Wellbutin specifically for weight loss?

Having read this recent piece: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2107359/Rise-unintended-diet-pills-How-did-Ritalin-Wellbutin-Topamax-new-arsenal-obesity.html I'm just wondering whether any women out there have ever got hold of Wellbutin specifically with the intention of losing weight? And if so, what the effects were?

I'm working on a piece for a national newspaper about the dangers of taking AD meds off-label and would love to sound you out about your experience. If you have any info - or want more info on the piece - please feel free to email me [completely off-the-record] at rachelcockerjournalism@gmail.com

Thanks for reading,
Rachel

Replies

  • iluvco3
    iluvco3 Posts: 98 Member
    I took Wellbutrin XL from most of 1999 to 2012, when my insurance no longer would pay for it. I had tried the generic for almost 18 months previously with very poor results. I now take Aplenzin which has the same main ingredient as the WB, but since there is no generic for it (yet), my insurance covers it. SO many people do not do well at all on the generic for WB. So, if your doctor prescribes it, by all means, insist on the brand name.

    Back to your question..... Before WB, I tried several SSRI'S and I gained weight on every one, plus they did not help with the depression. Doctor felt that was because serotonin levels were not my problem. The first 4-6 weeks on WB, I did lose a few pounds because I was slightly nauseous, but after that, there was no more unexplained weight loss. However, I was able to lose the weight I had gained on the SSRI'S, but not at a faster rate or more easily than normal. That side effect does wear off after a while, so I'm thinking WB for weight loss would not be affective. IF you need meds for depression, WB may be a good choice since it doesn't seems to hinder weight loss for most people. I do know people who DO gain on WB though. Also, if anxiety is an issue for you, WB is not a good choice.

    I do have 2 side effects that have never gone away - insomnia (extreme) and ringing in my ears. I feel like it is a small price to pay for how affective the meds are and the fact that it hasn't caused weight gain for me.
  • iluvco3
    iluvco3 Posts: 98 Member
    I apologize. I didn't read your post carefully. I answered, but I did not and do not take WB for weight loss.

    BTW.....I have read some about the Ritalin/Topomax combo for weight loss, but the side effects were VERY SCARY!!!