Bupropion and Anger: What Users Say

• And...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 31, 2020

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "Give this medication a fighting chance! I almost quit a month in, but I am SO glad I didn’t and toughed out the negative side effects. When I started, I felt dazed and sedated but wired and jittery at the same time. My insomnia was horrible. Other side effects I experienced included tinnitus, horrible anxiety, hand tremors, heart palpitations, and a really short temper. I desired nothing, but had the energy to do everything - weird combo. OKAY, now for the GOOD, and things I think people should know before giving up this medication - the side effects last a LONG time (two and a half months for me) but they DO all go away. I was now able to get up early to work out, got into cooking, lost weight, and felt hopeful about life. Sex also got WAY better now that I could stop living in my head, which was a huge plus. For the first time in a long time, I can really say I feel happy. So give it time!"

• MJa...
• February 6, 2021

Bupropion for Depression "I was diagnosed with Bipolar II and C-PTSD in 2015. I tried a handful of different medications, but I was also dependent on alcohol. I stopped drinking August 2020 and soon after went med-free (supervised) to see where I was at. What appeared to come about was depression mostly. When I started 150mg bupropion HCL XL, within 48 hrs I felt more energy, more activated emotions, less fog. It caused me to be more agitated and angry at first, but I knew it was because I was coming from complete numbness to actually having some feelings. I am now a month in and I feel happy about where I am with my mood. I say definitely give it a chance, especially if you are not a fan of SSRIs. Give it a few weeks and log your feelings. Being on this is far better than where I was in my depression. I wanted to share my experience and feelings because it has given me some hope and I want to share that with others."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2019

Bupropion for Depression "I have been on antidepressants for decades. My P.A. put me on Zoloft, and I took it for months with no effect. I asked to try Wellbutrin, as it helped me back in my 30s. Been on it three weeks. I CANNOT explain how bad the anxiety is. I cannot sleep. I cannot speak well, nor can I remember words or their spellings. Let us not mention that sudden feeling of rage and anger. Decided to do some research and find other people's experiences, and here they are. Many with the same issues. Perhaps all of this would dissipate over time, but I can't live like this. I will discontinue using it, and I hope that this helps someone. Please keep fighting, NEVER give up. I'm going to keep searching for the right cure for me."

• Jak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 11, 2021

For Borderline Personality Disorder "1st week = mini heart attacks, increased anxiety, heavy breathing, low sex drive, sweating, body odor increased (BO). Overthinking, negative, honestly was going to give up. So many side effects. 2nd week = fewer heartaches, lower anxiety, normal breathing, sex drive up, low hunger, lost like 5 lbs in those 2 weeks, sweating palms, sweating armpits. More confident due to less thinking. 3rd week = Sweating palms, little to no anxiety, body odor still present, metabolism is on fire, always craving snacks, no sadness, but easily irritated. Seems like if you have anger issues, this will be a big problem since you don't feel sad anymore. 4th week = I'm still in the process :) Overall, give it a few weeks, it worked for my depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, and abuse. Former Marine and survivor of parental abuse. Good luck, people! It's time to get our lives back!"

• Bir...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 6, 2020

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I’ve been on Wellbutrin XL with my dosage varying from 300-450. This is the best antidepressant I have ever tried, and I have tried many. Whenever I increase my dosage, I do experience side effects for a little while. Mostly, I’m more easily annoyed and fidgety. They always go away over time. This is the only medication that has been able to increase my energy levels and sex drive. I also have GAD, have had psychotic depression in the past, and panic attacks in the past. This drug doesn’t exacerbate any of those problems for me. I’m also on Seroquel though, so that probably helps with my sleep. Many antidepressants have given me terrible headaches, but this one does not. I get migraines a few times a year, same as before. If you’ve found that other antidepressants don’t work for you, I highly recommend this one. Almost no side effects and definitely gives me the energy I need."

• abc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 14, 2015

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I have been on bupropion XL 300 for around 6 months and I'm really glad that I stuck through it. For me, it definitely got worse before it got better. Around the second and third month, my anxiety had me on edge, and I had a very short temper. The positive definitely outweighed the negative though. I'm no longer sleeping all day, I finally have the energy to work out and carry out basic activities, and no more emotional eating. As a result, I've lost 25 pounds, and it has really helped me with my confidence. Not every day is great, but that's just part of life. I'm no longer irritable, and my anxiety is not perfect, but manageable. I finally feel like I'm taking control of my life. If you can stick it out past the 3-month mark, I think it's worth a try."

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2020

Bupropion for Depression "After taking Lexapro, I gained weight. I did not take anything for more than a year until the depression relapse began. The doctor prescribed Wellbutrin. For the first 3 weeks, there were bouts of anger. I waited for it to pass. Then I began to have daily tears and dark thoughts. The condition is worse than before taking the medicine. I gave up, and after a few days, I felt like another person. I do not recommend it. It was a terrible experience for me."

• Zap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 31, 2013

Bupropion for Depression "I just was put back onto Wellbutrin after attempting 3 other antidepressants. It was only after being off it that I realized how good it worked for me. I was taken off of it because it caused me to have some issues with irritability and, according to my family, short-tempered. I was put on Cymbalta, but I enjoy a drink or 2 a day with my wife (Cymbalta and alcohol will damage your liver, well-documented). Zoloft made me feel completely despondent, and I felt life was no longer worth living, not to mention made me not even remotely think of sex. When I was put back on Wellbutrin, I felt like life was worth living, and I feel happier and euphoric. Now I take Lamictal with Wellbutrin 150 mg in the morning. Avoid the XR, causes insomnia."

• Rod...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 21, 2020

For Anxiety "Changed from sertraline to Wellbutrin, sertraline shut my libido down (can't believe she still loves me) and took me a while to figure that out (thanks, Doc!). After a few months on Wellbutrin, I have many of the same symptoms that I read here: insomnia is brutal, wake up at 4 a.m. to the sound of a neighbor's car starting, and I am up for good. Mood swings, anxiety worse than before... I can go on, blurry vision for sure... short-tempered... none of which I had before WB. When I told my doc I wanted to stop, she upped me to 300 mg daily! I took her advice, but I have had enough, this is crazy! It didn't work for me. With all these symptoms, I forgot why I was even taking it. My original long-standing issue was anxiety and OCD. I feel like I have spent most of my life trying to diagnose and find something to help me."

• Mcg...
• December 2, 2015

Bupropion for Depression "I have been on generic Wellbutrin XL 150mg for about a month and a half now. All I can say is that it is an interesting drug. I didn't want to really go on it because, while I have depression, it is not that bad. I was hoping to get on something to help my anxiety because that is way worse. Well, the first 3 weeks I was on it were fine. I felt a little bit more energy and libido and no side effects. Then all of a sudden from week 3-4, I got extremely anxious, stressed, and angry. Everything made me angry. I can happily say that those side effects have passed and I now have none. These last 2 weeks have been great. Tons of energy and drive. Love cleaning now for some reason and I used to hate it."

• mcb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2018

For ADHD "I started Wellbutrin SR 150 mg twice per day about a week ago. I have noticed a huge difference. I am alert, active, and in a much better mood. I can focus on everything, and I am not irritable or angry when I am coming off of the medication. Truly amazing and better than Adderall in my opinion. You cannot build up a tolerance for it, unlike Adderall."

• Bob...
• July 27, 2019

Bupropion for Smoking Cessation "Took this Zyban to help my pack-a-day habit! Yes, it works, cravings are gone. However, it spun me into a rage, angry, aggressive, couldn’t help myself... so yes, I’ve quit smoking, but almost lost myself and my family in the process!"

• Bob...
• July 27, 2019

Bupropion for Smoking Cessation "Took this Zyban to help my pack-a-day habit! Yes, it works, cravings are gone. However, it spun me into a rage, angry, aggressive, couldn’t help myself... so yes, I’ve quit smoking, but almost lost myself and my family in the process!"

• Bob...
• July 27, 2019

Bupropion for Smoking Cessation "Took this Zyban to help my pack-a-day habit! Yes, it works, cravings are gone. However, it spun me into a rage, angry, aggressive, couldn’t help myself... so yes, I’ve quit smoking, but almost lost myself and my family in the process!"

• sad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2023

Bupropion "Wellbutrin made me extremely agitated and angry and caused me to cry almost nonstop for a week. If I wasn't screaming at someone, I was in tears. The symptoms were so bad that my doctor took me off the drug, even after only having it for a little over a week. The side effects were completely unlivable. I could never have done that for weeks while I waited for it to work, I have bills to pay."

• Anonymous
• March 27, 2010

Bupropion for Depression "I use Wellbutrin XL and it helps my bipolar disorder and adult ADD! It gives me better focus, eases anxiety, keeps me from becoming enraged for no reason and helps me from getting depressed! I no longer scream at my family (very important) and I don't sit and cry for no reason anymore! This is a miracle medicine for me."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 15, 2020

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I started Wellbutrin after taking Zoloft for about 6 months but had to stop because I gained 30 lbs in 3 months and was retaining water like crazy. Wellbutrin definitely stopped the water retention, and I’ve lost about 6 pounds since starting it about a month ago. Unfortunately, I have to stop taking this one too. I was hoping this would be the one— I’ve been back and forth on a lot of meds, but nothing has worked. I felt severely angry and would lash out. I’ve never been that way. I am convinced this medication has caused me to have anger problems when I never had them before. Coming off the medication hasn’t been great, super emotional, tired, lots of headaches, and irritability, but after day 12, I’m finally feeling better."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2013

Bupropion for Depression "I have been taking 300 mg for a few weeks now, and I have to say this medication has definitely improved my quality of life. Such a big change from when I was trying Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro, etc. Wellbutrin XL helps control my gloominess, anxiety, and even my appetite. I am more motivated to do things during the day. The biggest side effect for me right now is that I am more snappy and aggressive when I get angry, hopefully that will subside."

• Hap...
• December 8, 2017

Bupropion for Depression "So I've been on it for about a month and a half. I've had severe depression for a long time now. I was in a relationship I just couldn't step away from. After this medication, I realized that I am better than that. I found the source of all my depression. I am going to leave him and start my life without him. I deserve better. Also, I am really different, it seems to help with my anger issues as well. Things that used to just piss me off no longer bother me anymore. It's really nice to enjoy things other than my bedroom."

• LCa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2019

Bupropion for Depression "I had every bad side effect, and it crept up over time. Insane migraine headaches, stomach pain, nausea, ear pain, ringing in the ears, vision problems, vertigo, suicidal thoughts. I also had very frequent urination. The agitation and angry outbursts were really frightening. I was completely fine for 3 months, so I didn’t make the connection between the drug and the symptoms at all. I went to doctors for headaches and my bladder, and even for allergies, until I figured it out myself. I finally thought to myself, what did I start doing differently in my life? It was the Wellbutrin. I called my psychiatrist and told him my symptoms, and he told me to stop taking it immediately. I’m glad I figured it out. I really don’t think anybody else other than myself would have. It has been a really rough few weeks with this pain. I felt almost immediately better when I stopped the medication."

• Tac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 24, 2019

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I started this a month ago, first, it made me very hostile, but after a few days, I evened out. I am taking it having bulimia and anorexia alternating, as well as major depressive disorder. It has actually helped me control my eating and almost fully stopped the binge-purge cycle. However, it does have its drawbacks. I have a fast heart rate, not really fast but noticeable, less suicidal thoughts, but when they do come, they are stronger impulses. The urge to self-harm has been lowered, but I still have moments I lose control. It has definitely helped me a lot, and I choose the side effects over wanting to commit suicide constantly. This has saved my life 100% for sure because before, I had planned to end my life, but this made me reconsider it, and I want to live."

• cou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 12, 2013

Bupropion for Depression "One week on 100 mg, week two on 200 mg, halfway into the third week, diarrhea, feeling hungover, only sleeping 3 to 4 hours a night, horrible anxiety like something bad is going to happen. Getting angry at just about anything. This medication isn't for me."

• ADD...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2015

Bupropion for Depression "I'm 35, female. I took Wellbutrin from December to May this year to treat major OCD, depression, and ADD. The main effects I experienced were a slight decrease in depression and OCD. It did not make me more social or 'feel good' mood-wise. It was easier to concentrate at work. It definitely increased my ability to work hard and be more competitive and confident. I was better able to stand up for myself and express what I want. I experienced a heightened sexual drive. However, I had 5-6 major anger outbursts with people in my life during this time. I screamed at someone, slapped someone, yelled, and wrote a nasty letter. I've never, ever in my life had anger issues. A friend experienced the same thing on Wellbutrin with the anger. I'm currently decreasing my dose and may go off the drug completely."

• ilo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2014

Bupropion for Depression "This medication worked wonders for me. It took a while (3 weeks maybe) for it to fully set in, and I went from suicidal thoughts and self-harm attempts to actually being able to function in society. Wonderful antidepressant, no side effects, except that it is easier to become angry because this medication quickens emotional reaction time. I was put on Lamictal and Klonopin to help my anger and anxiety/paranoia/panic attacks that came with my depression, and they have both been wonderful. I do not have any complaint except the anger issue. I will occasionally have a breakdown and have only self-harmed twice since starting this medication. Would recommend to anyone suffering from depression."

• Stu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 21, 2022

Bupropion for Depression "This drug made me nuts. I took it for anxiety and depression, and it multiplied the anxiety by a factor of 10. It was like a hand reached down from the sky, grabbed me by the throat, and scared me witless. I could not calm myself down. I felt doomed. I was so scared I became jumpy and angry. Like, furious. The literature all says these symptoms may fade, so I kept taking the pills for 2 weeks until my husband was exhausted by this frantic woman I had become. I stopped cold and felt normal again almost immediately. So don't feel you have to stay with it!"