Wellbutrin — why I will not take it
May 2023, I started taking Wellbutrin to help with anxiety, depression, and other mental issues. Within 3 days of taking it I started feeling weird, wasn’t feeling well. On the 5th day of taking Wellbutrin I woke up with a swollen eye, didn’t think anything of it, thought I had a cat hair in my eye. As days went on I got worse, i was constantly nauseous, started losing my vision in my left eye. Felt awful, looked awful.
I ended up going to my local ER and was given erythromycin ointment for my eye (ended up making it worse) and then sent home saying I was fine. Next day went to a different ER and told I’m fine, maybe an allergic reaction to the erythromycin. After 4 trips to the ER I was tired, sick, couldn’t see. I was so defeated and exhausted with being sick.
The last trip to the hospital I made I was told I was lucky, (not feeling so lucky) I had an infection on the left side of my brain causing the issues, and if I hadn’t went that day I could’ve potentially lost my vision completely. I was told “Wellbutrin can’t do this to you”. Months after the fact I ended up going to a training for a job, and a psychologist told me that Wellbutrin (being an anti-depressant) can cause issues with the brain, causing eye problems.
So what I got from this medication was an infection, causing my vision to disappear. Thankfully I am fine, haven’t had issues since.
I’m putting this out here for awareness, if you or someone you know have taken Wellbutrin and experienced this but was told that you were fine. Where you felt distraught. You are not alone.
Building on the original post, I want to share a bit more about Wellbutrin, especially for those researching it or considering it for other conditions like ADHD. When you get your Wellbutrin XL pill bottle, you'll typically notice it's an extended-release tablet, often white or off-white, and it's super important to always double-check your prescription details. It's primarily known for treating depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), but its mechanism of action, affecting neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, also makes it a topic of discussion for other uses. One area where Wellbutrin, or bupropion, is often discussed is its 'off-label' use for ADHD. This means while it's not officially approved by the FDA specifically for ADHD, doctors might prescribe it when other stimulant medications aren't suitable or if a patient also experiences depression. For many, Wellbutrin can help improve focus, attention span, and even reduce impulsivity, providing a non-stimulant option. I've heard from friends who found it offered a smoother experience compared to traditional ADHD meds, without the intense 'jitters.' However, like any medication, individual responses vary, and it's essential to work closely with your prescribing doctor to monitor its effectiveness and any potential side effects. It's not a magic bullet, but for some, it can be a valuable part of their ADHD management strategy. Speaking of experiences, it’s vital to distinguish between common initial side effects and something more serious, like what the original author sadly went through. When I first started on a new medication, I remember feeling a bit nauseous and having trouble sleeping for a few days, which my doctor said was normal as my body adjusted. But if you're experiencing anything like a swollen eye, significant vision changes, severe migraines, or those alarming blood spots mentioned in the images, that’s a huge red flag. My personal takeaway, and what I hope others learn, is to really listen to your body. Don't let yourself be dismissed, even by medical professionals. If something feels profoundly wrong or your symptoms like feeling constantly nauseous and unable to see persist or worsen, trust your gut and keep seeking answers, just like the author did. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your Wellbutrin XL pill bottle – it lists all the potential side effects, both common and rare. Being informed helps you advocate for yourself. Remember, your health is paramount, and open communication with your healthcare provider about all your experiences, good or bad, is key to finding what works for your body and your mental well-being, safely and effectively.





Seems you were allergic to the medication.