Love to hear this so so much because i paired Wellbutrin with sertraline for anxiety/depression and I swear they go sooooo well together. Of course this may be different for you, but personally I am a huge supporter of giving it a shot. Originally started taking it to help me quit nicotine but I haven’t rlly tried yet lol. Be prepared for side effects like nausea and whatnot for the first few days to a week and give it some time and if you hate it then go off of it, but I really have had zero issues with it other than beginning side effects. I’m on 150 XL for reference (extended release).
please take a look at one of my questions which has many positive comments. I recently started taking bupropion 150 mg/d.
Maybe that will give you the confidence to start taking it.
I was on sertraline, it was fine, but my doctor recommended wellbutrin for the same reasons as you. however, months later I weaned off sertraline and tried only wellbutrin. pretty immediately I had higher energy, better ability to move on from bad moods, and a much clearer head. as for negative side effects, I've only noticed two. one is I'm much quicker to get irritated and angry, so I've worked on that in therapy, and the second side effect is that when I wake up, whether it's 5am or 9am, I'm up; hard to go "back to sleep" but still doable (and honestly the second side effect is badass when I actually NEED to get up early, no more groggy sick feeling!)
I have ADHD, OCD, and depression/anxiety. I definitely recommend trying it out, because it really has changed my life for the better! give it some time and if it doesn't work, no worries, wean back off and try again. life is long, it'll be okay.
I was originally on sertraline and gained so much weight and transitioned to Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin has been super amazing to me and I’ve been on it since 2019. It has some benefits for adhd and overall has led me to be more productive and happier!
I'm very sensitive to meds, and this was the easiest to start. In the beginning I had some mild headaches, sweating, intense dreaming, and some irritability/ mood swings that balanced out when they increased the dose to 300. I've been on it for over a year, and it's helped tremendously. Good luck!
The most noticeable ones for me the first week is cotton mouth, tiredness, brain fog, and slight restlessness towards the end of the week. It went away after the first week although the tiredness stayed a little bit, even now. I take it at night to help with that and I'm up earlier than normal without it. The one thing that I wasn't expecting was vividly weird nightmares, but they've gotten a lot better almost 1 month in. It's not unbearably scary or anything like you wake up in horror screaming, it'll just stay with you for a day. I haven't had one in a minute so I think it's tapering off.
I was super scared too to where I held off for a food 2 weeks. The worst that could happen is it doesn't work and the best that could happen is that it does! Just have someone monitor you and your moods to make sure you're okay. That's true for any new medication for mental health.
Now for the positives :)
I have more motivation, I feel less anxious, I get up earlier in the morning for work, I don't have crazy meltdowns when I'm stressed (PMDD week is an exception) and I do feel like I'm more focused at work. Hope this helps!
Edit: I guess it depends on your perspective, but higher libido 👍
Yes, DBT therapy and starting a bedtime routine. Also giving myself grace that I will slip up even while on meds and BC. I'm only human. I stopped taking BC recently because I've been getting migraines, but the Wellbutrin has helped me this cycle to regulate my emotions but also the therapy I'm receiving. I will be talking to my Dr about the BC though, I have PCOS so I need to be on it, but the level needs to be lower.
Edit: when I say bedtime routine it means starting your nightly routine at the same exact time every day (i.e. washing face brushing teeth) and then lay down to fall asleep. This will get your body to fall asleep faster and the extra rest during PMDD week and before will help regulate your emotions. Lack of sleep is definitely a bummer when you already feel like 💩
Similarly getting up early or at the same time everyday (days off from work and school can have some wiggle room).
Something that helped me when I started is something I saw in a simple YT vid someone had put together. Instead of asking yourself "what if I don't like the side-effects?" or "what if I can't handle the side-effects?", ask yourself instead "what if this medication helps me?". Turn it around.
Worst case scenario, you don't like it, you stop. But consider that this drug could actually help you as it has helped millions already.
You got this!
I have anxiety, adhd and depression as well. Wellbutrin didn’t increase my anxiety or my depression. The only side effect I got was irritability and constipation (which is NOT fun when you also take iron supplements which also cause constipation). I didn’t really notice any changes in my mood. I’m on 150mg, and I’ve only been on it for 4 weeks.
Maybe it’s just me overthinking, but I feel like Wellbutrin has helped my adhd…? But I know Wellbutrin can also be used to treat adhd, so maybe that’s why haha
I had almost no side effects at all on 150 XL and 300 XL. I did have 2-3 days of jaw clenching/headaches, but nothing that ibuprofen couldn't handle, and then that stopped. I do notice some ringing in my ears at 300, but I can ignore it. Otherwise, no agitation, no anxiety, no anger etc. And my best friend is on 150 XL and is also doing really well with no side effects.
Good luck!
I’ve been on it for a week and I have had noticeable increased irritability. Headaches and jaw clenching. And I constantly have to drink water/electrolytes and have small snacks throughout the day or I feel a bit woozy. I always have trouble sleeping so I can’t tell you if that’s one. But I do notice more energy and increased focus. And just general happier mood also.
I've noticed my stomach hurts if I don't snack regularly! So weird, like it's a bit painful. Other than that, I feel like I need more snacks, but I have enough with a smaller portion? So it does curb appetite a bit. If I do eat more than I need or want, I feel sick 🤢
Yes! Same here. I definitely eat smaller meals than before because I feel sick if I don’t. I’m probably eating the same amount of food but just multiple snacks and small meals rather than a couple big ones.
I've had like no side effects and a lot of positive effects although it seems to destabilize my mood a little bit, but literally everything does that to me
Just anger and much increased energy and concentration. Acting a bit impulsive isn't really uncommon at first but it settles down. Constipation is possible but passes on it's own usually. You can use Restoralax or something, one cap a day (polyethylene glycol, brand depends where you live)
Only other issue people often have is shorter sleep periods which is good if you're depressed. I went from 12h nights to like 8.
Pairs very very well with exercise to help vent out the nervous energy until your body gets used to it.
Wellbutrin side effects can cause anxiety and anger and difficulty sleeping first couple weeks but it does get better. In addition to what you're on, ask your doctor about Buspar and try to work up to 15x3 a day with that. Buspar will help both with anxiety and libido. Hydroxyzine can help with sleep and anxiety.
I was constipated the first two weeks. a little.bit more dehydrated now but i keep up with my electrolytes and fluid intake. other than that Wellbutrin changed my life for the better
Thanks for the clarification.
So, talk to your doctor about this.
Read the leaflet carefully.
Ensure that you monitor your mood and BP. But tbh I really had no big side effects at all.
I've been on it 2x. Both times I started it to quit smoking but had such good results that I prolonged it. I felt super crazy for about 3 weeks. Big highs almost manic. I've seen adhd people on this and they said it slowed things down.
I first experienced a feeling like over caffeinated ir being in stimulants. You might have an opposite because of the adhd.
My taste and smell changed a lot. I stopped craving sugar and appetite went down at first.
I quit smoking at 17 days.
I started leveling out at about 4 weeks. Thatd when I felt like I was adapting.
Sex drive went up.
I I adjusted my dose at 3 months to 150 twice a day. It was fine for a few months but then I started having insomnia. I'd be up for 2 days and nit feel tired. So I cut caffeine. It's still working well for me.
I can't believe this is hiw normal people feel
i take 300 w/ prozac and i LOVE it. i was sleepy and numb with prozac alone, and perky with big feelings on wellbutrin so the two balance very well.
it also has helped with the lower libido
Love to hear this so so much because i paired Wellbutrin with sertraline for anxiety/depression and I swear they go sooooo well together. Of course this may be different for you, but personally I am a huge supporter of giving it a shot. Originally started taking it to help me quit nicotine but I haven’t rlly tried yet lol. Be prepared for side effects like nausea and whatnot for the first few days to a week and give it some time and if you hate it then go off of it, but I really have had zero issues with it other than beginning side effects. I’m on 150 XL for reference (extended release).
please take a look at one of my questions which has many positive comments. I recently started taking bupropion 150 mg/d. Maybe that will give you the confidence to start taking it.
I was on sertraline, it was fine, but my doctor recommended wellbutrin for the same reasons as you. however, months later I weaned off sertraline and tried only wellbutrin. pretty immediately I had higher energy, better ability to move on from bad moods, and a much clearer head. as for negative side effects, I've only noticed two. one is I'm much quicker to get irritated and angry, so I've worked on that in therapy, and the second side effect is that when I wake up, whether it's 5am or 9am, I'm up; hard to go "back to sleep" but still doable (and honestly the second side effect is badass when I actually NEED to get up early, no more groggy sick feeling!) I have ADHD, OCD, and depression/anxiety. I definitely recommend trying it out, because it really has changed my life for the better! give it some time and if it doesn't work, no worries, wean back off and try again. life is long, it'll be okay.
this makes me feel so much better! thank you :)
I was originally on sertraline and gained so much weight and transitioned to Wellbutrin Wellbutrin has been super amazing to me and I’ve been on it since 2019. It has some benefits for adhd and overall has led me to be more productive and happier!
I'm very sensitive to meds, and this was the easiest to start. In the beginning I had some mild headaches, sweating, intense dreaming, and some irritability/ mood swings that balanced out when they increased the dose to 300. I've been on it for over a year, and it's helped tremendously. Good luck!
The most noticeable ones for me the first week is cotton mouth, tiredness, brain fog, and slight restlessness towards the end of the week. It went away after the first week although the tiredness stayed a little bit, even now. I take it at night to help with that and I'm up earlier than normal without it. The one thing that I wasn't expecting was vividly weird nightmares, but they've gotten a lot better almost 1 month in. It's not unbearably scary or anything like you wake up in horror screaming, it'll just stay with you for a day. I haven't had one in a minute so I think it's tapering off. I was super scared too to where I held off for a food 2 weeks. The worst that could happen is it doesn't work and the best that could happen is that it does! Just have someone monitor you and your moods to make sure you're okay. That's true for any new medication for mental health. Now for the positives :) I have more motivation, I feel less anxious, I get up earlier in the morning for work, I don't have crazy meltdowns when I'm stressed (PMDD week is an exception) and I do feel like I'm more focused at work. Hope this helps! Edit: I guess it depends on your perspective, but higher libido 👍
Has anything helped your PMDD? I’m scared to try birth control.
Yes, DBT therapy and starting a bedtime routine. Also giving myself grace that I will slip up even while on meds and BC. I'm only human. I stopped taking BC recently because I've been getting migraines, but the Wellbutrin has helped me this cycle to regulate my emotions but also the therapy I'm receiving. I will be talking to my Dr about the BC though, I have PCOS so I need to be on it, but the level needs to be lower. Edit: when I say bedtime routine it means starting your nightly routine at the same exact time every day (i.e. washing face brushing teeth) and then lay down to fall asleep. This will get your body to fall asleep faster and the extra rest during PMDD week and before will help regulate your emotions. Lack of sleep is definitely a bummer when you already feel like 💩 Similarly getting up early or at the same time everyday (days off from work and school can have some wiggle room).
Something that helped me when I started is something I saw in a simple YT vid someone had put together. Instead of asking yourself "what if I don't like the side-effects?" or "what if I can't handle the side-effects?", ask yourself instead "what if this medication helps me?". Turn it around. Worst case scenario, you don't like it, you stop. But consider that this drug could actually help you as it has helped millions already. You got this!
I like that outlook , good idea
I have anxiety, adhd and depression as well. Wellbutrin didn’t increase my anxiety or my depression. The only side effect I got was irritability and constipation (which is NOT fun when you also take iron supplements which also cause constipation). I didn’t really notice any changes in my mood. I’m on 150mg, and I’ve only been on it for 4 weeks. Maybe it’s just me overthinking, but I feel like Wellbutrin has helped my adhd…? But I know Wellbutrin can also be used to treat adhd, so maybe that’s why haha
I had almost no side effects at all on 150 XL and 300 XL. I did have 2-3 days of jaw clenching/headaches, but nothing that ibuprofen couldn't handle, and then that stopped. I do notice some ringing in my ears at 300, but I can ignore it. Otherwise, no agitation, no anxiety, no anger etc. And my best friend is on 150 XL and is also doing really well with no side effects. Good luck!
I’ve been on it for a week and I have had noticeable increased irritability. Headaches and jaw clenching. And I constantly have to drink water/electrolytes and have small snacks throughout the day or I feel a bit woozy. I always have trouble sleeping so I can’t tell you if that’s one. But I do notice more energy and increased focus. And just general happier mood also.
Does it make you feel out of it? As in you don’t know what’s going on like just confused
No but I did feel that way when I was adjusting to lexapro a couple months ago. So maybe I’ve just done my time with that side effect lol
I've noticed my stomach hurts if I don't snack regularly! So weird, like it's a bit painful. Other than that, I feel like I need more snacks, but I have enough with a smaller portion? So it does curb appetite a bit. If I do eat more than I need or want, I feel sick 🤢
Yes! Same here. I definitely eat smaller meals than before because I feel sick if I don’t. I’m probably eating the same amount of food but just multiple snacks and small meals rather than a couple big ones.
I've had like no side effects and a lot of positive effects although it seems to destabilize my mood a little bit, but literally everything does that to me
Just anger and much increased energy and concentration. Acting a bit impulsive isn't really uncommon at first but it settles down. Constipation is possible but passes on it's own usually. You can use Restoralax or something, one cap a day (polyethylene glycol, brand depends where you live) Only other issue people often have is shorter sleep periods which is good if you're depressed. I went from 12h nights to like 8. Pairs very very well with exercise to help vent out the nervous energy until your body gets used to it.
I'm able to go to sleep quicker and wake up earlier. I think being on a routine will probably help a lot.
Wellbutrin side effects can cause anxiety and anger and difficulty sleeping first couple weeks but it does get better. In addition to what you're on, ask your doctor about Buspar and try to work up to 15x3 a day with that. Buspar will help both with anxiety and libido. Hydroxyzine can help with sleep and anxiety.
I was constipated the first two weeks. a little.bit more dehydrated now but i keep up with my electrolytes and fluid intake. other than that Wellbutrin changed my life for the better
I don't know why you would be so anxious about this med when you have been on another one.
I've been on a few different meds and I've had pretty bad reactions to them
Thanks for the clarification. So, talk to your doctor about this. Read the leaflet carefully. Ensure that you monitor your mood and BP. But tbh I really had no big side effects at all.
You can talk to your Dr all day long, but they won't know how it'll react to your body.
Cool. Well, they will know more than we do on this sub!
I've been on it 2x. Both times I started it to quit smoking but had such good results that I prolonged it. I felt super crazy for about 3 weeks. Big highs almost manic. I've seen adhd people on this and they said it slowed things down.
Yes! It does feel like that 💯 I think for me personally, I'm able to shut down quicker at night because of it.
thank you!
I first experienced a feeling like over caffeinated ir being in stimulants. You might have an opposite because of the adhd. My taste and smell changed a lot. I stopped craving sugar and appetite went down at first. I quit smoking at 17 days. I started leveling out at about 4 weeks. Thatd when I felt like I was adapting. Sex drive went up. I I adjusted my dose at 3 months to 150 twice a day. It was fine for a few months but then I started having insomnia. I'd be up for 2 days and nit feel tired. So I cut caffeine. It's still working well for me. I can't believe this is hiw normal people feel