I have been on Wellbutrin for 2 weeks, and have had mostly negative side effects, like insomnia, irritability, dry mouth, agitation, racing thoughts and now within the past couple days, I am experiencing extreme rage and emotional instability. I am angry or agitated at the most simplest of things, and crying uncontrollably. This rage is effecting my relationship already.
Is this normal?
Is rage/anger normal with Wellbutrin?
Question posted by pausej on 20 Nov 2017
Last updated on 23 November 2020
6 Answers
Lovesmith17
23 Nov 2020
This happened to my husband after drinking on Wellbutrin he wasn’t aware he shouldn’t, he punched the Volvo after staring off while driving and. Then called me expletives for 45 min straight for the first time of me knowing him in 7 years ... over the next 18 months he went down hill with depression and a sense that something was “not right” he became increasingly more unstable, having cycles of anger ... in his more sane times he’s like my husband... Though I have not been able to get him to go to the hospital in the midst of mania ... his last episode he threw furniture and hit a wall so hard he has a compound fracture and had to have surgery. I love my husband, before this he’d told me I was his gift, that God put him here on this earth to love me, now he has moments where he doesn’t even want to be in the same room with me he’s angry with everything, just after a hyper sexual stage and I feel helpless.
I know this did it, I remember that day, he complained of having a headache after drinking and he drove us home... but he zoned out and stopped hearing directions... we missed our exit and we’re living in another country ... I’m like “ hello babe ... hello ... what’s up hello “ he pulled over and punched the car ever and over until he nearly broke his hand and later reported he’d never been that angry before in his life ... three years later mid pandemic... healing from an episode ... Gabapentin is the only thing that’s helping him right now ... I’m in hell... I lost the love of my life and don’t know how to get my husband to go seek help so he can get himself back too... it’s everything else... me ... them ... “those people” What can I do... I feel so helpless
grandmasrollingpin
2 Nov 2020
Hi. I have been on wellbutrin for several years and I experience the same thing, just a rage inside sometimes, annoyed at almost everything and really hard to be around. It happens quite often too which is disturbing. At first, the drug was very helpful and it did help me quit smoking. I recently took 150 mg. twice a day and now just 40 mg. once a day. Hopefully be off of this soon. The side effects of all these drugs are damaging in my opinion.
Lovesmith17
23 Nov 2020
Agreed my husband took it and has never been the same again
Watson2111
14 May 2018
My Dr never mentioned anything regarding anger, however I “blow up” at the smallest things. I hate this as if I go off, Im afraid the depression will return. If I stay on, I just may lose everyone close to me!
WildcatVet
14 May 2018
From the literature on Wellbutrin:
"Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically)"
sylvies27
19 Jan 2018
Hi, I've been on Wellbutrin only for over a week and have been feeling the same way as you. Have you kept taking it or adding in another medication? I'd like to know if you've noticed an improvement since I know your post in almost 2 months old. Most of what I've read is that side effects are temporary and it can take over a month for them to diminish, is that the case for you? Thanks for the update on how you're feeling.
pausej
19 Jan 2018
I have zero negative side effects since the first few weeks. My doctor increased my dose recently to 300mg a day, and it was an easy transition. The side effects did dimish for me, thankfully, and I have noticed within the past couple weeks I increased motivation, concentration and elevated mood. This is by far the best antidepressant I have taken, even though it has a tough adjustment period. My hypothesis is that our brains are not used to the changes in dopamine.
Also, I found changing to the name brand Wellbutrin reduced the insomnia. If you're in Canada, the Innovi card will get you brand names at zero cost.
Keep with it! And keep your doctor informed. My doctor and I have had frequent appointments to monitor and I used a journal to monitor mood patterns. Improvements have definitely been noticed.
Best of luck!
Sidekick55
9 Dec 2017
Yeah I’m in the same boat. My blood is boiling a little bit all the time. Maybe call your doctor and ask if you should stick with it a little longer or switch. Or maybe even adding an ssri would mellow you out. My theory, for myself, is that it’s hypomania. So if you are at risk for bipolar disorder, I would be vigilant.
Inactive
9 Dec 2017
Hi Sidekicks: If it makes you feel like your "blood is boiling", do you check your blood pressure to see if wellbutrin is causing you to have high blood pressure? Or a faster pulse rate?
WildcatVet
20 Nov 2017
Antidepressants are now known to provoke hypomanic episodes in a few sensitive people. Although true mania is usually euphoric, hypomania is often characterized by anger, hostility, aggression, and mood swings.
I would report this to your doctor ASAP.
Best regards, Wildcat
PS, Side effects like headache, dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, etc. are common when initiating treat with Wellbutrin ~ or any antidepressant ~ and resolve within weeks of continued treatment.
Related topics
wellbutrin, depression, insomnia, xerostomia, agitation, side effect, rage, anger, mouth, irritability
Further information
- Wellbutrin uses and safety info
- Wellbutrin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Wellbutrin (detailed)
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