Wellbutrin XL is making my executive function worse and more lethargic

I am a 30-year old woman and I have taken Wellbutrin for about 6 months. During this time I have experimented with different doses, like switching between 150 and 300 on my own (I know I shouldnt). Now I take 150mg. I feel like I have a lot more energy, that it is easier to wake up in the morning and my sleep is good. I have a better mood and feel better in general. All this is really lovely!

BUT I feel so paralyzed in a way? It has become easier to do small tasks, like doing dishes, but executing any hobbies? Sooo difficult! Like I want to go for walks, do yoga, read, paint, do things that need to be done with our new flat but it seems impossible?? Like it is a huge mountain to overcome and I'm just at the foot looking up, having no idea how to get up. It feels like a mental resistance, like my body is paralyzed, and it takes extreme amount of willpower.

Also I dont have the drive to go and see friends either. All I do is eating unhealthy (small amounts tho, the medication has helped with food intake) and watch tv and scroll on my phone.

Last semester at uni was so hard because I couldnt physically or mentally make myself read and study? Like there was a huge mental blockage. I want to do it but my body resists and fight against it, like a dog who dosent want to go for a walk and resist with all its legs. I did manage to take my exams but it needed to be so close to the deadline before anything happened.

I have struggled with tasks before this medication as well but not the feeling of having a straighjacket on. And I cant understand how small tasks has become easier but big tasks and desires/interests is so difficult to execute?

I am not depressed I think, because I have so much more dreams and interests again on this medication. But I am not able to follow through and start any of them. I just keep being in the viscious cycle of bad habits. The mental capacity it takes to get going is beyond.

Have anyone been struggling with this?? How do you cope? I really neeed some advice.

I dont want to quit the medication because if helps with weight loss which I need because I'm overweight.

Posted Aug 14, 2026, 5:48 AM UTC

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