Bupropion and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 5)

• San...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 20, 2019

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "My psychiatrist put me on Wellbutrin 75 mg once a day to start with, and after 7 days I went up to 2 times a day. Before I started to take it, I couldn’t get out of bed because of my depression. My energy levels were at almost zero. The Wellbutrin has helped me tremendously. I actually have energy to get out of bed and live my life. The side effects are constipation and loss of appetite. In the past, it gave me severe anxiety, which is why my psychiatrist started me at a very low dose, and it’s actually helped."

• Kil...
• September 29, 2011

Bupropion for Bipolar Disorder "I am going to be as fair as I can be. As we can carefully repeat that not every medicine will work for everyone. But what I can tell you is that this medicine did nothing for me. Instead, it made my anxiety shoot through the roof, to the point where I thought I was being watched and stalked by law enforcement. I was deathly afraid of them taking me away, for what reason, I have no clue. It made me land in the psych ward. I would perspire in generous amounts! I would feel extremely guilty of past wrongdoings (even the most minor thing I've done wrong in my life would be the topic of debate in my head). I wish you all a happy healing and good luck on your search."

• Bub...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 21, 2017

For Smoking Cessation "I am 37 years old and have been smoking since I was 12. I smoked 2 packs per day for the last 20 years. I started bupropion XL 9 days ago, 150 mg in the AM. The first 2 days, I didn't feel any different. On the 3rd day, cigarettes tasted nasty, and I started to get a dry mouth. I continued to smoke for 1 week. At the 1-week mark, I started taking 300 mg AM. Since I quit, I haven't had a single craving. I feel absolutely amazing. I have been experiencing some side effects, though. I get dizzy and feel jittery about an hour after I take the medicine. Come the afternoon, I feel fine. I would not have been able to stop smoking if it weren't for this medicine. =)"

• Anonymous
• April 26, 2015

Bupropion for Depression "I used to take 75 mg 2x a day and quit. I felt like it was not working and had terrible side effects. After 6 months of not taking medications, and situations got hard to cope, I asked to be put back on. The second time around, the 75 mg had me very nervous, anxious, dizzy, and 'dopey.' The doctors said that the immediate release is harsh on your system and switched me to 150 mg XL. And just 3 days into the new dose, I do not have such harsh side effects. The only side effects I have are no appetite, dry mouth, and vivid dreams. Overall, I am no longer having obsessive negative thoughts (which triggered my anxiety), so I'm overall not as anxious or having panic attacks. I feel more motivated and energetic, but it's only 3 days in on this dose."

• Anonymous
• April 26, 2015

Bupropion for Depression "I used to take 75 mg 2x a day and quit. I felt like it was not working and had terrible side effects. After 6 months of not taking medications, and situations got hard to cope, I asked to be put back on. The second time around, the 75 mg had me very nervous, anxious, dizzy, and 'dopey.' The doctors said that the immediate release is harsh on your system and switched me to 150 mg XL. And just 3 days into the new dose, I do not have such harsh side effects. The only side effects I have are no appetite, dry mouth, and vivid dreams. Overall, I am no longer having obsessive negative thoughts (which triggered my anxiety), so I'm overall not as anxious or having panic attacks. I feel more motivated and energetic, but it's only 3 days in on this dose."

• Aan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 12, 2020

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I switched from Zoloft to Wellbutrin in November 2019. When I first started, I had, of course, beginning side effects from anxiety, stomach issues, appetite loss, etc. All those symptoms slowly passed, and I noticed a change in my mood, as did others. I not only have depression but anxiety as well. When I started this, my anxiety got worse, then better, then worse again. My doctor prescribed me Buspar for my anxiety, it did end up helping for a short time until recently. I had a very awful first panic attack. I decided to get off Wellbutrin as my anxiety was at an all-time high. The withdrawal symptoms are not so great, but I’m glad I’m off of it. If you have depression, then this medication is great, but if you have anxiety, I would consider a different route. Everyone is different and experiences medication differently, so do not take what I said and apply that to yourself. Talk to your doctor and see what is right for you. Best of luck."

• Jes...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 5, 2021

Bupropion for Depression "Started Wellbutrin in June of 2020. At first, I was skeptical because I had tried Zoloft and Cipralex before it, and they both didn't work. But Wellbutrin has done wonders for my confidence and happiness. The first few weeks were pretty rough, but then I started to feel better. I can honestly say that it has saved my life. Only side effects for me are teeth clenching at night, some ear ringing, and sometimes I feel more anxious at times. But it is truly amazing for my depression."

• Stu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 21, 2022

Bupropion for Depression "This drug made me nuts. I took it for anxiety and depression, and it multiplied the anxiety by a factor of 10. It was like a hand reached down from the sky, grabbed me by the throat, and scared me witless. I could not calm myself down. I felt doomed. I was so scared I became jumpy and angry. Like, furious. The literature all says these symptoms may fade, so I kept taking the pills for 2 weeks until my husband was exhausted by this frantic woman I had become. I stopped cold and felt normal again almost immediately. So don't feel you have to stay with it!"

• Stu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 21, 2022

Bupropion for Depression "This drug made me nuts. I took it for anxiety and depression, and it multiplied the anxiety by a factor of 10. It was like a hand reached down from the sky, grabbed me by the throat, and scared me witless. I could not calm myself down. I felt doomed. I was so scared I became jumpy and angry. Like, furious. The literature all says these symptoms may fade, so I kept taking the pills for 2 weeks until my husband was exhausted by this frantic woman I had become. I stopped cold and felt normal again almost immediately. So don't feel you have to stay with it!"

• Itl...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 1, 2015

Bupropion for Depression "I've been on Wellbutrin SR 150 mg for depression and anxiety. I was very hesitant to try another medication after negative experiences with other meds. I knew, however, that I needed more help than therapy alone, so I decided to give WB a try. Initially, I had some insomnia, nausea, headaches, and severe light sensitivity. However, these effects passed and were mild compared to how much better I felt. Within 4 weeks, I had more energy, felt less anxious, and the depression started to lift. I felt focused, peaceful, and content. All was well until about two months ago when some anxiety resurfaced (exams). The doctor tried to increase the dosage, but the side effects were terrible. So I remain on 150 mg, but still feel much better than my pre-WB days."

• Kac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 29, 2019

Bupropion for Depression "Gave me horrible headaches, flu-like symptoms, horrible rash, and severe depression. I literally felt toxic on it. I’ve heard this drug can be very dangerous, and I see why! Got off immediately, or it would have destroyed all my relationships and myself. Also caused anxiety attacks. Be very careful with this drug!"

• Lee...
• October 4, 2015

Bupropion for Depression "I'm on day three. 150 mg. Today I experienced anxiety about two hours after taking it. It lasted 25 minutes, and I went for a walk. After the walk, I felt better. I have never taken anything before, but I'm 46, and for the last year, I've changed. Maybe age, but I've lost my patience and have a sugar addiction. Haven't been sleeping. Now, three days in. Slept well the last three nights... less desire for sugar. Less angry and able to recover aggressive behavior. Anyway, I'm hoping to slim down and be the laid-back person I've always been before menopause started."

• Fin...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 6, 2024

Bupropion "I took a dosage of Wellbutrin 150 mg in delayed-release tablets for years. The drug improves motivation, improves overall function and agility of action, and therefore indirectly reduces some anxious thoughts and, on the other hand, seems to increase physical anxiety symptoms. A good cure for depression that includes anxiety and less good for anxiety is primary. Does not cause obesity or impaired libido."

• Pea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 23, 2019

Bupropion for Depression "I’ve been on Wellbutrin for about 2 months. I take 200 mg a day. I’ve noticed it’s really helped with my moods, and I've cut back on cigarettes a lot, but I went from wishing I was dead to having a fear of dying. This medication has made my anxiety so much worse to where it’s impossible to fall asleep. I can’t stop having panic attacks. I never cared about death until I started taking this. I go to my doctors in a few days, and I honestly think I’m just going to go back to my 20 mg Lexapro! It’s really made me a better person personality-wise, and it’s my thoughts, but I’d rather be a real cow than have panic attacks and new fears."

• KMa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 26, 2020

For Anxiety "Over the past 2 years, I have had really bad anxiety. Nervous, sweaty, dizziness, lightheadedness, and a little bit of shortness of breath. This bupropion was the first antidepressant I have ever tried, and I don't like it. However, I have two friends who are on it and are doing really well, who suffer from both anxiety and depression. I only have anxiety, so I'm not sure if this is the right pill for me. It did help me lose weight and helped my breathing, but it made me very emotional, I would cry for no reason. I took it for 12 days and decided to stop. Best of luck to you, I'm going to try Buspar just for my anxiety, and if I don't like this, I'm going to try Zoloft."

• dep...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2015

Bupropion for Depression "I have tried many things in the past. Usually, something will work for a while, then I increase, then I either stop without MD approval because I think it doesn't help anyway, or I switch. I have been on Zoloft 100-150 mg daily over the last 2 years. Depression has turned into anxiety and borderline depressive psychosis. I was told to cut my Zoloft to 50 mg and start Wellbutrin 75 mg daily. This is the first week. So far, I have more energy, decreased appetite, less irritability, and have been speaking to people again-especially without yelling. I feel like I want to do things again. But I am still having brief moments of anxiety-still new med. I do have dizziness at times, and my heart pounds like I am dehydrated when I stand sometimes."

• Nao...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2019

Bupropion for Depression "Started taking Wellbutrin for depression and anxiety, and it has been awful! Started on 150 mg for the first three days, then went up to 300 mg. This was the worst thing to take if you have anxiety associated with your depression. I've always had anxiety, but not this bad! It made it so much worse, and I was paranoid, having panic attacks, and couldn't sleep. I will never take this again and do NOT recommend this at all."

• imm...
• April 5, 2012

Bupropion for Depression "I have been taking Wellbutrin for 6 months. It has changed my life. I have suffered with depression my whole life (I am 41) and only finally got help after being admitted to a psychiatric facility. The first two weeks on Wellbutrin were horrible. I had severe anxiety and gastrointestinal issues. I ate broth and crackers for a week! But every single side effect was gone in about 3 weeks. I sure know it doesn't work for everyone, but it certainly has for me. I know it can be scary to try new medication, but give it a go; it might be the one for you."

• Anonymous
• August 15, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "I was in a major depression episode for a year. Negative thinking and self-image, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, numbness, staying in bed for days, not showering, tired but sleeping excessively. I have tried: Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro. These medications made my depression worse and my suicidal thoughts increased. Wellbutrin regulates norepinephrine and dopamine neurotransmitters (NDRI), while Lexapro, Prozac, and Zoloft work with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Started on bupropion 150mg and I got hypomanic. After 2 months, increased it to 300mg. My anxiety was increased, but as my doctor explained, I have always been anxious, it is just more recognizable. Many say that it has made them hypomanic and more anxious. Bipolar II is more than just depression and hypomania. It also involves anxiety, mood irritability, compulsions, obsessive thoughts, and worries. This is when you start working on a mood stabilizer."

• sam...
• June 27, 2019

For Anxiety "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!"

• Wel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2021

Bupropion "My husband went to our doctor for anxiety, and the doctor told us that my 35-year-old husband was bipolar and put him on Wellbutrin XL. After 6 days, he was being another person! Raging, paranoid, delusional, not the man I married and share a child with. We called the doctor and complained of the side effects, including the scary delusions he was having, and I reminded the doctor of my husband's family history of suicide. The doctor said that the Wellbutrin XL protocol was to double the dosage, and he would see us again in 12 days! The next day, my husband shot himself on our couch!!! My first cousin, raised as sisters, was committed against her will for suicidal thoughts while on Wellbutrin XL!! PLEASE BE SAFE!! IF YOU HAVE ANY ODD SYMPTOMS, STOP TAKING AND GO TO THE ER!"

• R0x...
• January 13, 2017

For Anxiety "I took this medication for anxiety because it was recommended by my doctor and therapist. I also read some reviews of how well it did for others. However, I didn't have a good experience at all. I only took the medicine for three days, and my anxiety increased exponentially. The first day, I experienced migraines, dizziness, increased heart rate, ringing in ears, and nearly all other side effects. The second day, I felt frantic and wanted to crawl on the walls. I also woke from panic and fear in the middle of the night. On day three, I woke up angry like the Hulk, violent like. The side effects continued to get worse through the morning-flashes of heat, dizziness, further increased heart rate, panicked feelings, on and on. I do not suggest this for those with anxiety."

• 17 ...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 16, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "So, I'm 18, and I was prescribed this medication about a year ago, but it was the generic brand of Wellbutrin 100 mg. Now I am on Wellbutrin 150 mg. Ever since I have been on this medication, I have become so irritable with everything. I'm not sure why. But it seems like every little thing sets me off, and I can't stand anyone. It's to the point that I'm starting to get in trouble with my parents, my boss at work, and even sometimes at school... I get so aggravated with everyone and everything. It has caused me very bad anxiety. I have an appointment scheduled with my psychiatrist in 3 days, and I am going to be lowered off of this medication. It has been the worst experience with medications I've had. It's made me miserable!"

• DRA...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 25, 2019

Bupropion for Depression "This did not work, if anything, it made me feel worse. My anxiety was out of this world, and my depression got worse as well. I was on Lexapro 20 mg and hoped for a change. Well, I was hoping this would work, but it did not. I was on the verge of feeling I was losing my marbles. I hope for others it will help. Back to Lexapro 20 mg."

• sco...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 6, 2019

Bupropion for Depression "I initially took this drug to quit juuling (a type of vape). I tried to do it cold turkey but could not as I slipped into bouts of depression when I couldn't juul. I tried Wellbutrin, on the first day, I felt lighter. I had a fantastic workout, like, better than I ever had. After 2 weeks on the drug, I quit juuling. I had some cravings for a while but got through it. Now, about a month after I started, I upped my dose to two 150 mg XRs because my depressive thoughts/addictive tendencies came back. This light, energized, ready to take on the world feeling was awesome, amazing, almost a little too intense. About three days into taking 2 150 mg XRs, I had a panic attack, like, really bad, had to sit in the health center with the lights off for several hours. I don't know, I love the good effects of this drug. I mean, I'm enjoying life, feeling things so deeply, having sex (!!) and getting in the best shape of my life. But the anxiety may end up being too much."