![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 36. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Anne on December 24, 1999, at 1:38:01
I have been taking Wellbutrin since April 1999, starting at 200 mg per day and increasing to 300 in June. After the increase I noticed I had very little appetite -- which thrilled me because I have been trying for years without much success to lose weight. Between June and December 1999 I lost 44 pounds, and dropped several sizes, started exercising every day, and generally feel totally transformed. I can honestly say I haven't been this happy in 10 years. However, except for one study at Duke, I haven't been able to find any research showing other people have had the same experience.I'm also worried, since I'm a writer like many of the others on these threads, about starting to feel "stupid" from the drug. After 8 months on it, I would say I don't feel particularly sharp and am having some trouble thinking of easy things. E.g. the drink served in Mexican restaurants, which would have been right at my disposal last year. Now it took me about 10 seconds to think of "margarita." Until reading the thread on this side effect, I thought perhaps it was just a worsening of the same thing I've been feeling since my 30s--that I'm turning into one of the slightly slow people I used to be impatient with in my twenties!
So I'm interested to know if anyone has had either of these side effects.
Anne
Posted by Michele on December 24, 1999, at 6:39:45
In reply to Anyone else lost a lot of weight on Wellbutrin?, posted by Anne on December 24, 1999, at 1:38:01
I gained weight on Wellbutrin (approx. 20 lbs.). It didn't work for me anyway, and I lost the weight afterwards. Best of Luck!
Posted by Sassy on December 29, 1999, at 14:28:58
In reply to Anyone else lost a lot of weight on Wellbutrin?, posted by Anne on December 24, 1999, at 1:38:01
Anne,
I have some more questions for you because I too had a severe weight problem and though I've lost
90 pounds twice in my life, I had to starve myself completely or eat zero carbs. Also,
since people react differently to meds, I'm wondering if you may be the same type which makes me hopeful.I was on celexa, but gained weight increasing the doseage. I could only take 10 mg. Then my doctor moved me to Effexor which works very well, but really stimulates my appetite for carbs.
Did you take any other meds that put weight on you and what were they?
How would you explain your body type, or you more top heavy and did your weight accummulate on your back? Maybe Wellbutrin is the way to go.
Anxious to hear back from you or others with similar response.
Regards,
Sassy> I have been taking Wellbutrin since April 1999, starting at 200 mg per day and increasing to 300 in June. After the increase I noticed I had very little appetite -- which thrilled me because I have been trying for years without much success to lose weight. Between June and December 1999 I lost 44 pounds, and dropped several sizes, started exercising every day, and generally feel totally transformed. I can honestly say I haven't been this happy in 10 years. However, except for one study at Duke, I haven't been able to find any research showing other people have had the same experience.I'm also worried, since I'm a writer like many of the others on these threads, about starting to feel "stupid" from the drug. After 8 months on it, I would say I don't feel particularly sharp and am having some trouble thinking of easy things. E.g. the drink served in Mexican restaurants, which would have been right at my disposal last year. Now it took me about 10 seconds to think of "margarita." Until reading the thread on this side effect, I thought perhaps it was just a worsening of the same thing I've been feeling since my 30s--that I'm turning into one of the slightly slow people I used to be impatient with in my twenties!
>
> So I'm interested to know if anyone has had either of these side effects.
> Anne
Posted by Anne on January 4, 2000, at 0:10:04
In reply to Re: Anyone else lost a lot of weight on Wellbutrin?, posted by Sassy on December 29, 1999, at 14:28:58
>Hi -
I may have an unusual response to Wellbutrin,
but here's my basic weight situation. I've always
felt overweight all over (not topheavy),
but by increasing amounts--twenty pounds in
college, gradually up to 40 or 50 pounds after I
had a baby. Now I'm 48 and 43 pounds lighter than
6 months ago, before I started taking 300 mg of
Wellbutrin. I have lost significant amounts of weight \
before this, either through a strict diet program,
or following some emotional crisis, but always
gained it back eventually. I can't say I particularly
crave carbohydrates, but I can trace a lot of
weight gain over the years to pizza, nachos, and cheese
and crackers.
The women in the Duke study
I mentioned felt the same way I do - i.e., not as
interested in that second helping. But I have also
been extremely active, so it could be a combination
of changes. I'm convinced though, that taking Wellbutrin
has been a major factor.
I hope that helps!
Anne,
>
> I have some more questions for you because I too had a severe weight problem and though I've lost
> 90 pounds twice in my life, I had to starve myself completely or eat zero carbs. Also,
> since people react differently to meds, I'm wondering if you may be the same type which makes me hopeful.
>
> I was on celexa, but gained weight increasing the doseage. I could only take 10 mg. Then my doctor moved me to Effexor which works very well, but really stimulates my appetite for carbs.
>
> Did you take any other meds that put weight on you and what were they?
>
> How would you explain your body type, or you more top heavy and did your weight accummulate on your back? Maybe Wellbutrin is the way to go.
>
> Anxious to hear back from you or others with similar response.
>
> Regards,
> Sassy
>
> > I have been taking Wellbutrin since April 1999, starting at 200 mg per day and increasing to 300 in June. After the increase I noticed I had very little appetite -- which thrilled me because I have been trying for years without much success to lose weight. Between June and December 1999 I lost 44 pounds, and dropped several sizes, started exercising every day, and generally feel totally transformed. I can honestly say I haven't been this happy in 10 years. However, except for one study at Duke, I haven't been able to find any research showing other people have had the same experience.I'm also worried, since I'm a writer like many of the others on these threads, about starting to feel "stupid" from the drug. After 8 months on it, I would say I don't feel particularly sharp and am having some trouble thinking of easy things. E.g. the drink served in Mexican restaurants, which would have been right at my disposal last year. Now it took me about 10 seconds to think of "margarita." Until reading the thread on this side effect, I thought perhaps it was just a worsening of the same thing I've been feeling since my 30s--that I'm turning into one of the slightly slow people I used to be impatient with in my twenties!
> >
> > So I'm interested to know if anyone has had either of these side effects.
> > Anne
Posted by CraigF on January 4, 2000, at 17:59:53
In reply to Re: Anyone else lost a lot of weight on Wellbutrin?, posted by Anne on January 4, 2000, at 0:10:04
Anyone losing TOO much weight On WB should ask pdoc for small doses of remeron. Makes hunger all but insatiable, and can also help with any trouble falling asleep.
For those of you regularly taking WB, do you notice significant drops in mental ability, IQ?
I'm on Serzone 350 mgs and will move tomorrow from 100 mg of Wellbutrin SR a.m. (to add vitality, wash away some of Serzone's sedation) to 200 mgs WB Sr. I fear losing too much weight and my marbles to boot (just based upon other postings I see...
Any thoughts?? Anyone taking full doses of WB and Serzone?
input appreciated!!
Posted by CarolAnn on January 5, 2000, at 7:21:11
In reply to Weight, Marbles, Wellbutrin, Serzone, Remeron....., posted by CraigF on January 4, 2000, at 17:59:53
Hey CraigF! haven't seen you here for awhile. I've been on 200mgs. Wellbutrin twice a day(I think this is the highest dosage) for 12 weeks now. It never affected my appetite at all, so no weight loss(unfortuneatly for me!). Also, I think that my thinking ability has actually improved lately, although this could be a result of *stopping* Serzone. I was only on 225mgs. of Serzone, yet the whole time I felt like I was steadily losing IQ points. Word retrieval was the biggest problem, but also had trouble typing and got a little clumsy. My Pdoc finally took me off when I told him that it was making my depression much worse!
Of course, everyone is different as far as drug effectiveness, but I have read a lot of posts here that blamed Serzone and alot that blamed Wellbutrin for the "getting stupid" thing, so you may have to just take what you're planning to take and see what happens.CarolAnn
Posted by CraigF on January 5, 2000, at 18:48:54
In reply to Re: to CraigF, Wellbutrin, Weight, ect., posted by CarolAnn on January 5, 2000, at 7:21:11
thanks Carolann,
when do you take your two doses of WB Sr? My doc only has me taking a morning dose b.c. I still take 350 mg. of Serzone.
Posted by Sassy on January 5, 2000, at 20:14:18
In reply to Re: Anyone else lost a lot of weight on Wellbutrin?, posted by Anne on January 4, 2000, at 0:10:04
Hi Anne,
I hope my doc would allow me to try this out. Right now he has me on Remeron at night along with effexor during the day.
Although I sleep better and depression has lifted, I SURE AM HUNGRY!!!!!!
I was really interested in your feedback and determined my doc has to prescribe this med.
I am happy for you!
Sassy
> >Hi -
> I may have an unusual response to Wellbutrin,
> but here's my basic weight situation. I've always
> felt overweight all over (not topheavy),
> but by increasing amounts--twenty pounds in
> college, gradually up to 40 or 50 pounds after I
> had a baby. Now I'm 48 and 43 pounds lighter than
> 6 months ago, before I started taking 300 mg of
> Wellbutrin. I have lost significant amounts of weight \
> before this, either through a strict diet program,
> or following some emotional crisis, but always
> gained it back eventually. I can't say I particularly
> crave carbohydrates, but I can trace a lot of
> weight gain over the years to pizza, nachos, and cheese
> and crackers.
> The women in the Duke study
> I mentioned felt the same way I do - i.e., not as
> interested in that second helping. But I have also
> been extremely active, so it could be a combination
> of changes. I'm convinced though, that taking Wellbutrin
> has been a major factor.
> I hope that helps!
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Anne,
> >
> > I have some more questions for you because I too had a severe weight problem and though I've lost
> > 90 pounds twice in my life, I had to starve myself completely or eat zero carbs. Also,
> > since people react differently to meds, I'm wondering if you may be the same type which makes me hopeful.
> >
> > I was on celexa, but gained weight increasing the doseage. I could only take 10 mg. Then my doctor moved me to Effexor which works very well, but really stimulates my appetite for carbs.
> >
> > Did you take any other meds that put weight on you and what were they?
> >
> > How would you explain your body type, or you more top heavy and did your weight accummulate on your back? Maybe Wellbutrin is the way to go.
> >
> > Anxious to hear back from you or others with similar response.
> >
> > Regards,
> > Sassy
> >
> > > I have been taking Wellbutrin since April 1999, starting at 200 mg per day and increasing to 300 in June. After the increase I noticed I had very little appetite -- which thrilled me because I have been trying for years without much success to lose weight. Between June and December 1999 I lost 44 pounds, and dropped several sizes, started exercising every day, and generally feel totally transformed. I can honestly say I haven't been this happy in 10 years. However, except for one study at Duke, I haven't been able to find any research showing other people have had the same experience.I'm also worried, since I'm a writer like many of the others on these threads, about starting to feel "stupid" from the drug. After 8 months on it, I would say I don't feel particularly sharp and am having some trouble thinking of easy things. E.g. the drink served in Mexican restaurants, which would have been right at my disposal last year. Now it took me about 10 seconds to think of "margarita." Until reading the thread on this side effect, I thought perhaps it was just a worsening of the same thing I've been feeling since my 30s--that I'm turning into one of the slightly slow people I used to be impatient with in my twenties!
> > >
> > > So I'm interested to know if anyone has had either of these side effects.
> > > Anne
Posted by CarolAnn on January 6, 2000, at 8:29:32
In reply to back atcha CA, Wellbutrin, Weight, ect., posted by CraigF on January 5, 2000, at 18:48:54
> when do you take your two doses of WB Sr? My doc only has me taking a morning dose b.c. I still take 350 mg. of Serzone.>>CraigF, I take my first dose WB Sr at about 8:30am along with my first 10mg dose of Adderall. Then my second dose WB Sr at about 3:00pm with my third dose Adderall. The Pdoc never gave me definite times for WB Sr, just said to make sure doses were at least 6 hours apart.
FYI when I was on Serzone(225mgs) I was told to take at bedtime, but had to take it around 6pm or so because of next day grogginess.CarolAnn
Posted by noa on January 6, 2000, at 14:18:51
In reply to Re: back to you CraigF...., posted by CarolAnn on January 6, 2000, at 8:29:32
CA, I, too was first instructed to take the serzone at night, but had to take it at 5-6 pm, so that it would take effect by bedtime and not make me too drowsy to get up in the am. Interestingly, now that I am taking lithium, the serzone kicks in right away and feels extremely sedating. Now I take it before bedtime, because if I were to take it earlier, I would not be able to function. I guess this is an example of the effect lithium has on other drugs.
Posted by kate on March 22, 2000, at 8:24:48
In reply to Re: Serzone dosing time, posted by noa on January 6, 2000, at 14:18:51
hi. i have just gotten off wellbutrin because it
stopped working and was also causing me major
weight problems (ie. i am way underweight now.)
i never experienced the "getting stupid" thing. i
was on it for about five months. when did you guys'
feelings of "losing IQ" begin. do you think there
is any time correlation with those symptoms? now i
am on effexor xr which is making me feel a little
weird but it definately is doing a better job than
the wellbutrin did. i am sorry to find out about
how helpful remeron can be after i have already
gotten of the wellbutrin. i wonder if it would have
helped me. bye for now.~kate
Posted by Brandi on August 12, 2000, at 12:53:34
In reply to Anyone else lost a lot of weight on Wellbutrin?, posted by Anne on December 24, 1999, at 1:38:01
I am experiencing the "stupids"!! Any suggestions? Is this something that can be reversed? Should I get off of Wellbutrin (300 mg/day)? Also, I lost 45 lbs. in 2 months after starting this miracle drug. Now, 2 yrs later, I am slowly gaining my weight back. Is this normal? Does ANYONE have any suggestions re: these problems?
p.s. I started taking Ritalin last month (10 mg/day)
Posted by ambrosialdelight on March 3, 2002, at 17:33:22
In reply to Anyone else lost a lot of weight on Wellbutrin?, posted by Anne on December 24, 1999, at 1:38:01
I lost a scary amount of weight during the first month I was on wellbutrin. It began in the first week right after I walked out of the hospital! I lost something like 10 lbs, which may not sound like much but I was already thin to begin with, and with me the boobs are first to go, so I was pretty mad about it. After the first month I began to gain weight again and I am now at or close to my usual weight, the only thing is that I am eating a lot more carbs and fat than I used to and I am not getting fat. I hope I can go back to eating somewhat healthy when I get off it. I didn't work out much before and I don't work out at all now, so it has to be the drug. As for the "stupids" I feel sharper, my strategic thinking is better. I don't have good memory, but then my memory was probably worse during the peak of my depression six months before hospitalization. I don't rely on memory that much (with obvious exceptions)- why remember things when you can figure them out on the spot just as easily?- maybe not an efficient approach, but sufficient for now. I am planning to start a post-bac in the fall, now that should be the real test! I am a little afraid, but I comfort myself with the thought that my brain works better when I am not depressed. I am rather terrified of becoming "slow".
Posted by Reneeb on March 5, 2002, at 13:18:39
In reply to Re: Anyone else lost a lot of weight on Wellbutrin?, posted by ambrosialdelight on March 3, 2002, at 17:33:22
Hi, can I ask how much of Wellbutrin are you on? I am on 150mg myself and didn't lose any weight. I was also on effexor too.
Renee
Posted by allisonm on March 6, 2002, at 21:27:59
In reply to Re: Anyone else lost a lot of weight on Wellbutrin? » ambrosialdelight, posted by Reneeb on March 5, 2002, at 13:18:39
I lost about 30 lbs. without trying, mostly, I think, because I lost my appetite.
Posted by Carlos on March 12, 2002, at 9:46:03
In reply to Re: Anyone else lost a lot of weight on Wellbutrin? » ambrosialdelight, posted by Reneeb on March 5, 2002, at 13:18:39
You probably didn't loose weight because of the effexor. I've noticed most SSRI's cause weight gain. I just recenly switched to 150mg once a day WB sr. I have noticed that my appetite is "in-check", but not non-exsistant. I'm a ameture body builder so my diet and work-out are important, though under SSRI's it was impossible to lose any fat for me.
> Hi, can I ask how much of Wellbutrin are you on? I am on 150mg myself and didn't lose any weight. I was also on effexor too.
>
> Renee
Posted by Reneeb on March 12, 2002, at 21:25:58
In reply to Re: Anyone else lost a lot of weight on Wellbutrin?, posted by Carlos on March 12, 2002, at 9:46:03
Thanks for the info.. I am glad to see that all this will come to an end. I am a triathete myself and was getting very discouraged at the weight gain.
Renee
Posted by Maureen on August 14, 2002, at 8:42:42
In reply to Re: Anyone else lost a lot of weight on Wellbutrin?, posted by Carlos on March 12, 2002, at 9:46:03
I have been on Wellbutrin 150mg twice a day for a month to stop smoking.It worked however I am having a terrible time falling asleep and when I do I wake up a few hours later and can't go back to sleep. I was hoping for the side affect of losing 15 lbs but that hasn't happened but at least I haven't gained the stop smoking weight.Do you think taking the second dose 6 hours after the first would help me go to sleep? I am also jittery,tired and a little slow. Also my migraines are worse.I only have to stay on this a few months but I do need to get some sleep.
Posted by Christina on August 14, 2002, at 13:28:00
In reply to Re: Anyone else lost a lot of weight on Wellbutrin?, posted by Michele on December 24, 1999, at 6:39:45
I'm gaining weight on this stupid med.
It doesn't work, and the side effects suck.
I'm currently looking at other options.
Posted by Maureen on August 15, 2002, at 7:49:27
In reply to Re: Anyone else lost a lot of weight on Wellbutrin?, posted by Christina on August 14, 2002, at 13:28:00
> I'm gaining weight on this stupid med.
> It doesn't work, and the side effects suck.
> I'm currently looking at other options.I didnt take it last night and it is the first night I have slept in a week.I was terribly constipated and took a laxative and the cure was worse than the problem :( I am going to try just a half a pill only one time today and if it isnt better I am done with it.
Posted by menolly57 on August 18, 2002, at 17:40:55
In reply to Re: Anyone else lost a lot of weight on Wellbutrin?, posted by Maureen on August 15, 2002, at 7:49:27
I think Wellbutrin has suppressed my appetite to some degree, which has been a good thing for me lately. I can now fit back into many clothes that didn't fit anymore after my Paxil disaster. I think this has helped my mood in and of itself -- fat can be very depressing.
I do hope the weight doesn't all come back if and when I go off Wellbutrin. Now if I could just get rid of this damn taste in my mouth...
Posted by Lorelai on August 19, 2002, at 8:37:32
In reply to Re: Anyone else lost a lot of weight on Wellbutrin?, posted by menolly57 on August 18, 2002, at 17:40:55
I've only been on Wellbutrin for a few weeks. In this brief time I've lost around 8 lbs. and fit back into my old "skinny jeans," which I hadn't fit into for well over a year. I have to agree this is helping my depression in and of itself, as I'd gained weight using Depakote--a shocking 20 lbs. in a mere few months--and now have hopes of losing still more with Wellbutrin. I've had side effects with Wellbutrin (ringing in the ears, sleeplessness, irritation), but these seem to be falling to the wayside the longer I'm on the meds (all I can think is the body must grow used to Wellbutrin pretty quickly--at least this has been my experience). With Wellbutrin I'm simply not all that hungry. I do eat, but I've noticed my portions are smaller. I'm full sooner. I do still have dry mouth, but that's a small price to pay for feeling better about myself (: **
Posted by sharons on August 19, 2002, at 15:39:11
In reply to Re: Anyone else lost a lot of weight on Wellbutrin?, posted by ambrosialdelight on March 3, 2002, at 17:33:22
I have been on welbutrin for about a week and still have
the same cravings i have always had...when do you start losing
weight...your feedback is appreciated. thanks
Posted by Maureen on August 19, 2002, at 16:13:43
In reply to How fast did you lose your appetite?, posted by sharons on August 19, 2002, at 15:39:11
I have been on it for over a month and my appetite hasn't changed but at least I havent gained weight while I am quitting smoking and on the meds. However I have had to cut back to just a half a pill once a day because the side affects were so bad for me.
Posted by Lorelai on August 19, 2002, at 16:46:39
In reply to How fast did you lose your appetite?, posted by sharons on August 19, 2002, at 15:39:11
> I have been on welbutrin for about a week and still have
> the same cravings i have always had...when do you start losing
> weight...your feedback is appreciated. thanks**I lost my appetite immediately, from the very first dose. And started to lose weight that first week (3 lbs the first week, a few more the second, 2 the third week). I didn't pay much attention to it at first, just figured it was a loss of water weight or something, but then I threw on a pair of old jeans without realizing they were Levi's I hadn't fit into for a long time. I've always craved salty snacks--chips and nuts, that sort of thing. And I still eat them, but now I grab a handful instead of the whole bag. The Wellbutrin just seems to've given me more control (things don't taste as good either, so that's probably a factor). It's taken the edge off my usually hearty appetite. This has been an extremely positive thing for me since all my past experiences with meds have been pretty negative (before the Depakote weight gain of 20 lbs. I'd already gained 10 from Serzone. Was only able to lose a few lbs. on my own). I'd lost 15 lbs. on Prozac at one time, but I'm bipolar and it set off major manic episodes, so I had to discontinue using it. Back to Wellbutrin: I've heard a few people comment that they ate as usual and still lost weight (not sure why that would be--a faster metabolism, maybe?). Seem to recall one guy saying he merely stopped drinking alcohol and lost several lbs. on Wellbutrin. When I realized I was losing weight it gave me the incentive to get back on the treadmill and I'm just starting to do about 20 minutes a day. This has been great for me since I'm really short and extra weight doesn't look good at all on a short person. Keeping my fingers crossed this keeps up. Sorry to go on this long. It's such a shock to me to actually find a med with a positive side effect.**
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.