Bupropion and Anger: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Caj...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 30, 2017

Bupropion for Depression "Although the medication worked well for the first few weeks, I began to notice my aggression becoming more pronounced, and I got irritated much easier than normal. After two months, my doctor increased the dosage, even though I told her how I was feeling and acting. I decided to try it anyway to see if things got any better and got an answer within two days of the increase... NO!! It made me extremely mean, short-tempered, very aggressive, and extremely judgmental of others, all of which were NOT normal behaviors for me. I get the same results with Adderall for my adult ADHD and have decided to never touch either of these medications again... EVER! It may work well for others, but is not for me."

• Caj...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 30, 2017

Bupropion for Depression "Although the medication worked well for the first few weeks, I began to notice my aggression becoming more pronounced, and I got irritated much easier than normal. After two months, my doctor increased the dosage, even though I told her how I was feeling and acting. I decided to try it anyway to see if things got any better and got an answer within two days of the increase... NO!! It made me extremely mean, short-tempered, very aggressive, and extremely judgmental of others, all of which were NOT normal behaviors for me. I get the same results with Adderall for my adult ADHD and have decided to never touch either of these medications again... EVER! It may work well for others, but is not for me."

• Caj...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 30, 2017

Bupropion for Depression "Although the medication worked well for the first few weeks, I began to notice my aggression becoming more pronounced, and I got irritated much easier than normal. After two months, my doctor increased the dosage, even though I told her how I was feeling and acting. I decided to try it anyway to see if things got any better and got an answer within two days of the increase... NO!! It made me extremely mean, short-tempered, very aggressive, and extremely judgmental of others, all of which were NOT normal behaviors for me. I get the same results with Adderall for my adult ADHD and have decided to never touch either of these medications again... EVER! It may work well for others, but is not for me."

• Neb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 10, 2018

Bupropion for Smoking Cessation "Tried expensive Chantix first. Bizarre dreams and did really scary things in my sleep. Really a psychotic drug! Made me completely psychotic and angry. Then tried Zyban and read the interesting comments. Only needed the lower doses. I was on the drug for 2.5 months. Able to gracefully quit a 1-1/2 pack a day habit by Nov 2006. No angry responses. Not afraid to sleep. Even lost a few pounds. Have stayed off the butts since 2006. Good drug for smoking cessation-bad anti-depressant. Cheap. Generic available."

• Man...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2020

Bupropion for Depression "Sadly, this drug didn't work so well for my anxiety/depression. I have been on Prozac for the past two years with fantastic results but some sexual side effects. I requested a script for Wellbutrin XL. I added this to 10 mg of Prozac. The first couple of days, I was full of energy and got a lot of cleaning done. I had extreme difficulty falling asleep the next few nights and had to resort to taking Zopiclone. Wellbutrin helped me to lose about 5 lbs in a week (with diet and exercise), and I had no desire to drink alcohol and made it very easy to diet. Ultimately, it was making me agitated, anxious, and angry. I was losing sleep, tinnitus was acting up, and I was experiencing eye pain. I may have continued to stick with it, but it made my sexual dysfunction worse to the point where it was difficult to orgasm even on my own."

• Sea...
• January 22, 2017

Bupropion for Depression "I stopped taking Effexor after being on it for five years. Worked great, but it was keeping me up at night, had to skip a dose to have a decent sleep. So I reduced to the lowest dosage before completely going off with the help of my doctor, in the hopes I didn't need antidepressants anymore. Was okay for a few weeks and boom, super depressed, suicidal, the works. So I was prescribed Wellbutrin and mirtazapine for sleep. The Wellbutrin worked right away, and mirtazapine was great for sleep. But it only worked well for a few months. Started redeveloping social anxiety, panic attacks, fits of rage, suicidal thoughts, and all that fun stuff. I went to a new doctor, and he basically told me that Wellbutrin isn't good for anxiety, lol. Good to know!"

• chi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 14, 2013

Bupropion for Depression "Third day on Wellbutrin and so far so good, except for the side effects. I get headaches, angry and snappy over silly things, ringing in my ears. Those are the main side effects, and they're inconsistent, up and down all along. I feel mentally alert and creative. And actually look forward to doing things. I haven't felt like that since I was a kid! Oh, and my sex drive has increased. I found I have been eating more food, probably because I've been more creative cooking in the kitchen. Just not sure if I'm into being angry/snappy with my toddler around. Hopefully that side effect subsides."

• Wom...
• December 14, 2019

For Anxiety "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."

• Son...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 14, 2020

Bupropion for Depression "Wellbutrin 150 SR 2x daily was prescribed for me for severe anxiety and mild depression. This medication is great for energy, but I am so short-tempered and I get negative intrusive thoughts. I like the energy it gives me, and I don’t feel spaced out like on some antidepressants, but I’m debating going back on Effexor 75 mg. It is better for anxiety and irritability. I’ve gained 10 lbs, but I think it’s from the COVID lockdown stress eating, so I won’t blame it on the Wellbutrin. I would recommend Wellbutrin for people with lethargy, but not with anxiety disorders."

• cat...
• June 8, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "I just started taking Wellbutrin XL 300 mg recently after being off of it for almost a year. During that year, I found myself dropping my kids off at school and coming home and sleeping all day. I stopped taking it because my insurance would no longer cover the brand name. After being on and off of this drug for many years, I can tell you there is a HUGE difference between generic and brand. When I took bupropion, I was very short-tempered, irritable, and my hair started to fall out! This is not listed as a side effect, and my doctor and pharmacist also assured me this is not a known side effect. After some research, I found many women have hair loss on bupropion. For me, it's worth the $ to pay for brand name."

• Jus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2019

Bupropion for Depression "I just started taking this medication, which is why when I am reading everyone's experience while taking it, it is scaring me. I have severe anxiety, which I take Xanax for (I don't recommend anyone getting on Xanax, the withdrawals sent me into seizures). I haven't noticed any side effects besides that I have been getting angrier, never even thought it could be because of this drug. I don't want to be that ugly person, especially to my children! I don't know what I should do: quit taking WB or continue and pray for the best."

• lre...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 27, 2022

Bupropion for Depression "I have mixed feelings about this medication. I know so many people whose lives have been changed for the better by taking this. I, however, had the complete opposite experience. I wanted to try a non-stimulant route for my ADHD, but even at the max dose, it never fully helped. It motivated me to get out of bed and do my daily routine, but I never truly got anything done. The thing that really got me was the anger it made me feel. I have never been an aggressive person. My friends had told me they had been walking on eggshells with me, as well as my family. As with all antidepressants, how you react to them just depends on your brain chemistry. If you take this medication, PLEASE monitor your mood and how you react to things."

• Dem...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 29, 2019

Bupropion for Depression "This was the worst experience I’ve EVER HAD. If you are on this medicine and are trying to push through the bad side effects (anger, irritability, panic attacks, dark thoughts), GET OFF THIS MEDICINE. Do some research on this medicine - it has a 30-page black box label with the title 'SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS; AND NEUROPSYCHIATRIC REACTIONS' that literally warns people about suicide while on this medicine. I yelled at my partner and my family, and for some people, this might literally ruin relationships with people due to the extreme irritability. I have been off this for about 5 days and woke up today the happiest I’ve been in a long time. Don’t feel bad if this one doesn’t work out for you. Things will get better! I am so glad I decided to stop taking this! Always talk to a doctor about stopping first because the withdrawal effects can be severe, but I really recommend anyone doubting the effectiveness of this medication for them should not be on it. This medicine could have been the end of my life. Please learn from my mistake!"

• Ean...
• June 30, 2020

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "Let me start off by saying my body is super weird and sensitive to medication. I do not need a high dose of anything, and I typically get side effects with anything I take. I took 30 mg of Wellbutrin for about a month, and within that month was miserable. I had very bad gut pain and digestive issues, so my doctor dropped me down to 15 mg. I was on that for another 2 weeks before quitting. So, in 45 days of being on Wellbutrin, I got terrible adult acne on my face and chest, severe digestion issues and gut pain, and gained 10-12 pounds in water weight (I felt bloated 24/7 - like I was on my period), headaches, and had severe angry outbursts (which is not to my character). It is a bummer I had such horrible side effects because it really did help greatly with my depression. It also gave me a huge sex drive (which my husband loved!). But there were just too many side effects to justify staying on it."

• noc...
• July 31, 2013

Bupropion for Depression "I started taking this medicine for depression and adult ADD-like symptoms. I did not notice any side effects at all in the beginning, very easy to start taking. However, after taking it for about two months, I noticed I was very easily aggravated and overreacted to little things like crazy! Very emotional, crying, deep emotional pain. I did not wean off, I just stopped taking it because I didn't feel like 'me.' No adverse reaction in stopping for me, although I don't recommend stopping cold turkey for others. Only a plus was reduced appetite and increased libido!"

• Anonymous
• August 20, 2010

Bupropion for Smoking Cessation "At first, had lots of energy, and my concentration was great. Got a weird metallic taste in my mouth after I smoked and started to lose the temptation. I slowly started becoming more aggressive and agitated. On about the 5th day, I had hallucinations, freaked out, and stopped taking it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2022

Bupropion for Depression "Almost quit taking it at first because of the headaches, insomnia, fatigue, and anger, but kept on taking it, and 2 weeks later, I’m happier, have more energy, I’m actually sleeping better than before I took it, and no longer angry. Really thankful for this medication. (P.S. Was taking 150 XL mg but didn’t notice the drastic change until I got on 300 XL mg.)"

• ray...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 13, 2018

Bupropion for Depression "150 mg XL-brand WB, 2 wks, then 300 mg. Day 3 on 150 mg, INCREDIBLY restless, irritable, angry, which lasted 5 days, then felt normal until I upped the dose. 2 days, 300 mg SO angry, irritable, restless more than before. Emotionally exhausting. Feel more depressed than ever. Lasted nonstop 3.5 weeks. I was a nightmare. I isolated myself, luckily, I work freelance, so able to not work. Did have more energy, channeled into exercise, healthy diet, cleaning. It helped to focus on things, read many Wellbutrin reviews online. Helped to not feel crazy. Week #6 started to feel better. Not 'happy' but no longer crazy emotions. Week 7 now. I have more energy than before starting, more goal-oriented & drive to get things done. Again, don't feel 'happy' but don't feel like depression is in the driver's seat, so can do what needs doing, including changing external factors that add to depression. Still quick to irritation. Stopped smoking week 5. Glad where I am now, but adjustment period much more difficult than could have imagined."

• Hel...
• November 5, 2019

For ADHD "So I was prescribed bupropion XL for its off-label use for ADHD (since it's an NDRI, I guess) at 150 mg, 2 tablets if after 2 weeks of use one is not enough. The first few weeks I noticed a few of the issues others have described here, such as increased irritability and aggressiveness. But after a small withdrawal period (for me it was 2 days of basically having a flu that makes you tired and hungry) and a larger, more steady prescription schedule, I've been on it for over a month and it's been great, I don't even have those aforementioned side effects anymore (I do get a stuffy nose, but it's manageable). Even in the first few weeks I noticed how it helps with my ADHD, but recently I have also noticed that it takes about 4 hours until the effect 'peaks' and it really starts becoming effective. So with my schedule, it's around 11 when I feel like it's easier to get stuff done. I've also lost weight, but I'm not quite sure why, since I still get hungry and I still eat regularly."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 5, 2019

For ADHD "Garbage for my ADHD. Doctor even upped the dosage, still leaving personal daily used effects everywhere, still unable to concentrate on simple tasks. Having the inability to focus and wanting to simultaneously leads to fits of rage. I don't know how this ever got considered for ADHD."

• Ste...
• July 31, 2015

Bupropion for Depression "Was having some anxiety and depression issues due to many life factors. Was told that Wellbutrin would be a good option and that it was fairly mild. The first few days had the euphoric feeling everyone talks about, but this ended in 2-3 days. After that, anger kicked in to the point where I was taking walks at 1 a.m. to calm down and relax. From there, the weirdness kicked in. A feeling that's hard to describe, but life got very flat. Didn't feel anything, just flat. I felt like I had a lobotomy or something. At a party last week, a friend asked if I was stoned as I looked out of it. Then I forgot to take it one day, and I felt great that day-joy, emotions, had fun. I then took it the next day and felt horrible. Cold turkey and happy, not for me."

• Sta...
• October 8, 2019

For Depression "I've been on Wellbutrin 300 mg for 1.5 years, and it helped me a lot overcome depression. I tried other different antidepressant meds before it, and they didn't work at all, they even made my symptoms worse. It depends on your body and how it will adjust itself with every drug. It's better to try different meds, and then you can see which one is best for you. But I will definitely recommend using this med. The only side effect is that during the couple of first weeks of using this med, you feel a bit of anger, you get angry easily. BUT IT WILL GO AWAY! Trust me! And then you can see the good part, which is your amazing relaxed and energetic mood :)"

• Ist...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 22, 2022

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "Was taking this for only 2 weeks due to intolerable side effects: high blood pressure that was causing nosebleeding, fast heart rate, insomnia, easily angered, crying spells, and it didn't really make me feel any better."

• nir...
• February 25, 2015

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I was diagnosed with chronic depression and anxiety in 7th grade. Now a junior in HS, I have been through trial and error with many medications, including Pristiq, Prozac, Effexor, Latuda, and Zoloft for depression. For anxiety, I have been on Abilify, which made me gain about 65 pounds in 8-9 months. Since 7th grade, I have been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, which my depression worsened with, and I have very bad anger issues. I now take 30 mg of propranolol (anxiety) and 150 mg of Wellbutrin, and the two medications work very well together. It took about a month or two for me to notice any changes after starting Wellbutrin, but this has been the most effective medication by far, and I have lost about 30 pounds in the past 3 months!"

• Alv...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 20, 2023

For Depression "Taking bupropion/Wellbutrin/Zyban for about 25 years. 150 mg is my current dose. I tried a higher dose and felt zaps to the top of my head, sudden anxious/startled feelings, anger and obsessive feelings, and developed “Zyban allergy” wounds on my chin, stiffness, and joint pain. Currently, no problems, though I do snap at people sometimes. If I stop taking it for a few days, I start feeling sad and very tired. I work on medical records, and I notice that doctors prescribe high doses of bupropion sometimes with corticosteroids and/or testosterone. Please note that this medication can make people angry, agitated, and reckless. If you’re a doctor, do society a favor and stop blindly prescribing these high doses and med combos."