1. < Depression & Anxiety

Recently started Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

Posted by lalyfa @lalyfa, Jul 3, 2018

3 months ago I started taking Bupropion XL 150mg. It seemed to help me in several ways and I was happy with it. No “fuzzy” brain feeling, I woke up in the morning feeling refreshed, eliminated no reason crying spells, etc. I thought I could use a little stronger strength but I didn’t want to increase unless I really needed to. Since I made progress with the 150mg I decided to stay there! Then about 10 days ago a family situation occurred which sent me in a tail spin! Finally, settled done from that then I had a big issue with my mentally-challenged brother who lives with me (I am his caregiver). Since then I feel like the Bupropion is not working as it was. Crying a lot for no reason, waking up in the morning feeling terrible, no motivation. Is it normal for this to happen where I felt better than have a set back? I am now going to increase to 300mg to see if that helps. I don’t like to have to increase my anti-depressant dose but hopefully this will be the right dose for me! Again I’m just curious if anyone else went through something like this?

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Mentor
Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | May 17, 2019
In reply to @suecreader "You’re so welcome @becsbuddy. I know what you mean about having someone who really understands what..." + (show)
@suecreader

You’re so welcome @becsbuddy. I know what you mean about having someone who really understands what RLS is really like. I’ve learned that so many people I’ve talked to, who think they have restless legs have leg cramps or the jerking or movement that occurs with sleep apnea. While I know these are serous, uncomfortable, and interfere with sleep also, they’re not the same thing. They don’t have the need to get up and walk at night & that horrible jittery feeling that is so hard to explain. I think the best explanation I’ve come up with is that it feels like I’m shot full electricity since at it’s worst, it turns into a whole body sensation. When I’m really tired because of not sleeping I find myself impatient as those individuals share their “cures “ for what helps them.... and I feel bad since I know they are only trying to help. I think some of that feeling is because it is so miserable & we have that human need to be understood..... I should know more about CBD.... is it a tincture that you use or does it come in a pill form? When you expressed the hope that it would work tonight, I sympathize since I have found I dread bedtime, sometimes all day long

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@suecreader I sure know what you mean! I hate getting up at night! But if I don’t, it just gets worse. I tried CBD oil (extract from hemp) 4 nights this week and slept well. 😊 It’s from Bluebird Botanicals and was recommended to me by a nurse who worked for some holistic doctors. Think I’ll try some of @lioness suggestions also. Wish ourselves good luck!

REPLY
suecreader | @suecreader | May 17, 2019
In reply to @jodiev35 "Hello. I am new to this chat. I have reached out to people I know and..." + (show)
@jodiev35

Hello. I am new to this chat. I have reached out to people I know and nobody really understands. My dad passed away in May last year, and I could not get over the grief. I became depressed and developed anxiety. My pcp put me on cymbalta in January. It worked for the most part. I was neutral. I was not happy or sad. I gained weight and in turn became more sad. My dr switched me to Wellbutrin last week. Coming off cymbalta and starting Wellbutrin for the most part has been “okay” but lately my anxiety is always present. I can’t shake it. It’s a weird feeling. Like a calm anxiety. Has anyone had experience with starting Wellbutrin? How long does it take to notice change or feel better? Has anyone had Wellbutrin success? And if so can you tell me your timeline. First week, second week, month etc? Please someone tell me it gets better.

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Thanks for info @becsbuddy - congratulations on getting some good sleep! Doesn't it feel like such a gift? I don't think "regular" doctors are on board yet with CBD . . . . even though it has no THC in it.

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johnhans | @johnhans | Jul 1, 2019
In reply to @catcatanzaro60 "I have started taking this instead of Prozac. Does anyone have worse anxiety and headaches from..." + (show)
@catcatanzaro60

<p>I have started taking this instead of Prozac. Does anyone have worse anxiety and headaches from this medication</p>

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Wellbutrin acts as a stimulant and thus can cause symptoms of increased anxiety. It is different from other antidepressants in that it is not an ssri, but designed for those with minor to moderate depression. I had major depression when I took it and it did increase my anxiety so I talked with my doctor and he prescribed another drug.

REPLY
catcatanzaro60 | @catcatanzaro60 | Jul 1, 2019
In reply to @jodiev35 "Hello. I am new to this chat. I have reached out to people I know and..." + (show)
@jodiev35

Hello. I am new to this chat. I have reached out to people I know and nobody really understands. My dad passed away in May last year, and I could not get over the grief. I became depressed and developed anxiety. My pcp put me on cymbalta in January. It worked for the most part. I was neutral. I was not happy or sad. I gained weight and in turn became more sad. My dr switched me to Wellbutrin last week. Coming off cymbalta and starting Wellbutrin for the most part has been “okay” but lately my anxiety is always present. I can’t shake it. It’s a weird feeling. Like a calm anxiety. Has anyone had experience with starting Wellbutrin? How long does it take to notice change or feel better? Has anyone had Wellbutrin success? And if so can you tell me your timeline. First week, second week, month etc? Please someone tell me it gets better.

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<p>I have started taking this instead of Prozac. Does anyone have worse anxiety and headaches from this medication</p>

REPLY
2 replies
Moderator
Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Jul 1, 2019
In reply to @catcatanzaro60 "I have started taking this instead of Prozac. Does anyone have worse anxiety and headaches from..." + (show)
@catcatanzaro60

<p>I have started taking this instead of Prozac. Does anyone have worse anxiety and headaches from this medication</p>

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Hi, @catcatanzaro60 - Glad you connected with @johnhans.

I moved your post to this existing "Starting Wellbutrin" discussion so you can connect with others also talking about this topic. Click VIEW & REPLY in your email notification to get to your post and read previous posts in this discussion.

I personally started taking bupropion (Wellbutrin) several years ago. I started having worse anxiety after I started it. Thankfully, I spoke to a pharmacist who told me this was common, and that I'd need to hang in there for about 3 months to see it all balance out and fully experience how this medication worked for me. I had to grit my teeth along that journey with the anxiety that flared at times. However, in my case, it was worth it, and it did all balance out (the anxiety tapered down), and the bupropion (Wellbutrin) was helpful to me.

Also hoping that others in this conversation, like @jodiev35 @jbp26 @suecreader @merpreb, will offer their thoughts about how starting this medication has gone for them.

How are you coping with the anxiety and headaches when they've come on, @catcatanzaro60?

REPLY
secretwhitepop | @secretwhitepop | Jul 6, 2019
In reply to @jodiev35 "Hello. I am new to this chat. I have reached out to people I know and..." + (show)
@jodiev35

Hello. I am new to this chat. I have reached out to people I know and nobody really understands. My dad passed away in May last year, and I could not get over the grief. I became depressed and developed anxiety. My pcp put me on cymbalta in January. It worked for the most part. I was neutral. I was not happy or sad. I gained weight and in turn became more sad. My dr switched me to Wellbutrin last week. Coming off cymbalta and starting Wellbutrin for the most part has been “okay” but lately my anxiety is always present. I can’t shake it. It’s a weird feeling. Like a calm anxiety. Has anyone had experience with starting Wellbutrin? How long does it take to notice change or feel better? Has anyone had Wellbutrin success? And if so can you tell me your timeline. First week, second week, month etc? Please someone tell me it gets better.

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Thank you for sharing! My dad passed away a year ago, March. Ever since then I have had the worst anxiety - but I also was weening off Effexor at the same time. Last month I threw in the towel and asked my doctor to go back on an SSRI. I tried Lexapro for one week but the anxiety got worse! I have been taking a low dose of seroquel for about a week and it’s been great. Monday the doctor wants to add Zoloft. I don’t like being on any medication, but I can’t deny how much better I feel now that the anxiety has abated for the most part.

My only concern is that it is appearing as if I am bipolar. I’m 51 years old. I don’t think I’m bipolar but I DO think grief and anxiety are tied. Especially when it’s your dad.

I am so sorry for your loss. I can honestly say I know what you’re going through. And sadly, I don’t think anything but time can ease you. But in the meantime, DO suggest perhaps seroquel to the doc.

Good luck.

REPLY
Gene Ames, Jr. | @gamesjr | Aug 22, 2020
In reply to @jodiev35 "Hello. I am new to this chat. I have reached out to people I know and..." + (show)
@jodiev35

Hello. I am new to this chat. I have reached out to people I know and nobody really understands. My dad passed away in May last year, and I could not get over the grief. I became depressed and developed anxiety. My pcp put me on cymbalta in January. It worked for the most part. I was neutral. I was not happy or sad. I gained weight and in turn became more sad. My dr switched me to Wellbutrin last week. Coming off cymbalta and starting Wellbutrin for the most part has been “okay” but lately my anxiety is always present. I can’t shake it. It’s a weird feeling. Like a calm anxiety. Has anyone had experience with starting Wellbutrin? How long does it take to notice change or feel better? Has anyone had Wellbutrin success? And if so can you tell me your timeline. First week, second week, month etc? Please someone tell me it gets better.

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I have been on Wellbutrin for about 6 months and mild depression has gone. When should I stop the Wellbutrin?

REPLY
2 replies
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Aug 22, 2020
In reply to @gamesjr "I have been on Wellbutrin for about 6 months and mild depression has gone. When should..." + (show)
@gamesjr

I have been on Wellbutrin for about 6 months and mild depression has gone. When should I stop the Wellbutrin?

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@gamesjr- Hello- I also take Wellbutrin, but I have chronic depression. I have learned through all the years that I have been on anti-depressants that you do not withdraw from any medication like this without a long weaning process scheduled by the doctor that prescribed it to you. I have decided that I will most likely stay on it for the rest of my life. I take it along with 125 mgs of Sertraline.
Did your doctor ever discuss stopping it with you?

REPLY
1 reply
sue48 | @sue48 | Aug 22, 2020
In reply to @merpreb "@gamesjr- Hello- I also take Wellbutrin, but I have chronic depression. I have learned through all..." + (show)
@merpreb

@gamesjr- Hello- I also take Wellbutrin, but I have chronic depression. I have learned through all the years that I have been on anti-depressants that you do not withdraw from any medication like this without a long weaning process scheduled by the doctor that prescribed it to you. I have decided that I will most likely stay on it for the rest of my life. I take it along with 125 mgs of Sertraline.
Did your doctor ever discuss stopping it with you?

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I have been taking 300 mg Wellbutrin xl for 30+ years. It has been great, gave me help to have a life. But I don't think it is working anymore. 4 years ago the doctor added 250mg of sertraline. Still not working.

REPLY
2 replies
secretwhitepop | @secretwhitepop | Aug 23, 2020
In reply to @sue48 "I have been taking 300 mg Wellbutrin xl for 30+ years. It has been great, gave..." + (show)
@sue48

I have been taking 300 mg Wellbutrin xl for 30+ years. It has been great, gave me help to have a life. But I don't think it is working anymore. 4 years ago the doctor added 250mg of sertraline. Still not working.

Jump to this post

I have heard that this sometimes happens And I’m sorry. I have had good luck with SSRI’s and even SNRI’s - so much so that I thought I could go without... but I definitely have anxiety, depression and, at times, manic episodes.

I wonder if, instead of adding sertraline, perhaps (under doctors supervision) weening off Wellbutrin and trying a different SSRI.

Since you said it’s not working anymore, I wonder, is there anything else happening in your life that could be contributing to your mood? Perhaps another health issue or emotional issue?

We are all still learning about how these drugs work and why. My story starts with zoloft (I suppose a good 25 years ago). Then Effexor for the best part of the next 20 years. Then I weened off (long story) and I lasted for 6 months med free. (Not a fun time for my family and I was trying everything to stay anxiety and depression-free... exercising, meditation, healthy eating, lots of water...). Couldn’t hack it.
Cried everyday.

Doc put me on lexapro and the anxiety was through the roof! I was scared nothing would work. My doc had an idea though... she started me on a low dose of seroquel as a mood stabilizer. After about a week, she added low dose of zoloft. So far it’s worked like a charm. My doc feels I lean towards bipolar.

Anyway, despite being on something for 30 years, perhaps it isn’t the right med for you now. At this phase of your life.

Stay in touch. There are lots of good people on this forum with lots of good advice.

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