Bupropion and Irritability: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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!"

• Gsd...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2019

For ADHD "Day 2 was great. Felt focused, motivated, cleaned the entire basement, rearranged the living room. After that, it was downhill. Sleep disruption, panic attacks at work and home, crying fits, agitated, paranoid, nausea, and headaches. They say to wait 4-6 weeks, but for the sake of my family, I’m done. If you are prone to anxiety, this is NOT for you."

• Ava...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 27, 2020

For Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced "I was on 10 mg/day of Prozac for over 10 years, and it didn’t seem to be working anymore. I got depressed recently, and the psychopharmacologist added 125 mg of Wellbutrin (alternating dose of 100 mg and 150 mg), and I’ve tapered down the Prozac to 5 mg/day. While I’m glad my energy has increased, my sex drive has actually gotten too strong, especially since the Wellbutrin has made it so I can’t orgasm. It’s extremely frustrating, and I find it embarrassing to talk about with the doctor. It’s nice to have my sex drive back after years of it being low, but horrible not to be able to orgasm. It’s making me irritable."

• Big...
• June 27, 2019

Bupropion for Depression "Tried it for a couple of months after getting off of Zoloft 100 mg after 5 years (sexual side effects). Healthy 34-year-old male, and I quickly became pleased with my libido returning within a week or so. That’s where the good news stopped. Started off with being dizzy and almost disoriented extremely often. Had issues sleeping and was constantly with my head in the clouds. Nothing felt real, and I found myself doing silly stuff that was out of character for me. Losing things, stumbling thoughts, feeling faint, shortness of breath, just completely out of sorts. Stayed with it for another month just to see if the side effects would drop off. Irritability level went through the roof! Little stupid things set me off deeply! Finally, enough was enough. Been off a week now, and I feel like a human again. Luckily, I changed doctors, and she recommended me getting off of Wellbutrin XL. That being said, this was NOT the drug for me at all."

• Nan...
• June 9, 2015

Bupropion for Depression "Been on depression meds for many years, specifically Celexa 20 mg, Wellbutrin XL 150 mg, Lamictal (brand name) 150 mg for bipolar disorder. Lately, feeling like I cry easily, got agitated easily, and stressed out if trying to do too many things at once. If someone upset me, it would take days to come out of the dark cloud of depression/sadness. Finally, went back to my doc a week ago, and he upped my Wellbutrin XL to 300 mg. I feel great, but the only negative is that it is keeping me from sleeping through the night, only on day 5. Doc said to take it early in the morning, like 7 am, since later can keep you up. Feel less distracted, more focused, but still a little 'edgy'/anxious, and hope that will get better."

• Nan...
• June 9, 2015

Bupropion for Depression "Been on depression meds for many years, specifically Celexa 20 mg, Wellbutrin XL 150 mg, Lamictal (brand name) 150 mg for bipolar disorder. Lately, feeling like I cry easily, got agitated easily, and stressed out if trying to do too many things at once. If someone upset me, it would take days to come out of the dark cloud of depression/sadness. Finally, went back to my doc a week ago, and he upped my Wellbutrin XL to 300 mg. I feel great, but the only negative is that it is keeping me from sleeping through the night, only on day 5. Doc said to take it early in the morning, like 7 am, since later can keep you up. Feel less distracted, more focused, but still a little 'edgy'/anxious, and hope that will get better."

• Duc...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 16, 2018

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I've been on Wellbutrin for 5 or 6 years. The counselor gave me the choice of this or some others, which all had sexual side effects that were not acceptable to me. Taking 150 twice a day. If I forget it for a couple of days, I get very irritable, so even if I forget some of the others (for blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart problems), I try always to take the Wellbutrin. But, in the last year, I'm finding that there are few times when I'm not down in the hole. Won't be seeing the psych for another 6 months, but don't really want to talk to her anyway. My recommendation: if it helps even a little, keep taking it; it's better than going nuts."

• Max...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 27, 2014

For Seasonal Affective Disorder "I loved it. No sexual side effects, and it worked great for about 6 months. Then I started noticing that I would get very irritable after taking it. I went off for a bit and now back on for winter, and it seems to be fine now."

• Huc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2019

Bupropion for Depression "Started this med 3 weeks ago for anxiety. Have had bad constipation and bowels are black in color. My stomach is bloated, pains in my stomach, anxiety is worse, hair is falling out, memory problems, nasty, agitation, get upset and scream, feels like I have a lump in my throat. Just worse now since taking this med. I stopped it today and feel much better. Don't want to take this med any longer, it's not for me. It's really bad for my body."

• 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
• November 2, 2012

For Smoking Cessation "Bupropion is a miracle! I still had some cravings, a little irritability, a few depressing nightmares, but I quit! I smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for a decade. I have not had a cigarette in over a month and live with people that smoke in the house. No patches, no gimmicks, just plugging through it with bupropion. I would recommend giving this a go to anyone."

• 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."

• Sad...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 6, 2015

Bupropion for Depression "I was on Wellbutrin XL 300 mg for 6 years. After 3 years, I started having extreme woozy/lightheaded spells that were ruining my life. Everyone kept blaming it on my anxiety. After three years of hating life, I went off of Wellbutrin. It took over 30 days before I even started to see relief, but by the 90-day mark, I was free from those spells. I have my life back. It would not have gone away. Wellbutrin helps with the kind of depression where you have NO motivation and crave sugar. It will make you dehydrated, constipated, edgy, and a light sleeper that only needs about 6 hours per night. It isn't good for anxiety and will not help it. During the adjustment period, you could lose about 10 lbs and have the most vivid nightmares ever."

• 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."

• mid...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 23, 2017

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "Went into Dr. for menopausal symptoms thinking I would get prescribed hormone replacement (HRT), but instead, the new thing is giving Wellbutrin for hot flashes and all the other negative symptoms of menopause (crankiness, fuzzy memory, weight gain), etc. I have only been on it for 2 days, but I feel like it is starting to work. I feel like I have more energy, and the hot flashes are not as frequent."

• Rem...
• September 19, 2018

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I am a 25-year-old female. I started taking Wellbutrin XL 150 mg after being diagnosed with MDD in April. I have done CBT in conjunction with taking medication. On Wellbutrin, I feel more energetic, focused, and present. The black haze I saw my life in cleared, and I feel normal. The main side effects I feel are: increased energy soon after I take it, insomnia, appetite suppression, some impulsivity, some forgetfulness, irritability sometimes, and during high-stress events I felt a buildup of nervous energy and a 'drunk' feeling. I did try other doses: 75 mg once daily did nothing for me, 100 mg of an instant release once daily for a month. I felt an instant energy and focus in the mornings, but by the evenings, my mood would fall very deeply, and I found evenings difficult to get through. At 100 mg, I didn't experience appetite suppression, insomnia, irritability, or impulsivity. I plan to continue 150 mg Wellbutrin XL and may elect to take an SSRI to help with anxiety."

• Anonymous
• May 27, 2010

Bupropion for Depression "I'm a 19-year-old female prescribed 100 mg of Wellbutrin XL. The Good: Positive feelings about the future/self (initial), appetite loss/weight loss, increase in energy, clarity in thought (fluctuates), general feelings of optimism/excitement, increase in sex, increase in desire to be productive, makes depressive episodes manageable, stopped smoking, less desire to drink. The Bad: Insomnia, minor tremors/twitching, irritability, increased anxiety, frequent mood swings, periodic feelings of hopelessness and apathy throughout the day (but are more manageable than they had been before), decrease in desire to socially interact, loss of concentration. I've only been taking it for 3 weeks, so I'm staying optimistic. I really want this medication to work."

• Ter...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 18, 2019

Bupropion for Depression "Was prescribed a generic substitute of bupropion 150 XL for fatigue, loss of interest, motivation, and mood swings. Tried for 2 months, feel maybe ten percent more energy, no side effect at all, but that’s all it has changed. Doctor changed to 300 XL, been on it for two weeks, hasn’t done anything for me. I was excited to find something that didn’t cause restlessness, irritability, panic, vertigo, heart palpitations, or serotonin syndrome, which is what Abilify and Prozac gave me. Abilify has worked best but gave me horrible side effects. Gave 5 stars to Wellbutrin as I had no weird and scary symptoms, but really didn’t do much for me."

• Kba...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2021

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I was prescribed Wellbutrin 150 mg, and so far it has been pretty good! I’ve been doing better mentally and only have a few side effects. Wellbutrin has made me stop biting my nails, which I’ve been doing for 14 years. It also has increased my sex drive, and I can get aroused so much faster! Another thing is that I am hardly hungry, so it’s helped me lose some weight. The only negative side effect I’ve noticed is irritability. I get very snappy, and it’s over the smallest things."

• bug...
• June 1, 2021

Bupropion for Depression "I started Bupropion SR 150 mg once a day about a month ago, as I have been struggling with depression without really realizing it. The only side effect I initially had was an upset stomach for a couple of days. Then, about a week into it, I irrationally lashed out at my daughter. BUT after 2 weeks, I could tell a big positive difference. Not avoiding social situations, not stuck on the couch unable to function all weekend, improved concentration and motivation at work, and no longer feeling snappy. I am now one month and 4 days into it. My generic medication was switched from the white pill to the light purple pill. Since switching, I have been feeling edgy and easily irritated. I am still able to function, but I am constantly cranky. I am going to see if there is a way I can switch back to the white pill. So, 9 for the white pill and 5 for the purple pill."

• bug...
• June 1, 2021

Bupropion for Depression "I started Bupropion SR 150 mg once a day about a month ago, as I have been struggling with depression without really realizing it. The only side effect I initially had was an upset stomach for a couple of days. Then, about a week into it, I irrationally lashed out at my daughter. BUT after 2 weeks, I could tell a big positive difference. Not avoiding social situations, not stuck on the couch unable to function all weekend, improved concentration and motivation at work, and no longer feeling snappy. I am now one month and 4 days into it. My generic medication was switched from the white pill to the light purple pill. Since switching, I have been feeling edgy and easily irritated. I am still able to function, but I am constantly cranky. I am going to see if there is a way I can switch back to the white pill. So, 9 for the white pill and 5 for the purple pill."

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 29, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I’m so happy I started taking Bupropion XL. The nagging, negative thoughts that tell me I’m not good enough are gone! The heavy feeling of overwhelming, deep sadness is lifted! It’s better than SSRIs - I don’t feel like a zombie like I did when I took Zoloft years ago - and I’ve lost 10 pounds! The negatives? It took FOREVER for the positive effects of bupropion to kick in. I’m talking about a full 8 weeks... and it’s a very difficult 8 weeks full of crazy mood swings, irritability, and feelings of hopelessness. But STICK WITH IT! Once you’re past the 2 month mark, it’s smooth sailing. Things just continue to get better. I’m now 4 months in, and I feel like I’m still improving each week! I’m so happy to feel like myself again!!!"

• Kat...
• August 20, 2021

Bupropion for Depression "150 mg XR. I have low dopamine, so I thought this would be awesome for my ADHD. Wrong! The first week was AWESOME. I felt more awake, motivated, and less hungry. Cool, right? Week 2, I started getting a little irritable... maybe because I couldn’t freaking sleep! I've never had sleep issues EVER until this. By week 3, I was extremely manic. Horribly paranoid. I had racing thoughts that wouldn’t stop. I am going through a divorce, so you can imagine all I wanted to do was GO INSANE because of my hatred for this man. It was not manageable on this medication. I was so thirsty, my head felt like a balloon, extremely confused and forgetful, most awake I've ever felt, couldn’t breathe right, constipated. Went to the ER... they didn’t do ANYTHING. The medical field is an absolute joke. Also, I was BREASTFEEDING… I was told it would not affect my baby. Ha!!! As soon as I stopped the meds, she stopped crying, started sleeping again, and regular poops again."

• NJM...
• January 31, 2020

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I was on Paxil 20 mg for 16 years to treat MDD. It was extremely successful at treating the depression. I still had some anxiety, and the side effects of weight gain and loss of interest in sex were apparent. The Paxil pooped out on me. The psych nurse practitioner advised Wellbutrin to get away from the weight gain and sexual side effects. I've been on 75 mg once per day for nearly 8 weeks now, and honestly, I'm still unsure. I've lost 15 lbs, and my interest in sex has increased a little. I've had really bad agitation, especially in the first few weeks, that made me want to scream. It has eased up since then but not completely gone. Just as I think I've turned the corner, I slip back a little. My dose is low, as that is how my psych nurse wants it. She has suggested switching to 200 mg of the SL version to address the anxiety I'm still having, but I fear the agitation returning like it was or worse. I couldn't say to someone - choose Wellbutrin."

• Bip...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 12, 2019

Bupropion for Depression "I have bipolar II, and after a series of failed drugs, I was prescribed quetiapine (that's a whole other message board) and bupropion. I was on Activas bupropion 150 XL for about six weeks. It stabilized me, but I was still depressed - but functioning. Side effects - waking up early, feeling like a zombie, loss of appetite - went away within that time period. I've now been on Par Pharmaceutical's bupropion 300 XL for about a month. Side effects are irritability and jitters, but I'm hoping those go away. I tried Activas 300 XL - oval pills - and it seemed to dump a large portion of the medication about two hours after taking it, giving me a zombie effect. It also gave me a headache. Those things may have gone away with time, but I switched back to Par. Overall, I'm content, and my depression is gone."