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Bupropion for Anxiety User Reviews

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

Bupropion has an average rating of 5.9 out of 10 from a total of 172 reviews for the off-label treatment of Anxiety. 45% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 29% reported a negative experience.

Bupropion rating summary

5.9/10 average rating

172 ratings from 181 user reviews.

Compare all 136 medications used in the treatment of Anxiety.

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19%
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16%
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6%
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9%
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4%
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7%
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5%
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Reviews for Bupropion

  • Mariah
  • August 22, 2020

"I finally went on Wellbutrin after telling myself “I’ll try next year if it gets bad again”. This medication has eliminated my anxiety, encouraged more healthy habits, and brought me back into my body & stop self medicating for the first time in my life. This is NOT a cure-all! I have found that this medication must be paired with healthy habits (healthy diet of whole foods with plenty of fruits & veggies, ample hydration & sleep, etc.). Side effects I experienced in the first week included insomnia, mild constipation, thirst. All managed by previously stated healthy habits. After a couple weeks I stopped noticing any side effects at all. I’m about two months in and the drug is so affective I have been forgetting to take it. What anxiety?! If I could wave a magic wand I would make it so that this drug was effective for and available to every person with anxiety because it has changed my life."

10 / 10
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  • Nancy
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 8, 2020

"I never, and I mean never, listen to bad review on drugs because I know everyone reacts differently. But please, for the love of God, listen to this bad review. I have mild to moderate anxiety and started taking bupropion 75mg, once a day, 3 days ago. It has been a living nightmare. 30 minutes after I take it I have massive panic attacks, feel like I can’t breathe and I’m losing my mind. I feel paranoid and “sketched” out about everything. I shake, feel dizzy and my thoughts are absolutely insane. If you’ve ever smoked too much marijuana and have an anxiety attack, thats just what Wellbutrin feels like. I’ve ended up just staying in bed. When I was driving on day 2 I had a massive sudden panic attack where I had to pull over. I didn’t even have that severe of anxiety before Wellbutrin."

1 / 10
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191 Report
  • Ms Ec...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 9, 2020

"I've been taking Wellbutrin for PTSD/MDD/Anxiety for almost 5 weeks, and man has it been wild. I've lost 10 pounds, I'm feeling more confident, and I'm happier overall. I can't wait to see what happens at 3 months! I had no idea it was used for appetite reduction, so I was concerned at first, but it's nice! No more grazing or overeating. It also helps with libido. I literally did not have one for years. I was taking Prozac. Now I'm 24 and actually have one. I would recommend this to anyone! :)"

10 / 10
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189 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Angela
  • March 7, 2021

"Bupropion is not intended for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Unlike sertraline or fluoxetine, bupropion acts on dopamine. Dopamine is not indicated in anxiety disorder. My doctor prescribed this medication off label for anxiety and my experience was very negative. Not only did bupropion not relieve symptoms of anxiety, it also caused severe nervousness and paranoia, high blood pressure, fast beating heart, constipation, difficulty concentrating, increased anxiety, not feeling alert, having trouble speaking, tremors, shaking, headaches, among other unpleasant side effects. Even though there are claims on the internet that bupropion is effective treatment for anxiety, it should never be given to individuals with anxiety. Bupropion is an antidepressant medication that blocks the reuptake of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is not implicated in anxiety disorder such as panic disorder. Bupropion is intended for the treatment of depression, not anxiety."

1 / 10
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126 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 2, 2012

Wellbutrin (bupropion) "I take Wellbutrin for help with the management of stress and it works wonderfully! I used to be in a bad mood and very tired after work which was not good for my kids or husband. I take 100mg at 6:00 am and another 100mg at 2:00 pm and it makes a HUGE difference in my mood, energy level, and diminishes my cravings for chocolate. What I like the MOST is how I have energy ALL DAY LONG now. I used to be so tired all the time even though I was not depressed or sick. Now I have energy even after a long day of work. I must drink 50-60 ounces of water daily or I have bad muscle pain. But so long as I get in enough water I feel fabulous and definitely recommend this for others who have a hard time with stress and low energy levels."

10 / 10
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316 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Happy...
  • September 27, 2019

"I have been on Bupropion ER/SR for about 5 years and it has recently occurred to me that I should share my positive experience with others who may be suffering with anxiety, depression, and arthritic pain. During the summer I take 100 MG, and during the winter I take 200 MG. First my major issues were anxiety and depression. I would be irritable and would snap at people; then I'd regret it later and hate myself. And at best I was often very depressed. When I developed arthritis pain, my issues escalated. All these years later I realize and appreciate how much this medication has changed my life. Bupropion, for me is very subtle, like taking an aspirin for a headache - I don't feel like I'm "on" something, I just generally feel better like a normal person. Before trying Bupropion I tried other medications that made me feel terribly dopey, which was even more depressing. Bupropion is a miracle drug for me. As long as it keeps working, I will take it for the rest of my life."

10 / 10
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158 Report
  • Sherry...
  • January 9, 2017

"I freaking LOVE buproprion! Sertraline and Fluoxetine would kill my sex drive and also make it impossible to achieve the big O. Now, I'm back! Not only is my anxiety and depression under control, and I was able to quit smoking, and I lost some weight... Having my sex drive back is awesome! I want to kiss the folks who invented this stuff!"

10 / 10
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208 Report
  • essay
  • July 13, 2013

"Was on Celexa for anxiety and and stayed sleepy all the time. Switched to bupropion (300 mg) and am very pleased with the results: much less anxiety, improved libido, sleep well at night, lost some weight, and have more energy. For me, it's a good choice for anxiety without side effects."

9 / 10
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225 Report
  • Leelee
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • April 27, 2020

"I have GAD and have noticed nothing but great effects from Bupropion XL. I noticed my energy levels have increased for the most part, but not excessively. I am able to get more work done and stay focused. At first, I struggled with eating because my appetite went away. All of the side effects went away after the 6-week mark."

10 / 10
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101 Report
  • Because...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 20, 2016

"Well I've been on this medication now for almost 6 weeks, and I love it . There were very few side effects. It does suppress the appetite, well it did when I first started on it but now my appetite is great and I'm still losing weight, And my sex drive and life is totally AMAZING!!! My husband is overjoyed!!! And to think I never wanted to take medication, I simply refused to, I always tried anything natural and it would work for a minute then I was trying something else. I'm so glad that I got on this medication because it has really changed my life. I still have very small amounts of anxiety every now and again but it's no where near the way it was ,which was constant."

8 / 10
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156 Report
  • MrsB
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 21, 2016

"I was having really bad panic attacks,anxiety had me feeling like I was going crazy ! I went to my doctor he put me on bupropion 75 mg 2x a day I started taking this medication 5 days ago and I feel that I can finally get my life back ! I had a lilttle anxiety for about 3 days nothing major but I'm feeling so good I sleep well,I can think without answering myself, I have energy I'm so happy my doctor put me on this. I pray to whoever going through this I hope that you will find comfort as I did."

10 / 10
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143 Report
  • dontuse
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 16, 2020

"I never ever go out of my way to write reviews but after the most intense panic attack I’ve ever had, I knew I had to get on here to warn others. I took the bupropion pill about 2 hours ago only to be hyperventilating and crying for my parents about thirty minutes later. I felt as if someone was sitting on my chest and my hands went completely numb. I felt paranoid of everything including my own family. I was extremely disconnected from everything and knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep at all tonight. So here I am writing this review. I also would like to mention that the nightmares I had while on this medication was INSANE. I understand that certain medication effects people differently, but I would never and I mean EVER want anyone to go through this experience."

1 / 10
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75 Report
  • Samnt...
  • January 17, 2017

"Just finished my first week on the generic form of Wellbutrin (bupropion 150 XL) and have to say the first few days were tough: dizziness, anxiety, and muscle pains. But now those symptoms have mostly gone away. I do feel amazingly clear headed and have lots of energy. My appetite is gone so I hope to lose about 20 lb if possible. I don't feel the need to drink at all (used to love my wine every night!) The strange part is most people talk about insomnia and vivid dreams. I suffered from those before I started this medication! And now, I sleep a full 7 hours, have no trouble falling asleep and don't remember any dreams when I wake up! I really like this stuff!!"

9 / 10
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129 Report
  • Life...
  • December 27, 2019

"To be honest, I have been prescribed many many antidepressants by doctors in my life. All of them did not properly work. When I was prescribed amazing bupropion, it changed my all life quality. Did not see any side effect yet. It doesn’t not make any fog or confusion in my totally. By contrast, you will see that you find your brain true power and potential. Thank my doctor to be prescribed this magical drug for me."

10 / 10
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87 Report
  • Anonymous
  • September 25, 2014

"I have taken bupropion for over 13 years for anxiety. I have severe anxiety that causes depression. After many years of storm phobia and severe anxiety and many different medications this is the one that worked for me. Being able to feel normal and not have panic attacks has been wonderful. Have had no side effects except every once in a while I see twinkly dots in my vision, hard to tell if it is the medicines or from being tired. I will take the twinkly dots over anxiety any day."

10 / 10
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157 Report
  • Mmoul...
  • April 13, 2013

"On 20 mgs Cipralex two years ago and gained almost 30 pounds. Began taking Wellbutrin 150mgs three weeks ago after weaning myself off the Cipralex over a 2 month period. A few side effects, dry mouth being the most noticeable. 150 mgs for two weeks and started 300 mgs this last Monday. Huge energy boost...appetite is level and cravings are non-existent. I have to remind myself to eat. I have lost 8 pounds in 3 weeks without changing anything in my daily routine. I believe the ingredient in the medicine which helps a person to quit smoking has the same effect on appetite. It just stops the cravings, therefore stopping needless emotional eating or eating out of boredom. Anxiety was my major mood disorder but it has not affected me negatively!"

8 / 10
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159 Report
  • Vinyl...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 7, 2015

"I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety and Depression after some very traumatic events. I was first put on Prozac and two months in I knew it wasn't for me. Flatline and impossible to have an orgasm. Next was Remeron which made me so exhausted but helped somewhat with anxiety before bed. My new pdoc suggested Wellbutrin. I did research and was afraid to take it. It sat in my drawer for three months. Things got so bad, I would wake up in dread, crying, worried nonstop, so I started it. 150XL in morning for two weeks. I was completely surprised that I had no side effects and was feeling it almost from day one. It was as if the worry disappeared, replaced by a feeling that everything is going to work out. Up to 300 now, great results."

8 / 10
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135 Report
  • Myself
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • April 17, 2019

"Bupropion works really well for my ability to focus on tasks, as someone who as struggled my whole life with focus it is a godsend. Also helps SOO much with cigarette cravings as a heavy smoker and works really well with an increase in libido. Otherwise I cannot say it really does a whole lot for my anxiety. I would give this medication a 10 BUT my fiance (several months ago) tried to take this medication and after 4 days of an increase from 150mg to 300mg committed suicide. So PLEASE know your internal rhythms and let someone monitor you on ANY new medication because EVERY medication reacts with everyones chemical systems uniquely."

6 / 10
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87 Report
  • Dmano
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 13, 2020

"I’ve taken this medication bupropion for one week. The first 6 days I felt great but starting day 7 ( yesterday) my anxiety has gotten worse! I feel like I’m regressing! I thought maybe it was just me but my anxiety had been better than after taking this medication! Just makes it worse for me."

1 / 10
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76 Report
  • Ash
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 1, 2020

"This is my third time taking a type of anxiety medication due to how severe mine is, and this medication seems to do the opposite of what I was told it'd do. I feel less depressed, but my already severe anxiety is even WORSE now."

1 / 10
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70 Report
  • Mamae...
  • June 21, 2013

"I like the medication, I feel better but not 100% anxiety free. What I like about it is that now my mood is stable and I am happier and most of chocolate craves are gone. I still worry about things here and there but is much better than it used to. I can say that I feel just like my old self (happy and full of life)."

7 / 10
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140 Report
  • CaroM
  • March 4, 2017

"I have severe anxiety and I would get anxiety attacks everyday. My doctor first put me on Fluoxetine on the highest dosage. After a couple of months my body got use to the medication and it was helping a lot with the anxiety. But I continued still getting the anxiety attacks just not everyday. So then he put me on bupropion 300mg with the fluoxetine and after awhile my panic attacks slowly went away. Now it has been over a year since I have been on the bupropion and my dosage is reduced to 150mg and my fluoxetine dosage is lowered to 20mg. I am happy to say that I have not had a panic attack for 2 years now. This bupropion is a really good medication and I find with using the combination of the fluoxetine it has helped me amazingly. "

9 / 10
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98 Report
  • Marie
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 23, 2019

"I’m literally lying in bed, after 5 days of reacting to this medication. I started this for Smoking/ Anxiety. I did a slow wean off Lexapro and started on Wellbutrin 150mg once a day and then increased to two times a day. Symptoms include: dry mouth, dizziness, vision problems, flu like symptoms (weak, tired, nausea), ringing in the ears, sensitivity to light, smells, extreme headache. The dizziness is the worst, hence why I have been in bed for 5 days. Doctor advised to get off it, so I’m about one day without it. Still feel the same. Waiting for this to get out of my system. Have had to cancel work, and have been completely useless to my family. Hope this can help Someone else who May be experiencing these issues."

1 / 10
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67 Report
  • aych
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 29, 2015

"Just a quick note---I actually found it helpful to research the actual chemical this medication works on (norepinephrine), because the side effects make a lot more sense once you can look at the NORMAL effects of increased circulating norepinephrine (if you're at all prone to hypochondria/health anxiety like I am ;). I am taking it for depression, even though anxiety is my main struggle....I can honestly say it doesn't help with anxiety per se, but does turn it into a more "focused" anxiety (i.e. feeling rather hyperactive, but in a productive way as opposed to a paralyzed or hopeless way like with depression). Has also DEFINITELY decreased my binge-eating tendencies/desires, so yay for that! :)"

8 / 10
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  • Careb...
  • December 10, 2019

"I started this drug 5 weeks ago and absolutely hate it. I suffer from anxiety not depression and if you have anxiety I wouldn't recommend it at all. My anxiety is through the roof. I mentioned this to my Dr. that I had gained weight on my Cipralex so he weaned me off it and started me on bupropion. Week 2 I started getting what I call brain zaps,(so irritating). Week 4 I started getting very anxious so I went back to my dr. and he increased it to 300mg from 150mg and now I'm a hot mess. I am going to my dr. today and asking to get put back on my cipralex. I'd rather be fat and happy then manic and ready to pull my hair out. Will never go on this again."

1 / 10
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59 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.

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