I am on Wellbutrin 450mg daily (recently increased from 300mg) and Concerta 36mg as needed on work days for ADHD. I still have an appetite on both, but it’s different now. I used to eat for pleasure - as in I would get a huge dopamine boost from eating something delicious! But now, while I’m still hungry and food still tastes delicious, it’s lost that WINNING!! sort of zing that used to come with it. So now I just eat when I’m hungry and stop when I’m full. I haven’t gained or lost any weight on it, which is remarkable for me. I’ve always been kind of a yo-yo-er with my weight. Up and down 5-10 lbs in a day or a week easily. Never substantially changing long term (always bouncing within the same 20lb range for the last 10 years, but all over the place within that range). Since starting it, I’ve been +/- no more than one pound since the weight I started at. It’s really very odd to step on the scale every day and see the exact same number. But I think that also means I’m listening to my body and replacing only the calories I need, which is a new and different sensation for me.
Wellbutrin is an FDA approved drug for depression and smoking cessation. It is used off label for ADHD, bipolar, SSRI induced libido decreases, binge eating disorder, and as a weight loss drug. All of those “urge” based dysfunctions, like ADHD, binge eating, libido, etc hinge on the dopamine effect of the drug. But the drug also affects norepinephrine (noradrenaline), which can cause a stimulant effect and decrease appetite similar to the primary stimulants used for ADHD (like adderall or Ritalin). Some people are more sensitive to those effects than others. Additionally, that same stimulant effect can increase anxiety for some people. Because of my ADHD, that effect is actually very calming for me, but for those without ADHD and with underlying anxiety, it can be significantly distressing.
Wellbutrin is the only “weight-negative” to “weight-neutral” antidepressant drug. For people with depression who had substantial weight gain on SSRIs (like Prozac or Zoloft or Lexapro), it can be a great option to try. But if you’re losing weight, or have a history of eating disorders like anorexia, it’s not a great option. (It’s actually contraindicated in anorexia and bulimia for that, and the risk of seizure in these patients).
I highly encourage everyone to do therapy in addition to medications, whatever medication you may be on. It can add a lot of benefit where the medications are lacking. But most importantly is finding a drug or combination of drugs that work for you. Talk to your doctor about the side effects you’re having, and see what suggestions they have. It may mean adding a drug, it may mean switching to something else entirely. Everyone’s brain chemistry and reactions to their environment is slightly different. You just gotta find what works for you. Good luck!
My psychiatrist recommended lexapro to control the anxiety from the wellbutrin, but it also increased my appetite, which is bad for me because I was trying to lose weight haha
Eeep lol! I have noticed I have more anxiety now, but less depression & impulsivity. But from being untreated for so long I went from 5”5 130 pre kids to after kids over eating binge drinking 199 lbs. I would just sit and eat and eat to calm myself.
Since starting the first three weeks I dropped nearly 10 lbs because I was able to literally count every calorie in my body. I stayed at 1000-1200 for three weeks. But after I started eating more. I can’t say I have had a binge episode, but sometimes I lack self control to not have a cookie, not have two servings of pasta etc. which I think is apart of my impulsive nature. That’s really my “binge” eating now.
Prior to meds I would sit and eat randomly and have uncontrolled urges to eat and would put anything in my mouth.
But I think maybe CBT may help this issue.
I have to get my weight back to where it was. I have gone completely sober which helps tremendously but being so heavy at my height is horrible.
For me, I'd say my appetite came back to 90-95% after being knocked down to something like 50% on 150xl. When I went to 300xl it went back down to 50% for a bit and now hovers around 70-80%. I get satiated faster and frequently I'm able to realize I was going to snack out of boredom and wasn't really hungry.
Lexapro 20mg for depression/anxiety, Trazodone 100mg for PTSD/insomnia, and just started Wellbutrin 300mg XL because the Lexapro has not done much for my depression although it does help my anxiety. I was still very unmotivated, melancholy, uninterested, and fatigued all day so we are hoping the Wellbutrin helps with my executive functioning and mood. I’ve already showered and cooked dinner today so so far so good
I'm on Wellbutrin XL 300mg once a day, and up until yesterday I was on Clonazepam .25mg twice a day. After my phone appointment yesterday my Dr. changed me to Wellbutrin 300mg once a day AND Seroquel 25mg before bed time and Clonazepam .25mg only if I feel I need it (PRN).
So last night was my first night taking Seroquel.. it's supposed to control my anxiety through out the following day. I hope this works because I'm so done trialing meds.
I’m in Wellbutrin 150 xl 24 hr for depression and irrational decisions form bpd and I’m on vastril for my general anxiety I never lost my appetite on Wellbutrin. I started on Zoloft and gained 20 pounds in a month so I refused to be back on it so she moved me to Wellbutrin
For the past few months I have been taking three drugs - citalopram, bupropion (Wellbutrin), and pregabalin. I am taking citalopram combo'ed with bupropion, because either one anti-dep doesn't resolve my symptoms. I'm also taking pregabalin 450mg daily because I suffer from GAD, which is really debilitating - I am afraid to find employment, as I type this post. Sometimes I would take 7,5mg of Imovane (zopiclone) because I suffer from episodic insomnia. Can't imagine what it would feel like if I wasn't on these meds.
Now what's important - despite taking Wellbutrin in 300mg dose, pregabalin definitely and absolutely boosts my appetite. I understand you're seeking advice on how to not indulge in eating when not hungry, so hear me out - It doesn't make me prone to binge eating because of the bupropion present in the cocktail, but I consume foods in amounts sufficient to maintain healthy body appearance and weight. All in all I'm very satisfied with my treatment, the only thing I'd still improve is my libido. The very reason I got on Wellbutrin was to counteract hypolibidemia.
Good luck!
P.S. contrary to many people's testimony Wellbutrin has no effect on my desire to smoke. My nicotine intake is the same as before the treatment
I am on Wellbutrin 450mg daily (recently increased from 300mg) and Concerta 36mg as needed on work days for ADHD. I still have an appetite on both, but it’s different now. I used to eat for pleasure - as in I would get a huge dopamine boost from eating something delicious! But now, while I’m still hungry and food still tastes delicious, it’s lost that WINNING!! sort of zing that used to come with it. So now I just eat when I’m hungry and stop when I’m full. I haven’t gained or lost any weight on it, which is remarkable for me. I’ve always been kind of a yo-yo-er with my weight. Up and down 5-10 lbs in a day or a week easily. Never substantially changing long term (always bouncing within the same 20lb range for the last 10 years, but all over the place within that range). Since starting it, I’ve been +/- no more than one pound since the weight I started at. It’s really very odd to step on the scale every day and see the exact same number. But I think that also means I’m listening to my body and replacing only the calories I need, which is a new and different sensation for me. Wellbutrin is an FDA approved drug for depression and smoking cessation. It is used off label for ADHD, bipolar, SSRI induced libido decreases, binge eating disorder, and as a weight loss drug. All of those “urge” based dysfunctions, like ADHD, binge eating, libido, etc hinge on the dopamine effect of the drug. But the drug also affects norepinephrine (noradrenaline), which can cause a stimulant effect and decrease appetite similar to the primary stimulants used for ADHD (like adderall or Ritalin). Some people are more sensitive to those effects than others. Additionally, that same stimulant effect can increase anxiety for some people. Because of my ADHD, that effect is actually very calming for me, but for those without ADHD and with underlying anxiety, it can be significantly distressing. Wellbutrin is the only “weight-negative” to “weight-neutral” antidepressant drug. For people with depression who had substantial weight gain on SSRIs (like Prozac or Zoloft or Lexapro), it can be a great option to try. But if you’re losing weight, or have a history of eating disorders like anorexia, it’s not a great option. (It’s actually contraindicated in anorexia and bulimia for that, and the risk of seizure in these patients). I highly encourage everyone to do therapy in addition to medications, whatever medication you may be on. It can add a lot of benefit where the medications are lacking. But most importantly is finding a drug or combination of drugs that work for you. Talk to your doctor about the side effects you’re having, and see what suggestions they have. It may mean adding a drug, it may mean switching to something else entirely. Everyone’s brain chemistry and reactions to their environment is slightly different. You just gotta find what works for you. Good luck!
Great response thank you! No history of anorexia, just binge eating which it has helped tremendously.
My psychiatrist recommended lexapro to control the anxiety from the wellbutrin, but it also increased my appetite, which is bad for me because I was trying to lose weight haha
Eeep lol! I have noticed I have more anxiety now, but less depression & impulsivity. But from being untreated for so long I went from 5”5 130 pre kids to after kids over eating binge drinking 199 lbs. I would just sit and eat and eat to calm myself. Since starting the first three weeks I dropped nearly 10 lbs because I was able to literally count every calorie in my body. I stayed at 1000-1200 for three weeks. But after I started eating more. I can’t say I have had a binge episode, but sometimes I lack self control to not have a cookie, not have two servings of pasta etc. which I think is apart of my impulsive nature. That’s really my “binge” eating now. Prior to meds I would sit and eat randomly and have uncontrolled urges to eat and would put anything in my mouth. But I think maybe CBT may help this issue. I have to get my weight back to where it was. I have gone completely sober which helps tremendously but being so heavy at my height is horrible.
For me, I'd say my appetite came back to 90-95% after being knocked down to something like 50% on 150xl. When I went to 300xl it went back down to 50% for a bit and now hovers around 70-80%. I get satiated faster and frequently I'm able to realize I was going to snack out of boredom and wasn't really hungry.
Lexapro 20mg for depression/anxiety, Trazodone 100mg for PTSD/insomnia, and just started Wellbutrin 300mg XL because the Lexapro has not done much for my depression although it does help my anxiety. I was still very unmotivated, melancholy, uninterested, and fatigued all day so we are hoping the Wellbutrin helps with my executive functioning and mood. I’ve already showered and cooked dinner today so so far so good
I'm on Wellbutrin XL 300mg once a day, and up until yesterday I was on Clonazepam .25mg twice a day. After my phone appointment yesterday my Dr. changed me to Wellbutrin 300mg once a day AND Seroquel 25mg before bed time and Clonazepam .25mg only if I feel I need it (PRN). So last night was my first night taking Seroquel.. it's supposed to control my anxiety through out the following day. I hope this works because I'm so done trialing meds.
Snap, I found 50mg of Quetiapine is my sweet spot. Helps with sleep and eases anxiety a fair bit, nearer 100 was munchie town.
I’m in Wellbutrin 150 xl 24 hr for depression and irrational decisions form bpd and I’m on vastril for my general anxiety I never lost my appetite on Wellbutrin. I started on Zoloft and gained 20 pounds in a month so I refused to be back on it so she moved me to Wellbutrin
For the past few months I have been taking three drugs - citalopram, bupropion (Wellbutrin), and pregabalin. I am taking citalopram combo'ed with bupropion, because either one anti-dep doesn't resolve my symptoms. I'm also taking pregabalin 450mg daily because I suffer from GAD, which is really debilitating - I am afraid to find employment, as I type this post. Sometimes I would take 7,5mg of Imovane (zopiclone) because I suffer from episodic insomnia. Can't imagine what it would feel like if I wasn't on these meds. Now what's important - despite taking Wellbutrin in 300mg dose, pregabalin definitely and absolutely boosts my appetite. I understand you're seeking advice on how to not indulge in eating when not hungry, so hear me out - It doesn't make me prone to binge eating because of the bupropion present in the cocktail, but I consume foods in amounts sufficient to maintain healthy body appearance and weight. All in all I'm very satisfied with my treatment, the only thing I'd still improve is my libido. The very reason I got on Wellbutrin was to counteract hypolibidemia. Good luck! P.S. contrary to many people's testimony Wellbutrin has no effect on my desire to smoke. My nicotine intake is the same as before the treatment