I've been on 450 mg for several years. I have had alot of agitation and am short tempered. I don't know if its me or the medicine to be honest. Otherwise this medication really saved my life. Depression got me to the point I couldn't function and my life is just fine in that department due to Wellbutrin. Anyone else have anger issues / agitataion?
Wellbutrin and agitation/anger outbursts? Anyone else?
Question posted by VeniceGal on 28 July 2010
Last updated on 27 February 2025
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
41 Answers Page 3
kisergirl9602
17 May 2017
I have been on the Wellbutrin for about I have been on the Wellbutrin for approximately four to five months. I was given this medication to additionally help me sleep. I had to run out of my medicine and about 2 Days Later realized it was actually affecting my depression. And the week that I did without my medication to be honest I have never wanted to hurt somebody or myself more in my entire life and I'm not a confrontational or angry person. I got back on my medicine and actually have the dosage increased because it wasn't working like it had been in the beginning. Now I have extremely uncontrollable mood swings. I am either extremely happy or extremely angry and unfortunately my husband usually gets the butt of it. I have never been an angry person like this with such uncontrollable rage and the quickness for violence. I absolutely believe this medication can be a danger to the right person.
I just spoke with my doctor today and they are going to take me off of it because he seems to think it is hurting me a lot more than it's helping me I would definitely suggest you talk to your doctor about what is going on. I hope things get better for you just as I do myself
ohnoletsgo
14 April 2017
I think Wellbutrin is the corporate of my wife sudden personality change and irritability. I'm glad to see that this is not all in my head.
John716
7 March 2017
Hi I have only been on Wellbutrin for about a week now but I noticed almost immediately I have been extremely and I mean extremely angry. It seems the littlest unimportant thing is setting me off. I cannot control the anger at all. I am not sure if it is the medicine or not as I feel angry all the time. I am on Wellbutrin for weightloss. I am pretty sure I was on it a few years ago for chronic pain and I don't remember feeling like this.
Erin38
20 Oct 2017
I started Wellbutrin 2 days ago and I have already snapped at everyone in my household. I’m hoping that this passes or I will have to quit taking it: did it improve for you?
Inactive
2 March 2017
I have taken generic Wellbutrin SR off and on for several years. I notice that when I go back on it, in the first 2 weeks of being on it, I have to watch my temper. I get a little more edgy than usual at that time. But I can also say that after a week or 2 the agitation and irritability disappear and feel normal again. Wellbutrin gives me energy and motivation. It is the only antidepressant that I have had positive results with, and it lifts my anxiety/depression successfully.
Inactive
3 March 2017
If I take a small dose of Buspar, 5mg, along with my two doses of wellbutrin SR, it takes care of the irritability and agitation and greatly helps me in the transition to feel more "normal".
Liburr1970
5 March 2017
I started wellbutrin 150mg IR 3xday to help guiting smoking. I am already on meds for bipolar depression and anxiety. I was told I have been short, mean and agitated. I started thinking about the wellbutrin. Thank god for this site. I stopredict immediately. Just last nite I threw the in the trash. I hope it takes only a few weeks to get back to normal. Anyone know how long?
Liburr1970
5 March 2017
I started wellbutrin 150mg IR 3xday to help guiting smoking. I am already on meds for bipolar depression and anxiety. I was told I have been short, mean and agitated. I started thinking about the wellbutrin. Thank god for this site. I stopredict immediately. Just last nite I threw the in the trash. I hope it takes only a few weeks to get back to normal. Anyone know how long?
Amb3r_H
6 July 2017
I also take a small amount of Buspar with my generic Wellbutrin and at first (for many months) it really seemed to help with the irritability. In the last week (hence looking up this topic today), I've noticed that my irritability is back with a vengeance. Could just be the time of year (summer break, kids 24/7). I haven't taken either of my meds in going on 4 days and I feel fine..way less irritated. Just experimenting though.
Inactive
28 July 2017
Now that my doctor has prescribed Buspar for anxiety, which i take along with each dose of Wellbutrin, there is no more problem with edginess, agitation, irritability, or start up anxiety. Buspar allows Wellbutrin to do its job for me. I really like this combination.
junderwood312
2 March 2017
Hello there, My doctor raised my dose about a month and a half ago and I've noticed some real anger outbursts happen along with being easily agitated over little things. I know my temper can get the best of me; however this feels like a raging anger that I normally don't have. The dosage increase absolutely stopped my tobacco cravings and I have been tobacco free for almost two months now so that has been a big blessing. These anger issues though are starting to cause relationship issues, so hopefully we can figure it out!
imagine04
17 Feb 2017
I am so happy I sought this information out! I've been diagnosed with MDD/GAD/PTSD & I have been on a number of antidepressants over the last 20+yrs. Sometimes they just stop working so we make the change. Recently I was on Cymbalta for many, many years but gained a TON of weight, had no sex drive and felt as though the med wasn't doing what it needed to do any longer. I was getting more lows than I'd had in years. So, I tapered down over 3wks with doc supervision and made the switch to Wellbutrin. It was the hardest med change i've EVER gone through. I've now been on the Wellbutrin for about 6wks and do notice I have more energy ((most of the time)) which is welcome. However, the ANGER!! Oh my word. The smallest things set me into a complete tailspin that I cannot control. I do not like it at all. I have to admit, I teared up a bit seeing some of the other stories here because I felt like I was reading my own.
I called my doctor today to try to see what her suggestion is going to be and of course she's out of the office till Monday. Initially she had wanted to do a combo therapy of Prozac/Wellbutrin but I declined the Prozac due to the weight gain issues that can come with it (i also have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome so losing weight is sooooo hard for me). But now I feel like I made a mistake not getting put on the combo.
Does anyone else have any experience with combination meds?
Almanzo
3 Nov 2016
I've been on Wellbutrin 300 mg and Pristiq 100 mg for a while. My doctor recently upped the Wellbutrin to 450 mg. The first day I took the higher dose I was in heaven. I felt good, music sounded great, and I was enjoying myself in general. Day two and three and began to become easily angered and upset. I also notice some sexual issues. I went back to 300 mg the next day. The anger issue got better. I've been meaning to speak to my doctor about this because I refuse to put my love ones through my crazy mood swings. However, I wonder if this anger would eventually subside and I can go back to heaven.
cochappa
18 Sep 2012
Oh wow! So glad I am not the only one.
I suffer from severe anxiety. One day I started shaking and it didn't stop for a year. I was on Paxil for a while but my libido went to zero so my doc switched me to Wellbutrin. Libido back to normal but I kept having these extreme anger outbursts. The smallest things will set me off and I seriously want to break stuff.
I guess I'll have to continue to walk away from those situations but I am glad to learn that it's from the drug.
BarelyAboveWater
2 Aug 2013
I just started Wellbutrin and am on 300 mg/day. I take it for anxiety/depression. I've tried Lexapro, Effexor, and Zoloft. Zoloft also made me a bit angry.
But wow. The anger is an issue. I really want Wellbutrin to work for me. I've only been on it a month so I was wanting to give it some time to level out.
It seems it doesn't take much to make me angry. And once it starts, it's like an domino effect, everything ticks me off. I honestly would love to punch something, throw something, hurt something (not myself or children), or just take off walking. Sometimes I'm so angry I just cry.
Maybe I should think about a different drug???
nildasantos63
13 Sep 2016
Cochappa, u will not be able to walk away from situations because when the anger outbursts come it can not be controlled or stopped once they start I have lost my relationship with my mother do to this. And started to hate myself because I knew that I was causing our problems but no matter how much I tried not to get angry the smallest things would make me react or agitate me.
VeniceGal
13 Sep 2016
This is the original post person (venice gal). I just looked at my emails from the email account and see that several people responded to my original post! I'm glad I'm not alone, but its too bad the med causes these outbursts. I am still on the Wellbutrin, now augmented with a couple other things, that haven't tempered my temper (lol). Now that I have since gone through menopause and my libido is like -100% (not kidding, just wait till you get older gals), maybe I will think about switching anti Depressent meds... sure would be nice to not snap at everyone so easily. This has been a real downer in several relationships, unfortunately.
Thanks for all the inputs. And sending everyone my best wishes for continued strength and patience!
k8ms
13 Oct 2016
I am on Wellbutrin (generic) after tapering off of pristiq. The pristiq withdrawal was hell, once it was over I now get what i call hulk rage. Any little thing that pisses me off explodes and I want to scream and literally smash everything. Then I get so upset with myself and go into crying episode that I can't stop. I've been off of work for a week from the last withdrawal, but how am I ever going to function again? I am so ashamed at myself. The only thing that calms me down is ativan and I only have 7 left. And I've just been sleeping all day. Honestly I went off pristiq caus I was depressed anyway and had zero sex drive. But now I find this so much worse than before! Like what is the point? I feel like a zombie. Like this is hell on earth being trapped in my own body. Do you think going back to 150mg (increased to 300mg when I went off the last of the pristiq a week ago) would help? Or am I doomed. I don't feel like I could even work. Help. Everyone tells me to stop reading these forums but today I deceived to join because no one understands
chronicpain15
14 Oct 2016
I've been a chronic pain patient for 15 years and, since depression has been a big part of that, I've been on Effexor for the last 11 years. Recently, my depression became worse and so my doctor added 150mg of Wellbutrin to help "boost" the Effexor. I've only been on it a week now, but yesterday, I lost it and got so angry at my 17 year old for bringing home the wrong thing from the store. I was so mad that I actually screamed at her over something that is, in reality, quite insignificant. Then I cried and felt horrible because I yelled and screamed at her over something so minor.
This is not how I treat my children... I am their biggest supporter and always send them encouraging texts, notes, hugs and more. I'm not perfect but I've certainly never gotten so angry over something so trivial. That isn't the way I want my kids to ever think of me.
I will be calling my doctor first thing Monday morning to get off this medicine, pronto. I'd rather quietly deal with my depression than let anger ruin my most precious relationships.
Any thoughts?
k8ms
14 Oct 2016
I don't know what to do. Honestly. It's such a vicious circle. I'm at a loss. I still am weepy and depressed anyway so tomorrow I will try one pill instead of two and see if the hulk rage lessens. I've told my kids about how it makes me feel and if I feel it coming on which is likeinstant I tell them hulk rage. And they try and help me calm down. Which I wish helped but I have snapped at my poor son. The rage, its terrible. On the upside, I think my sex drive finally came back. Or is coming back, I actually have sensation again. So for that reason alone I don't want to give up in Wellbutrin.
Counteygirl75
15 Oct 2016
2 more the ago I started zoloft. Mainly for energy, slight depression and hot flashes. Kept being nauseous so switched to lexapro. I felt nothing on this drug so doc switched me to Bupropion. On the 3Rd day taking it i could strangle those around me! This scares me. I'm usually so calm. Is this normal and will it subside after a while? My family is not happy with my mood!
Ri Ri
6 April 2017
So how did you deal with the outbursts? I've been on welbtrun for a while they have switched it a lot but for about a year it has been quick release . It's been good and bad For me I'm happier and more motivated, but it also makes my anxiety worse at times and the biggest issue that I feel like I can't control sometimes is the intense Reactions and irrataitablity what should I do ?
kisergirl9602
17 May 2017
I'm so glad I got on this website. I have been experiencing extreme outbursts of anger an uncontrollable rage. I take the Wellbutrin to help me sleep at night but found that it was affecting my depression. I have high levels of anxiety and I am continuing to find myself getting worse. I'm glad to know that I'm not alone luckily my doctor has decided to take me off of this medication because it is making you worse rather than better I've started Seroquel again to try to balance my mood swings while they gradually taper me off of the Wellbutrin. I ran out of my Wellbutrin for a week one time and I have never wanted to hurt somebody or hurt myself more in my entire life. I am a very uncomfortable person with a big heart and had a hard time telling people no. When I started with the extreme anger outbursts of Rage this is not mean and unfortunately my husband seems to be the one that I am directing this towards.
It has caused a severe problem in my marriage and now I'm just trying to do everything that I can to fix it but I think Wellbutrin is one of the most dangerous antidepressants I have ever been on.
Jskoepp
23 Nov 2010
YES! I've had MANY more angry outbursts and they have been more extreme and quick. Hard to stop once they start. Interesting comments about anxiety. Also applies here. While there are unpleasant side effects that Wellbutrin doesn't have, this anger and quick/short temper is quite problematic in family life.
Godsgirlrae
11 Dec 2016
I feel much better reading these reviews. I was started on Wellbutrin 300mg 6 weeks ago and lowered to 150mg 3 weeks in due to not tolerating the higher dose! I was on Lexapro for many years and gained around 50 plus pounds and was always tired! My doctor changed me to celexa and I literally having problems staying awake during the day. The Wellbutrin is great for energy burst and weight loss ! I have much more energy and I am loosing weight but I am so quick to get angry over little things and I am concerned it is affecting my job! It seems everything and anything gets me upset and I get extremely emotional very easily which is a complete opposite from the other anti-anxiety medication! I love the way I feel physically but I will not put my family and my grandchildren through the emotion outburst of anger and mood swings! I'm going to give it until the first of the year and if the on edge feeling does not go away I will have to try something else!
Taayloor
17 Jan 2017
Wow! I've had the same experience. I was on 20mg lexapro for over a year, but I was constantly sleeping from it. I was tired all day, everyday. I recently switched to Wellbutrin and have noticed that I've been snapping lately. The littlest things have been making me angry and upset. I'll get so angry at something so small and then the anger just leads to tears. Lexapro worked so well for me except for the fact that I was so sleepy.
50yofem
23 Feb 2017
I'm so glad I read the comments on this thread ... thanks for the recent ones from you Godsgirlrae and Taayloor.
I have mild depression (& anxiety) and was on Celexa 20 mg for years, switched over to Cymbalta 20mg 1 1/2 years ago, and went off that completely 4 months ago. I figured I'd need something to "take the edge off" sooner rather than later. My new doc prescribed Wellbutrin XL 300mg just 3 days ago and I took my 1st dose yesterday morning; other than a short spurt of stomach upset I felt fine. I took my 2nd dose this morning and soon after had a terrible anger spell; I was overly pissed at my kids and husband for everything - a pair of dirty socks on the floor would typically be annoying but certainly didn't warrant my dramatic response. I was swearing out loud, thankfully I was home alone so nobody heard me; that passed after a few minutes and I resumed working (I work from home).
This is not like me - don't get me wrong, I get annoyed but typically blow it off and move on with the day. Around 2pm I suddenly just burst into tears and I couldn't gain control of myself. I sat on the bathroom floor for a few minutes sobbing and then layed down for about an hour to try and shake it off ... thankfully it worked and back to work I went. Around 5pm my husband came in and we talked for a few minutes; soon enough my emotional state was out of control yet again (man did I feel angry) and I lit into him like he'd murdered my first born. A few minutes after he left the room I burst into tears ... I was a complete emotional and angry mess and I knew it had to be the new meds. Once that anger spell passed I jumped online and starting reading comments from others about this drug ... the same short fuse and crying spells. I went and apologized to my husband, bursting into tears yet again. I took this med for 2 days and felt like I was losing my mind. I'll call my doctor tomorrow morning ... I'll NEVER take this med again!
junderwood312
2 March 2017
Wow I feel exactly like this. Extreme and quick are the words I was looking for. Once it starts it's hard to stop. I really hope this problem can be solved soon. Thank you Jskoepp!
Godsgirlrae
2 March 2017
I want to follow-up on my previous post. I was able to move from the Wellbutrin150mg dose to the 300mg therapeutic dose by the end of December 2016. The mood swings have gotten better but the burst of energy that I had in the beginning is now subsided also. The good news is I lost some weight and I am not gaining it back but I still struggle with agitation at times. My Irish temperament and lack of patience does prevail more than I would like to admit. I continue to struggle but as a woman of faith I know that the God above is in control of all things and knows are deepest thoughts and concerns and loves us unconditionally . I do believe that the God above does hold the answers but I also believe the answers are not going to fall in your lap and I feel God can use doctors, therapist, counselors, and every day people to help us get through difficult times. The Bible is a great book of information and it can also calm the nerves and sooth the soul.
The book of Psalms is poems that can be very therapeutic. I am not preaching a sermon just sharing my thoughts and what I believe in the hope it might be helpful for someone that is struggling and looking for an alternative or does not no what to do next.
Inactive
29 July 2010
Hi Venice Gal, Wellbutrin can cause aggitation and panic attacks!!
An excellent shrink once told me that Wellbutrin is the worst anti-D for anyone who has anxiety problems, and 'tis true... from personal experience.
Talk with your doc about the aggitation you feel, perhaps an anti-D that has a calming effect might be a better option.
Wishing you the best,
sweetlemon
VeniceGal
29 July 2010
Thank you both for your comments. Except for my short-tempered-ness the Wellbutrin has been the best anti-depressent I ever took, and I've tried several over the past 20 yrs, so I think I'll stick with it and try to walk away from situations that leave me feeling like exploding!
Dawn45
16 Oct 2017
What does that mean ??? ANTI-D???
Agitated_lady
19 Oct 2017
Dawn45. Anti-d means anti-depressant
tofugoddess79
28 July 2010
Uh, yeah. lol. I thought that was just me having a moodswing. haha. I'm diagnosed with being bipolar II and for the most part I am pretty even with my moods, especially in the spring/summer months. I am on 450mg of Wellbutrin XL and 400mg of Topamax. I used to be on Lamictal and Geodon a few years ago to help with mood stabilization, but I had ECT (electro-convulsive therapy) because my depression was so difficult to treat with meds and the Dr. was looking for a way to reduce or eliminate some or all of my meds. Well, it started out as me only being on 150mg of Wellbutrin XL and 50mg of Topamax and they took me off my other 2 meds..and over the past 2 1/2 years I have went all the way back up to my max dose of Topamax and Wellbutrin and I still get depressed pretty bad occasionally and when I get agitated my fiance' says I'm pretty mean about things..like not just a little crabby.
Recently I also had to get some Klonopin for anxiety (as needed) because that part of the bipolar disorder has been starting to act up again too. I know this may no be EXACTLY like what you have gone through, but I AM on 450 mg of Wellbutrin XL, and I AM suffering from a form of depression.
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Further information
- Wellbutrin uses and safety info
- Wellbutrin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Wellbutrin (detailed)
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