Bupropion and Anxiety: 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!"

• F21...
• June 14, 2020

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "This drug Wellbutrin has been life-changing for me. After trying SSRIs and SNRIs that didn’t work, it did the trick. Yes, it sucks at first; the side effects are horrible, but you have to give it time. And on these meds at first, I got the head zaps, anxiety like I had never felt before, heart palpitations, lack of appetite and weight loss, headaches, nausea, severe insomnia - the whole nine yards. But after about 5 months on 300 mg, I turned a corner and feel better than ever. I can focus, I’m not tired but can sleep if I need to, my anxiety largely went away, I’m happy and can orgasm too. All the side effects pretty much subsided, save for the appetite one... I still don’t have to eat if I don’t want to, but I’m not repulsed by the idea of food anymore. So seriously, it isn’t a conventional drug and it’s bad initially, but PLEASE stick with it. Don’t expect it to work overnight... these things take time. I promise you will get results. You got this. Hang in there!"

• AJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2020

Bupropion for Depression "I took Wellbutrin XL for 6 months, the first 3 months my dose was 150mg, the last 3 months dose was 300mg. I was taking it for anxiety and depression. Took a little getting used to, but nothing terrible. In the 6 months I went from 150 lbs to 128 lbs (part of it was appetite suppressant, part was that I had the energy to go out and do things/exercise). When I was at 150mg I had more anxiety attacks, but when I went to 300mg I felt like a normal human being (still having panic attacks, but they were due to being in a bad relationship). I loved this medication, only got off because I am now pregnant and didn't want to worry about whether it was safe for the baby or not. Will be going back on once my baby is born."

• Anonymous
• March 30, 2021

Bupropion for Depression "Saved my life and marriage after I had severe PPD and PPA. I would still have some bad anxiety every once in a while but overall totally worth it. I also found that Benadryl really helps if you have anxiety with this at night. I was able to gain the confidence to start my own business and actually believe for the first time in my life I could truly accomplish something. I pray this med helps others like it’s helped me."

• Pat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 10, 2020

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "This medication saved my life! I tried every different antidepressant. I was at my lowest and taking 2 antidepressants at the time. I never thought of suicide till then. I had nothing left, no hope, no joy. My Dr. prescribed 300mg Wellbutrin XL once a day, and I kid you not, I WOKE UP A DIFFERENT PERSON! No depression, great mood, no anxiety (like some say), pleasure and joy back, no racing thoughts, no fatigue, no restlessness. I'm me again!"

• Pr2...
• December 23, 2019

Bupropion for Depression "Okay, I came back to rate again. It has now been about a little over a month on Wellbutrin and wow, it has saved my life. It was like a total switch in the way I think and feel every day! For years and years, I’ve been depressed, but this year was so bad. I didn’t care about myself. I was also so unmotivated, crying multiple times a day even while at work. I’d be triggered by anything and start having anxiety attacks. Now, I can finally say I am happy with my life! It’s like I can see my life clearly now, it’s no longer a fog. I don’t obsess over all the negative things. I have energy to go to the gym often and eat right, and I’ve lost over ten pounds. I have goals again and I have my self-confidence back. It feels unreal. I did miss a few pills every other day for about a week and a half, and I felt a difference. I cried once, and I was also binge eating. But I went back to normal once I went back to taking all my pills on time."

• Nat...
• June 6, 2021

Bupropion for Depression "Just starting this med. The first couple days, I didn’t think it was doing much, but I noticed I couldn’t sleep for very long. I wasn’t as hopelessly sad as I had been the week prior, but I was experiencing an array of stomach-related side effects (constipated until I was very much no longer constipated, bloating, stomach aches, and VERY nauseous the first night). Fast forward a few days, I still can’t sleep very much. I’m artificially active is the best way to describe it. I’ve been pretty inactive throughout the pandemic, but I walked to get iced coffee in 90-degree heat, cleaned my apartment, had people over, then went to the gym later because I was so jittery and couldn’t sit still. It also has given me quite a bit of anxiety and some irritability alongside the constant need to be active. I hope that over the next few days, the anxious thoughts, stomach issues, and insomnia calm down."

• Tam...
• December 15, 2019

Bupropion for Depression "I have taken Wellbutrin on and off again over several years. I suffer mostly from seasonal depression. I just started taking it again, having been off of it for a year. The results have been great. I immediately felt better. I really just need to take this consistently. It's also helped relieve my anxiety, given me a lot of energy, helped me focus, given me a positive outlook, and confidence. It also gives me what I call a burst of happiness. A huge difference on the first day."

• dar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 21, 2016

For ADHD "I have had a bad reaction to most stimulant-type medications made for ADHD. Instead of getting strung out like most people would, they put me right to sleep, or cause severe twitching, and made my anxiety much much worse. Wellbutrin ROCKS! But just by itself, my chest pains from stress are gone, I can remember more, stay on more tasks, and get stuff done, instead of spinning around finishing nothing (A.K.A: Hell). I thought it wasn't doing much at first until I forgot to take it for 2-3 days. The difference this makes! I never knew this damn ADHD was causing me this much stress. I was aware of it as I knew I had to fight all the time with myself just to listen to someone talk and not interrupt or take off. I'm a female with severe ADHD."

• Ama...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 28, 2021

For Smoking Cessation "I smoked for 20 years and I quit smoking 4 years ago on Bupropion HCL XL 150mg once a day. I quit smoking after 3 days of taking it, cigarettes tasted gross and made me nauseous. All of my cravings stopped. I continued to take the bupropion for 2 weeks total. I did experience some anxiety but that could have been from nicotine withdrawals. Unfortunately, I have started smoking again and at first I didn’t even like it, I kept smoking until I did like it again and now I’m hooked. I let everything that’s going on in the world right now with quarantining etc. stress me out to the point that I said forget it and bought a pack of cigarettes 4 months ago. I went back to the doctor yesterday and I’m starting Bupropion HCL XL 150mg again tomorrow. I’m embarrassed and disappointed in myself but I know I will be quit again in just a few days. This drug is a miracle drug and I’m thankful for it. I vow to never pick up a cigarette again for the rest of my life!"

• Tes...
• January 14, 2019

Bupropion for Depression "I started taking generic Bupropion XL 150 mg once a day 8 days ago. The anxiety and depression I was feeling were paralyzing me from moving in any direction. I tried every natural option I could research. On day 1, I felt different, motivated, and better immediately. In the days following, side effects started. Heart palpitations, anxiety, fear of everything, nightmares, a rash on my neck, eye twitching, staring into space thoughtless, unable to make decisions, fear of leaving the house. Day 8, and I’m feeling much more at peace. I’m more focused on myself than issues I have with others. No insomnia and feeling less tolerant of binge drinking to calm down. I want to exercise, clean my house, set goals, eat clean foods, and I feel everything is going to be okay. My self-confidence is improved, and orgasms unaffected. I am hopeful that Wellbutrin was exactly what I needed to be the healthy person I need to be, no matter what happens in my life. I just needed a boost and reset."

• Ale...
• February 26, 2017

Bupropion for Depression "This medicine has worked wonders for me. I started for 2 months on 150mg and then transitioned into 300mg. At first, I had anxiety a little but it went away. I am much happier, energized, I enjoy life more, and I finally started to love myself. This medicine has given me my confidence back, and I started to dress better, put makeup on in the morning, and care about myself. I don't know how long I will be on it, but it really gave me a huge boost to start living again and be around family and friends. I also lost 20 pounds so far. I am on a diet, and it's very easy to follow. I think this medicine is helping since I have no cravings at all."

• dde...
• August 28, 2014

Bupropion for Depression "I started this 4 weeks ago. I was originally on Paxil but I was tired of its side effects. My doctor switched me to Wellbutrin after also trying Cipralex, Effexor, and Zoloft. It works great. I had almost no side effects when I started it (I did with every other medicine). It does increase anxiety for me though. Wellbutrin gives me more energy and makes me feel alive again. Because of the energy, I work out now which helps counteract the anxiety. It did not increase my sex drive BUT it made me normal. (Paxil made it so I wouldn't even let my husband touch me). I have lost the weight that Paxil made me gain and then some! I would recommend it to people for sure but if you have bad anxiety like I do, try being really active as well."

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2019

For Smoking Cessation "I took Wellbutrin to help me stop vaping. A lot of reviewers quit within the first 2 weeks. For me, it was after 1 month. I was a heavy vaper after 2 years of quitting cigarettes. It was hard for me to find reviews on bupropion and vaping. The first week, I was anxious and had some irregular thoughts. The second week, the anxiety went away but I had horrible headaches. The third week, I had days where I felt completely down, and every day I felt sick and slept a lot. Just as I was about to give up and try another avenue, I woke up one morning 28 days in and didn't want to vape, and all of the side effects went away (except for the vivid dreams, but I'm okay with that). A few days later, I gave up vaping completely. 15 days today and it is as if I'd never smoked, and I did for 15+ years. I was nervous about being on an antidepressant at first because I didn't need it, but I feel 100% normal. Also, I do not snack to replace nicotine cravings because of this miracle medicine! Hang on!"

• ste...
• January 26, 2018

Bupropion for Depression "I started taking this when I felt like I was at the end of my rope and was frantic to find something to help me feel better. I had previously tried Cipralex and Effexor. I started at 150 mg XL and moved to 300 after 2 weeks. I noticed a marked improvement in my mood and energy within the first couple of days! I did errands that I hadn't done in months, cooked, and wasn't sleeping all day! The drastic change in energy subsided, but still I feel like it helps me wake up in the morning. It slightly elevated my anxiety at first, but that subsided as well. This medication worked really well for me."

• Amy...
• December 17, 2013

For ADHD "I'm a 23-year-old college student who didn't get diagnosed with ADHD until last year. I was on 150 mg of Wellbutrin XL, then bumped up to 300 mg. The only way I can describe how this medicine makes me feel is even-keeled. I love it. I'm not nearly as emotional, overwhelmed, or distracted, and my grades show it. The only complaints about this medicine are it makes me sweat and pee a lot. Sometimes it makes me feel a little anxious, but not all the time. Overall, I'm very satisfied."

• Sha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 26, 2020

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I have been taking Wellbutrin 300 XL for about 3 years. It helps my depression a lot. I am able to function daily and not overreact. Started at 150 mg and went to 300 mg. Before Wellbutrin, I was very depressed, and working, parenting, and everything was causing me grief, sadness, and fear. I was overweight and I overreacted to small things. I felt hopeless and on edge every day. I have a low-functioning thyroid as well that may have been making my depression worse. So now I am on track. It took me about 2 weeks to feel a difference. Now I do have several of the side effects. I lost about 30 lbs. I have a low appetite, I have ringing in my right ear. I also have dry mouth, anxiety, trouble sleeping, and blurred vision. I can handle the side effects but not the depression. So I have stayed on the medicine. Also, I suddenly stopped taking the meds one time and it caused suicidal thoughts and flu-like symptoms."

• Opt...
• February 17, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "I have anxiety and depression. I tried SSRIs, and they just masked the depression and caused sexual side effects. Wellbutrin XL helped me feel much better, and I didn't have negative sexual side effects. Best sex I've ever had on Wellbutrin XL. Now with the future I think about, feel optimistic about, and am planning for it. I don't have anxiety like I had. I am more philosophical, 'Tomorrow will be a better day.' I'm motivated to accomplish things. I wish I had found this med years ago."

• Chi...
• December 5, 2014

Bupropion for Depression "Recently I retired from public safety. I should have been happy and content to have a lot of free time. My friends all said I looked rested and better than I had in years. What they did not know is how depressed I was and how much I missed the work and my work friends. Reluctantly my doctor prescribed Bupropion HCL 150 mg for seven days then 300 mg daily in the AM. After the first day, I was already feeling better. I just finished the first two weeks and I'm feeling so much better. Occasionally I still have negative thoughts. Side effects include anxiety and an elevated BP. I'm happy with the results and believe the medication has taken me away from the edge. I will post updates periodically."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2013

Bupropion for Depression "I have ADD, anxiety, and depression. I began 100mg once a day for a week then went to 100mg twice a day. You have to give this medicine time to work. The first week I was thinking of not taking it anymore because it made me feel so tired. But I'm so happy I stuck it out! My overall mood, attitude, and outlook have improved tremendously. My mood and attention are consistent, unlike when I took Adderall and would experience crashes. This medication has made a world of difference. I'm less anxious and happier."

• gar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 6, 2023

Bupropion for Depression "I’m on day 5 of Wellbutrin. I’ve had severe anxiety and depression for the past 10 years, and I’m 26 now. I’ve been hospitalized twice for suicidal feelings. Tried all different kinds of medications for the past 8 years. I had no hope anymore. I switched doctors this week after getting fed up with my old psychiatrist, who I felt didn’t understand me and couldn’t give me the care I needed. My new doctor understands me, and she started me on Wellbutrin this week. The first day of taking Wellbutrin, I felt relief. The fog of hopelessness was lifted, and although my situation is still bad, I now feel like I have the ability to overcome it. Now on day 5, I’m feeling much better, like I can actually focus more on the present moment rather than being stuck in my head. Side effects have included dry mouth, some stomach issues, anxiety, and insomnia. My doctor gave me trazodone to sleep better, which has helped. Please do not lose hope or be scared to try medications. They can help."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 8, 2015

Bupropion for Depression "Wellbutrin SR 150s, which initially had positive outcomes on my depression, probably the best I've tried, and I've tried a lot in the past years. It took a bit to get the optimal dose. At 300 mg, it was causing a cascade of side effects: anxiety, palpitations, sweating. Doc helped me back down to 100 mg with no side effects. The depression is just as gone as with the initial 300 mg. Wellbutrin also developed a positive outcome in mere days - a major plus."

• 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!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 29, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "26-year-old male. Been on it for 31 days. 1st week 150mg XL: high-speed energy. Mild insomnia (up till 3 am most nights). Waking early and generally good mood. 2nd week 300mg XL. Very high constant anxiety. Emotional swings. Broke down in tears one day. 3rd week: Things were smoothing out. Still slightly anxious. Less emotional. 4th week: Feeling completely normal, almost like I'm not on any medication. More level-headed and better mood with fewer swings. Anxiety disappearing and confidence growing. No side effects. This is in combination with seeking help from a counselor, and confiding with a close friend of mine about how depressed I have been over the years. I am happy I took it. It has got me back on my feet and allowed me to seek help."