Wellbutrin is the brand-name version of bupropion, a type of antidepressant medication called an atypical antidepressant. This means it works in a different way from most other antidepressant medications, known as typical antidepressants.
Different antidepressant medications will affect everyone differently, and it’s common to try more than one before finding the right option for you. They can also take some time to work, so don’t worry if you don’t see improvements in symptoms immediately.
You can look out for several signs to help you determine whether Wellbutrin is working, including having more energy and feeling improvements in your mood.
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As an atypical antidepressant, Wellbutrin works by blocking the reuptake (reabsorption) of noradrenaline and dopamine in the brain. Research from 2016 shows that it’s at least at the same level of effectiveness as other antidepressants.
Because it’s not usually the first-line treatment for depression, it may not be the first antidepressant you try, and you might want to know whether it is working for you. You can look out for the following signs to let you know it’s starting to work.
Improved mood
The most widely known depression symptom is a low mood. This can manifest as sadness, a feeling of emptiness, a lack of interest in activities, or all of the above.
So, one promising sign that Wellbutrin is starting to work is that your mood will start to improve. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), this could happen completely within 6–8 weeks, though you might notice small improvements sooner than that.
More energy
A lack of energy is another common symptom of depression. You might also experience insomnia or other sleep disturbances, which will worsen fatigue.
According to NAMI, improved sleep and higher energy levels (which are closely related) are likely to be some of the first signs that the medication is working. You might see improvements 1–2 weeks after starting Wellbutrin.
Settled appetite
Depression is associated with changes in appetite — more commonly, a loss of appetite.
Research from 2016 suggests that around 48% of adults with depression report a decrease in appetite, but around 35% experience increases in appetite instead. Both of these can lead to weight changes.
Settled appetite, either increased or decreased so that you’re neither undereating nor overeating, is another early sign that Wellbutrin is doing its job, and you might notice changes in 1–2 weeks.
How long does it take?
NAMI states that you might start noticing slight improvements in the first couple of weeks after starting Wellbutrin. But professionals say it could take at least 4 weeks before you feel the effects — and even longer before you feel the full benefits
When you start taking antidepressants, especially if you’ve already tried a few options that weren’t right for you, monitoring your symptoms closely can help you know whether the medication is starting to kick in.
You might not feel fully better right away. Keeping an eye out for even small improvements in the first few weeks can help you feel reassured that the medication is doing its job.
Signs it isn’t working
Along with signs that Wellbutrin is working for you, other signs might let you know it isn’t right for you.
If this is the case, you should speak with a healthcare professional before stopping Wellbutrin or switching treatment. They can determine whether you should try a different dosage or a different medication altogether.
Things to look out for include:
no improvements in symptoms after 8 weeks
worsening symptoms
persistent side effects like raised anxiety levels
Call 911 or your local emergency number if you feel it’s an emergency.
While you wait for help to arrive, stay with someone and remove any weapons or substances that can cause harm. You are not alone.
Other treatments
If you find that Wellbutrin isn’t the right option for you, several other antidepressant medications are available. These include:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: Examples include citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac), and sertraline (Zoloft).
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors: Examples include venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Atypical antidepressants: Alongside bupropion (Wellbutrin), a healthcare professional might prescribe mirtazapine (Remeron).
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Antidepressant medications can sometimes take a few weeks to work, and improvements in your symptoms might be gradual. Wellbutrin is no exception.
In the first few weeks after taking it, you might notice improvements in your appetite and energy levels. By the 2-month mark, you may feel marked improvements in your mood and interest in activities.
You can decide what medication works best for you with the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Keep an eye on your symptoms, and don’t feel disheartened if you don’t see improvements right away. If you experience persistent or serious side effects, speak with a doctor immediately.
