Most pharmacists I have asked the question of whether there is much of a difference between generic and brand claim the FDA only allows small changes in the type of filler the generic manufacturer can use. The active formula is supposed to stay exactly the same by law. I've always questioned that, mainly because I am basically suspicious of big pharm. But to answer your question about whether you will go through similar experience you had before switching to the brand Wellburtin, there shouldn't be any reason for it. You're still taking essentially the same drug. I can't take any of those kinds of meds. They make me feel worse, not better. Hope you feel better soon.

I have tried both and prefer the Brand and ask my doc to prescribe it. After reading many posts I gathered that the main difference is in the time release coating and how it releases into your system . Whether or not Generic is working for you brand specific is the best you can do so stick with it . Soon I think you will see that the inrush of the active drug into your system is not as overpowering . Hope for the best D.V.

Thanks for the advice archimedes and lectro. I am trying to hang in there with this med in the hope that it will start working in the next two weeks. I am worried that if it doesn't, my doc will switch me to a new med and then I may go through withdrawal side effects from the Wellbutrin. I know, I am jumping ahead of myself. I don't think there is any easy answer with these meds.

I have been on Wellbutrin (Buproprion) for 8 years and I did find that it took me a while before I adjusted to it. I also found that 150mg was not enough..and my doctor prescribed more and I am doing very well on it now. I wish you good luck as I know how difficult it can be to find the correct medication.

Hi Sandivq,

You don't happen to remember how long it took to work,do you? I know that is a tough one, since I can't remember what happened two years ago. Also, did it cause more anxiety when you first went on it. I was on Prozac before I switched to Wellbutrin and I still call it the "miracle" drug because it worked so quickly. From what I read, they all tend to lose effectiveness after awhile. Thank you for the info, I truly appreciate it!

I have been taking wellbutrin XL for 2 weeks @ 150 mg. This is the first antidepressant that I have taken that I have not had any side effects other than a very slight headache the first couple of days. Prior to taking it I was unable to get out of bed, could not do the simplest of tasks and I am able to get things done and feel more positive since taking the med..It has lessened my appetite somewhat and it has not really affected my sleeping. I am going to up the dosage to 300mg this week and hope the good benefits of it I am feeling will improve even more...if you do stop taking it i would taper off rather than stop taking it entirely. I had flashes of anxiety..mostly at night which is a hard time for me..but considering how I felt before taking this med having a brief flash of anxiety was not heard to deal with..for me this med is working well and maybe you could give it a bit more time to see if it works for you? I sure hope it does, please keep us posted on how you are doing

Hi Susy,

I am trying to hang in there with the Wellbutrin, but I guess I am not a very patient person. Going up in the dosage may help, but I don't want to experience more anxiety. Thanks for your advice! Have a great day all!

You mention anxiety at start up . I also find that if the things going on in my life are stressful such as difficult co workers or regular every day idiots who upset me are allowed to rent space between my left ear and right ear I tend to blame that on the meds. When I accept people as they are I am much more serene. I try to avoid situations that I know ahead of time are going to cause anxiety. Even though Im not perfect I asked my doc to supplement a low dose anti-anxiety med. ( lexapro ) with the wellbutrin and it worked great for me . Every one is different but it has been done successfully on many people . I take 5mg of Lexapro and 300 mg Wellbutrin . I split a 10 mg tab.Lexapro.tab.