Wellbutrin XL and Anger: What Users Say

• MJa...
• February 6, 2021

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."

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

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

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."

• Mcg...
• December 2, 2015

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."

• Anonymous
• March 27, 2010

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."

• Hap...
• December 8, 2017

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."

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

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."

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

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."

• Man...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2020

For Depression "Sadly, this drug didn't work so well for my anxiety/depression. I have been on Prozac for the past two years with fantastic results but some sexual side effects. I requested a script for Wellbutrin XL. I added this to 10 mg of Prozac. The first couple of days, I was full of energy and got a lot of cleaning done. I had extreme difficulty falling asleep the next few nights and had to resort to taking Zopiclone. Wellbutrin helped me to lose about 5 lbs in a week (with diet and exercise), and I had no desire to drink alcohol and made it very easy to diet. Ultimately, it was making me agitated, anxious, and angry. I was losing sleep, tinnitus was acting up, and I was experiencing eye pain. I may have continued to stick with it, but it made my sexual dysfunction worse to the point where it was difficult to orgasm even on my own."

• chi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 14, 2013

For Depression "Third day on Wellbutrin and so far so good, except for the side effects. I get headaches, angry and snappy over silly things, ringing in my ears. Those are the main side effects, and they're inconsistent, up and down all along. I feel mentally alert and creative. And actually look forward to doing things. I haven't felt like that since I was a kid! Oh, and my sex drive has increased. I found I have been eating more food, probably because I've been more creative cooking in the kitchen. Just not sure if I'm into being angry/snappy with my toddler around. Hopefully that side effect subsides."

• cat...
• June 8, 2016

For Depression "I just started taking Wellbutrin XL 300 mg recently after being off of it for almost a year. During that year, I found myself dropping my kids off at school and coming home and sleeping all day. I stopped taking it because my insurance would no longer cover the brand name. After being on and off of this drug for many years, I can tell you there is a HUGE difference between generic and brand. When I took bupropion, I was very short-tempered, irritable, and my hair started to fall out! This is not listed as a side effect, and my doctor and pharmacist also assured me this is not a known side effect. After some research, I found many women have hair loss on bupropion. For me, it's worth the $ to pay for brand name."

• Dem...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 29, 2019

For Depression "This was the worst experience I’ve EVER HAD. If you are on this medicine and are trying to push through the bad side effects (anger, irritability, panic attacks, dark thoughts), GET OFF THIS MEDICINE. Do some research on this medicine - it has a 30-page black box label with the title 'SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS; AND NEUROPSYCHIATRIC REACTIONS' that literally warns people about suicide while on this medicine. I yelled at my partner and my family, and for some people, this might literally ruin relationships with people due to the extreme irritability. I have been off this for about 5 days and woke up today the happiest I’ve been in a long time. Don’t feel bad if this one doesn’t work out for you. Things will get better! I am so glad I decided to stop taking this! Always talk to a doctor about stopping first because the withdrawal effects can be severe, but I really recommend anyone doubting the effectiveness of this medication for them should not be on it. This medicine could have been the end of my life. Please learn from my mistake!"

• noc...
• July 31, 2013

For Depression "I started taking this medicine for depression and adult ADD-like symptoms. I did not notice any side effects at all in the beginning, very easy to start taking. However, after taking it for about two months, I noticed I was very easily aggravated and overreacted to little things like crazy! Very emotional, crying, deep emotional pain. I did not wean off, I just stopped taking it because I didn't feel like 'me.' No adverse reaction in stopping for me, although I don't recommend stopping cold turkey for others. Only a plus was reduced appetite and increased libido!"

• ray...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 13, 2018

For Depression "150 mg XL-brand WB, 2 wks, then 300 mg. Day 3 on 150 mg, INCREDIBLY restless, irritable, angry, which lasted 5 days, then felt normal until I upped the dose. 2 days, 300 mg SO angry, irritable, restless more than before. Emotionally exhausting. Feel more depressed than ever. Lasted nonstop 3.5 weeks. I was a nightmare. I isolated myself, luckily, I work freelance, so able to not work. Did have more energy, channeled into exercise, healthy diet, cleaning. It helped to focus on things, read many Wellbutrin reviews online. Helped to not feel crazy. Week #6 started to feel better. Not 'happy' but no longer crazy emotions. Week 7 now. I have more energy than before starting, more goal-oriented & drive to get things done. Again, don't feel 'happy' but don't feel like depression is in the driver's seat, so can do what needs doing, including changing external factors that add to depression. Still quick to irritation. Stopped smoking week 5. Glad where I am now, but adjustment period much more difficult than could have imagined."

• nir...
• February 25, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was diagnosed with chronic depression and anxiety in 7th grade. Now a junior in HS, I have been through trial and error with many medications, including Pristiq, Prozac, Effexor, Latuda, and Zoloft for depression. For anxiety, I have been on Abilify, which made me gain about 65 pounds in 8-9 months. Since 7th grade, I have been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, which my depression worsened with, and I have very bad anger issues. I now take 30 mg of propranolol (anxiety) and 150 mg of Wellbutrin, and the two medications work very well together. It took about a month or two for me to notice any changes after starting Wellbutrin, but this has been the most effective medication by far, and I have lost about 30 pounds in the past 3 months!"

• Ess...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 28, 2024

For Major Depressive Disorder "This medication has changed my life, I cry just telling my story about it. I have struggled with major depression ever since I was a child, I’m in my early twenties and I can say Wellbutrin makes it so hard for me to cry or get depressed. I feel it has opened my eyes more and helped me gain more boundaries. I even get brain fog thinking about the events that have made me depressed. The only cons I have are the headaches and the rage/anxiety I get. Wellbutrin alone does not really help with my anxiety, so if you’re like me, you could definitely pair it with an SSRI."

• Tom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 12, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "Wellbutrin was a terrible medication for me. It gave me a lot of anger, my mood worsened much more, and loss of libido. But the worst side effect was a major and total loss of memory. Never taking anymore."

• ADa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 5, 2019

For Depression "Sadness turned into energy and sometimes anger. Overall positive on the day's mood. However, massive insomnia every night. Had to ultimately stop the treatment. I guess it's a good treatment if you're an energy-less vegetable, otherwise, you become very angry, agitated, and can't sleep well."

• Jen...
• July 22, 2015

For Depression "Been on 150 for 3 weeks. It's been up and down, but overall up. I'm bipolar and have rage issues, so I was very worried about that, but it has actually been less of an issue than with other antidepressants I've been on (Celexa, Lexapro) and tried unsuccessfully (Cymbalta, Prozac, Latuda). Also, I tried the generic non-XL a few years ago, and it did throw me into a blind rage. I was a little prone to 'upsetness,' like sensitivity that I would then lash out in anger, but not rage, for the first two weeks. Had some anxiety issues, but those have dispersed. Otherwise, libido is normal again after Lexapro, and now getting motivated to get out of bed to eat or go to work or shower is like picking up a 1 lb weight instead of a 20 lb weight. 25yoF"

• Lov...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 6, 2012

For Depression "I used bupropion XL 150, only used for 1 week. This made me so angry and irritable that my family couldn't stand me. I took Pristiq before this, and it did the same thing, plus made me gain 15 lbs in 2 weeks. I do not think antidepressants are for me. They just make me way too angry. Bupropion also gave me an itchy rash everywhere, headaches, and made me constantly feel hungry, also made me have really bad dizzy spells and twitches in my neck. All of this, and it didn't help my depression at all, in fact, I feel worse since I've started taking medicines than I did before. I know this works wonders for a lot of people, but I am not one of them."

• Sta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 4, 2022

For Depression "I went into this endeavor quite excited, knowing that there would be some compromises as always, and I was ready to trade. But this drug took away everything for itself. I was taking Zoloft and, upon me complaining about feeling well but not being motivated (probably I got used to SSRIs a little bit) to get my butt up and get stuff done, smoking 1.5 packs/day. Of course, to combat SSRI SD, we agreed on trying Welloft (Z 75mg - W 150mg). I've been taking Wellbutrin for exactly 20 days, and it's been a big disappointment. I definitely intend to take it for 2 months and know for sure if it's for me or not — not a day longer! Increased anxiety, aggression, appetite, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and short-term memory issues, worse depression, chest pain, headache. Severe climbing anxiety till it peaked at day 8, then I would have a bad one sporadically. I would consider myself almost impotent now. I remember Paxil days with a smile. Will update if anything changes at the 2-month mark."

• And...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 21, 2022

For Depression "I take Seroquel 50 mg in the am and 150 mg at bedtime. I take Clonazepam 1/2 mg in the am and 1 mg at 3:00. And I take 150 mg of Wellbutrin XL in the am. Seroquel helps me fall asleep. Clonazepam (Klonopin) gets rid of some anxiety. But I feel awful, always fatigued, depressed, irritable, moody, lonely, quick to anger, and self-non-social. My psychiatrist said, “There’s no magic pill, take a walk outside.” I have no desire to talk to people, never mind going outside. What am I supposed to do?"

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2019

For Depression "I have had depression and anxiety for about 5 years. I was taking Zoloft for most of those, and I felt like it kept me stabilized. I have gained about 50 pounds in the last 5 years. I started thinking about it, and it all started around the time I started taking medication, so I thought maybe this whole time that was the reason. Someone recommended this medicine for weight loss, so I told my doctor, and we decided to give it a try. For 4 weeks, I was on 150 mg. I felt miserable, angry, always fighting with my family, more depressed than ever, hopeless, etc. I told my doctor, and she suggested upping the dose for another 4-6 weeks to see if that improves everything. I've been taking the higher dose for about 3 weeks. I've been balling my eyes out. I can't even go into my house without feeling an overwhelming wave of depression hit me. I feel like I can't spend a minute alone. I feel angry all the time. I think this medicine has pretty much been bad for me and will be talking to the doctor again."

• Jen...
• November 9, 2013

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."

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

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."