Medication question[Bupropion]...

[Mjshells]

Heyy, I am trying to figure out how long a certain medication takes to really see the full effects/benefits. I was on 150mg bupropion once in the morning, but a few days ago I was switched to 300mg bupropion XL. I take it for anxiety/depression and possibly for ADHD. Any feed back would help, especially if you have been or currently taking it. Thanks

[Two_Of_Me]

Hi there!

I can share my experiences with you about meds, but keep in mind we all react differently to them, so take all this as one person's experience...

In general, it could take a week or two in order to start feeling the effects... at least a few days at minimum. Also, since you are wrestling with anxiety and depression you may find each of these affected a little differently.

My experience is that none of this stuff is a "magic pill" that will make you "feel OK" again. What happened for me is that once things kicked in, for the anxiety I didn't tend to go into a deep panic when a situation that I would feel anxious about occurred. (let's say public speaking, for example) I was able to manage it better and "work through it". For the depression, I felt less incapacitated and drained by my emotions. Again, I was better able to "work through it" or have the energy to do something that before I'd just say F*%& it and not do.

The trick here is that the meds give an edge, but in my experience are not the solution by themselves. I like to think of it as "sand under the tires" to give traction and allow me to work my way past or through these feelings and function. Therapy helped me a lot too.

With time, the combo of working on some root causes, adjusting situations, and using the meds can be incredible. Also, just because you "feel better" don't stop the meds until you and your doc agree. It's easy to "feel better", stop, and not realize the help they have been providing till you crash. However, once you have been able to work on stuff, you may very well be able to taper off of the meds.

Hope some of that helps you... I had to try a couple different meds before I found the one that worked, so if this one doesn't help after 2-3 weeks, and you don't feel some of the relief mentioned above, talk to your doc and explore some others. It's kinda hit and miss because they affect each person differently. Once you find a good one, you are golden!

Good Luck!

[Hopeful-Tinkerbell in reply to Two_Of_Me]

I love how you worded this. Sand under the tires to help work through it! You should be a writer! Awesome and so true! It took me slightly longer. I think size, weight etc can play a part. You’re right about it affecting everyone differently. I ended up going inpatient for 2 weeks and getting my meds adjusted and monitored. I still had a couple tweaks once I got out though. I have tried so many it’s not funny. I have no clue even all the names I’ve tried! I’d give it probably a month but since they kept me inpatient for 2 weeks that’s probably good.

[Hopeful-Tinkerbell]

You have some in your system but it can take a month or two. It has to build up in your system and your body adjust. Definitely give it some time and make sure you are communicating how you are feeling etc with your doctor. Hang in there! Just never stop any Med unless you are working closely with your doctor to wean off or switch to another. A couple days is no time at all. Hang in there! ❤️

[DAVIDkd]

I mostly agree with Two_of_me. With the increase to 300mg (like I take) you should be fine. 450 is max therapeutic dose and caused "brain shock" OD symptoms for me. The effect of the drug will probably be subtle but helpful. It does nothing for my ADD but I have yet to find any drug treatment to gather my scattered brain. Good luck.