Wellbutrin and anxiety

I have been taking the generic version of Wellbutrin, Bupropion, for almost 6 months. It has been the only thing to lift a bit of my chronic depression and anxiety. It gives me enough energy to navigate my day- I am not as tired all the time, nor do I feel so heavy and generally lethargic.

About 2 months ago, my hair started falling out. I have always had extremely thick, shiny hair. I started taking more vitamins to no avail. I couldn't figure it out because I didn't see anything about hair loss on the literature from the pharmacy that comes with my pills. Huge gobs of hair would come out in the shower or anytime I combed it. It got on my clothes, on the floor, on my pillows... It was horrifying! I believe I have lost about half of my hair, no kidding. I don't have any bald spots thank goodness, but that is because I started with so much hair in the first place. But if it keeps going at this rate, I can't imagine not being bald in the near future! Recently my friends have even commented on my thin hair. I try to not comb it unless it is just as the bottom, and even then I am pulling the hair up through the comb, not pulling the comb down through my hair. I wash it as infrequently as possible and even though I desperately need a trim, I will not go to the salon.

Just tonight I found this information and this very informative site. I am so mad though, because I never saw this as a possible side effect in any of the main literature- maybe I just missed it?

What is scary to me is to think about going off this drug...I'm afraid I won't be able to function as well with day to day living. My fatigue, depression, and anxiety are so immobilizing. I am going to try to go to a low dose and see if that helps, as well as continue to take the extra vitamins with biotin.
I really hope that's enough.

I didn't get much help in the past from any other antidepressants (I have tried 4). Almost as bad as the hair loss (although not visible to the entire world) was the total lack of sexual desire and ability to have sexual pleasure with the other drugs. That is part of the reason I loved Wellbutrin: no sexual side effects, a slight decrease in appetite/weight, increased energy and alertness, and a decrease in depression and anxiety (not completely, but the best I have had so far).

The only other side effect I have experienced is irritability and that has recently become worse. I notice I am much terser with my daughter and have less patience in general. I am likely to have angry reactions and at times I find myself feeling confrontational, whereas in the past I have always shied away from confrontation.

It is definitely a mixed bag with any of these drugs and very disappointing. Good luck to you all and thanks for sharing. . .

Just wondering if anyone has experienced sinus congestion (not relieved by antihistamines like Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec) and not having a cold?

I've been slowing working my dose up on Wellbutrin from 75 mg. a day to 100 mg. to avoid side effects. However, I'm experiencing a sharp rise in migraine headaches and this weird nasal congestion. I can't find where anyone has noticed 'nasal congestion' as a side effect.

Dr. today suggested I stop the medication for 1 week and see if these two possible side effects disappear; which I plan to do. I am small and sensitive to all antidepressants and have to go low and slow. 16 years ago there was ONLY Brand name Wellbutrin which is what I took.....75 mg. twice daily and I didn't have any problems. Don't know if I'm reacting to the fillers, dyes and substances in these Generic Wellbutrin by Teva.

Anyone out there that has nasal congestion or Migraines from Wellbutrin??

Thanks. L.

I have been on Wellbutrin SR for 1 year now. 100mg once in the morning. Have had 18-20 lb. weight gain, more anxiety(take alprazolam at night to help me sleep due to anxiety).I also at times hear a faint "door bell ringing" and am very short tempered towards my family.. Massive insomnia. I am trying to wean off and start over, but am experiencing major heart palpitations/anxiety along with alot more sleep issues. I don't know if my weight gain if from wellbutrin or alprazolam? My doctor said it was neither and it was because i'm in my 40's now. Wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!! Something is not right.

I'm a 33 yr old stay at home mom suffering from depression for almost 5 yrs now. I've been taking Wellbutrin for a month and a half now and have noticed that my hair is very oily. I use to have pretty dry hair, but now it looks like I haven't washed my hair in a week! I've also noticed the itchy scalp as well. I don't know what to do anymore. I've been on just about every anti-depressant medication there is, all with some kind of side effect that just seem to be worth taking the meds at all. Is there anything that actually works out there for those of us suffering from this terrible disease???!!!!

I am 62, have been on one or another anti depressant for 20 years,was on prozac for about last 3 years It seemed not to be doing the job,therapist started me on wellbutrin, the generic Bupropion,sex life was better,BUT I would rather have hair on my head than having orgasm. been taking 200 mg about 2 weeks,hands full of hair after washing my hair.I have noticed SOME memory problems,thought it was my age,ALWAYS have had a good memory, going off slowly,100 mg a day for 7 days then nothing,I also take anxiety meds,going to see if that may be all I need .If not back to the prozac

I have been taking Wellbutrin XL 300MG for 18 months now. It definitely cured my depression but since last couple of months I noticed my hair falling at an alarming rate. I can now see my scalp in several places. It is discouraging. I am going to lower the dose to 150MG and then stop after some time.

I took lexapro for anxiety and mild depression for 3 months, but after experiencing anorgasm, (the inability to reach orgasm) I talked to my doctor and we decided to try Wellbutrin. I have been on it for a week, and I am experiencing the jittery, boxed up nervousness. In addition today I dry heaved all day.....I almost feel like I did when I took adderall for ADHD in College (got off of that b/c it made me a zombie-ish b*tch) And last night I cried for 2 hours without really knowing why. So, I don't know if maybe this med is not good for me, and if I should notice some relief by now....lexapro was great for the mood--always happy, easy going and a bit nonchalant, but I gained 10 pounds in 3 months (started at 115 so 10 lbs is a lot for a person as small as I am) and the orgasm problem was not good as I am 27 and newly married....wondering if there is anyone out there that switched from lexapro to wellbutrin and if their symptoms subsided after a couple of weeks......

I am definitely having severe shortness of breath and also have the shakes. I used to have anxiety before being treated for my depression but now its back because of the meds. It is very scary to feel like you cant breath. I feel like I am intoxicated at time, nausea, stuttering and being forgetful. I feel light head from feeling like I can't breath. I also lost about 20 lbs in 2 weeks. These should be stressed as serious warnings by doctors before taking this medicine.

Wellbutrin makes my hair fall out and really really angry. I've been screaming and just very irritated. I worry about everything. It helps my pms and ocd thoughts but I don't know if that's worth all this irritability. I notice that I just want to give up all the time because I am so overwhelmed with everything. Lexapro is really good for me but I am overweight and need to lose weight and lexy wouldn't let me do that. My plan is to try and stick it out for a couple of months with wellbutrin and get this weight off and then go back to lex. Lex does not cause me to gain weight, just won't let me lose any weight. I hate my attitude and anxiety and I hate being overweight, I feel like I'm making the right choice at the moment and am eagerly anticipating the day I can drop wellbutrin. I do have to say that without wellbutrin I get crazy mad (ptsd) no sleep crying constantly just really freaked out so it does help a little. And the hairloss isn't too bad, no sexual side effects or headaches, no nausea bad dreams etc...just very angry and sweaty...Thanx for reading :) Lori

I have been on generic Wellbutrin for almost two weeks and have not gotten a rash but have noticed that my anxiety has gone up, especially at night. I already have anxiety about not sleeping and normally will take benadryl or lunesta to help that. I also feel like I have this surge of anger, that I am not sure where it came from. Has anyone else had this? I talked to my doctor yesterday and he said to follow up on Friday and see. I am switching from lexapro to wellbutrin because of massive weight gain and to help me quit smoking. Any advice would be grateful, I can deal with it if I know its going to pass shortly!!

I was prescribed generic Wellbutrin two weeks ago today. I took it for 10 days with no problems except mild headache, mostly pressure. I felt great even after only 10 days and had tons of energy. I know it usually takes 3-6 weeks for the full effects but I was already happy after only 10 days. I thought this was a miracle drug. On the 11th day I had a few hives on my inner thighs and on my chest but I didn't think too much of it. On the 12th morning I had tons on my thighs, entire torso from abdomen to chest, shoulders upper arms, neck and back. I even took pictures to show my doc of the ones of my back. I tried to get in touch with my doc which was this past Wednesday 5/27/09 but his office closed early that day. I then called my pharmacist. He told me to go to the ER immediately. He asked if I was having shortness of breath and I told him I couldn't tell if it was related to meds because I am prone it anxiety and I was a bit anxious about the hives all over. I went to the ER and they gave me a shot of Solu-Medrol (a steroid) in the hip and but me on a steroid (prednisone) pack for 6 days. I only took the prednisone that Wednesday night. Yesterday (Thursday the hives were visible but soo much better, and today (Friday) they are completely gone. I am so disappointed that I had this reaction because I loved taking buporion (generic wellbutrin). I wonder if it's just the generic that does it because I read someone else say that the name brand didn't give them hives but the generic did. I will have to check in to that. The ER doc told me to stop taking so my last does was Wednesday morning. (ohhh by the way I was on 150mg once in morning and once at night, so 300mg/day and I was on the wellbutrin SR kind)

I have been taking welbutrin for about 4 years now. I am going to tell my exact dose and type since I am trying to figure out from other peoples comments if there is a difference in side effect in SR vs XL . I have taken 150 XL and the went down to 75 mg Sr because i was trying to decrease the dosage and come off entirely eventually. I have suffered with acne all the four years but thought it was stress (Daughter became type i diabetic and can't ever get her blood sugar stable and the my son developed a bone tumor not long after she was diagnosed). Anyway we finally got his problem resolved with good results but hers is a blood sugar nightmare everyday. So you can see why I thought the acne was from stress . Never even crossed my mind it could be wellbutrin. I noticed my skin was better for a while when my dose was just 75 mg sr. But alas the bone tumor came back again for my son and had to go back to 150xl. Skin has hundreds of little white tiny tiny white heads. Is this the type of acne other people are experiencing?

I've been on Wellbutrin for about two months. I notice that I am quick to anger, and seem to suffer memory loss. I was beginning to think I was in early stages of Alzheimer (I am 45) as it runs in my family. I couldn't remember names and it terrified me. The doctor subscribed it due to the weight gain I experienced on Prozac, and I have lost weight on Wellbutrin. I have been diagnosed with mild to moderate depression, due to excessive crying that I could not control (especially at work). The Wellbutrin has helped keep my crying under control when crying would be inappropriate. But still feel it is excessive when I am in a more relaxed atmosphere. Prozac was certainly my "happy pill".

I've been on Bupropion XL 300 mg (Generic Wellbutrin) for almost 3 months.Overall I feel much better than before.I can cope with lifes issues without freaking,I'm a better mother to my girls.I haven't had any major side effects such as hives or hair loss,however I do notice occasional bouts of anxiety.Tightness in the chest.My libido all but disappeared after having my second child and I'm only 30 years old.I was hoping the Wellbutrin would help but it's really made no difference.Aaargh! But at least I don't have to suffer the depression and guilt due to lack of sex drive and the monotony of everyday living.I'm living my life again...And my hair has never looked better!

Hello,

I am so happy to find these posts. I started the generic Wellbutrin SR 100 MG in the morning about four months ago. She wanted me to increase my dose but there is no way I can handle it. I am also on Zoloft 50 mg for panic attacks. She added the wellbutrin to give me more energy and help with my low sex drive. It gives me lots of energy but I can not have caffeine or much sugar when I am taking it or I have a panic attacks. Also I am very short of breath, I thought this was just my anxiety but after reading all the other posts I am beginning to wonder if it is the wellbutrin. My sex life is a little better but not much, of course I am taking a very low dose. About a week after I started taking it, my back and neck was killing me. I went for a massage and she said I had knots all over my back and neck, this four months ago, I kept getting massages and they just keep getting bigger and will not go away! I am almost certain the wellbutrin is making me tense and causing these. I decided to call my doctor today and ask to go off of it.

What is funny is I was on it a few years back but it was Wellbutrin XL not generic. It was wonderful! I had the best sex life, I had so much energy and no side effects.

I just wanted to share my story.

I took Wellbutrin SR 2 years ago and never had a problem. Started taking it again and have a number of side effects. I have been on it for over a month (150 MG 2 times daily). Since being on it, I have had severe headaches and migraines (had problems with migraines before, but not like the ones now), severe insomnia, memory problems, dry mouth and frequent loss of appetite. I have always been able to take prescription meds or Excedrin Migraine for headaches and they always helped. Now I can't get rid of my headaches since being on Wellbutrin. I have been taking Ambien 10MG for the insomnia, but that only helps for about 5-6 hours. Without the Ambien, I could go 2 days without sleeping.

To make a long story short (I think). Taking Celexa (20 mg) for more than 4 years definitely caused decreased sexual sensations (numbed nerves), though it did change my life. In October Switched to Wellbutrin XL. Withdrawal from Celexa was not easy but Libido is definitely back. Problem is I am angry ALL the time at my husband. In fact, I've been angry almost from the get go from switching to Wellbutrin. I have also been puzzled by slight hair loss in the back of my head at the hairline. I have of late experienced abrupt halts in thought processes and my periods, though I am 45, have suddenly become irregularly. Frankly I didn't realize that Wellbutrin could likely be the cause of these symptoms until I read some of these posts. I really would like to wean off of this drug (was prescribed 300 mg but have taken 150 mg due to feelings of being 'wigged' out on higher dosage - did up the ante for just over a week to see if that would help but didn't seem to matter)...Nevertheless, I really think Wellbutrin is causing me to feel deep resentment toward my husband. This is not a usual emotion for me and it pretty well started immediately after I began taking Wellbutrin. I really could use your opinions(s). IS THE WELLBUTRIN causing the anger??? Did the Celexa simply MASK existing problems??? Is it a combination of both. Is this depression again or am I in the process of slipping back in??? (anger was not a previous symptom of my depression though black clouds, low esteem, doom and gloom and sadness were) Also, aside from anger and sheer resentment, I feel as if I'm spinning my wheels, that I'm in rut and that no matter how I try to move forward, I can't - I really feel lost and am so angry at my husband and see him in such a different way that it is almost to the point of being ridiculous). THANK-YOU so much for your replies.

Have been on Cymbalta 30mg daily for a year. Started on Wellbutrin 50mg daily about 6 weeks ago to help with attention deficit. About 4 weeks or so ago I started having occasional muscle cramping in hands and feet. Yesterday I started with twitching of left eye. Last time I had the eye twitching it was the beginning of an allergic reaction to Prozac. I'm thinking even the low dose Wellbutrin may be too much. anyone else had this experience? I'm also starting to notice an increase in anxiety. Not sure if it's due to worrying about the cramping and twitching or the Wellbutrin itself. Any thoughts?

I was taking Lexapro for anxiety, but was having sexual side effects. I went to a Psychiatrist, who gave me a few options, and decided to go with Wellbutrin. He started right off the bat on 300mg, and for the first week or so didn't feel too much change. Then, about the beginning of the third week I had terrible nausea and dizziness. I was scared to drive to work some days. I also feel as though I am becoming emotionless, and have a general melancholy feeling. The nausea and dizziness seems to be getting better, but if the sad feeling doesn't subside, I believe that I will discontinue use.
On the bright side, the sex has been great!

I have been on wellbutrin for about 4-5 years.I thought it was a God send..I was feeling so good and had so much energy at first..then recently Im having a lot of memory loss..thought it was due to getting older,kinda normal..but it has gotten so bad..I cant even remember what I had for dinner,or remember names,or even a conversion,Im having I just forget it in the middle of talking to someone,I cant even read,seems like I read the same sentence over and over...Its gotten to the point my family members,including my own kids are noticing it,I feel like Im dumb,or not even capable of anything anymore.I have gone cold turkey as of Dec.31st..I hope I can have my memory return...I even got so scared,I had an MRI on my brain..thats how bad I am.but it came back normal.....what can I do?..I also suffer form hair loss..I have short hair to begin with,I hurts when people just stare at your thin spots,and know what there thinking.
mgd761

I've been on Welbutrin for about six months, along with Zoloft. I had tried it because of the lack of motivation and the lithergy I was feeling (I suspect) as a result of the Zoloft. I came across this site after a search for memory loss connected with Welbutrin. I believe I'm having that problem. I don't seem to have the quick grasp of words I did. In a phone conversation today, I could not remember a certain medical term that I have been using rather frequently over the past six months. There are some other cases, but that incident put me on the trail of memory loss research. I actually suspected that it was the Ambien I had been taking for sleep (I have not completely ruled that drug out). But all the posts here seem to indicate that the welbutrin could be at fault.

I'm on 150mg, twice daily. However, in the morning, I will actually take one and a half pills (225mg) to get me going. I have noticed CONSIDERABLE jitters, hand tremors, enough that if I'm doing delicate work of some type, I have difficulty continuing ti complete the task. At the 225mg, I do seem to become over amped a bit, but it improves my motivation. A St. Johns Wart capsule will usually calm that, but you see the problem of one drug, helping one problem, but causing another, so you take a third! I have tried numerous other antidepressants and they all caused more side effects than they were worth.
Celexa cause an eventual complete lack of ANY motivation! Plus SERIOUS sexual side effects. Zoloft has been the best with the least side effects and I have always returned to it. But the sleepiness can just be extreme with me.

I have run out of Welbutrin and the result is return of the lithergy. I also believe that the Welbutrin may be causing my occasional up tick in anger. Possibly spreading the dosage will help. Not mixing it with caffiene may also help because caffiene can make me explosive if I don't limit my intake to about a cup of coffee. Most of you know that Zoloft, Prozac and the like increase the available seritonin in your brain, a calming neurotransmitter. Welbutrin increases the available norepinephrine, a stimulating neurotransmitter, akin to adrenalin. (Research for yourselves those facts, remember, I posting this because of a problem with MEMORY! :) So it makes perfect sense that people can become overstimulated with Welbutrin. The memory aspects of it, I don't yet understand. I'm going to experiment with dosage reduction and possibly replacing the Welbutrin with the amino acid L-phenylalanine. I hope this little post can help some of you as much as the other posts here have helped me!

Burt

I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW THANKFUL I AM THAT I HAVE COME ACROSS THIS WEB SITE. UNDERSTAND THAT WE GO THROUGH LIFE WITH MAJOR UPS AND DOWNS AND SOMETIMES WE NEED SOMETHING TO HELP US OUT. BUT AT WHAT COST? EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT. AND PERHAPS WITH FAMILY HISTORY AND WHAT NOT THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO NEED MEDS TO HELP THEM OUT. I FIRST BEGAN TAKING YASMIN ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO. NEVER THOUGHT MUCH OF IT BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN ON BC MOST OF MY LIFE DUE TO BAD PERIODS, WHICH STARTED WHEN I WAS A TEENAGER. UNFORTUNATELY I DID NOT BOTHER TO EXPERIMENT WITH THE FACT THAT AS YOU GET OLDER YOU'RE BODY CHANGES. SO RATHER THAN GET OFF BC I JUST CONTINUED ON WITH IT 1 TO PREVENT PREGNANCY AND 2 IT HELPED THE BAD PERIOD SYMPTOMS AT THAT TIME. OF COURSE YOU READ ABOUT SIDE EFFECTS, BUT THEY GIVE YOU THE "NOT SO BAD" VERSION OF THEM. ALMOST A YEAR AGO I STARTED GETTING HORRIBLE UNBEARABLE MOOD SWINGS, ANXIETY YOU NAME IT. SO I DECIDED TO GO TO THE DRS. TO FIND OUT WAS WRONG BECAUSE I HAD SIMILAR SYMPTOMS TO A THYRIOD PROBLEM, BUT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM BECAUSE MY TONS OF BLOOD WORK I KEPT TAKING CAME BACK FINE. SO THE DR PRESCRIBED WELLBUTRIN AND LEXAPRO. I WAS DESPERATE AND JUST WANTED TO FEEL GOOD AGAIN. THE FIRST COUPLE MONTHS WERE ROUGH BECAUSE OF THE SIDE EFFECTS AND THEN THE MEDS STARTED TO WORK AND EASE EVERYTHING UNTIL RECENTLY. I AM BACK TO SQUARE 1! DON'T WANT TO DO ANYTHING, BASICALLY HAVE ALL THE SYMPTOMS BACK FROM THE SIDE EFFECTS. FROM THE SHAKING TO THE MUSCLE ACHE, MEMORY LOSS, WEIGHT GAIN, THINNING OF THE HAIR(AND IM BLOND AND HAVE FINE HAIR TO BEGIN WITH) WHAT EVERYONE IS AND HAS BEEN FEELING ARE REAL AND NOT JUST STUFF MADE UP IN YOUR HEAD. YOU ARE NOT CRAZY! SO BASICALLY BY JUST TAKING ONE MED LED TO ME TAKING ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER. SO BY THE GRACE OF GOD I STUMBLED ACROSS THIS SITE WHEN I HAD GOOGLED MEDS TO HELP WITH SEVERE MOOD BEHAVIOR. AND THE FIRST THING IT CAME TO WAS THE YASMIN SIGHT AND LET ME TELL YOU I WAS IN SHOCK BECAUSE I COULDN'T BELIEVE WHAT SIDE EFFECTS IT HAD THAT MIMICED ANXIETY, WHICH LED ME AND MY DRS. TO THINK THAT I HAD ANXIETY, WHICH I DON'T THINK IS THE CASE. I BELIEVE THAT ALL THESE PROBLEMS STEMMED FROM THE YASMIN. I THOUGHT THAT I WOULD HAVE TO BE MISERABLE MY WHOLE LIFE. TO SUM IT UP THE SIDE EFFECTS FROM THE PILL HAD MADE MY BODY HAVE SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY ETC. NEVER HAD ANYTHING LIKE IT BEFORE. SO I HAD CLICKED ON TO WELL BUTRIN AND LEXAPRO BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN TAKING 450 OF THE XL AND UP TO 40 ON THE LEXAPRO...HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE! SO I HAVE TO DECIDED TO STOP EVERYTHING AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS BECAUSE I CANNOT TAKE THIS CRAPY FEELING ANYMORE. MY DAUGHTER, BOYFRIEND, AND FRIENDS HAVE ALL SUFFERED FROM THE SIDE EFFECTS OF THESE MEDICATIONS. THANK GOD I STILL HAVE A CHANCE TO MAKE THINGS RIGHT WITH EVERYONE. EXCUSE MY LANGUAGE, BUT I PUT THE BITCH IN BITCH AND NOT PROUD OF IT BECAUSE THAT'S NOT WHO I AM. HOPEFULLY YOU HAVE READ THROUGH BECAUSE IVE READ EVERY COMMENT ON THIS SITE AND IT HAS DONE ME A WORLD OF GOOD, I FEEL LIKE THEIR IS STILL HOPE TO ACTUALLY WAKE UP ONE MORNING AND NOT FEEL TIRED , HAVE A HEADACHE, NOT BE CONSTIPATED AND THE LIST GOES ON. SO LADIES YOU ARE NOT ALONE, IT IS HAPPENING TO YOU AND HOW YOU CHOOSE TO FIX IT IS ALL UP TO YOU IF IT HELPS THEN STICK WITH IT,BUT IF YOU'RE FED UP AND MISERABLE LIKE ME, RID YOU'RE BODY AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS. I WILL DEFINITELY GIVE AN UPDATE TO WHAT HAPPENS AND IF THE MEDS WERE THE CULPRIT OF MY PROBLEMS.

I started taking wellbutrin sr 150 mg about a week ago. I did okay on it, but my depression wasn't better. My doctor increased my dosage to 300 mg a day (150 mg in am, 150 mg in pm). Since then, I have had 1 panic attack, and I feel like I can't stop moving around. My heart also started to "flutter" a little bit last night. I'm also taking xanax for anxiety, and I admit I've taken more of it the last few days to deal with the anxiety. I think I'm going to go back down to the 150 mg once a day for a while, because this anxiety is killing me.

I've been taking Wellbutrin XL for almost a year the highest dose you can take which is 450 mg. When I first started taking it, the side effects were horrible, first with the memory loss, nausea etc. A few months into the perscription I could notice a change, but as time went on I began to feel not so good anymore. I started getting bad twitches right before I was almost asleep. They became so bad that I would wake myself up because my body would jerk so bad. The ringing of the ears had occurred along with an appetite increase. I felt that it stopped working within the last couple months. There is no point to be on a medication that is not working. Also suffering hair loss and my hair is blond and fine to begin with. I just find it alarming that so many people who are taking this have horrible side effects from it. Side effects are suppose to subside overtime, but not in this case. Besides I was also taking Yasmin which is a whole different story because it could of been causing the anxiety that led to me to have to take this medication. So I'm stopping everything because I feel my body is telling me to let be it free of meds. I strongly believe in medications, but not when one med causes a sympton that leads to another med that causes other problems. Like everyone has been saying listen to your body and don't ignore it. I'm tired of being sick and tired! A medicine that is suppose to make you feel better is only making me feel worse. I'm just going to start from scratch again and see what happens perhaps I never really needed anything at all which upsets me. Since the time I began Yasmin up until The Wellbutrin Xl, I've been living quite the miserable life. I don't want anyone to have to go through this ever. I lost out on alot of time with my daughter and I can't get that back. A lesson to be learned perhaps, study up on meds before taking them or combining them with others, we are fortunate enough to have the technology to do so. So think about how you're feeling and whats going on with your bodies. GOD BLESS!

I have been taking the generic form of Wellbutrin (social anxiety with a touch of ADHD) for just over six months and as much as I hate to admit it, I believe that the bad is finally, convincingly, outweighing the good.
The good things that came along with 150mg of the SR every morning at 11:00: Weight loss (but only after an initial one month period of eating every form or carbohydrate I could find), it seems to brighten the whites of my otherwise cloudy eyes, helped me maintain conversations with people that I would have normally cut off early, and possibly--but only possibly--helps me focus (although the hyper focus that I used to get via the ADHD is gone. Completely. Non-existent.)
Which brings me to the bad: This goes against most of what I've read other people experience on Wellbutrin but lethargy has set in. And it feels like it's here to stay. It's not really a sedated lethargy but more of a false contentment that everything is just fine the way it is. No progression, no improvement, and looking to the future is almost impossible through the fog. I too, during the first two or three weeks, had the speedy, productive reaction to the medication. But that has subsided. Next, hair loss has become a concern. I'm in my thirties and it could be just how it goes but I truly doubt it. Mild constipation may seem bearable but I miss regularity more than I have time to describe. Ringing in the ears. Impaired memory. Confusion. Forgetfulness to a fault. Mild hives on the back. Irritability. A marked shortness of breath. After one month on Wellbutrin, I could barely run a mile on the treadmill when I've been accustomed to flying through three to five with ease. I feel weak, vulnerable even. Working out has therefore fallen to the wayside. And last, but probably the worst, this medication has seemed to cultivate a serious craving for other drugs. I can't explain it but I can't take it anymore either.
Like most people on a medication, I have read numerous posts and some people share some of my concerns but mostly, it seems that the people who report in are the speedy folks on day two or week two. That is, in my opinion, only a bit helpful, since these effects are usually short-lived. Wellbutrin started out with promise but while parts of me look into the mirror and see an improvement, underneath it all, I know that it is purely a nicely dressed form of prescribed avoidance.
I haven't posted this to discourage anyone. If it works for you--great. Really. But I also haven't read anyone's experience that matched my own so I figured it might help someone who is going through any of the same. Good luck.

Was on WB 150 for about 3 years along with Lexapro 20 mg. Quit taking both and found anxiety unbearable. Tried taking both again and anxiety went through the roof. Unable to sleep or function during the day. horrendous anxiety.
Finally went back to doc who put me on Lexapro 20 with Lunesta (no WB) to get me through the nights until it "kicked in" (short term). Whew! What a relief. Much, much better.
Not a fan of WB. Takes away all emotion.

i have been taking wellbutrin to help me deal with anxiety for a little more than a week. i thought it would take more time to have an effect, but i feel very calm. i even stopped smoking right off, which i didn't intend to do. The side effects are worse that i thought they would be. i have lost the ability to spell, my short-term memory is noticeably impaired, and i have trouble paying attention in class/at work. i feel very foggy and disconnected. i've also been having headaches, night sweats, and stomach pains, but they are mild.

I began taking Wellbutrin 2 weeks ago and started on a 150mg dosage. I was on 150mg for one week. The second week, I went up to 300mg per the psychiatrist's instructions. I was feeling really angry some of the time and decided to stop the medication. Prior to the last 2 weeks I was taking 40mg of Paxil, which I stopped after the first week of being on Wellbutrin.
The anger was uncomfortable, I stopped taking the Wellbutrin and within 36-48 hours of being off this drug, my feet began to itch mildly at first. Within about 30 minutes of this "mild" itching, the sensations got worse. My feet felt like they were on fire. The only relief was putting them in hot water in the tub. I was screaming with frustration and pain. I attributed this to the cold turkey stopping of wellbutrin. But since I had been on it only 2 weeks, I didn't think anything would happen. Big mistake. After 2 hours of having feet in tub, on the phone with a 24-hour nurse advice line and pharmacist, I went ahead and took 300 mg. The itching stopped within 2 hours. This was a freaking nightmare ! So I am weaning myself off. The doctor who prescribed this, who I spoke with the following day, said...well..stop taking it. Doesn't make sense because when I stopped that's when the extreme itching happened. It's crazy. I'm weaning myself off and taking Benadryl. I also got some hydrocortisone cream. There are scabs on the top of my foot from scratching. No more. I've been on anti-depressants for over 10 years now and I want to stop ALL OF THEM. Within 2 weeks, I should be "clean". Just know that this itching...was so intense I was crying and screaming because there was no relief.

The first time I went on Wellbutrin, I had a really bad reaction to it. I had insomnia, horrible tremors, apathy, I felt like I was walking around in a cloud. I went on to try other medications. Now I'm taking a combination of Prozac and Wellbutrin and it seems to be working. My depression is under control. I don't have the apathy or zombie feeling anymore, but I do still have the tremors, though they aren't as bad. I get some mild insomnia, but taking it in the morning helped with that, and lately I've found that a little bit of coffee in the morning (not too much, don't need to be MORE shaky) helps with a lot of my side effects. I do have the confusion and concentration issues too. It hasn't caused any severe problems, it only seems to really happen in casual conversation, where I'll completely forget what I wanted to say. It's annoying, but way better than depression, and not severe enough for me to stop.
To those people who are telling others to stay away from this drug, or any drug for that matter, don't forget that there is a reason there are so many different kinds of anti-depressants. Everybody's body chemistry is different, so their gonna react in different ways. Also, the people who don't have issues with side effects rarely go looking for sites like this....
Just something to think about.

I too have experience a late period, 11 days late so far. In addition, I am having extreme nausea. I thought maybe I was pregnant, I took 3 tests and all are negative. I have been on the Wellbutrin for 1 month now and am not really thrilled with the results. Actually, I find it's not helping at all.

I was on Celexa for about 6 months and loved it with 2 exceptions. Hair loss and a huge loss of my sex drive.

My thought is that none of these drugs are without side effects...there is no free ride.

Anyone else have similar experiences with Wellbutrin?

help ........... I just now broke a Wellbutrin SR pill in half and took it. .... ** What is going to happen ?? I am scared.

I saw a website that says: "Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release tablet (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban SR). Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time."

I just now decided to start taking again after 3 years because i have been having anxiety and can't stand it anymore !!

I am a pack a day smoker too. 46 year old male.

Well my experience with Wellbutrin has been better than that with Lexipro which i was on for a month as well . I have been taking Wellbutrin for about a month now at 150 mg's. I am 15 years old and am on it for ptsd,depression,and anxiety I've been experiencing really vivid and horrific nightmare, mostly centered around cuts on my body and hurting my loved ones, it was really concerning me so I asked my psychiatrist about it, he recommended that I switch to different med's . So if any of you are experiencing what I am you might want to concider that option. Wish me luck on my path to a long awaited relief

Has anyone had long term side effects after taking Wellbutrin. I was on ot for two years it helped with my anxiety and energy levels a lot. When the doctor put my dose to 300 mg I had severe muscle pain and swelling in hands, feet, ankles, legs it went down after I went back to 150mg. I tried to up my dose but the same thing happened. After two years of wellbutrin I developed severe headaches feels more like head pressure so I went off wellbutrin. would still have muscle pain and swelling from time to time. started developing severe pain in legs and now everywhere along with muscle twitches and muscle loss. I now am 32 and have severe memory problems and no doctor knows what is going on with me. Has anyone had anything like this or heard of anyone with these problems.

I have been taking Wellbutrin 200mg daily for about 2 weeks. I have taken prozac, which made me very violent, I've taken paxil and quit taking it when I got pregnant, and I've taken Zoloft, which worked wonderfully for me. Then, there is the Wellbutrin. When I first started it, I was tired and out-of-it. I figured I would give it a few days for my body to adjust. Now, I am tired, out-of-it, restless, annoyed at everyone, don't want to be touched, nervous, scared, emotional roller coaster, constant headache, muscle aches, stomach upset, smells are very pronounced, and to top it off, I thought I could quit smoking....but turns out I want to smoke more, however, they taste like crap, and smell even worse! I think I am going back to the doctor to switch back to zoloft. Wish I would have never started taking Wellbutrin!

Started 9 days ago. 150 once a day.
Haven't smoked. Insomnia teh last 2 days were AWFUL!
Horrendous nightmares when i did fall asleep for 20 minutes.
Anxiety last 2 nights were painfully scary.
Is it really worth it to take this stuff?
Tylenol pm doesn't seem to work well for me when I am on Wellbutrin.
I have had more energy and the eating goes back an forth. One day I will eat anything I can get my hands on. Next day i hardly eat at all.
Email me. ******
Thank you.
Kat

I've been taking Wellbutrin 200 mg at night for migraines, along with a low dose high blood pressure med in morning, these prescribed by my neurologist to combat migraines, which I was getting 15-20- times a month. I don't suffer depression or high blood pressure, but this seemed to work well for first 4-5 months. Only a few migraines in all that time, but she just increased me to 300 mg in morning instead because migraines are back. I had dry mouth, vivid nightmares, rapid heart beat that would wake me up middle of night, startled when I woke up, urgency to pee very often, them have to force it out, and have lost 10 pounds, which I didn't need to lose. Increased energy,less anxiety, and nightmares aren"t as bad, but am afraid will get worse on increased dose. But it worked for my migraines for 4-5 months wonderfully, and I've suffered for 20 years plus. Thought this might be helpful to someone out there>

INCREASED APPETITE!! My doctor took me off anxiety medicine and put me on Wellbutrin XL. I've been on it for two days and I have a constant headache, can't get out of bed because I'm so tired, and my appetite was so big that I ate enough calories for 3 adults. I weigh 120 lbs and don't plan on gaining anymore weight. I called my doctor regarding the side effects and he said "stop taking it". Of course I'm not a doctor, but this is the first "depression" medication I've been on and don't feel I am a depressed person. Maybe my doctor is a quack.

I posted a while back about some terrible hives I had. I continued to take the medication and the hives stopped. I love the way this helps with my anxiety. I do feel a bit forgetful and dreams are odd sometimes. I mentally feel better than I have in 36 years....Didn't realize how full of compulsive behaviors I was. If you get the hives take benedryl. Mine cleared up after a few days.

Oh yeah, the weight loss is subtle. I have been on it about 2 months and have lost a bit of weight but it is the complusions to eat I am free from.

I've been on Wellbutrin with a lot of success for almost 8 years now. It took several weeks of experimenting to find the right dose. Too much or too little had similar effects increasing my anxiety. Missed does constantly exaserbated the problem until I started XL. Shortly after starting I noticed a change in my sexual response --it just took a lot more to "get me going." That subsided somewhat after awhile, but I've also used Viagra about half the time. My mood improved but continued to fluctuate. My Dr. added a small dose of Zoloft a few years ago and I noticed a significant improvement in mood. Finally, a small dose of Ritiln had a major effect on a root ADD problem. I have felt more stable, confident and productive ever since. However, my sexual responses has decreased again in recent months. Viagra has even become unrreliable. I am going to ask the Dr about going off Zoloft, but talk of permanent effects are worrisome. PS; regarding hair--not a big problem, though it is thinner now since 1999. Never mind that i'm 52 now!

I have been taking wellbutrin XL 150mg for two months. I have had a small improvement in that shaky feeling and anxiety. However I had the experience of missing one tablet and that day I felt really weird. I felt like soulless, with no feelings at all, I even told things to my mother I felt guilty about. I know it had to do with the medication. I kept taking it. Right now, I plan to take it one addition al month then stop taking it. My doctor recommended me to start taking it one day in-between for the last month in order to wash it out properly. Let's hope that that soulless feeling doesn't take over...

I have been on Bupropion SR for about a month now. I had severe depression stemming from past incidents that I was unable to get over on my own. I started at 150 mg once a day and the first 2 days I felt nothing. The third day I caught myself grinning and laughing! However, on the 5th day, my doctor upped it to 150 mg twice a day. After the fourth day of that I started feeling irritable and tired. After a week of it I started feeling dizzy, nausea, anxiety, shaky, and just generally weird. I went to a different doctor and told her the symptoms and she reduced me to 100 mg twice a day. The dizziness is gone but the irritability is still present although manageable if I just think before I speak. I also have lost about 5 pounds. I notice that some days I have no appetite and others I am ravenous. The worst side effect so far is the anxiety. I have never had it before and now when the least little event or conflict is present I start getting a churning feeling in my stomach and restlessness. As for insomnia, I do stay up too late but once I force myself into bed I pass right out. I get sleepy around 2:00pm which is when I take the second pill and sometimes can't stop myself from falling asleep at my computer at work. My dreams were more intense and lucid when I was on 300mg a day but they seem to have gone back to normal now.

Took this product for about 2 years. Had terrible problems with insomnia, ringing in ears, anxiety during that time. I liked the fact that I had lost about 2 sizes so I was reluctant to stop. When I did, even though I decreased the dosage very slowly, I had terrble withdrawl symptoms. Extreme hostility, agitation, up for days, suicidal thoughts (which I'd never felt before). The doctor had no idea what would help. I called Narcotics Anonymous and was told to drink lots of water, cranberry juice, walk, take hot baths and above all pray. It has been about three weeks now and the worst has passed, but my life was hell for about two of those weeks. I don't believe doctors give you the proper counseling when you get on/off these or any other meds. They are too busy writing prescritions and keeping the drug manufacturers fat and happy!

I've been on welbutrin sr for 8 years. and it has been a miracle drug for me. I have bi-polar disorder, so am limited in terms of types of anti-depressants. Last week I went to have my prescription refilled, and the pharmacy told me it was back-ordered. They suggested I try welbutrin xl, same dosage, but once a day instead of twice a day. My doctor approved it, and I took it for 4 days. I couldn't leave the house, my anxiety was so bad. I couldn't stay awake in the afternoon, and couldn't sleep at night. I had a constant headache, and palpitations. I'm convinced that if I had remained on it, I was headed for a manic episode; the first in 8 years. So I called the drugstore, and they procured my old prescription for me. Anyone else have this kind of experience?

I had been taking Wellbutrin SR 150 mg for about a month and two days ago I funneled one beer at a football game (I am in college) and i had a seizure. It was really scary. Before that, I was expiriencing very bad anxiety, ringing ears, and felt out of my element. It wasn't for me. But everyone has different expiriences. I just know mine wasnt a positive one.

it made me feel like i was in a box. I had no emotion at all. I did not care about repercussions of ill made desicions. I didnt eat for about 3 weeks at 100mg. my arms shook and i would sweat profusely. I would have a pain so severe in my chest, back and stomach that all i could do was lay on the floor and cry. My anxiety and panic attacks persisted even at 300mg. the shaking stopped and so did the pain but the box has apparently dissolved because of my excessive crying. Everything around me assualts me- apparently wellbutrin XL at 300mg quit doing its job. I slept for 12 hours at a time - sometimes 20, having no recolection of falling asleep or ever waking up. Short term memory is shot - memory in general is shot. My keys, and shoes, and books dissapear on a regular basis because i cant remember if they are on the table or in the bag even though i set them down not 2 minutes ago.

This drug is making me crazy, but for the first time in years I have energy. I was weaned off of Lexapro (only because we thought it may be the cause of my chronic fatigue)and onto 150 a day of Welbutrin. Supposed to go to 300 mg of Welbutrin there is no way I can increase. I have never had more anxieity in my life. I almost strangled my bird yesterday because he wouldn't shut up. I have heart palpitations and shortness of breath. Can't drink ANY caffeine or I spin out of control. It sure keeps my weight down, and the energy is great, but I was thinking of combining it with the Lexapro to see if the anxiety wanes. Anybody taking both Lexapro & Welbutrin?

I've been taking Effexor XR 75 for over a year. About 6 months ago, Dr added Wellbutrin XL150 to help with some of the sexual side effects Of the Effexor (no point in doing anything sexual as no arousal or orgasm. Minor Improvement with Wellbutrin, very minor. But began doubting benefit of Effexor so the DR had me cease taking Effexor (SLowly) and increased Wellbutrin XL to 300. I've been doing this for about 2weeks and have had only 3 days with no Effexor at all. Started having some nausea and headache but thought it was because I was quitting Effexor. Now that the Effexor is all gone, the nausea is almost continual getting worse as the day goes on. Have the dizziness and weird vision like another said "your eyes take a second to catch up to you". This is bad and I'm on this for axiety and depression. If anything is causing me anxiety its the way I'm feeling now with the drugs!! Its very depressing too.

This is my 3rd day of taking Wellbutrin XL 150mg prescribed for stress related anxiety. I am experiencing nausea, headache, very bad heartburn. I'm supposed to be on this for 7 days and then increase the dosage to 300mg. Gosh-- I don't think I'll be able to get out of bed. I think I'm more out of control now that I was before.

This is my 3rd day of taking Wellbutrin XL 150mg prescribed for stress related anxiety. I am experiencing nausea, headache, very bad heartburn. I'm supposed to be on this for 7 days and then increase the dosage to 300mg. Gosh-- I don't think I'll be able to get out of bad. I have also been prescribed Ambien to help me sleep.

I have been taking Wellbutrin generic 75mg for 5 days. Today...WOW!! I feel like I did 10 lines of cocaine. I feel so speedy and upbeat. I don't have any other bad side effects. I notice at night, I feel the need to stretch out my legs because I feel agitated. SO far so good. I think this stuff is a lot better then the SSRI's. I had horrible side effects and suicidal thoughts. My only curiousity is, why would my DR. put me on this if I have anxiety and not depression? Weird. I have an appointment with him today and I think I want to stay on this dose and see how it works for me. I don't want this Dr shrinking my brain. LOL I'm really scared about drinking on this.