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Can Wellbutrin Ever Cause Weight Gain? An Uncommon Reaction.

Wellbutrin (Bupropion) is considered an atypical antidepressant and smoking cessation aid that was first approved for medical use in 1989. It functions different than most antidepressants in that it inhibits the reuptake of stimulatory neurotransmitters norepinephrine and (to a lesser degree) dopamine. Its action as an NDRI drug generally results in increased energy, focus, and less feelings of depression.

Many people like this drug in that it is unlikely to cause traditional side effects that would be experienced with a serotonergic (SSRI) antidepressant. Those taking Wellbutrin are unlikely to experience sexual dysfunction or weight gain. In fact, most would consider this to be one of the best antidepressants for weight loss. It tends to speed up the metabolism, as well as increase energy and motivation.

Can Wellbutrin Cause Weight Gain?

An abundance of evidence indicates that Wellbutrin is likely to promote weight loss rather than gain. Medical professionals regard the drug as at the very least being considered “weight neutral.” However, someone who is depressed and is trying to lose weight may benefit from this medication in that it generally helps people shed a few pounds. That said, there are always going to be a few outliers that end up gaining weight, contrary to the evidence. It does no good to tell a person that the weight gain isn’t from the drug, when in their experience it is.

How Wellbutrin May Cause Weight Gain

Below are some reasons that you may experience weight gain while taking Wellbutrin. Keep in mind that although weight gain is rare, some people have reported increased food cravings, boosted appetite, and other changes that resulted in modest weight gain.

  • Appetite changes: Despite the fact that a majority of people experience a decrease in appetite while on Wellbutrin, some notice their appetite increases. While this is rare, an increased appetite may lead to more snacking or bigger portions, which will contribute to weight gain.
  • Cravings: One report is that Wellbutrin increases cravings for certain foods such as sweets. If you notice yourself craving unhealthy foods like carbohydrates and candies, it may be a result of the drug. This is especially obvious if you never had these cravings until you started the medication.
  • Hormonal changes: Another theory is that Wellbutrin may alter hormone levels, especially over the long term. Since it elicits a stimulating effect, it could be theorized that the drug increases levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Increasing levels of this hormone alters the body’s metabolism as well as the way it stores fat.
  • Insomnia: A specific cause of weight gain may stem from insomnia, or not getting adequate sleep. This means not enough sleep or poor quality sleep. Lacking proper sleep quantity and/or quality can result in hormonal fluctuations that make it easier to gain weight. Therefore if you have a terrible time sleeping while on this medication, it may account for your weight gain.
  • Side effects: There’s no telling exactly how you’ll react to the medication. Although it tends to be stimulatory for most people, not everyone experiences this effect. If you feel tired, sluggish, or your energy level is affected, you may end up gaining some weight. This weight gain will likely stem from lack of physical activity.
  • Social eating: Those who were depressed prior to taking the drug may not have engaged in social dining or going out to eat with friends. If the Wellbutrin is working, a person may feel happier and be more likely to go out for food. Going out for food is an easy way to pack on weight due to the fact that most people tend to overeat and the food tends to be unhealthy.

Considering Individual Circumstances

It is important to take a look at individual circumstances in each case of weight gain on Wellbutrin. Many individual factors such as: dosage, whether the person is on other medications, the duration over which they’ve taken Wellbutrin, etc. – will all influence how much weight a person gains.

1. Duration of treatment

First it is important to consider the duration over which you’ve taken Wellbutrin. If you’ve been on the drug for a short-term, some weight fluctuations may be inevitable as your body adjusts to the medication. Any changes in weight over the short-term are unlikely to affect how your body responds to the drug over a longer duration.

  • Short-term: Over the short-term, you may experience some weight gain. This is probably due to the body making physiological changes to accommodate the presence of the medication. The weight gain may only last a week or two if it occurs throughout the first several weeks of treatment.
  • Long-term: In general, most people experience weight loss over the long term with this drug. However, if you end up gaining weight over the long-term, your body or genetics may be reacting different to the drug than the majority. Over a long-term, your body may even adapt to the drug and/or build up a tolerance, which may mitigate any weight loss you would experience from the medication.

2. Other medications

Before you assume that it’s the Wellbutrin causing you to gain weight, take an honest look at the stack of other medications and supplements you are taking. If you are on another antidepressant and/or an antipsychotic, it’s relatively common sense to assume that the other medication is the more likely culprit for your weight gain.

Wellbutrin doesn’t have weight gain as part of its pedigree, whereas many other antidepressants do. Although it may seem like a coincidence that you gained weight while on the Wellbutrin, it is more likely to be from another medication you’re taking and/or other drugs that you use.

3. Individual factors

Another important factor to take an honest look at is your lifestyle. Are you getting enough sleep each night? Something as simple as not getting enough sleep could wreak havoc on your cortisol levels and resting metabolism. Other individual factors that you have some control over include: dietary intake, exercise, and stress level.

If you are overworking and have become stressed out, it is important to realize something as simple as stress increase can cause weight gain. Also understand that individual genetics play a huge role in determining how you’ll respond to a medication. For an assessment of how you’ll react to Wellbutrin and/or other antidepressants, you may want to consider “GeneSight” genetic testing.

4. Dosage

The amount of weight you end up gaining may be “dose-dependent” based on the individual. In other words, those taking a small dose of the drug may experience side effects of the drug, with inadequate stimulation of norepinephrine and dopamine to help keep weight off. In other cases, someone who has experienced increased cravings for sweets or snacks while taking Wellbutrin may notice that these cravings amplify when the dosage increases.

For the majority though, higher doses tend to result in weight loss – hence Bupropion being utilized in the drug “Contrave” (a weight loss medication). In one study that evaluated Bupropion SR 300 mg and 400 mg in obese adults, results indicated that people lose between 7% and 10% of their total weight after 24 weeks of treatment.

How much weight could you gain from Wellbutrin?

If you are like most people, you probably won’t gain any weight from this drug. If you do gain some weight, most studies suggest that you will lose it throughout treatment. Additionally even if you don’t end up losing the weight throughout treatment, you are unlikely to gain much weight. While most SSRIs result in an average weight gain of 10 lbs. throughout treatment, on Wellbutrin, you are more likely to lose weight – especially when taking a high dose for an extended duration.

“Weighing” the Benefits vs. Side effects

When taking any medication, it is important to “weigh” the therapeutic benefits against the side effects. If you are experiencing a significant amount of weight gain, you may want to talk to your doctor about switching medications and/or considering Wellbutrin withdrawal. If the drug is working well enough to treat your depression, then putting up with a little weight gain may not be such a big deal.

Especially if you consider the fact that the drug tends to result in weight loss over the long-term. Always evaluate other side effects in addition to weight gain and determine whether they are worth putting up with for the therapeutic effect of the drug. If the drug just isn’t working very well, and you are experiencing unwanted side effects, it’s a “no-brainer” to pursue other options.

Did you experience weight gain from Wellbutrin?

Despite the fact that it is extremely rare to gain weight on Wellbutrin, doesn’t mean it’s unheard of. There are cases of individuals that noticed they packed on a few extra pounds largely due to the effects of this drug. It is important to understand that everyone is affected differently by medications and that even a drug associated with weight loss in the majority, may still cause weight gain in a small minority depending on how they react.

If you gained any weight from taking this drug, feel free to share the details. Be sure to mention how long you’ve been taking it (or how long you had taken it), your dosage, and why you believe the Wellbutrin caused you to gain weight.

  • Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12017410
  • Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12105285

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47 thoughts on “Can Wellbutrin Ever Cause Weight Gain? An Uncommon Reaction.”

  1. I was on bupropion twice before for a couple years and did not have any changes in weight.

    I started it back 3 months ago at 150sr bid and have been craving and eating junk food that I’ve never eaten in my life.

    I cried this morning when my pants were too small to button. I’ve out grown my closet already. This time I put on 12lbs in the blink of an eye 😭

    Reply
  2. Hello, I’m on Wellbutrin 150 XL and have been on it for two days. My appetite has gone through the roof. I have been eating everything in sight. My body is like in survival mode. What was odd though is the first time I took it yesterday I dozed off – it actually put me to sleep. I’m worried that I will be gaining weight.

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  3. I’ve just started taking 300 mg 2 weeks ago and lost 13 pounds already. I don’t have much of an appetite, and when I do eat, I get full fast. It helps a lot with my depression/anxiety. Definitely recommended.

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  4. I have been on this a week and I have gained 5 pounds. I have been eating less than normal. I have been eating one meal a day with no snacks.

    Reply
    • I’ve been on Bupropion 150mg at first and now 300mg for a little over a month now and have gained at least 10 pounds. It’s so frustrating given that this med is known for being weight neutral and most people lose weight. I suppose I have more energy and don’t feel as fatigued as before but it’s not worth the extra pounds, which make me feel horrible. Is it possible that I need to give it more time for my body to adjust? What are other alternatives similar to Bupropion and not SSRI’s?

      Reply
  5. I’ve taken antidepressants for 30 years. Wellbutrin 300, then 300 + 150 since the time it was brand name only. Then have been on 300XL+ 150XL since it first came out. I did not gain weight as a result of the Wellbutrin. Most of my life 5-4 120-125. Had a point early in But under stress, I went to 105 and have been that way for 5 years.

    Walking / any exercise increases muscle and muscle weighs more than fat. So that 5-8 pounds isn’t a bad thing. If you are using any artificial sweeteners it is thought the extra sweetness causes the body to be less satisfied and craving more “substance” – food. I did experience this in college when drinking lots of diet soda and that was a short blip from 125-140.

    After stopping all aspartame, I gradually went back to normal without any other changes. HOWEVER – in general, give your mind and body a break….IF you feel better, the weight issue will take care of itself. Don’t give it so much power in your mind. IF you don’t feel much better, you may be craving sweets as a way to “feed the feelings” and you may need to try something different – or even a reduced dose.

    I am one who typically ends up with a “cocktail” of different RX at almost non therapeutic doses that work well together. You may be one of those. Talk to your doctor. Maybe a combination of something like Wellbutrin and maybe even Buspar (old drug) may work. Wellbutrin is the exception on highest dose Rx – perhaps since I’ve been on it so long.

    My dr. thought I was probably immune to it by now. However, discontinuance for several months led to a subtle but noticeable difference in mood. Could have been PAW but doubtful. I withdraw easily from almost all drugs, including benzodiapedes. So I stick with this long, tried and true RX. If given a choice, I much the older drugs vs. newer ones that don’t have long term side effects history.

    But I may have to eat my words. After a year of doing a little better than “going through the motions” but not wanting to change anything, the Dr recently added Rexulti (for depression vs. schizo). Weight gain is always an issue with the drugs in this class. I feel remarkably better. I may have to “eat” my own words – no pun intended.

    Hang in there. 3 months is a good benchmark, IMO, for your body’s physiological chemistry to totally adjust – and then it has more time to spend on other things. Blessings.

    Reply
    • Wellbutrin SR has always been my “go back to” drug when there were problems or something else didn’t work. I have taken 400 mg per day without weight gain in the past. I was extremely overweight, thanks to some other meds, so I asked to be put back on Wellbutrin SR so I could attempt to lose 90 pounds. I love how they say it’s not the medicine or give it time and it will level off.

      That’s easy to say when it’s not them gaining weight or developing diabetes like me. I was on 150 mg and lost all the weight but my depression had never improved. I’m bipolar and just switch between the two without ever hitting normal anymore. My doctor decided to increase it to 300 mg which was fine with me as I’ve taken 400 mg in the past without any issues.

      I am seeing a difference this time. The cravings are horrible! Some days I have eaten too much but not others. I’ve continued to exercise and I’ve had weight gain that cannot be explained. It takes approximately 3500 additional calories to gain or lose a pound. Recently I have had days where I have gained 1 1/2 – 2 pounds a day.

      I’m someone who lost 90 pounds in less than a year so I understand how weight fluctuates and what can cause it but these are gains which cannot be explained to TOM, too much sodium, new workout routine, etc. FYI – I wish people would learn that muscle does NOT weigh more than fat! A pound is a pound regardless if it’s feathers or lead. Muscle is more dense and takes up less space which is why you can not show any loss on the scale but look smaller and wear smaller clothes.

      Back to my point, be your own advocate. I used to let the doctors tell me this stuff and just go along with it but no more. I have a heart problem, I was diabetic (went away with weight loss) and I refuse to gain weight again because it creates problems for the other health issues and could potentially be a death sentence for me. I’m giving this until I see my doctor after the holidays unless this daily gain rate continues.

      I will contact her office. I was very clear about side effects that I can tolerate and those which are unacceptable. I’ve been severely depressed but never suicidal. I would rather remain depressed, which my amount varies, than risk my life. The other meds didn’t work anyway and I’ve tried them all in every dose and combination out there.

      I’ve even tried the new stuff I could afford to buy had it worked. Be your own advocate or take someone who will be that person for you. I’ve been blessed to have my husband supporting me, including with the doctors.

      Reply
  6. I started taking Wellbutrin 300xl 3 months ago. I wanted to lose weight and help my depression. I never had cravings for sweets but now, it’s ridiculous. I think I’ve gained 5-8 pounds and. I’ve been walking 2 or 3 miles a day. If I wasn’t walking it would be 20 lbs.

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  7. Have been on bupropion for about 5 months now – added it to escitalopram and lithium. Have gained 10 pounds, and am working out twice a week and logging more steps than ever (often over 10K steps daily). I have to starve myself, skip meals and walk till my knees hurt to lose any weight. Now am officially overweight for my height at 143 – I haven’t weighed this much in 20 years – since I was very ill with CFIDS. Telling patients that this med doesn’t cause weight loss and it’s in our lifestyles is NOT helpful. I teach at a medical school, and insisting Wellbutrin is unlikely to ever cause weight GAIN is not helpful to those of us clearly experiencing a very challenging metabolic shift. Will ask for a med change next time I see my doc.

    Reply
    • I’m so sorry. Good for you for your incredible health efforts! Long term lithium use can also cause weight gain (as I’m sure you know). But I’m kind of a believer that if it seems to be a close correlation to starting a new RX, it’s the first place to investigate. Glad you are going to talk to your doctor.

      It’s ironic that many aren’t in a mental / psychological position to challenge a physician about anything. In insurance enrollment meetings I encourage people to write down their questions for the doctor. It seems to lessen the intimidation factor, and my experience shows drs seem to pay more attention when they see their patient has a focused agenda.

      Reply
  8. My daughter has gone from size 12 to size 20 in the 4 years she has been on 450 mg. She does not eat too much, but seems to have no metabolism or energy. Her doctor says its not the medicine and won’t lower her dose. He says she just needs to exercise. We disagree.

    Reply
    • I’m appalled that your Dr. would not agree to trying something different. As evidenced by the comments here – in the mental health RX world – meds affect everyone differently. It’s probably the one area of medicine where trial and effect are so common. I’ve never had a psychiatrist who would not entertain something different. And I’ve moved and had 5 in my life.

      Often I’ve gone back to where I was, but they all said we wouldn’t know unless we tried. Sometimes they outlive their outlook on a particular patient. I changed after being with one for 10 years and couldn’t be happier with the decision. If it were me, I’d focus on a Dr. change vs. a medication change. I know psychiatrists are difficult to get into and especially difficult to find “in network”.

      Maybe if you could leave your zip code or city and post in the general section someone might have some recommendations. If you are dealing with a General / Family / Internal Medicine doctor, I’d encourage you to seek specialty psychiatric care. Insurance companies really look to family physicians to be the first line of triage – and then they want them to recommend specialty care (even if you don’t have an HMO).

      It’s the whole model of care. I’m in the insurance business, so I definitely have a reference point on this trend.

      Reply
      • I don’t think the comments here show people being affected differently. Quite the opposite, it shows everyone dealing with the same significant weight gain, energy loss, and libido loss, which are the opposite of what most people experience on name brand WB. I have gained 40 pounds in five months and have lost all interest and ability in sexual functioning, and I can trace these changes directly to when my insurance switched me from a round pill that looked identical to WB to an oblong thing that I swear does the exact opposite of what the other pill had been doing for me.

        I’ve just started to realize this recently, and I am sure that it’s the generic version that is faulty. Any one else taking the oblong pill and not feeling with they used to from the name brand (which costs $1,075 per month) or from the generic more similar to the name brand? I am really pissed about this. I’m not a conspiracy theory sort of guy, but I’m starting to think I’ve been taking something totally different, and I want to sue. Lol. I just want some answers and some honesty.

        Reply
  9. I’ve also gained weight on Wellbutrin. I’ve had insane sweet cravings too, which is not like me at all. I know it’s not the other medicine I’m on because it’s Topamax which is made for weight loss. I take it for neurological reasons. I’m so grateful for this article and everyone sharing their experiences. I’m going to talk with my doctor and see if I can switch to something else. *Note: Wellbutrin worked for my depression at 150mg.

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  10. I started taking 75mg of wellbutrin and I gained 8lbs in 6 weeks. My diet is better than ever and I stopped all sugar. I generally eat very well. I never had a struggle to keep my weight in check. It’s the catch-22 someone mentioned. It was the best medication so far for mood, energy and functioning.

    I feel the weight coming on even though I am working out and eating well. I can tell that it has created havoc with my digestive system which is where I think the problem exists. I am in withdrawals now and it is pretty sad that I have to give it up. I honestly would rather be depressed than overweight.

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  11. I have been on generic brand (Bupropion SR 150mg) twice a day since November 2015. Before I was on XL since June 2015. To date I am 76lbs heavier then when I started (260lbs to start now sitting at 334lbs). At first I didn’t think it was the drug. Then I started to intensify my workouts and running. I started my normal workout of four days a week of cardio and weights with three days of running 5km; moving to the same with an intense TRX kettle bell course.

    I gained weight throughout the whole six week course of twice a week intense hour long workouts, on top of my normal workouts. I used to be a very obese kid and was 315lbs until university when I lost 115lbs in a year and have maintain the 230-260lbs even when not working out. Sadly I feel more depressed not fitting into clothes and stepping on the scale.

    My doctor keeps telling me it’s not the medication as it is a weight loss drug, but I’m at the point now where I’m thinking of just stopping taking it in order to drop the weight. I’ve lost interest in going out, sex, going to work; because I don’t want to be seen with this weight on me. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know.

    Reply
  12. I was taking Bupropion SR. for years, successfully, when my doc switched me to the XL thinking it would help me sleep better. I started in January (300 mg) and have gained almost 10 lbs. and my cravings for carbs and sweets have been through the roof. I just put in a call to switch back to the SR. There are other side effects that differ as well and I’ll take lack of sleep over all of them.

    Reply
  13. I’ve been taking 450mg each day for about a year. I have gained 69 pounds. Craving carbs and sweets and tons of salt, can’t get enough salt, increased appetite. Did not think it was due to the drug till recently.

    Reply
    • I have experienced the same thing. I had lost 52 lbs before Wellbutrin. Been on it 1 year and a few months. I have put 30 lbs back on craving sugar, carbs and salt and energy to do anything. I do have arthritis in both knees and my back but I still walk but I have to make myself get up to do anything.

      I never lost weight on this medicine. The dr started me on 150 XL and then 300 and then 450 in which was bad. I had trouble sleeping, bad head aches my eyes hurt and ringing in the ear and don’t forget the dry mouth to the point I couldn’t swallow. He moved me down to 300. And still the dry mouth. I drink 80 to 100 ounces of water a day. Always have.

      So I moved myself to 150 and I’m am slowly getting off the med. I am not gaining all that weight back and feeling depressed about my weight. Now to lose the 30 pounds all over again.

      Reply
      • I’ve had ringing in my ears, can’t get enough to drink, and my headaches have become worse. I never thought that they could be related. Now that I think back though it did all start around the same time I went on Wellbutrin. So weird!

        Reply
  14. Been on Wellbutrin for just over a week and I can’t stop eating. Trousers don’t fit and this is making my depression even worse. As I have rheumatoid arthritis, I can’t afford to put much weight on as it adds more stress to my joints. HELP.

    Reply
  15. I gained 5lbs and I am continuing to gain weight on 150mg of Wellbutrin XL. My appetite and cravings have increased significantly.

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  16. I have gained weight on every antidepressant I have tried, the list is too long to mention here. My doctor recommended Wellbutrin because it is the only medication that claims weight loss is a side effect. I am on 300 mg and I have gained 10lbs in the last 3 months. This is on top of the weight I gained on the other antidepressants. I track my food to count calories and exercise several times a week. I am so frustrated.

    I realize I may be one of those people that ends up gaining weight on these medications but the side effects leave me just as depressed as when I stop taking the medications. I feel like I am destined to be depressed forever. I have tried holistic approaches such as St. John’s wort and 5 HTP, but they didn’t help and the depression seemed worse. I feel totally hopeless. Can anybody help???

    Reply
    • I am in the exact same situation. I was on celexa for 6 months and the last month I started gaining a significant amount of weight. I began to wean off of it and still haven’t been able to lose the weight OR control my anxiety. I’m now depressed and have even worse anxiety than before. I have tried 5 HTP and St. John’s wort. Some what helped but still have panic attacks. I’m so scared to try any drug now because of the possibility of weight gain. I wish there was a way to control my depression/anxiety while being able to lose weight. I feel so hopeless.

      Reply
  17. I was 175 when I started taking this, I was at that time still working off baby fat after having my third child. At first I didn’t see a change, about 5-6 months in I noticed huge cravings for sweets and carbs. At first I gave in but when I saw the gain I started veggies, lean meats, low fat foods, and very low carbs. It was hard, especially when instead of losing weight I continued to gain.

    I am over 200 now, heavier than I have ever been in my life! And that includes pregnancies. Also my sex drive is at zero, and my periods have started to become irregular despite being on the pill. Once it was 2 weeks late. I have been continuing taking it due to the fact that it works so well for me, but now my weight has become a main cause of being depressed. I plan to talk to my doctor soon and hope to be off it in the upcoming year.

    Reply
  18. Wow! This scares me. Been on W 150mg about a week now and will can’t afford to gain any weight. I don’t eat as much and craving for sweets is down. Can’t sleep. I need help?

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  19. Been on wellbutrin 300mg for 18 months. Have gained about 8 kg not due to eating. I eat the same amount, if not less. Weight gain making me even more depressed. Are there alternatives to Wellbutrin I can try?

    Reply
  20. I started W in July. I have put on at least 15 lbs since starting it. This drug is definitely not for me and I am weaning off of it now. It did give me a good amount of “positive energy” that I was motivated to actually get stuff done, but the weight gain, jumpiness, anxiety, cravings for fast food, etc., the list can go on and on, just isn’t worth it. I read many people say it increases sex drive and they also lost weight. I gained weight and feel so bad about myself, the last thing I want to think about is sex. I really regret giving this a chance.

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  21. I have been taking 150mg for a month. During the first 2 weeks, I was fine. Now I can’t get enough salt, and sweets. I am positive it is the drug. My face is all broke out, I now have insomnia, and I’m still smoking close to what I started at. I also missed a period, now almost a month late. I don’t take any other meds.

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  22. I blew up on 150mg Wellbutrin XR within one month of taking it. I don’t weigh myself, so I don’t know the numbers, but I can tell you that 80% of my wardrobe no longer fits. I work out five days a week (400 minutes of cardio), lift weights and am one of those weight loss “unicorns” who lost nearly 100 pounds and has kept it off. Until I took Wellbutrin. This is the fattest I have been in five years and it all settled in my mid-section. I quit cold turkey at week five, almost a month ago. Still look like a goddamn pregnant cow. In my case, it was a hormonal problem. I had spotting the entire time I was on it and was ravenously hungry, like PMS except I wasn’t depressed. Other meds: I have no thyroid due to cancer so I take 200mcg of Levoxyl/day and am clinically hyperthyroid.

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  23. I’ve been on Wellbutrin (brand name) for about 3 years. When I first started I lost some weight that I needed to and was happy about that. The med also was working well for me but did have trouble sleeping. Since this past December I have gained 13 lbs. That is depressing, especially since it’s summer. I’ve called the manufacturer and asked if the formula had been changed and they said it was not. I don’t eat much and I do exercise and this is very frustrating!

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  24. I’ve been on Wellbutrin for many years, 450mg each morning, and for the past 5-6 months I’ve gained 34 lbs!! I don’t know if the drug has anything to do with it, but I’d love some feedback! Thanks.

    Reply
    • I have been taking Wellburtin (150mg) for about 2 months and now I look like Fat lady wearing to little clothes. I wanted to quit smoking so my doctor prescribe Wellburtin. I was thinking I was going to gain weight from not smoking…WRONG!!!! IT’S THE FREAKING MEDICATION. My normal weight is between 145 and 150. My current weight is a whopping 170!!!! Yesterday my pants was so tight around my mid section that I had to unbutton my pants at my desk. Everytime I needed to get up, I was struggling with trying to fasten them back up. Today, the trash collector will be picking them up.

      Reply
      • I gained a lot of weight when I quit smoking. I felt depressed about it. I started working with a trainer a trainer & watching what I ate. My work life was stressful and sometimes Id skip lunch. I actually found out I was not eating calories to fuel my metabolism. This medicine suppresses my appetite. I sometimes have to make myself eat. Your body changes so much when you quit. Don’t give up, it took me about 4 months to get it all off, but it was a small price to pay to give up such a nasty habit that undeniably will decrease the years you’ll be around to enjoy family.

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  25. I have been taking 150 mg of Wellbutrin for about 6 weeks. The first three to four weeks, everything was good. I wasn’t having any negative side effects and I felt happier. Then my appetite grew. I was constantly binging, having 4-5 large desserts a day, and I couldn’t stop. I have gained 10 pounds on Wellbutrin. I’ve always had a huge self-esteem problem so the weight gain has really made my mood drop. Which, in turn, makes everything worse because negative thinking causes me to binge more. I don’t know how I know it is the medicine, but I know. It’s definitely the medication, and I’m getting off of it ASAP.

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  26. I have been taking buproprion sr for 3.5 years now. I lost 30lbs after only three months. I had so much energy and felt amazing. I had a hysterectomy 2 years ago and have gained 20lbs. My depression is back now. I do not know if it my hormonal imbalance causing weight gain and depression or if buproprion has stopped working. Either way I feel miserable and I wish I had some answers.

    Reply
    • Gained about 45 lbs over 4 yrs on W. Dr have tried many anti-depressants. Post hormonal. The weight gain is real!! Help.

      Reply
  27. I gained 5 kg in 3 weeks on Wellbutrin. Shame is I feel so much better in terms of my depression and energy levels are better. Catch 22?

    Reply
  28. I gained ten pounds taking wellbutrin. I have big appetite for carbs and sweet can’t stop. Been on it for nine months. Too bad I have to stop taking it even though it really helped me. (Dose 300 mg).

    Reply
    • I’ve been taking 200 mg of Wellbutrin for over a year. Initially I gained about 10 pounds and when I told my psychiatrist that the weight gain was due to the W, she thought I was basically ridiculous. I’m still on W and I’ve gained maybe a total of 13 pounds and I think I’m ready to move on to something else.

      Reply
    • I started with 150mg, and never switched to 300mg, as prescribed, because I immediately started losing lots of weight. I responded great to wellbutrin (even with this minimum dose), and, as a side-effect, I even stopped smoking. However, losing 15 kg (33 pounds) in three and a half months was too much for me (although I intentionally upped my calories to about 3000 and decreased physical activities). I had to stop using it.

      It took me half a year to get back some of the lost weight. The thing I miss most are those vivid crazy dreams that I had while on wellbutrin. I can only hope I’ll have a similar result with depression after I start taking Zoloft… :(. Also, interestingly, GSK’s Wellbutrin XL is not covered by our insurance (35 dollars for 60 tablets – being one of the most expensive medications here), and Pfizer’s Zoloft is free (regular price – if you happen not to be insured – 30 tablets cost about 5 dollars in my country).

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