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Bupropion and Anger: What Users Say (Page 4)

Brand names: Wellbutrin XL, Wellbutrin SR, Forfivo XL, Aplenzin Budeprion Budeprion SR

Reviews for Bupropion

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Kir...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • May 1, 2023

For Bipolar Disorder "I love this medicine. Honestly, I had low, almost non-existent hope that it would work for my bipolar disorder, given that I have tried several medications before, and I mean several. I tried Paxil, which made me very manic and angry. Then, I tried Zoloft, which turned out to be the worst idea ever! I gained over 100 pounds in one year, and I have had weight and obesity problems ever since. Even though I was actually underweight before the medication, I also had high liver enzymes since then. I should have sued them for the damage it caused to my health, weight, and liver. Sorry for getting off-topic, but I have also tried Lithium Carbonate, which made my seizures worse and caused severe nightmares. Additionally, Focalin XR, Intuniv, and Methylphenidate all made me super manic and gave me an uncontrollable libido. So, I had almost no expectations that this new medicine would work, but man, it did! I woke up one day and realized that the depression was gone, and I don't even remember the last time I was depressed."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • January 12, 2012

Bupropion for Depression "For a short while (about a month), this medication worked alright for me, but after that, I started having anger issues and mood swings. I was worse on this medication than I was without it. I've heard a lot of people have great results with it, but it was much more of a detriment than a boon for me."

2 / 10
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  • San...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 29, 2020

For Depression "I was put on Wellbutrin 75 mg twice a day. For 1 1/2 months, I was taking it in the morning and the afternoon. I love this drug. It improved my mood tremendously. I felt so good and happy, and it suppressed my appetite. I was going to the gym every day, setting daily goals. I lost 15 pounds. Then I kept forgetting my afternoon dose, so I was only taking 75 mg daily. My mood declined a bit. I was back to being aggravated all the time over the smallest things. I was still able to get out of bed every day, but my energy level was diminished. I didn’t feel like doing anything, and I was right back to binge eating all the time and gained 10 pounds back. My doctor just put me on 150 mg extended release, so I won’t have to worry about taking it twice a day anymore. I’m hoping I get my energy and happy-go-lucky mood back. I’m also hoping it helps the binge eating again. Highly recommend Wellbutrin for depression, binge eating, weight loss."

9 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • 420...
  • June 29, 2016

For Smoking Cessation "27 and been smoking heavily for about 2 years but couldn't stop on my own. I've been taking bupropion (purple pill) for about a month now. 1 a day for week 1, then 2 daily. Within the first 2 days, I went from smoking 10-12 cigs a day to 3-4. I am also a daily 420 user. The meds cut those cravings way down too, which might be why I started to feel anxiety, so my doctor increased my dose to 340 mg. After about 4 weeks, I was cig-free. I think I'm in week 6 now. I don't crave cigs at all, but for the last week, I have been feeling very nauseous when I eat. The worst part is the aggravation/anger. The smallest things get me very angry. I used to be very mild-tempered, you could say a pushover. These meds made me a b*tch. Now I'm weaning off."

8 / 10
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  • Wha...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 6, 2018

Bupropion for Depression "Took it in 2005, it was awful. I thought I was gonna lose my mind. Outbursts of anger, panic attacks, sex drive through the roof (that was nice though). I had to quit. Remeron was perfect. Taking it now, it's great. I'm focused, no anxiety, I'm calm and lots of energy. What's the difference? I think in 2005 I was burned out by stress and anxiety, I needed to slow down, Remeron worked. Now I'm depressed and slow, don't wanna do anything, no energy and can't focus. Wellbutrin feels right."

7 / 10
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  • Nic...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 15, 2020

For ADHD "Help! I’ve been on bupropion XL 150 mg once daily for about a week, and I’m miserable. The first couple of days, I was spacey and out of it, constant headache, having panic attacks so bad that I called out of work. The panic attacks have subsided, but now I’m having fits of rage. I have a 5-year-old, and I’ve gotten so angry with him this weekend. I’ve raised my voice with him too many times to count this weekend. And I’ve even caught myself before yelling and screamed with my mouth closed like a toddler having a temper tantrum. I can’t hold it back. My doctor wants me to wait another week at least, but I feel like for the sake of my family, I need to stop taking this medication."

1 / 10
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  • Nic...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 15, 2020

For ADHD "Help! I’ve been on bupropion XL 150 mg once daily for about a week, and I’m miserable. The first couple of days, I was spacey and out of it, constant headache, having panic attacks so bad that I called out of work. The panic attacks have subsided, but now I’m having fits of rage. I have a 5-year-old, and I’ve gotten so angry with him this weekend. I’ve raised my voice with him too many times to count this weekend. And I’ve even caught myself before yelling and screamed with my mouth closed like a toddler having a temper tantrum. I can’t hold it back. My doctor wants me to wait another week at least, but I feel like for the sake of my family, I need to stop taking this medication."

1 / 10
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  • Chr...
  • August 15, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I (26/f) really wanted to love this medication, bupropion, but it was a fail for me in helping my major depression. Started on 150 mg dose and moved to 300 mg months later. I didn’t find Wellbutrin to help with my energy levels either. I can sleep 12+ hours on it. However, staying asleep is a struggle for me. I’m a thin woman to begin with and did find with 300 mg that it really did lower my appetite. So that was a bit of a con for me, but I know many would appreciate this effect. The anger I experienced on this med was intense. Also, did not see any benefit from it helping my ADHD. Increased anxiety and heart palpitations was another side effect I experienced. I have taken this drug a few times in the past and I will say that I’ve never experienced any major side effects tapering off of it, which I am grateful for. I’m crying almost daily (sometimes hours), I want to sleep all day, no energy, absolutely no motivation, etc. Bupropion was just not a good fit for me, personally."

3 / 10
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  • nic...
  • December 22, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I'm 37 and have depression, usually seasonal, sleeplessness, and occasional anxiety. I took 100 mg of Wellbutrin (and nothing else, it replaced Zoloft at the time) for around 3-5 days. Within 2-3 days, I was quite agitated, anxious, and easily annoyed. By day five, I stopped taking it because I felt hostile and again annoyed. Cannot speak for others, but this one really made me a monster, and I have never, not once, felt like that from any of these: Zoloft, Celexa, Trazodone."

1 / 10
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  • Noh...
  • November 30, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "I've been on this drug for slightly more than 2 weeks. The only reason I started taking this drug is to quit smoking, and it didn't help at all. I got a few rages since I started it too, and this is so not me."

5 / 10
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  • Ril...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 10, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "My doctor put me on bupropion XL 150 mg, and it was awful! Two weeks in, I started having terrible anger and irritability spells to where I would just scream. After 17 days, I had to stop taking it. The worst side effect I'm actually STILL having, though since stopping, is actually weight GAIN!?! I have even decreased my calories and increased my exercise to bring my weight back to normal, but nothing is working! I've become so frustrated, and my doctors are no help. Has anyone else experienced weight gain from this medication not related to overeating? I am so desperate for answers :("

1 / 10
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  • Ave...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • May 9, 2017

For Depression "Effective for depression and fatigue. Causes me to have energy, to need much less sleep, euthymic mood. Sometimes euphoric mood, feel more outgoing, have increased libido, and feel very confident. Negative side effects are hostility, being too assertive/pestering people/belaboring a point/arguing, going too far, some impulsive behavior. I also get fearful of things I'm not normally afraid of. Fear, not anxiety. Can't drive on the busy interstate now because I overreact when trucks pass me -- it jangles my nerves. Also can't go on rides at an amusement park or go up in a tall building. Physically afraid. Also causes restless legs at night -- an urge to shake out my legs. Causes dehydration/muscle cramps. 'NUUN' electrolyte drink helps."

9 / 10
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  • Sta...
  • February 9, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "The anger and irritability I felt while taking this drug was overwhelming. I could be relaxing, watching TV, and something simple would easily agitate me. I felt on edge the entire time I was on this med. Other side effects I experienced were appetite suppression (lost close to 10 lbs, which was a lot for me, already being thin), insomnia, and racing thoughts. I’ve been told many times on this medication that I can’t seem to focus and stay on topic. I may have a mild form of ADHD, but I definitely felt my brain was scattered on this medication. However, I will say I liked that this medication did not cause adverse sexual side effects for me. Overall, I did feel at one time that this medication helped with some of my major depression symptoms, but the intense anger swings were enough to make me stop. My anger over the smallest of matters was a big contributing factor to the recent breakup of my 8-year relationship. I know this medication has helped many, but for me, it just wasn’t the one."

3 / 10
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  • Pri...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 28, 2020

Bupropion for Depression "I’ve been taking Wellbutrin for a couple months now, and honestly, mood-wise, I have been feeling better. I still have big mood swings (diagnosed with bipolar type 2), so it really could be that. Side effects I have noticed would be extreme agitation and severe acne, which honestly is disappointing because I used to have really clean and clear skin. Other than that, I think it’s pretty cool."

8 / 10
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  • Nam...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • August 7, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been on bupropion for about 3 years. Recently, my pharmacy got bupropion from a different manufacturer. After about a month on this 'new' bupropion, I have felt terrible! Worse than when I started in the first place. Crying, angry, tired, depressed, no joy at all. Talked with my Dr. and was able to get my meds from the original lab. So bear in mind that all generics are not created equal. If I had started with this one, I would have said bupropion was awful, turns out it was just this lab's formulation. Can't wait to get it out of my system and for the old one to kick in."

7 / 10
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  • Jen...
  • November 9, 2013

Bupropion for Depression "I had twins on April 8th. On the 11th of June, I took my children to the doctor, my 9-year-old and the girls. The girls were receiving their 2-month-old shot. All three kids left the doctor's with a clean bill of health. Well, that night, my Autumn Rose passed away. I can't even describe the pain that my husband, family, and I are going through. Today is my 4th day taking 150 mg of this medication. I have noticed that I am becoming very angry for no reason at all. Last night was terrible, I was freaking out, throwing crap at the house all because my husband and son woke the baby, and she wouldn't go back to sleep. I don't know what to do, it has only been 4 days, and at times I feel so much better. I'm not walking and crying, but I'm scared that the rage will not subside."

6 / 10
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  • tir...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 16, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have tried a lot of meds for depression over the years. Paxil actually works best for me, but the sexual side effects void this option. Wellbutrin/Bupropion XL does lift my mood, but when I take 300 mg a day for 5-6 weeks, I begin getting aggressive and angry for some reason. The sleep interruption is awful, especially if you are a former combat vet with PTSD. But I must admit I have found something that works great for me. I take a Sam-E tablet early in the morning and take Wellbutrin XL 150 mg an hour or so later. This combination has given me a much better outlook and causes me to have so much energy for working or doing whatever all day long. And it doesn't interrupt sexual relations. I still have to use a sleep aid, though. Both Sam-E and Wellbutrin interrupt sleep a bit. I will continue using this combo until something causes me to stop."

8 / 10
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  • tir...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 16, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have tried a lot of meds for depression over the years. Paxil actually works best for me, but the sexual side effects void this option. Wellbutrin/Bupropion XL does lift my mood, but when I take 300 mg a day for 5-6 weeks, I begin getting aggressive and angry for some reason. The sleep interruption is awful, especially if you are a former combat vet with PTSD. But I must admit I have found something that works great for me. I take a Sam-E tablet early in the morning and take Wellbutrin XL 150 mg an hour or so later. This combination has given me a much better outlook and causes me to have so much energy for working or doing whatever all day long. And it doesn't interrupt sexual relations. I still have to use a sleep aid, though. Both Sam-E and Wellbutrin interrupt sleep a bit. I will continue using this combo until something causes me to stop."

8 / 10
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  • Mmm...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 21, 2022

Bupropion for Depression "I started taking Wellbutrin XL 150 about 6 months ago. My depression and anxiety were through the roof. We found out I have borderline disorder. Would drink 8-10 coffees per day. Very angry and moody. Anyhow, I will be tested for ADHD in a few weeks. 2 weeks ago we changed to Wellbutrin XL 300. It’s been a positive experience. Max 1-2 coffees per day. I remember stuff. I feel better. I am less impulsive. I feel like I am awake now. It’s been good so far. I am sure with a stimulant added to my Wellbutrin, I will experience what it feels like to be normal."

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • October 5, 2020

For Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced "I lasted 3 days on this. I had been taking Lexapro for 1 year at 10 mg and was up to 20 mg. A few months after that my libido had entirely gone, I gained 20 lbs, and wasn't able to focus. My doctor switched me to Wellbutrin. Huge mistake. Day 1 I was full of anger followed by bouts of anxiety and crying. I was sent home from work and put on leave for my mental instability. Day 2 I was extremely irritable and crying every few hours. Day 3 was the deal breaker. I was home alone and randomly started crying. Crying turned into a major panic attack, and from there I was thrown into a state of hysteria. I had to call my mom to come over, and it took her 3 hours to calm me down. I immediately stopped taking it. I'm 28 with 2 small kids. I couldn't afford to let them see me that way and honestly was terrified of what had happened on the 3rd day. It seems to either work really great for some and really bad for others. I highly suggest taking precautions when starting this medication."

1 / 10
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  • dmr...
  • November 12, 2009

Bupropion for Depression "This was not for me. I took this with Lexapro, and my depression worsened, and also I experienced severe mood swings. Became very angry and easy to fly off the handle. Thoughts of suicide were more frequent. I stopped taking it after 5 weeks and noticed an almost immediate improvement in my behavior and how I felt."

2 / 10
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  • Bra...
  • November 23, 2013

For Depression "I'm 31. Social phobia and depression since 6. Works GREAT for melancholy. But I get very angry at times. It doesn't work for anxiety, phobias, etc. That's an explosion of appetite for life (for sex, mainly), but if you have anxiety issues, it can cause premature ejaculation. The doctor gave me paroxetine 60 mg (anxiety), bupropion 150 mg (MDD), they help a lot. For me, therapy and gym are also important. Friends, give time to the medication, be strong: every person has an inner beauty, an inner power to rebirth. The medication helps our body concerning the chemical imbalance, but our identity is the deep love that we have in our hearts. I suffered panic attacks, sorrow, despair, but I have faith in medicine."

7 / 10
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  • kar...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 11, 2018

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I have been on this medication for less than a month, and I am staying angry, and my blood pressure has gone up, and it doesn't seem to come down. I was on citalopram but wanted to see if I could use Wellbutrin to lose some weight, but I will deal with the weight in exchange for a calm mind and getting along with everybody. I can't get back to the Dr. fast enough."

4 / 10
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  • She...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 11, 2019

For Depression "I was on sertraline for many years with good results. It had started to lose its effect on me. I decided to try a new medication. My doctor recommended Wellbutrin (bupropion). I had a few days of well-being, then it all changed after a few weeks. He bumped up my dosage from 150 mg to 300 mg. Things got much worse. I was extremely agitated, unable to make decisions, angered by the smallest thing, and at times suicidal. I quit taking it after I talked to my doctor. I'm now back on sertraline."

1 / 10
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  • Ive...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 10, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "I've taken it for a week now, and all it's caused was me and my gf to have big fights in public. I already had anger issues. It's worse now. I'll stick with it for another week or two, if it doesn't get better, I'm quitting this mess."

1 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.