Bupropion and Irritability: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• October 25, 2014

Bupropion for Depression "I am not a proponent of Big Pharma, and have always had to try to 'deal' with my problems on my own. I have a really excellent diet, exercise, don't smoke, eat an organic diet - I'm just saying I really take care of myself. I have had anxiety (with a little bit of depression) all of my life. I was diagnosed with PTSD a few years ago, as I was having severe anxiety about being accepted into nursing school, and if I would be able to handle the stress and constant pressure, and I also have concentration problems. I have been off and on SSRIs, which have been nothing but terrible for me... Paxil, Zoloft, & Prozac, of which made me feel like a zombie. Wellbutrin is GOLD. Not tired, less irritable, not panicky. It has changed my life."

• Nat...
• June 6, 2021

Bupropion for Depression "Just starting this med. The first couple days, I didn’t think it was doing much, but I noticed I couldn’t sleep for very long. I wasn’t as hopelessly sad as I had been the week prior, but I was experiencing an array of stomach-related side effects (constipated until I was very much no longer constipated, bloating, stomach aches, and VERY nauseous the first night). Fast forward a few days, I still can’t sleep very much. I’m artificially active is the best way to describe it. I’ve been pretty inactive throughout the pandemic, but I walked to get iced coffee in 90-degree heat, cleaned my apartment, had people over, then went to the gym later because I was so jittery and couldn’t sit still. It also has given me quite a bit of anxiety and some irritability alongside the constant need to be active. I hope that over the next few days, the anxious thoughts, stomach issues, and insomnia calm down."

• MJa...
• February 6, 2021

Bupropion for Depression "I was diagnosed with Bipolar II and C-PTSD in 2015. I tried a handful of different medications, but I was also dependent on alcohol. I stopped drinking August 2020 and soon after went med-free (supervised) to see where I was at. What appeared to come about was depression mostly. When I started 150mg bupropion HCL XL, within 48 hrs I felt more energy, more activated emotions, less fog. It caused me to be more agitated and angry at first, but I knew it was because I was coming from complete numbness to actually having some feelings. I am now a month in and I feel happy about where I am with my mood. I say definitely give it a chance, especially if you are not a fan of SSRIs. Give it a few weeks and log your feelings. Being on this is far better than where I was in my depression. I wanted to share my experience and feelings because it has given me some hope and I want to share that with others."

• Hon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "Wow! I have been taking Wellbutrin SR 150 mg for one week (started October 15, 2016) then 2nd week taking 150 mg at 12:00. I have never taken any medication for my mild depression, easily agitated, sweating the small stuff, slightly obese (209 lbs), too tired after work to play with the kids diagnosis. Then, OMG, my life is forever changed. In my second week on Wellbutrin SR 150 mg twice per day, I am down to 203 lbs. I didn't realize how much agitation and sadness I was trying to manage on my own. I am a lot calmer when stressful situations arise, play with my kids & exercise. I feel like there is always a song in my heart. Unless somebody does something really STUPID to PISS me off! But even then, I can forgive faster! God, I'm happy."

• Jak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 11, 2021

For Borderline Personality Disorder "1st week = mini heart attacks, increased anxiety, heavy breathing, low sex drive, sweating, body odor increased (BO). Overthinking, negative, honestly was going to give up. So many side effects. 2nd week = fewer heartaches, lower anxiety, normal breathing, sex drive up, low hunger, lost like 5 lbs in those 2 weeks, sweating palms, sweating armpits. More confident due to less thinking. 3rd week = Sweating palms, little to no anxiety, body odor still present, metabolism is on fire, always craving snacks, no sadness, but easily irritated. Seems like if you have anger issues, this will be a big problem since you don't feel sad anymore. 4th week = I'm still in the process :) Overall, give it a few weeks, it worked for my depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, and abuse. Former Marine and survivor of parental abuse. Good luck, people! It's time to get our lives back!"

• 32a...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2017

For ADHD "I am taking Wellbutrin for ADHD and mild depression. I started on 150 mg XL for 3 weeks and increased to 300 mg XL because I didn't think it was working as well as it could. Initially, I did experience side effects, including headaches and nausea. I also experienced agitation and irritability initially on the 300 mg XL. However, by the following week I felt even better than I did on the 150 mg XL and it lasts all day! It is important to find the right dose for you. Some people do better on less, some more, some on sustained release, some on extended release. I feel like I have the focus, energy, and motivation that will be life-changing. Advise: tough out the side effects, they will go away and it will be worth it."

• 32a...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2017

For ADHD "I am taking Wellbutrin for ADHD and mild depression. I started on 150 mg XL for 3 weeks and increased to 300 mg XL because I didn't think it was working as well as it could. Initially, I did experience side effects, including headaches and nausea. I also experienced agitation and irritability initially on the 300 mg XL. However, by the following week I felt even better than I did on the 150 mg XL and it lasts all day! It is important to find the right dose for you. Some people do better on less, some more, some on sustained release, some on extended release. I feel like I have the focus, energy, and motivation that will be life-changing. Advise: tough out the side effects, they will go away and it will be worth it."

• Fai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 27, 2021

Bupropion for Depression "I am on week 3 on Bupropion 150 SR, I went off Paroxetine cold turkey and started this. First week, I was tired all the time and had some weird nightmares that went away starting the 2nd week. Then the 2nd week, I felt awkward. I was not myself, I was very irritable, didn't want to be around people, had some headaches that week, and wasn't interested in doing many things. I was about to quit, but my doctor told me to please give it a try until week three when it is supposed to start working (from week 3 to 6). So I did with a lot of effort, and I am so HAPPY I DID HANG IN THERE!! I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER. Today is my day 22, and I at last feel peace, joy, and motivation again to do things I didn't want to do before. I am eating less, not so hungry, stopped smoking, and do not need caffeine to function as I did before. It doesn't have side effects on libido like Paroxetine. So far, it has been worth the wait of 3 weeks of not feeling so well. IT IS WORTH IT. PLEASE HANG IN THERE!! Pray for all to feel happy."

• Con...
• August 25, 2016

For ADHD "I have always had such a hard time learning and was diagnosed with depression by the age of 8. After trying many antidepressants, nothing worked for me besides bupropion. Not only am I confident and happy again, I'm able to actually understand information that I am learning instead of it going in and out as I focus. It has helped me achieve time and time again my goals. I recently graduated from college and am so impressed with where I stand today. I have taken 300mg with another ADHD medication. Once my doctor took me off of it due to unrelated problems, everything in my life fell through the floor. My grade went from a B down to a D. My personality went from happy to irritable. Once I started taking it again, everything went back to normal."

• Ron...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 12, 2025

Bupropion for Depression "This medication was very hard to use, there was stomach pain and acid reflux. Sleep was poor, and I couldn't sleep more than 2 hours without waking at night. I became very agitated with anxiety and sadness that would come and go very fast. The agitation became worse, and I was looking for anything that irritated me to lash out and went into a rage and confronted others. My heart was always around 100 beats when I was at rest. I also had very strange thoughts that worried me I was losing control of my thoughts."

• Sar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 20, 2024

Bupropion "Female, 27, 150 mg XL for overeating disorder, ADHD, depression, and anxiety. After 10 days, insomnia improved by switching to taking it at night right as I'm falling asleep. It increased focus, energy, and contentment while reducing hunger. Initial agitation subsided quickly. Previous meds like Adderall, Vyvanse, and SSRIs had unwanted side effects, but Wellbutrin combines the best of both, allowing creativity and emotional connection. It's improved disordered eating, social interactions, and focus on work and creativity. Lost 3 lbs, feel more accountable, and have a better schedule. Glad I gave it a chance after being hesitant due to online reviews. It's nice to have my life back and feel like myself. I will update if anything changes, but for now I'm so grateful for this medicine."

• Anonymous
• July 23, 2008

Bupropion for Depression "I have been taking Wellbutrin for almost a month now and I have already noticed a change. I used to be this really upbeat, happy, positive person, and all of a sudden, I was tired all the time, couldn't sleep, was really sad all the time, agitated really easily, and also got snippy with people at the drop of a hat. My mom was the one who said I needed to go see the doctor and find out what was going on with me. I've tried other antidepressants, this is the only one that works for me."

• Anonymous
• July 23, 2008

Bupropion for Depression "I have been taking Wellbutrin for almost a month now and I have already noticed a change. I used to be this really upbeat, happy, positive person, and all of a sudden, I was tired all the time, couldn't sleep, was really sad all the time, agitated really easily, and also got snippy with people at the drop of a hat. My mom was the one who said I needed to go see the doctor and find out what was going on with me. I've tried other antidepressants, this is the only one that works for me."

• som...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 17, 2023

Bupropion for Depression "I started bupropion 75 mg and was on it for 10 days. The first days, I was agitated and hypervigilant, had problems with driving as everything attracted my attention, and felt a bit more active. I became careless and a bit arrogant. My empathy and people-pleasing behaviors lowered. I could socialize, not feeling inferior. Slowly, the medicine lost effect. The next 10 days were bupropion ER 150 mg. It gave me grave depression, I feel like I am in a cage, extreme depression, and I feel people are all monsters. I still have empathy, but no joy, no happiness, nothing. I can study, and my brain fog is gone. I can focus if I eat something. Now I am on 300 mg bupropion ER. Still very depressed. No joy. My kidneys are starting to hurt, and I have some breathing problems and nasal dripping problems. Super aware of my surroundings, studying is easy. I have lost joy, and I sleep all the time. I have a dull headache. I feel like if I continue, I will have a mental episode."

• Shy...
• February 5, 2021

Bupropion for Depression "I started taking 100 mg of Wellbutrin 2 months ago. I was prescribed it for ADHD, but I also suffer from severe depression. The first four days of this drug were absolutely awful, I cried and felt an extreme hopelessness. After the second week, the sadness was fading, but I felt numb. The only positive thing is that it has decreased my irritability heavily, like I used to snap at so many small things, and now I am unbothered, but this has been replaced with sensitivity and getting emotional/crying easily. It also has helped with my sex drive. It hasn’t helped my ADHD, and I also no longer have an appetite. Two days ago, I was bumped up to 300 mg a day, and the first day taking it, I went back into the same despair I felt, but the suicidal thoughts were worse this time, though luckily my boyfriend was there. I’m not sure if this is worth taking in the long run, but I’d rather be more emotional than have the irritability come back. Wishing everyone suffering from depression lots of love :)"

• Con...
• January 5, 2014

Bupropion for Depression "I've been taking bupropion 75mg twice a day for the past 6 weeks and I feel like I'm finally back to the real me. I'm 18 and have been dealing with depression, but this medication helped me tremendously. I was originally on Paxil, but due to sexual side effects, I switched to this and it restored my sex drive. I also have a little bit of anxiety, but this medication cleared that up as well. The first week was hard. I experienced heart palpitations, very anxious, ridiculous energy, and I was easily agitated. After the first week, those side effects slowly diminished and now I don't have them at all. That is the only reason I didn't give this medicine a 10. It saved my life. I HIGHLY recommend this to any who doesn't want sexual side effects."

• kgi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 28, 2019

For Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced "Been taking this for about 2 months after being on Prozac, Lamictal, Zoloft for the last 8 or so years. I had sexual side effects that ended up causing me to discontinue use. I’d say that Wellbutrin has made my libido higher than its baseline. It gives me a little energy and motivation but is in no way like a traditional stimulant. I find it less effective on depression and anxiety than the SSRIs, but I still prefer it due to the lack of sexual side effects and the motivation boost. I notice myself being more irritable and almost like I’m just looking for things to anger me during driving, work, and social interactions, etc. I’m not sure if the anger is more a placebo effect as I knew it was a common side effect before I started. I wouldn't say it affects my sleep one way or another. I like Wellbutrin but if I got into a dark place with depression and anxiety, I would add back in some Prozac. I wish there were more options for depression medication that don't have sexual side effects."

• Lov...
• April 20, 2019

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "Several years ago, I took Wellbutrin SR 150mg twice a day for depression and SAD. But the pharmacy substituted generic bupropion and my insurance denied the Wellbutrin brand. I immediately started having hand tremors, agitation, and crying. I spoke with my psychiatrist on an emergency appointment, and he recognized generic instead of brand name so called my pharmacist who insisted that the generic was exactly the same as the brand. It took the doctor to call my insurance company to get approval of the brand drug under my plan, and everything went back to normal. My psychiatrist passed away a few years later. Now, I find myself in the same situation and my new doctor has not been successful in getting my insurance to authorize the brand name. I tried generic again with the same reactions. I cannot afford the brand, so I continue to struggle. Has anyone else experienced adverse reactions to generic bupropion and discovered any discounts to make Wellbutrin SR affordable?"

• NDC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2024

Bupropion for Depression "I hesitated to take any medication for years and years, but after a series of difficult life events over the last year, I was feeling a heaviness and hopelessness that I just couldn’t shake. My eating disorder behaviors worsened, I gained lots of weight, and had no energy. After reading reviews on this site, I decided to try Wellbutrin. It’s been a month now, and I would say this medication has changed my life. I am more in control of my thoughts and am able to stay in the present. I am sleeping better, have way more energy, and feel way more in control mentally and emotionally, so the eating disorder behaviors have significantly decreased. The only side effects I have noticed are the decreased appetite and a bit more irritability. Otherwise, I am so happy I had the courage to take the plunge. It’s been great!"

• Zap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 31, 2013

Bupropion for Depression "I just was put back onto Wellbutrin after attempting 3 other antidepressants. It was only after being off it that I realized how good it worked for me. I was taken off of it because it caused me to have some issues with irritability and, according to my family, short-tempered. I was put on Cymbalta, but I enjoy a drink or 2 a day with my wife (Cymbalta and alcohol will damage your liver, well-documented). Zoloft made me feel completely despondent, and I felt life was no longer worth living, not to mention made me not even remotely think of sex. When I was put back on Wellbutrin, I felt like life was worth living, and I feel happier and euphoric. Now I take Lamictal with Wellbutrin 150 mg in the morning. Avoid the XR, causes insomnia."

• mcb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2018

For ADHD "I started Wellbutrin SR 150 mg twice per day about a week ago. I have noticed a huge difference. I am alert, active, and in a much better mood. I can focus on everything, and I am not irritable or angry when I am coming off of the medication. Truly amazing and better than Adderall in my opinion. You cannot build up a tolerance for it, unlike Adderall."

• sad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2023

Bupropion "Wellbutrin made me extremely agitated and angry and caused me to cry almost nonstop for a week. If I wasn't screaming at someone, I was in tears. The symptoms were so bad that my doctor took me off the drug, even after only having it for a little over a week. The side effects were completely unlivable. I could never have done that for weeks while I waited for it to work, I have bills to pay."

• Jos...
• January 3, 2021

Bupropion for Depression "It is amazing to see the variability in how people respond to Wellbutrin! However, this is common for most psychotropic medications. I started taking it to see if it would help with my Seasonal Affective Disorder and fibromyalgia. I started to feel more energetic, creative, and almost stoned within the first week. I felt so much better I decided to leave my 23-year marriage because I felt like I now had the energy to break free and find a more positive relationship. However, after two and a half months on Wellbutrin, only at 100 mg, I started to feel edgy, anxious, and 'not myself.' I was feeling like I was losing myself, and it was starting to be quite scary! After two days off of the med, now I am feeling like myself again. When we take meds like this, we really need to monitor whether we are doing better or worse overall. Whatever you do, make sure you are doing psychotherapy at the same time. Whatever you do, don't give up on yourself!"

• Emi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2022

Bupropion for Depression "If you're anything like me, you're scrolling these reviews, freaking yourself out over the bad reviews. I never wanted to take meds, but I gave them a try because I needed that extra help. Yes, the first two weeks suck. My anxiety skyrocketed, I was irritable, had dry mouth, and really bad brain fog. That's how it's going to be when taking a new powerful drug, your body needs to adapt. To be blunt, you just need to suck it up and push through, knowing these feelings will pass because they do. One day I was suicidal, so if that lasts more than a day or so, then yes, maybe it's not for you. Have a support system, friends or family, it helps a lot. Week 3-5, I felt no change, week 6 rolled around, and I felt GREAT. At peace, motivated, and clear-minded. I started with 100 mg, just went up to 50 mg. In order to heal, you NEED to pair medication with other help like meditation, yoga, exercise, therapy, and a healthy diet. I promise when you put that effort in, amazing things will come your way."

• Raq...
• September 24, 2020

Bupropion for Depression "This medicine, Wellbutrin, just made me sleepy and irritable/depressed. Didn’t have any side effects like dry mouth or excessive energy. It kinda made my depression worse. Keep looking for the right med. It works for some, but unfortunately didn’t work for me."