Skip to main content

Bupropion for Anxiety User Reviews (Page 3)

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.

Reviews for Bupropion

  • samos
  • June 27, 2019

"I have been on bupropion for a couple of years and just recently realized it is the CAUSE of panic attacks and anxiety in the last year or so! I stutter, have tremors, and I constantly feel like my body is buzzing. It helped with major depression when I needed it, but I am weaning off ASAP!"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
34 Report
  • Hopei...
  • October 5, 2016

"I've been taking bupropion xl 150 mg daily for 5 days now, for anxiety. I have noticed an increase in energy. I also don't binge eat as much. I'm a stay at home mom, so i was always back and forth to the kitchen. No anxiety issues yet. I also take 0.50 mg of Xanax at night to help me sleep. I've been battling sleep problems for a while, so it helps."

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
47 Report
  • zunna
  • September 25, 2014

"I just started taking this.I have severe stress and anxiety. My son has disabilities, G-tube, needs a lot of help. I find I am just exhausted on a daily basis. I would literally rub my hands till they bled and crack open because I was so over stressed about my boy. He is so sweet I found my self crying over littlest thing that would go wrong at school or at the playground. Now I can go and enjoy myself without the worry 24/7. My hands are slowly getting better with help of UVB Light Therapy but the meds are a MUST. I used to love to knit But I had to stop because they were so painful! Now I can go for walks with out huffing and puffing.I hope with the help of my Doctor that I can find balance and peace without yelling at my boy or husband."

4 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
56 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • mandy
  • May 30, 2016

"I am not obese and i do not take this medicine for obesity (i take it for anxiety) One of the side effects for this medication is weight loss and loss of appetite, I have lost 20lbs since taking this medication. I don't know if you're able to take this medication for obesity but it does make you lose weight."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
48 Report
  • KGano
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 29, 2019

"I started taking bupropion XL 150mg 6 days ago. I do not recommend this medicine for anyone with anxiety or panic disorders. I was fine for the first 2 days and then I just started crying about things that normally didn’t make me cry. Day 3 I was on the couch and had deep feelings of sadness. I tried to push through. Last night I had the worst anxiety I’ve had in months. I was terrified, sweating, crying, my heart was racing, and I felt like everything was crumbling. My thoughts were dark and I couldn’t talk myself down.I stopped taking this medication this morning. This is my first experience with an antidepressant. I’m glad to hear that it really helps some people. However, if you don’t suffer from depression or even have mild depression there are probably better options. This should not be the first course of action for anxiety. I blame my doctor for totally bypassing the fact that it is not recommended for anxiety sufferers in the first place."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
32 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Kelsey
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 5, 2016

"I call it The Miracle Drug! I was on Paxil for 9 years and had no idea how much it dragged me down. After I had to have my thyroid removed, my Dr and I decided it was time to try something new. Within a week I could feel the difference (maybe it was quick due to body already being use to paxil) My family, friends and co-workers all noticed. I was energized, happy, my libido is finally back (only my husband noticed that one ;) lol, and I"ve lost 14# The only negative I can think of was the first few weeks I had wild, vivid dreams but that has basically stopped. I wish I found it years ago!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
48 Report
  • indig...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 11, 2016

"I started this med three weeks ago, I feel so much better. I was afraid to take it. Im on 150mg and Ive taken celexa for 16 years 20mg. 1 mg ativan and was switched to klonapin 1 mg when needed I like how I feel, I am more outgoing and lost 8 pounds so far. Not hungry much, just had a mild headache the first few days. otherwise good. You never know till you try. My hubby yells out Thank You Wellbutrin lol every so often. He notices a change"

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
47 Report
  • Anony...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 4, 2019

"I am a female in my thirties and have switched to bupropion from lexapro I am on the XL version. Overall I feel like this medicine is a better choice for me. The lexapro never fully got rid of my anxiety and this one has. I also gained close to 20 pounds on lexapro. Now I will say take with caution of how it will affect you. The first week I was extremely dizzy every single day. I couldn’t turn corners or even my head without the constant wave of dizziness. I thought several times of quitting it but I told myself I would give it two weeks and see. The second week I still had dizziness but not near as bad. And now it’s been a little over a month and if I see the dizziness it’s rare. So for overall anxiety it has helped me, hopefully it will continue to be a positive for me. I also was on Xanax for several years before starting either one of these medications and wanted to get off of due to it becoming more dependent!"

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
35 Report
  • Panda
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 28, 2019

"I have been on this drug for about 5 weeks for anxiety. Been struggling with my toxic work environment while studying for my masters and have felt out of control and so angry. Doctor wanted me to try this as I also have MS and she has had much success with Wellbutrin. Can’t say I really noticed too much a difference until week two besides I felt more patient and seemed slightly less negative. Week 2 I was so dizzy that if I wasn’t lying down, I was puking. Thought it might be a bug so kept taking drug. Week 5 and I’m a complete mess. Anxiety through the roof and have had a nonstop panic attack for days. Can’t sleep and don’t poop regularly like I use to. No appetite to an almost scary level lately. I never wanted to be on medication for my mood swings and anxiety and now I feel even more confused and upset that this confirmed my fears and has made things worse. Calling doctor in the morning. Good luck to you all."

4 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
31 Report
  • Woman...
  • December 14, 2019

"I have been taking bupropion for 6 weeks to treat anxiety and work-related stress. In the first 2 weeks I had some side effects, such as severe stomach pain and dry mouth. They disappeared completely after 2 weeks. I take 150 mg/day. After 2 weeks on the pill, I didn't feel that great so the dose was increased to 300 mg, but it only made me feel angry and explosive. The medication started to work its magic in the third week. I feel like I am in control of my life again and work doesn't stress me as much as it used to. My anger outbursts are also under control. The "I want to die" feelings are also under control. I feel really good and wanted to stop taking this med, as it is the first time I take any controlled medication and I don't want to depend on it to live a normal life, but I decided to wait a little longer. The only downside to bupropion is that I have gained a couple of kgs in the past few weeks due to an increase in well-being and appetite."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
30 Report
  • Rapun...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • December 12, 2015

"I have had anxiety and depression for years. I've been on Bupropion, 150XL for a few years with good relief from my symptoms. A couple months ago my doctor put me on another 75mg of immediate release bupropion. My anxiety is much less. This medication is what works for me."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
47 Report
  • Grant...
  • August 29, 2016

"I started bupropion 150 once/day 2 months ago, after suffering increasing issues with anxiety and inability to think rationally. I found myself unable to cope with normal day to day issues. This medication has helped, but be careful. As many others have indicated, it's tough adjusting to it - for me it's insomnia and irrational thoughts. And even though I "feel" better, my anxiety has not dissipated, just have fewer episodes. However, be aware...as I did crash hard a few weeks back, and it was WORSE than ever. I came through but left me little worried, as I went to a very dark place. I feel great now, so maybe it's just finally kicking in? This battle with anxiety has opened my eyes, and I'm scared of what future holds for me"

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
43 Report
  • Shelly...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 21, 2019

"It was hard to specify one condition for being prescribed Wellbutrin. #1 reason I tried it (in addition to the Celexa I was already taking for depression) was to help me concentrate and focus. In that regard, I feel the 300mgs daily did help me concentrate more. #2 reason was to help me possibly eat less, especially sweet stuff. At first I did notice a decline in my appetite but have since gained 6 pounds so it didn't work for weight loss. #3 reason was for depression which it helps wonderfully. I suffer from anxiety and phobias and this is not a calming medication. It is like an antidepressant on steroids. I like it very much because it helps me through my social phobia at work a bit I've noticed lately. However, I feel like it's more of a bandaid on my anxiety. I can still feel my mind going crazy with worry and anxiety but it's not developing into full blown panic attacks so that's good."

Was this helpful?YesNo
32 Report
  • Chlor...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 2, 2022

"I’ve been depressed and anxious for as long as I can remember, and I’ve always avoided medication because I told myself “it’s such a cop-out, so unhealthy, and a good diet and exercise, meditation and therapy are what works.” But when you’re doing all those religiously and are still crying and having anxiety attacks multiple times a day, it’s time to start. I went through the wringer with enough events in the last few months that I knew I had to start. And what a difference. I feel much more like myself again. I belly-laughed for the first time in a long time a few days ago. I am not dragging myself out of bed and holding back tears of anxiety and frustration stemming from nothing when out with friends, or having anxiety attacks in the car - I’m there to calmly take in my surroundings and be at peace. I’m excited about stuff again. Existing in the world is not supposed to be excruciating."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
13 Report
  • HBano
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • August 4, 2018

"From what I’ve been told and read, this medication is not for anxiety. You need an add on for that. I am on buspar for anxiety and bupropion for depression. I went off of Prozac because of weight gain and sexual dysfunction. Bupropion changed dramatically for me when buspar was added. Sex has never been better (libido went back up) For some strange reason it also helped the pain I had with sex occasionally from endometriosis. My anxiety is now much better. I take 15 mg of buspar 3 times daily and 300 XL bupropion. The only issue is lack of sleep but I was like that before."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
32 Report
  • Hope
  • October 15, 2018

"From someone who has had experience with this drug for the better half of two years, I would say be cautious taking this if anxiety is an issue for you. I suffer with social and generalized anxiety and found this drug to worsen my anxiety majorly, and also gave me random anger fits. I took this without an SSRI added and then with an SSRI added (which helped my anxiety some), but still felt debilitated by the anxiety. I woke up almost daily in a state of panic, dread, and could barely hold any conversation. Depression wise, it helped to an extent, but I'm having better luck with just being on an SSRI right now. Please talk to your doctor about your concerns regarding your self, because everyone is different. Overall, I'm glad to be off this drug and my anxiety is much better and I'm not angry all the time anymore."

4 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
31 Report
  • Texas...
  • March 26, 2012

"I started Wellbutrin after my Celexa quit working after 5 years. I had a little nausea the first week. The second week was the hardest. I had uncontrollable bouts of sheer rage. When I spanked one of my kids out of anger, which I've never done before, I called my doctor and she put me on Prozac. However, I decided to give Wellbutrin one more week. The rage issue resolved itself and went away. At week 4, I feel completely even tempered. I love how this medicine makes me feel and I take things far less seriously. I could only give it an 8 out of 10 due to the side effects when starting it."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
55 Report
  • Bail
  • August 28, 2017

"I used to wake up every day feeling miserable and irritable. I found it hard to think clearly, concentrate & just live a somewhat normal day. I was first put on Sertraline and that didn't go so well.. I had really bad side effects (fatigue, depression, sporadic emotions) Took myself off that after about 2 months or so. I was then put on this medication! I saw results almost right away with 150ml daily for about 1.5 months with some side effects including dizziness & dry mouth/always thirsty (which I can deal with!) Then because I & my doctor felt there was room for additional improvement I went to the 300ml dose.. it's only been about 1-2 weeks on the higher dose but so far so good. No complaints! I can actually be free + feel normal again!"

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
35 Report
  • Nervo...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 22, 2014

"I was prescribed Bupropion as an alternative to my usual Lexapro at the beginning of an "episode". I was probably more anxious than depressed. I was a little concerned because Bupropion is not specifically an anti-anxiety medication. Bupropion was an instant pickup and boosts libido. The boost did not last and I started to get very anxious and somewhat depressed after the first week. I eventually had to start back on the Lexapro. I don't think Bupropion is a very effective anxiety medication and it is not generally prescribed for that purpose. I did find very few side effects compared to the sweating, loss of libido and weight gain of Lexapro. I am presently tapering off. I have some issues with insomnia and Bupropion may not help."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
45 Report
  • Anony...
  • August 4, 2017

"I took this for the first time last July, it gave me a lot more energy. I did not consider myself as "depressed" at the time, but when I look back on it, I've realized that it made me a lot happier and more positive than when I was not on it. I liked the energizing aspect, but I can't say it really helped with the anxiety. So if your sole purpose for going on this medication is for depression & fatigue, I recommend it. Also lost about 15 pounds on this med"

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
34 Report
  • Krist...
  • January 13, 2017

"I have been taking wellbutrin 300 mg for about three years. I was taking Zoloft for anxiety before that and absolutely hated it. The first couple years on wellbutrin was great. I wasn't having anxiety attacks and stress was normal. However, I think my body got too used to it and now the effects are minimal. I can feel some difference, but my anxiety has been an all time high this past year. Since there's nothing higher than 300 mg, I'm planning to try something different. I did like wellbutrin, no side effects. Just doesn't work well for me anymore."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
36 Report
  • Kelly...
  • July 22, 2016

"Was on it for 4 months, thought it was a miracle drug util I found out what it did to my body, caused blood clots, fat clots, which led to fat embolisms, gave me high cholesterol which led to cholesterol plaque in my heart which traveled throughout my my body. I have been off of it for TWO MONTHS and I'm still trying to recover. ALL TOGETHER HIGHLY NOT RECOMMENDED. DO NOT TAKE."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
37 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 27, 2018

"I have never commented on a website like this but I must say - if you have anxiety DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG. I took it for 2 weeks (today was my last day) and every single day has gotten progressively worse. Besides the nausea and dry mouth, I couldn’t get out of bed for 3 days because I convinced myself that I had no friends and everyone hated me. Panic attacks every day starting first thing in the morning. My anxiety has never been worse. I’m starting on Effexor tomorrow so I hope I have a better experience with that."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
29 Report
  • scoomah
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • June 28, 2023

"I've suffered from a tremendous anxiety disorder for years, and my doctor tried SSRIs and SNRIs. Nothing doing until he started me on Wellbutrin, which has been my anxiety medication. It took 3-6 weeks to fully kick in."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
7 Report
  • Samm...
  • August 21, 2016

"I started taking Wellbutrin 2 months ago. I do not suffer from depression, I have generalized anxiety and panic disorder. It is definitely very helpful for the generalized anxiety as I am not feeling anxious 24/7. But the longer I take it, the more I experience unpleasant side effects. Out of any antidepressant I have tried, it is the only one that does not effect my sex drive, which is a plus. But I have a very difficult time falling asleep, even with the addition of sleep medication, I get constipated frequently, it makes me nauseous and dizzy, my muscles ache even though I work out regularly, I am itchy all the time, my appetite is irregular, I'm moody, and I still have panic attacks."

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
36 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.

Learn more about Anxiety

Care guides

Medicine.com guides (external)