Wellbutrin XL and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Hon...
• July 7, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "I am on day 3 of taking 150 mg Wellbutrin XL, extended release. I was previously taking 10 mg Lexapro for 4 years. I found myself constantly fatigued, absolutely no libido, and gaining weight. I'm a 44-year-old, 145 lb female. Day one I noticed immediate effects such as calmness, and I wasn't as sad. Keep in mind, I took a month off from no meds at all. I wanted to give my body time to adjust without having the Lexapro in my system. Day 2 and 3, I noticed my appetite was suppressed. I wasn't as hungry as before. I have also been experiencing a slight headache. I am also dealing with insomnia. I think I got maybe 1 hour of sleep the first night, second night, slept better but did wake up and had a hard time falling back to sleep. I will keep you updated and good luck to anyone taking this medication! I have read horror stories of mixing this with alcohol. I haven't tried it and am almost scared to have a glass of wine...I'm not a big drinker but am scared to have at least 1 or 2 glasses of wine."

• cap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 30, 2013

For Depression "I have been on this medication for half a year. I was prescribed it for my ADHD and depression. It changed my life completely. As I have never felt so great in my whole life since I was a child. High motivation, increased energy, no suicidal thoughts, and it helped me to eat less and lose weight! I was on Lexapro for anxiety and panic for 5 years and gained a lot of weight. Also, I had some other side effects with Lexapro. Happy!"

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2020

For Depression "After taking Lexapro, I gained weight. I did not take anything for more than a year until the depression relapse began. The doctor prescribed Wellbutrin. For the first 3 weeks, there were bouts of anger. I waited for it to pass. Then I began to have daily tears and dark thoughts. The condition is worse than before taking the medicine. I gave up, and after a few days, I felt like another person. I do not recommend it. It was a terrible experience for me."

• Hor...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 11, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "My personal experience may differ for others, but the best combo for me so far has included Wellbutrin XL 300mg. Many years receiving mental health services (27 years). Had to stop SSRIs. Wellbutrin, however, helped increase my motivation, I had none. It was so bad I laid in bed for months from severe depression, I was immobile for so long that both legs filled with blood clots and I was near death! I survived on blood thinners and was in the hospital for over a week. With Wellbutrin, I had no weight gain, I lost the 50 pounds other meds helped put on me! Lowered cholesterol, quit smoking as a nice bonus, and had no sexual issues, in fact, it helped in my opinion."

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "I had a rough time starting young with major depression and anxiety since middle school. My freshman year, I started taking Lexapro. It was the worst possible thing that could've happened to me. Worst side effects ever. I gained over 40 pounds. I was tiny and petite to being around 125 to 170. Tried switching from many multiple different meds, still gained weight. Then my doctor finally put me on Wellbutrin, started off with the low dose and didn't really help much. She upped me to 150. I had hyperglycemia and finally got over it and got off of metformin. I am starting to finally lose some of that weight and about to look great for senior year. I highly recommend this medicine. It makes me not hungry anymore. I'm so happy now!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 14, 2012

For Depression "I have been on some form of SSRI medication for 14 years. My last experience was with Zoloft. I was on it for a year and it made me eat too much, smoke too much, and I wanted to sleep all the time. I gained about 10 lbs on it. After doing some research, I told my Dr. I wanted to try Wellbutrin. I've been on it for three weeks, I quit smoking, have lost weight, and feel like the energizer bunny. I am more focused as well. I'm actually feeling emotions. Looking back, Zoloft made me feel like a zombie. Wellbutrin is a miracle for me, I feel like myself again. Just wished I tried it years ago."

• hac...
• September 13, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "In the last 6 years, I have taken a few meds for my depression. Started with Lexapro, which helped but caused very quick weight gain. Switched to Cymbalta, which caused a rash. Switched quickly to Prozac, which caused horrible dreams and sexual issues! Was then put on Wellbutrin by a psych NPR because of my issues with weight gain and sexual side effects. The drug was a miracle for me! Lost 45 lbs in 2 years after starting it, and sexual side effects disappeared! Started out on 150 mg a day but upped to 300 mg a day when I had a depressive episode! Since upping the dose, I have had no issues other than unusual dreams, but can live with that! Nothing's perfect!"

• No ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 24, 2015

For Depression "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..."

• Poo...
• June 1, 2013

For Depression "Wellbutrin XL was the medicine that finally worked to ease my depression. I started treatment years ago on Lexapro. I gained 40 lbs in less than a year, and my libido completely shut down. I tried Prozac (zombie) and Effexor, then nothing for years. The depression got so bad, I was willing to try medications again. That's when I asked my doctor about Wellbutrin XL. It was (and still is) my only prescription medication, so I decided to accept the expense. Wellbutrin XL has done wonders for my depression, though less helpful on anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The issue is the cost has steadily increased, until this month, it was $199! I don't know if I can continue to afford it."

• Bon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2018

For Depression "It’s a month now, and I have to collect my second script. I feel better, and I think this med also assists with increasing libido. My depression was bad, and things have really improved. This med was the only one suitable for me, according to my doctor, since I have weight issues. He said other depression meds cause weight gain. I have not seen my period, I must say I have also been very busy with my partner since taking these. I also don't feel like I’m pregnant, but I’ll check just to confirm. Next time, I may write that this med causes pregnancy, lol."

• Ali...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 7, 2024

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was diagnosed at age 64 with bipolar after having a severe depression that put me in bed for a year. As a nurse, I thought I knew what depression was. I had no idea. My mainstay meds are lamotrigine for mood stabilization, the lowest dose of lithium, which at that level treats depression, and I was on 150 XL bupropion. My pharmacy was out of bupropion so they gave me 3 months of Wellbutrin 150 XL. Didn't sleep well for a couple of nights. I've been trying to get back into a regular fitness routine for 5-6 years since that awful depression. Since starting the Wellbutrin XL, I'm now swimming twice a week with plans to add going to the gym. I don't know why doctors prescribe SSRIs so much. They cause weight gain and I felt dead down below. SSRIs are sometimes used to treat MAPs (Minor Attracted Persons) to reduce their libido. I consider all 3 meds I take for depression to be excellent."

• Jub...
• August 6, 2017

For Depression "I have been taking Wellbutrin XL for over 3 years. The reason for my review is recently I've been feeling more 'down' lately and wondering whether this drug has run its course with me. Before Wellbutrin, I was taking Effexor, and it made me feel fantastic. I stopped Effexor because the longer I took it, the more side effects it had. If I didn't take Effexor at the same time each day, or, God forbid, forget it, I would be dizzy and sweating. I like Wellbutrin because I don't feel any side effects. No weight gain, no sexual dysfunction. I would like to find another drug for depression that works well and has little side effects. Any suggestions?"

• nir...
• February 25, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was diagnosed with chronic depression and anxiety in 7th grade. Now a junior in HS, I have been through trial and error with many medications, including Pristiq, Prozac, Effexor, Latuda, and Zoloft for depression. For anxiety, I have been on Abilify, which made me gain about 65 pounds in 8-9 months. Since 7th grade, I have been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, which my depression worsened with, and I have very bad anger issues. I now take 30 mg of propranolol (anxiety) and 150 mg of Wellbutrin, and the two medications work very well together. It took about a month or two for me to notice any changes after starting Wellbutrin, but this has been the most effective medication by far, and I have lost about 30 pounds in the past 3 months!"

• leo...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 22, 2018

For Depression "I gained 77 pounds, lost my sex drive and self-esteem. I went from 115 lbs to 192 lbs. I'm 5'4". I'd already had 3 kids. Exercise (walking, yoga) didn't help at all to relieve anything. I talked about these issues with several doctors, 2 general practitioners and 2 psychiatrists. The first three doctors found no problems except that I was obese and told me it was just my metabolism slowing with age. I had my thyroid tested by a gp and it was fine. No diabetes or hypertension yet. The last doctor (shrink) I spoke to immediately had me taper off the Wellbutrin XR, which did not take more than 2 weeks. I lost about 25 pounds the first month and 5 months later another 20 pounds lost. My self-esteem is improving and my sex drive returned. I know they say Wellbutrin causes weight loss and has little sexual side effects, but not for me. This medicine nearly ruined my life, physically and psychologically, and sadly it contributed to the end of my marriage."

• Jax...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 7, 2017

For Depression "Dr. switched me from 20 mg generic Lexapro to 300 mg of generic Wellbutrin XL HCL (bupropion) because I felt a lack of energy on the Lexapro. I didn't notice any change in energy level with the Wellbutrin, but had many side effects: significant weight gain (30 lbs in 8 months) despite it being 'weight neutral'; constant headaches, joint pain, muscle ache, stomach pain, blurry vision, constipation, and sleep disturbances. Switched from CVS pharmacy to Publix pharmacy and pills were different (small white round at CVS, large white oblong at Publix). Switching to new generic only made side effects worse. Went back to the generic Lexapro and after 3 weeks, all symptoms ceased and weight is dropping back off. Wellbutrin is not for me."

• wel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 4, 2015

For Depression "Was feeling angry, snappy, and unhappy. Started Lexapro, slept a lot, gained weight, and started grinding teeth. Switched to Wellbutrin 150 2x day. Crazy headaches for 3 weeks and a strange metallic taste in my mouth. Then I read that generics are not necessarily the same and went straight to Wellbutrin's manufacturer, who has a great program if insurance doesn't cover it -- $50 per month for name brand Wellbutrin 300 XL, so worth the $. I lost a bit of weight, could work straight through for hours, felt much more peaceful and happy, except for the pre-menstrual 10 days, when I could become a raging lunatic. Doc prescribed Prozac 20 mg for those days only, and almost zero PMS or PMDD since (self-diagnosed premenstrual dysphoric disorder)."

• 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."

• Wel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 10, 2022

For Major Depressive Disorder "I fortunately saw all the reviews and thought, wow, this medication looks like a godsend. I was on this medication for about 3 years. By the last year and a half, I started having a skin rash like severely and felt like where my nerves were all being hurt and in pain. Then I was having big holes in my skin, and I had gained probably 70 to 80 lb. I started at 130 lb and went to 205 lb by the end of it. I have gotten off this, I've been off it for a week. I have already lost 10 lb, and I feel so much better. I feel like my clarity is there. I can actually feel things, like my libido's back - I have a sex drive. I didn't realize how much this medication had taken so much from me. Not everyone has the same experience on this, I actually have less cravings to smoke off of it than I did on it. I smoked a lot on this medication, now I'm barely smoking. So don't just go by everyone's 10 out of 10 review, please be sure to see the red flags and the signs that come up because I didn't. I kept thinking it was something else, it was something else. Finally, I stopped it, and yeah."

• 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."

• Vee...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 13, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was prescribed Wellbutrin XL 300 mg about 2 years ago for major depressive disorder and anxiety. During that time, one of my depression side effects was overeating and weight gain. After about a year of taking it, I just continued because I had a lot of hair loss and thinning. My hair has grown back since I stopped taking it 6 months ago, however, I felt my mood and energy decline. I asked my doctor to please put me back on, which he has. It has only been a week, and I feel wonderful. My cravings are pretty much cut, I used to eat a lot of candy and chips as comfort food. Yesterday, I was craving something sweet and only had one mini Twix and was satisfied. I'm now convinced that Wellbutrin actually does work for weight loss, however, I've not lost any weight this first week the way others have."

• Tor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 19, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have only been on this medication for 2 days, and right off the bat, I am noticing some slight stomach upset and nausea. I have tried countless other antidepressants before, with Zoloft, Paxil, and Trintellix not working for me for various reasons, mostly including an enormous amount of weight gain in a short period and nausea. I have always wanted to try this medication, mostly because I heard it usually does not cause weight gain; after losing almost 40 pounds, I would be devastated to gain it all back."

• Ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 15, 2018

For Depression "I was first put on Lexapro, but I gained 10 pounds in 4 weeks and generally felt like a robot. My doctor then switched me to 150 mg Wellbutrin XL. I took Wellbutrin XL for 5 days before stopping cold turkey. While on the medication, I felt wired, like I needed to be moving at all times, almost restless. That wasn’t the most worrisome symptom, though. I soon began to have chest pains, a very rapid heartbeat, and my heart would actually skip beats, which felt like someone squeezing my heart in my chest. After telling my doctor this, he said to stop immediately. I am now on day 3 of no medication, and my chest is still hurting like someone is sitting on it. My heart isn’t as rapid but is still skipping beats. I am incredibly dizzy to the point of being afraid to drive. I’m sure this medication works for some, but it has literally wrecked me, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone."

• ajm...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 3, 2019

For Depression "When I first started taking this a year ago, it felt like it was working almost immediately. Then, all of a sudden, it just felt like nothing. I recently increased it to 300 mg, and I had every side effect possible. So, I went down to the lower dose again. Lately, I've been having little desire to have sex, so I weaned myself off, and it's been three days since I've taken it, and last night was the first time in a while that I've had a desire to actually have sex. Every antidepressant I've tried has caused me weight gain and sexual side effects. Going to try the natural approach this time."

• Ble...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 13, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "Brand name Wellbutrin XL 450, severe gain weight, severe anger, severe stomach pain, severe constipation, severe vivid nightmares, made me from social normal person to an unreal horror human, scared to the world.... More than 90 days I can't even get out of my room.... severe panic attacks!!!"