Jul 7, 2025
Wellbutrin, also called Bupropion, is an antidepressant that is frequently prescribed for “off-label” use for anxiety, OCD, and ADHD. This means that while its original use is for depression, it has been successful at treating these other disorders, especially those for whom more traditional medications and approaches have not been working.
For example, if traditional stimulants are not a viable or effective option for someone struggling with ADHD, they may use Wellbutrin instead. This offers another avenue of symptom relief, which can be immensely helpful in recovery.
People who use Wellbutrin off-label have likely also tried other medications. They might have undergone weeks or even months of failed medication attempts. They’re probably feeling tired, frustrated, and maybe a little ashamed. When they’re prescribed Wellbutrin, the first question they probably have is “How long does it take Wellbutrin to work?”
The answer can vary depending on you and your situation, so let’s dive in. Remember, you are not broken or damaged for having mental health struggles. Even if it feels like every treatment option is a dead end, there is more research being done every day for innovative treatments. There is always hope for recovery.
How long does it take for wellbutrin to work?
Wellbutrin can take up to 2 weeks before you start to notice improvements, and its full effects may not be felt until weeks 4-6.
Wellbutrin works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. These are chemicals that help you feel energized, alert, and motivated. It takes time for your body to get used to the new medication for dopamine and norepinephrine to build up in a substantial way that you can then feel.
How long wellbutrin takes also depends on personal factors. If you don’t feel any improvements within 2 weeks, talk to your psychiatrist. Remember that it can take a while for Wellbutrin to make a noticeable difference in your mood and energy.
What Is Wellbutrin Used For?
Wellbutrin is an atypical antidepressant because it works differently than the most commonly prescribed SSRIs. SSRIs work by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain. These are your most common antidepressants which include medications like Prozac and Lexapro.
However, because Prozac and Lexapro target the same neurotransmitter (serotonin), they don’t work for some people. When SSRIs fail to improve depression symptoms, atypical antidepressants like Wellbutrin may be given.
But Wellbutrin doesn’t just treat depression. Other reasons you might be prescribed wellbutrin include:
- Anxiety
- ADHD
- OCD
- Depression
- Comorbid Disorders, like combined Depression and Anxiety, or combined Depression and ADHD.
- To stop smoking.
In some cases, Wellbutrin may be prescribed to help treat obesity or binge-eating disorder. This is because Wellbutrin can cause weight loss. Although not a guaranteed side effect, weight loss on Wellbutrin is common. This is not the intended use for it, though, and should only be taken to manage weight under the supervision of a psychiatrist or medical doctor.
Signs Wellbutrin Is Working
Change can be slow, especially change in our mental health. If you’re feeling frustrated with your lack of progress, keep an eye out for these signs that Wellbutrin is working:
- Your mood is improving.
Since most people take Wellbutrin because they are struggling with a mood disorder like Depression or Anxiety, improved mood is the number one way to note if Wellbutrin is working. It might not be as simple as “Do I feel happier?” (Although that is certainly a good sign!) Improved mood can have smaller metrics as well, such as a decrease in panic attacks or an improved sense of self-worth. It can be helpful to track your mood daily or throughout the day. Try one of these mental health apps to track your mood, or start a journal. Staying mindful throughout your day about how you feel will help you notice positive improvements as they happen.
- You want to do things again.
The increased energy and motivation that Wellbutrin can give you will likely translate into you enjoying your hobbies or wanting to hang out with people again. A common symptom of depression is anhedonia, when nothing sounds fun anymore. Self-isolating and withdrawal is a common symptom of many of the disorders that Wellbutrin treats. When you want to engage with life again, meet up with old friends, and start doing your hobbies again, that’s a sign that Wellbutrin is working.
- You feel like yourself.
Mental illness can steal your sense of self. It can make you feel like a shadow of who you once were or like someone else entirely. Wellbutrin should, over time, return this sense of self to you. You might feel fewer mood swings and feel more in control of yourself and your surroundings.
- Your physical health is improving.
Mental health and physical health are closely related, so when one suffers, the other does too. This also means that when one improves, the other does too. Wellbutrin is linked to improved sleep quality and can indirectly address insomnia. However, negative changes in your sleep pattern could also be a sign that Wellbutrin is working. Since it has stimulating effects, some people can find it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep on Wellbutrin. If you experience this side effect, talk to your psychiatrist. They can adjust the dosage or find a way to deal with the side effects.
- Better focus and concentration.
Wellbutrin is not a stimulant, but it can have an energizing effect. Plus, the increased motivation can be helpful in concentrating and focusing. Notice throughout the work week how well you’re able to focus on your tasks. Is it an improvement from before? If so, that might be the Wellbutrin working.
These are not the only signs that Wellbutrin is working. It can help to keep track of a symptom journal. This journal, which can be virtual or on paper, lists the symptoms you were experiencing before you started taking medication or began treatment. Every day, mark how severe the symptom was. As you start Wellbutrin, the symptoms should begin to decrease. They won’t go away overnight—it takes around 2 weeks for changes to be felt with Wellbutrin—but you should start noticing small changes.
If you don’t notice these changes, talk to your psychiatrist. They may up your dose or change you to a different medication. Wellbutrin isn’t for everyone, so keep communicating with how it affects you and any side effects you may experience.
If you think Wellbutrin would help you, contact Lifebulb. We have psychiatrists who can diagnose and prescribe medications such as Wellbutrin.
