Missed period, 3 negative tests, Wellbutrin

[stickynikki]

Okay. I was supposed to start my period around the 15th/16th of May. About a week ago I had an intense stabbing abdominal pain about around where the small intestine is. (which I've had before). About when my period was supposed to start, I had mild cramps. Now I am discharging and it sometimes feels like I started when I didn't. I've taken 3 pregnancy tests, all negative. I am on Wellbutrin XL, which I hear can cause missed and late periods. What do you think?

[becky7655]

I am also taking Wellbutrin XL and have experienced missed periods. I've been to two doctors- both claimed that my missed periods were attributed to stress and/or increased exercise and not Wellbutrin. Though valid reasons, I do think that Wellbutrin XL is playing a factor. You're not alone, but it might be a good idea to see a doctor.

[hils45]

I am in the exact same situation as you.  I have been on Wellbutrin for one month and my period is almost 2 weeks late.  I have taken 3 pregnancy tests and all have come back negative.  In addition, I am feeling very nauseaus and I also think that is a side effect of the Wellbutrin.

[candles1]

I am now 3 weeks late also.  And am not pregnant.  I started wellbutrin xl one month ago. I'm only taking 150 mg a day My doctor also says it is not related to the drug, but I am never more than a day off schedule.  Also, I had lower abdominal cramps the first week for about 5 days, then again last night July 30.

Stickynikki, have you seen a doctor, or started your period yet?  

[3DogLife]

Same here.  Started wellbutrin about 3 weeks ago, I am on the pill, had all of the cramping etc. but now my period is late.  I highly doubt pregnancy is the reason.  Sounds like we all have similar experiences with this drug.

[stickynikki]

Im so sorry I haven't responded yet! I did start my period, about a week late. I'm off Wellbutrin now, and haven't had any problems. After reading all of your experiences I assume that was the problem.  

[ksk52502]

I had the same problem.  I was 10 days late and on 300 mg of wellbutrin per day.  I was nauseus and could swear I was pregnant.  However I started my period and havent had the same problem since that one time.  I was also on the pill since I was 14, stopped before I got married when I was 23, got pregnant 2 months later, then went back on the pill until Sept 07 and Ive been on Wellbutrin and off the pill since then.  I have had irregular periods which is odd because I was on the pill for so long.  My doctor recommended to use an ovulation kit and this would help.  She said that the Wellbutrin is likely causing this.  But she said it would likely fix itself.  I'm going to try the clearblue easy ovulation tests this month and next month and we'll see what happenes.

[depressed1965]

I started wellbutrin about a week ago and I should have started about two days ago I am never usually late, but I am late. Like everyone else almost 100% not pregnant. Cramping felt horrible the past few days. Heard wellbutrin does not do this. However, I believe the same as it seems everyone else I think the medicine is causing it. It is stressing me out and I feel horrible physicially.

[AKman]

I have had the same problem on wellbutrin for approx 4 years.  Since starting wellbutrin I have had on average  2-3 periods per year.  I am in the process of TTC and am weaning off medication to see if periods resume.

[weepy]

I've been taking 300mg of Wellbutrin XL for a bit over a month now.  I've missed two periods, I'm constipated, irritable (though not as bad as when I first started taking the drug) and have felt weepy at times.  I was on Celexa for a year, but stopped after I gained about 15 pounds.
Anyone out there on the same boat as me?

[cloudysi123]

I started Wellbutrin about 3 weeks ago. After about a week I noticed I was much more irritable than usual and I too have experienced constipation. In addition my period is 4 days late, I am 100% not pregnant, and my periods are very rarely late. Sounds like a lot of us are in similar situations.

[flashnat]

i have been taking Welbutrin for almost a month been spotting for 1week, i am supposed to start my period next week...whats going on.... could it be those pills??? i have missede 2 birth control and the pharmacist told me it was my hormones that are all mixed up.....i really dont think i am pregnante...????

[mentalnimbus]

Has anybody noticed an increase in acne with Wellbutrin XL?
I have an issue with this as I came off Depo about 18 months ago, I was on SR for about 5 years, and my acne got worse, then switched to XL about 10 months ago and my acne went berserk!  I am still waiting on a period????  The dermatologist wants to use accutane but I quit the Wellbutrin about 14 days ago in desperation, and it looks a bit better, just what I need, another drug induced mess right?

[pags1125]

mentainimbus, the same thing happened to me. Deep cystic acne and it really hurt too. My dermatologist also said I could try accutane, but I did some research on my own and hormone fluctuation causes this outburst a lot. I cut out dairy because it has additional hormones in it and my skin is almost 100% clear now. I miss cheese but its totally worth it to get rid of the acne.

[Hello_All]

I started Wellbutrin about a month and a half ago. My first period came early on a Friday, when I shouldn't have gotten it until either Sun, Mon, or Tues. I am also on Necon, and my cycle is never off. This month, I had kind of the beginning and end stuff, just barely, a little bit of cramping, but no period. I took 2 pregnancy tests, and both were negative. I also feel more weepy since I changed from Lexapro to Wellbutrin - I'm not depressed at all, but everything makes me cry. I switched to Wellbutrin because of the sexual side effects of Lexapro - I am now able to "enjoy sex" since I have changed, and never achieved this while on Lexapro. Going back to the missed period, has anybody else experienced any funky smelling urine? Kind of embarrassing, but since my missed period, my urine smells funny, and I douched, but it's not going away. I have never had this problem before, and plan to call my doctor soon if it doesn't go away.

[T_M]

My urine smells strange as well- really funky actually.  Have been on XL for one month and am am almost one month late.  Was regular before that.  Have taken weekly preg tests all negative.

[Hello_All]

Hi T_M,

I went to the doctor about the urine smell and it turns out it was a urinary tract infection - never had that before in my life. I think it was from holding it for too long while on the phone all day at work. If it doesn't go away, I would recommend checking with your doctor just to make sure, bc if a UTI goes untreated, it can spread to your kidneys and cause permanent damage. Thanks for responding, best of luck!

[mah0375]

I am also on welbutrin xl and have always had regular periods. Been taking this drug for a month or so and now I am 5 days late. Feel like I could start at any time but nothing. I am so sick feeling and just want to sleep all the time. 3 negative preg tests though so I am sure I am not preg. I have had a tubal about 11 years ago so I am pretty sure I am not preg.

[Lizith12]

I have been on 150 mg of Wellbutrin XL for about 2 months now since I have experienced a depression relapse. My first period while taking the medication was right on time, but I am still waiting for this month's to start. I'm a week late and have taken 2 pregnancy tests...both negative. I am not taking bc and I have a 5 month old son. I heard that you are more fertile the year after you deliver, so I thought that pregnancy might be a posibility. After reading this I am definitely thinking it's the meds. I took 150 mg of the regular Wellbutrin twice daily for 2 years about 3-4 years ago and never had a problem with menstruation, so this is strange.

[mermaid34]

Just chiming in here with everyone: ten days late, negative test, on Wellbutrin 150 for four weeks.  I imagine this might have something to do with how changing neurotransmitter levels such as dopamine might have an overall effect on our hormones.  

[serendipity73]

I have been on Wellbutrin XL 150 mg for about a month and a half. I really do not feel any difference. I was put on it for mild depression and loss of energy, but I still feel like I am floating through my days and can't wait to go home and crawl into bed. I should also mention I am on a very small dose of beta blockers for my atrial fibrillation (which is meant to decrease my heart rate). Should I increase to the 300 mg dose? I am concerned about doing this, as this is my first time on any anti-depressant and I would eventually like to wean myself off.
Also, have any women noticed their periods are late or non-existent? I am a week late in my period, and I am NEVER late. I will be going to get a pregnancy test done, but I am fairly certain I am not pregnant. I also noticed very heavy cramping yesterday that would signal the start of my period, but nothing happened.
I would appreciate any feedback!
Thank you.

[uneasedhomemaker]

this is just my opinion but I think this medication is very very bad for your health and dont reccomend taking it. I was not on well butrin very long a month or so when I decided to stop taking it.. I had never experienced a panic attack, trouble sleeping or a missed period (besides my pregancy) before I started taking this medication. It says its supposed to help with depression and anxiety and what not but all it has done is increased all of these things. I think this makes it very obvious the affects and chemicals they are putting in these medications are just unnatural and unhealthy.... for your own good I suggest you stop taking it or try something new. I just cant see how this can be good for anyone. (as well as douching, this causes an imbalance of natural chemicals and tend to cause more problems than they cure.) like I said this is just my personal opinion so please do not take offense.

[HB7701]

i started taking wellbutrin september 1st ( first time i've ever started taking medicine like this) and it seems like i get my period every two weeks. I'm on birth control and i'm always on time. I don't know whats wrong considering all the stories i'm reading everyone is late or their period is skipped. I havent liked the way the wellbutrin has made me feel so my doctor is switching my medicine but i have to wean off of this first. I hope my period goes back to being on schedule with this new medicine

[renface]

i am having the same issue. just started WB about a week ago, and was supposed to start my period this passed saturday (it is now tuesday). i am also on BC and havn't been this late ever (while on BC)... i started to really worry yesterday morning (and took two preg. tests yesterday and one today) all were negative.
i was worried if effected my BC like antibiotics would, but when i called the doc who perscribed it to me, she told me she never heard of this side effect before.
after reading these posts... i think doctors may need to reconsider this.
and i dont think it is stress or anything like that, because i have been majorly stressed and depressed for a while before considering anti depressants, and it never effected my cycle.
i am still concerned, but i did just start it. i may have not adjusted to it yet. but it is very odd issue.
no cramping... no spotting... no nausea... nothing at all.
very weird

[renface]

I have a question for anyone who was very late and was on birth control... (taking welbutrin). I am now 5 days late, and normally i would start a new pack by now. Did you wait to start another pack til you got your period? Or did you keep on your cycle of birth control hoping it would figure out the correct pattern again? I have taken 4 preg tests, all were a clear negative.

[Princessdiana]

I've been on wellbution for a week and was suppost to start I'm have cramps and soreness like I'm going to but still haven't I was suppost to start a week ago      I've had a tubal also so I don't think preg is a problem. They put me on it for mild depression and lack of energy and also to quit smoking it has some what helped for everything. But I'm kinda glad bout periods cause I was having them every 15 days.  Do u think I should tell my dr.       They also found a knot in my left breast and got to do a biopsy next week to find out what it is so I think I might need to stay on this med.

[xusaman]

Started wellbutrin XL 150mg at the beginning of december, it is now basically january and no period. My last period was on Nov. 17th, and on December 18th this month i had one tiny blood spot, and that was it. Pregnancy is highly doubtful, and 3 pregnancy tests say negative. I've had regular periods all my life. This drug needs to be evaluated again to list this side effect of missed periods/irregular periods.