Wellbutrin XL and Anxiety: What Users Say

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

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."

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

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!"

• Tam...
• December 15, 2019

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."

• Ale...
• February 26, 2017

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."

• ste...
• January 26, 2018

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."

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

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

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."

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

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."

• Gas...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 20, 2017

For Depression "This medication is very activating without making me anxious. I take it for depression, but I also have general anxiety disorder and OCD. I was a little worried about taking it at first because one of the side effects indicated that it could make anxiety worse, but I didn't have that problem at all. It definitely helps with depression and lifting my mood. It's not a 'happy pill,' but it is good with getting and keeping you going and not letting depression ruin you and keep you from doing what needs to be done and living your life."

• Dri...
• December 22, 2015

For Depression "I am making this solely because I remember looking up reviews of antidepressants before I ever took one and being terrified of what my life might look like if I started taking one. I took Lexapro for 3 days and felt like a zombie, and swore off antidepressants. However, my depression continued. Thankfully, my roommate, who is also a 21-year-old junior in college, told me about her positive experience. I feel like a completely different person now. The first two weeks, my emotions were all over the place, and my anxiety was high. Anxiety is still a factor sometimes, but it gets less frequent every week. At 5 weeks on Wellbutrin, my life has changed for the better. I finally feel like I can live the life that I was meant to. And I've lost weight!"

• Cre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 12, 2015

For Depression "I've been on this medication a few times now. Gone off of it for several different reasons but nothing relevant to the medication itself. I've been on it for the third time 2 or 3 months now. I love it! I always have. It manages my depression, actually manages my anxiety and panic attacks, makes me feel content, keeps me awake during the day, has increased my sex drive and is just a wonderful medication. Works different for everyone. If you're scared to start it because of the reviews, don't be. I strongly encourage you to at least give it a try."

• 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."

• Ang...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2017

For Depression "I've been on medicine 150 for less than a week. I feel a little high, anxious, nervousness. But that is a relief compared to the last year sleeping upwards of 20 hours a day with no will to live. I took 300 mg. 10 years ago and lost 35 lbs within months. Already 4 days in I'm down 3 lbs quit smoking and keep trying to nap because of habit but can't sleep my life away. Thank God. I feel a little manic at times but remember this from before it will wear off. I already got up the last 2 days and exercised haven't done that in 3 years. I'll report feeling in a few months once I'm up to 300mg and stable. 1st day in 3 years where I'm not feeling dread."

• Ang...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2017

For Depression "I've been on medicine 150 for less than a week. I feel a little high, anxious, nervousness. But that is a relief compared to the last year sleeping upwards of 20 hours a day with no will to live. I took 300 mg. 10 years ago and lost 35 lbs within months. Already 4 days in I'm down 3 lbs quit smoking and keep trying to nap because of habit but can't sleep my life away. Thank God. I feel a little manic at times but remember this from before it will wear off. I already got up the last 2 days and exercised haven't done that in 3 years. I'll report feeling in a few months once I'm up to 300mg and stable. 1st day in 3 years where I'm not feeling dread."

• Sha...
• August 21, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I started taking Wellbutrin XR 150 mg after having major depression and tried several other medicines over 3 years. Other medicines worked well but partially, with side effects including sexual ones. Before Wellbutrin, I had no interest in doing lots of basic things I used to do. After I started Wellbutrin 150 mg, positive signs started just a few days after, with the peak after 4-5 weeks. Wellbutrin gives energy and motivation to do things. The only drawback is that this energy sometimes continues even after midnight. So sometimes I could stay awake until morning without feeling tired or mentally exhausted when I go to the office, which led to some mild anxiety. To overcome this issue, my doctor gave me another medicine to help with it. And now all is perfect. Note: you may not face the same side effects I had. Finally, I have no sexual side effects with Wellbutrin, unlike with my old medicines."

• Ege...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 8, 2020

For Depression "After reading a lot of these reviews, I have never heard of as many mixed effects! Mine, so, too. Been taking a dose of 150 mg Wellbutrin XL for depression for about 6 weeks; then increased the dose to 300 mg for 1 week. I've been on tricyclics for 30 years, and they really worked! Wellbutrin makes me feel 'unaffected', almost anesthetized. I don't want to talk, eat, or sleep. 150 mg works better for me. I have lost about 5 pounds, but my depression is no better after 6 weeks. Anxiety is also increased even though I'm on Buspar and Klonopin. Klonopin doesn't seem to work with Wellbutrin. Panic attacks have decreased. I don't understand the effects Wellbutrin has on me. I'm different but not better. I'm hoping one morning to wake up to a breakthrough!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Kik...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 8, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've lived through a lot of trauma, I have been on Wellbutrin XL for 10 years and recently stopped for 10 months. Today is my 6th day back on it, and I am feeling less anxious about my circumstances in life right now. It has helped me daily get out of bed, control outbursts, and overall keep moving forward. I would say I am lucky to have this medication."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 6, 2021

For Depression "I've tried almost every other selective reuptake inhibitor and a few different tricyclic antidepressants for moderate depression and severe anxiety. This Wellbutrin XL is the first one that hasn't increased my anxiety and has actually helped. Currently on 450 mg extended release."

• Gog...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have only been on bupropion XL for 2 and a half weeks. I'm on it for MDD. But that being said, I can see it starting to work. I am not as anxious as I normally am. My thoughts seem more rational and aren't spiraling out of control like they normally do. I was on Celexa for years but found it wasn't working, and climaxing was such a struggle to achieve. My female libido is really coming back to what it was 20 years ago! I really am excited that I am starting to feel more happy and not so easily irritated. Give it a try if you are struggling. I'm sure it's not for everyone, but you won't know until you try :)"

• mom...
• April 9, 2018

For Depression "I wanted to share my experience with Wellbutrin XL, as reading the reviews in this forum helped me to decide whether to try it or not. I've been on 30 mg of Lexapro for several years. I recently experienced a personal setback, and the Lexapro was no longer helping. I was afraid of the side effects of Wellbutrin but decided to try it anyway. I started out on a half of a 150 mg tablet. I already had high anxiety, and this medicine did make it worse in the beginning. There were days when I thought I can't take this another day. I took 75 mg for about 2 weeks and then upped the dosage to 150 mg and cut the Lexapro down to 25 mg. By doing this, I felt so much better. Today, I feel about 75% better. I will eventually move up to 300 mg. The side effects I experienced were nervousness, anxiety, and a minor loss of appetite. I hope this helps, as reading several of these reviews was extremely helpful in making my decision when I was searching for a medicine to try. Best of luck to all of you!"

• mom...
• April 9, 2018

For Depression "I wanted to share my experience with Wellbutrin XL, as reading the reviews in this forum helped me to decide whether to try it or not. I've been on 30 mg of Lexapro for several years. I recently experienced a personal setback, and the Lexapro was no longer helping. I was afraid of the side effects of Wellbutrin but decided to try it anyway. I started out on a half of a 150 mg tablet. I already had high anxiety, and this medicine did make it worse in the beginning. There were days when I thought I can't take this another day. I took 75 mg for about 2 weeks and then upped the dosage to 150 mg and cut the Lexapro down to 25 mg. By doing this, I felt so much better. Today, I feel about 75% better. I will eventually move up to 300 mg. The side effects I experienced were nervousness, anxiety, and a minor loss of appetite. I hope this helps, as reading several of these reviews was extremely helpful in making my decision when I was searching for a medicine to try. Best of luck to all of you!"

• Pur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 5, 2015

For Depression "BRAND NAME! I have been on this medication for a little over two weeks. I started off with generic 150 mg XL to 300 mg XL after a week. My insurance covers the generic for $5, but I've heard awful stories about it and ordered the brand name via the Internet for $50. Huge difference! I don't have the anxiety I had on generic, clammy hands constantly, fear, and it really didn't do much. The brand name is energetic, calming, focused, more self-motivated, and leads away from negative behaviors. This is my first day on the brand name, and I was compelled to tell my story and the difference. You can get the brand name through the Wellbutrin guarantee prescription online. Rated 9 because I am fully alert and still awake."