Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR are different formulations of the antidepressant bupropion. Both Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR may cause weight gain or weight loss, but weight loss is more common. Not everyone taking these drugs will experience a change in weight.
Weight changes are considered a side effect for both Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR. Studies of Wellbutrin XL show that 23% of people taking a dose of 150 to 300 mg per day lost 5 pounds or more. In the same studies, 11% of people gained more than 5 pounds.
Studies of Wellbutrin SR show that 14% of people taking a dose of 300 mg per day lost more than 5 pounds. At a dose of 400 mg, 19% of people lost more than 5 pounds. In the same studies, a small percentage of people gained more than 5 pounds: 3% taking 300 mg and 2% taking 400 mg.
I have taken bupropion. It definitely does cause you to not feel hungry, but in the way a stimulant does. For me, it was a very unpleasant drug but for people who need the neurochemical changes it does, it can be great. But I will say that it has a potent “feeling” and I think it could be tough to take it if you don’t need the feeling that it provides.
When I took semaglutide however, completely different story. No desire to eat, no other effect. Perfect target perfect drug for me.
Bupropion and naltrexone are combined in the weight loss medication known as Contrave.
Bupropion mostly caused me anxiety.
“CONTRAVE combines 2 medications that together reduce hunger and control cravings to help you lose weight and keep it off: bupropion HCl and naltrexone HCl.”
Bupropion alone doesn’t feel like anything, but I know someone once recommended a bupropion+modafinil combo and I finally tried it today with effect. Need to repeat though
The bupropion+modafinil COMBO is also great for appetite reduction
after a few hours in, my HR went up to 110 and I got overwhelmed for a while that I froze. Not for too long, I could start to focus after [this is an effect I get with stims these days, and the reason why I’ve mostly stopped taking powerful stims for a long time - alas I didn’t have this “freeze” effect when I first started stims]
I am experimenting with 150mg SR bupropion right now. Other than an increased body temperature and higher motivation to do my chores, I don’t feel much difference either.
Without any change in my lifestyle, environment etc. I currently feel awful and food doesn’t taste as good anymore (is that the appetite suppression effect?). Will continue to stay on my current dose until I feel better again which I hopefully will at the 6 week mark.