Wellbutrin and Weight Loss

ktp514
ktp514 Posts: 1
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi, I have had a significant weight gain this year after stopping my Adderall. 24 pounds in 6 months. I have fluctuated about 5-6 pounds here and there, and am now starting to finally get into a consistent diet and exercise routine that allows me to lose one pound per week.

My doctor started me on Wellbutrin 4 days ago, to help with the ADD as well as some anxiety issues, and I have lost FOUR POUNDS IN FOUR DAYS. I have not been able to get to the gym this week as I've been working late but I haven't really changed my diet too much. I have not been snacking as much, though. But four pounds in four days?!

I am certainly not complaining but I just want to know if anyone else has experienced a significant weight loss on Wellbutrin. I never experienced any drastic weight loss on Adderall, it moreso just maintained my weight, but I was also working out every day then.

Thanks!

Replies

  • Branstin
    Branstin Posts: 2,320 Member
    Most people drop a lot of water weight in the beginning. It slows down after the first three weeks or so.
  • Tiff1124
    Tiff1124 Posts: 261 Member
    My doctor has prescribed me with Wellbutrin as well. Mainly for anxiety but I'm trying to quit smoking as well. My worry is gaining weight, but I know it's different for everyone. I was on Celexa and gained almost 30 pounds in a year!
  • vismal
    vismal Posts: 2,463 Member
    Remember that most of the time medication doesn't actually cause weight gain or losses, it affects appetite or activity levels which cause weight gain/loss. Steroids, thyroid (or other hormonal) medication, and medication that affects water levels would be exceptions. Meds that affect water levels also don't really change fat gains or losses, they simply manipulate the amount of water the body carries. Any weight gain or loss from water manipulation will stabilize after a few weeks.
  • Cudleigh
    Cudleigh Posts: 188 Member
    I've been on Wellbutrin for almost a year now. I didn't notice any significant weight loss/gains when I started.

    Sometimes I forget to take it, and I notice I have a bigger appetite on those days (but that may very well be in my head).
  • Ms_J1
    Ms_J1 Posts: 253 Member
    I was on Wellbutrin about 20 years ago for ADHD and I could only stand it for about a month before they switched me to Cylert (which has since been discontinued). The Wellbutrin made me lethargic, always napping and having weird vivid dreams. I don't remember if I lost weight or not but if I did, it was because I was too tired to eat.
  • alice_schmalice
    alice_schmalice Posts: 283 Member
    I lost about 5 lbs on Wellbutrin when I first started it. When I try to go off of it (bad idea, never happening again), I want to eat everything. But eating too much is part of my depression. I've found that exercise is an awesome mood lift as well.
  • leahraskie
    leahraskie Posts: 260 Member
    Wellbutrin/Bupropion isn't supposed to be a weight loss aid, it's an "uncommon" side effect, which usually goes away after a weekish. I was taking venlafaxine/Effexor and I didn't want to eat like anything when I first took it up.


    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bupropion The wiki page might help you, they are nice for checking out meds.

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