 10 years ago, it has also helped with the ADHD."

• Mmm...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 21, 2022

For Depression "I started taking Wellbutrin XL 150 about 6 months ago. My depression and anxiety were through the roof. We found out I have borderline disorder. Would drink 8-10 coffees per day. Very angry and moody. Anyhow, I will be tested for ADHD in a few weeks. 2 weeks ago we changed to Wellbutrin XL 300. It’s been a positive experience. Max 1-2 coffees per day. I remember stuff. I feel better. I am less impulsive. I feel like I am awake now. It’s been good so far. I am sure with a stimulant added to my Wellbutrin, I will experience what it feels like to be normal."

• Ari...
• June 7, 2015

For Depression "Others have warned about this, but do not take if you have anxiety issues. I took this for two weeks at 150 mg. The first week was fine, felt blunted emotionally a bit, which was not necessarily a bad thing. Around day 11, I started having bad anxiety about 10 hours after dosage, and I felt sore and worn out. It was unbearable, I did this for 3 days more before quitting. I contacted my doctor, who said I did the right thing. Then I was emotionally in pain for a few days and weeping about every hour. I felt raw, like I had no skin to protect me. They say Wellbutrin is easy to drop, well, I don't know... it might be because of my anxiety, but I feel a lot worse now than I did before taking it."

• San...
• May 8, 2021

For Depression "I've taken Cymbalta, venlafaxine, escitalopram, and nothing has worked. First days I was shaking from energy, wrote an entire essay in a day, I've never felt so euphoric, didn't have to sleep as much (honestly, the way I describe it, it sounds like mania, but you know). Then it stopped working, went up to 300 mg. Biggest mistake ever, I got 10 times worse. My OCD came back, my BED came back (bordering on anorexia), hypochondria got 10 times worse, I got depressed and started having suicidal thoughts. Took that for 1 month (after 1 month on 150 mg), and I was hanging by threads the last week, we went down to 150 mg, and worse I got. I felt suicidal, I've never been so suicidal in my life. Stopped it, and a week after, all my suicidal thoughts went away, but I'm still disabled from the effects, still underweight, and I'm on sick leave 100% because I haven't recovered. I regret every day that I took this, but I couldn't know. I'm gonna try something else."

• Ott...
• November 22, 2017

For Depression "I was on Cipralex for 15 years, and I got fed up with the reduced erections and orgasms. My endocrinologist recommended trying an SNRI (Wellbutrin 300 mg), and it helped a bit with the bad side effects of Cipralex, but I found that I was sad often, and I’d cry easily. I increased the dosage to 450 mg, and the sadness went away almost instantly. After a few weeks at 450 mg, I started to feel more and more anxious. I had read that the dosage shouldn’t go beyond 450, so I didn’t want to risk an increase, so I stopped taking them completely, and the anxiety has almost disappeared. (Almost means that it's 90% better.) I’ve been off of Wellbutrin for almost a week, and I haven’t had any side effects yet."

• Lil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have no doubt that this has helped many people... but for me, this was absolute poison. I'd gone off Lexamil and switched to Wellbutrin 300 mg for MDD. My moods are absolutely all over the place. I'll randomly get sad for absolutely no reason, and for a logical person, this gets frustrating. Not to mention the strain that most of my relationships have been under because of my now explosive temper. I don't feel like the person that I know I am."

• Tan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 18, 2017

For Depression "I just got a script for Wellbutrin XL 150 mg. I'm a 31-year-old wife and mother of 4, always worked. I was in and out of the hospital since 2007 with widespread pain in my back, neck, and head. Severe migraines every day. I was pushed aside, saying I'm fine. Kept going back. Finally, in 2016, diagnosed with fibromyalgia, severe depression, and anxiety. I was nursing then and pushing a med cart around, helping patients and so on. My body just had no more strength to hold itself up or think. I was and am in so much pain all the time, I'm mentally, emotionally, and physically DONE. Can't even get up out of bed. Cymbalta, Lyrica, Tylenol 3 and 4, Demerol, been morphine 50 mg 4 times a day, and Clonazepam 60 mg three times a day. Now taking away Clonazepam for XL 150. I'm afraid of the side effects."