I take Wellbutrin daily. My dose is fairly high because that is what my doctor found necessary to help me limit the deep depressive phases I go through (when my mood dips it tends to get stuck at the bottom and suicidal thoughts are not uncommon for me during those times). I am very prone to side effects so did have some during the initial use of this med which I expected. They eased up after the first couple weeks and are now unnoticeable. Wellbutrin has been the only antidepressant I have tried (among many) that worked for me more than 9-10 months. My doctor tried it partly because of its ability to reduce pain in fibromyalgia patients. I’m so glad he did as it reduced my pain by nearly half almost immediately. I haven’t returned to the pain levels I was at before I started the Wellbutrin except during flares and major weather changes. Hope this helps. Take care.

I think you are right about being concerned with taking too many “mind altering “ medication without proven track record. You need to consider the risks and benefits, potential side effects and withdrawal effects should you need to quit your meds. I know too many people who became a prisoner of their prescription because they cannot get off of them and need to increase dosage or add other meds. Sorry I didn’t mean to scare you, but I have bad experiences with antidepressants, tricyclics, gabapentine. I know some people do well on them. Why did your doctor prescribe it to you? How well do you respond to your current meds?

I tried wellbutrin many years ago but it threw me into reumatoid arthritis. It was so painful. The dr said he had bever seen that happen before. Obviously I quit taking it. I hope it works for you.

Wellbutrin is in the antidepressant category but was used extensively to help with stopping to smoke. It it's in it's own category. I took it years ago to quit smoking and I felt like the lights came on for the first time in my life and have been on it since. It also gives me a little energy. It raise your dopamine and norepinephrine catecholamines. Norepinephrine helps with pain relief, which is why cymbalta and savella are commonly used for Fibro, both affect an increase in norepinephrine.
Many people can feel suicidal, and very suddenly, if they have their dopamine levels raised too much. So obviously that is not the medication you need. I have several friends who responded similarly.

To Matt 2877, I take Bupropion 1x per day. This is the generic for Wellbutrin. Checked the side effects from Wellbutrin mind altering is not one of them. Please check with your Professional Doctor for dosage and side effect's. Everyone is different and do not respond to medication's the same.