Hi all, I just wanted to add my story/progress so far with bupropion. I noticed that there's fewer stories on here like mine where benefits weren't felt for months and are slow going so I hope others can relate.
I've been on it for 6 months for depression and anxiety so far and every month or so I notice a small change for the better.
I'm not dealing with a sudden first time onset of depression, more like years of anhedonia with even lower dips into depression.
I was experiencing a depressive episode when I started and the med quickly resolved that, but then I was back in the anhedonia state I've been in for years.
I thought bupropion wasn't a good fit as my depression wasn't 'completely resolved' after many months but I'm beginning to realize that the depression has dug in deep because of how long it went untreated and recovery will take time.
Here are some of the positives that have slowly come out and become more consistent and solidified as time goes on -
Feels like my brain now hits the brakes whenever my thoughts try and turn negative or ruminate. This was a wonderful relief when I experienced it, but highlighted how my brain felt a compulsion to look at every experience with the dimest outlook, which I came to realize wasn't normal/wasn't something I needed to endure.
It has helped my anxiety significantly, at some point initiating interactions with people did feel like walking through fire, and I felt much more at ease and social with people in general - like I used to be many years ago. It feels like I'm getting to know myself again, a little strange.
As my anxiety and depression eases in specific areas of my life, I'm able to recognize that its still present like a blanket over my general being. I sometimes feel frustrated or like I'm failing because I still can't get my nervous system to be neutral as it's base state.
BUT I've seen enough progress to have the belief that things can get even better, and I'm going to focus on not have expectations for how long recovery will take and try and enjoy the process.