..

[C.Ann]

.........

 

[dolphinrescuegirl]

The first week I had an amazing burst of energy. After that it was back to normal and I went off it shortly thereafter

 

[tw1nsmom]

Different people can have different side effects, but it's been very successful for me. Some people can experience some elevated periods of anxiety, and some problems sleeping. I had significant problems with both when I tried Wellbutrin SR. Since I started the XL version I've had a lot less problems with those issues. It's not a cure-all, but it's helped me. Some people also experience increased libido while on it. The main risk that is discussed is the possibility of seizures. If someone is already prone to seizures, has an eating disorder, or alcohol problems, it can increase the risk. It's also inadvisable to go beyond a dosage of 450mg. However, the average person on the recommended dosage has no greater risk for seizure than they do on any antidepressant (at least according to the research I've done).

 

[Christine]

I took it for anxiety (which is REALLY not what it is for). It is for depression so, therefore, it can have a stimulating effect.

What I remember is a very dry mouth and throat.
Chocolate tasted horrible to me.
I didn't sleep well and lots of vivid dreams.
After a week or two on it, I started to feel like I got angry to easily. Almost like "in a rage" kind of feeling.

But, I can see how it would work well in depression.

As compared to SSRIs, it had more tolerable side effects. I did not feel dopey, dizzy, loopy, tired, queasy, or drugged.

 

[Evil Genius]

I have taken XL with great results for my depression. The only "problem" I had was that I couldn't take decongestants with it. I have terrible sinuses and I became very creative with how to clear my head.

Good Luck with taking this medication.

 

[tw1nsmom]

I forgot to add that some people experience weight loss due to loss of apetite/naseau. It's also supposed to diminish cravings or compulsive behavior. Hence the reason it's prescribed for smoking cessation under the name Ziban. I, unfortunately, didn't experience this side effect for very long.

Evil Genius: Nobody told me about the antihistamine problem. Is that just a reaction you have, or is it inadvisable to take them while on Wellbutrin? I've been on it for a couple years and have taken antihistamines without any problem. I've also been able to have the occasional glass of wine without any reaction.

 

[hydster]

I've been on it since it was approved by the FDA! I've tried every other antidepressant out there and so far this one works the best. I had a lot of energy the first month or so I was on it (my doc had me keep a journal for the first year while on it) and looking back I had a lot more energy and was able to focus on things rather than just think about them. It definitely lifted the libido which my dh loves but I just generally feel better on them. I didn't seem to have any negative side effects from it. I drink alcohol on them, take antihistimines and haven't had any of the problems mentioned. I guess I'm just very lucky!!!!! I have been stupid and thought to myself how good I felt and stopped taking them for days and then it will all come back and hit me like a ton of bricks and I have to start over. I have the 150's but sometimes I will forget so the next day I take 2. Hasn't seemed to really harm me so I guess it's ok. My doc didn't seem to worried about it.

My dh is on lexapro and while it helps his mood it makes his legs twitch through the night. It drove me nutty for so long! We figured out a cure for it but it is a pill that is not for this problem. Some antidepressants can cause more side effects than they help problems! I'd take it slowly and see how you do.

Heidi

 

[ashjohnson80]

I've been on it for about a year and a half and haven't noticed any side effects.

 

[dcentity2000]

Bupropion (US brand name Wellbutrin) is an SNaDRI (Selective NorAdrenaline and Dopamine Re-uptake Inhibitor) anti-depressant. It is frequently referred to as a multiple reuptake inhibitor. The only other drug in this family that I can think of is Amineptine.

It's a third generation anti-depressant (ie. it's relatively new) and is generally well tolerated. The average dose is 150mg but it can be prescribed in doses to outpatients of 450mg a day. It shares some properties with Cocaine, believe it or not.

Typically it is very well tolerated. Unlike most anti-depressants it doesn't usually have any sexual side effects and those that it does are usually, ahem, positive

It's also very safe for the bipolar crowd - it typically doesn't trigger manic episodes.

On top of this, it doesn't typically cause weight gain as the more hyped up SSRIs such as Sertraline (Zoloft) or Fluoxetine (Prozac) can; rather it can cause weight LOSS in some individuals!

There are the common side effects such as headaches, a dry mouth, nausea, constipation, dizziness, agitation, anxiety, insomnia and so on. More rare side effects include nervousness, a "strange" bodily odour, sweating and tremor; super-rare side effects can include a change in hair colour!

You shouldn't typically take atomoxetine (Strattera) with it as it typically causes nasty interactions. You can take this drug (Bupropion) recreationally too, so abuse sometimes crops up along with the associated horror stories.



Rich::

 

[beckmrk04]

I took it for a while- great for my libido, did nothing for my depression... But, everyone responds differently to every medication. Effexor seems to be my wonder drug. So, good luck!

 

[C.Ann]

..

 

[gris gris]

I used it to quit smoking in 2001. It worked very well for me. You have to want to quit smoking in the first place though. I used it for 60 days I think. The thing I remember most about it is that my mouth was dry all the time and after a few days cigarettes tasted awful. You wean yourself off the smokes while you're on Wellbutrin.


It is the exact same thing as Zyban - the difference is Zyban is not covered by insurance but Wellbutrin in. So doctors used to prescribe Wellbutrin to quit smoking (when I was on it). Then DH tried a couple years later and the pharmacies/manufacturers got smart and started requiring pre-authroization from the doctor. The doctor would have to say that the Wellbutrin was for anxiety/depression and not for smoking. Since the doctor wouldn't do this for DH, we had to pay for the Zyban, and it didn't work with him. He still smokes. Like I said, you have to want to quit.

Good luck to your friend.

 

[C.Ann]

It is the exact same thing as Zyban - the difference is Zyban is not covered by insurance but Wellbutrin in. So doctors used to prescribe Wellbutrin to quit smoking (when I was on it). Then DH tried a couple years later and the pharmacies/manufacturers got smart and started requiring pre-authroization from the doctor.

Good luck to your friend.

-----------------------

She was able to get her insurance company to say they would pay for it because the smoking is interfering (worsening) some other health problems she has and I guess they figure it will cost them less in the long run this way..

I'm pretty sure she "really" wants to quit - she recently had eye surgery and while attempting to light a cigarette, she almost set her recliner on fire!!!

Thanks for the info.. I'll pass it on..

 

[packetminnie]

I used it in '98 to quit smoking. I also used a Nicotrol inhaler. I don't know if they are still around. The only side effect I had was I didn't get a buzz off smoking anymore. I had tried numerous other methods to quit smoking before. While it wasn't easy I don't think I would have quit for good without the zyban.
It has been 7 1/2 yrs and I can't imagine ever starting to smoke again.

Good luck to your friend.

 

[C.Ann]

It has been 7 1/2 yrs and I can't imagine ever starting to smoke again.

Good luck to your friend.

------------------------------

Funny thing is she's a strict Catholic and every single year she used to give up smoking for Lent with no problems at all - but start up again after Easter..
Then a few years ago her DH died suddenly while they were on vacation and she hasn't been able to quit since - not even for Lent..

I hope it works for her because she's feeling pretty down on herself right now..