Question:
Has anyone been prescribed wellbutrin for...
weight loss? I know it is basically the same drug as Zyban (for smoking cessation) and some doctors prescribe Zyban for weight loss. I was just wondering if it does help you lose weight and if so, how significant is the loss? I already take Zoloft, and I know they can be combined safely. Are the general side effects similar to Zoloft? Is this something I should even be considering post-op? — Tina B. (posted on August 7, 2002)
August 6, 2002
I was on both Zoloft and Wellburtin for about 6 months after my third son
was born. I didn't realize it was supposed to help weight loss. Thinking
back I would have to say that I didn't gain weight as fast after his birth
as I did after my other sons. Maybe it does work somewhat. I didn't lose
weight, but I usually gain weight really quickly after I give birth, like
20 lbs in 2-3 months. He is 8 months old and I would say I have gained
about 30 in that time (11 lbs since I have been off of it).
— Angela A.
August 7, 2002
A few years ago, I lost about 50 pounds without trying in just a few months
on Wellbutrin. It just killed my appetite. It doesn't have that effect for
everybody, though. For me, the side effects were great. More energy, less
appetite. It also has very positive sexual side effects. Some p-docs even
prescribe it to counteract the sexual dysfunction that often accompany the
SSRIs (e.g., Zoloft). The only downside for me was that Wellbutrin
interfered some with my sleep (it's a very stimulating drug). I know of
many WLS post-ops who take Wellbutrin without any problems. Be aware that
Wellbutrin comes in two formulations. "Wellbutrin SR" is the most
commonly prescribed, but it's a time-released med. You may want to ask your
doctor to prescribe the regular Wellbutrin for you to ensure better
absorption after WLS. Good luck.
— Tally
August 7, 2002
I tried wellbutrin for weight loss after Phen-fen was banned. It actually
seemed to work pretty well, but it gave me migraines. This is a very rare
side effect, but if you try it and get a migraine, call your doctor right
away.
— Amber L.
August 7, 2002
I've been on Welbutrin SR for years and now Welbutrin. It sure has'nt cut
my appetite at all. I never heard this one before. ;)
— Danmark
August 7, 2002
I was put on wellbutrin for weight too but it was not effective for me but
I know it has been for others. The side effects are similar to other
SSRI's. Post-op you shouldn't need anything else other thatn to eat the
right stuff for your new stomach and exercise. Good luck with whatever you
decide
— Lynn L.
August 7, 2002
Hey Tina:
I was on Zoloft after my 2nd child and really gained a lot of weight. It
took me about 3 more years to realize the Zoloft had an affect on my
weight. I then was switched to Wellbutrin SR to help stop the weight gain.
By that time, my doctor (Psychiatrist) admitted that she found a lot of
evidence that Zoloft can contribute to weight gain and switched me to
Wellbutrin. I am now on regular Wellbutrin (switched from timed release
after surgery). I have not experienced the side effects listed. I take 2
(100's) upon waking up and 1 more 6 hours later. I hope this helps. Good
Luck.
— Dot W.
August 7, 2002
Wellbutrin is not an SSRI. It acts on the dopamine and norepinephrine
systems, not on the serotonin system. It, like effexor, is known as an
'activating' antidepressant, and may be why it's linked to some weight
loss. Because eating (and other pleasurable activities) increase dopamine
and norepinephrine, it is thought that these antidepressants work because
they increase those neurochemicals. I think you would be looking at a very
modest effect for Wellbutrin on weight loss (i.e., you may lose a few
pounds when you start taking it). Don't forget that weight gain can also be
a symptom of depression, so it's always possible to end up losing a few
pounds after going on any antidepressant. Don't get me wrong, though... I
agree that people can have hugely different responses to the same drugs.
Wellbutrin is also the exact same drug as Zyban (they are just marketed
and prescribed differently).
— Patricia E.
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