Wellbutrin and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 2)

• HBa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 23, 2019

For Depression "I have been on Wellbutrin 300 mg once a day for about 2 years now. This medication has changed my life. It did cause me to have severe anxiety at first, but I am now on a medication for the anxiety and the Wellbutrin has knocked out the depression almost 100%. I am doing the things that I love again and am so much nicer and calmer to the people around me. I went off of it recently for a week and a half due to some insurance issues and I am back to crying daily, laying in bed wanting to do nothing, and sleeping my weekends away. I recommend trying Wellbutrin and seeing what it can do for you!"

• Key...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2023

For Major Depressive Disorder "I tried this after Prozac, Lexapro, Celexa, Zoloft, and Cymbalta. Worst one. The worst. I've been on 150 XL for a month and a half, and I can't eat without my stomach tensing up and bile going to my stomach. My menstrual cycle is all messed up, I am tired and spacey, I have horrible diarrhea and anxiety, I feel like utter trash. I think I'm done with antidepressants."

• Cla...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2021

For Depression "I’m that patient that smokes, you know what... My doctor knows. This time around, being 20 now and taking this pill again, I’m on day 4 or 5, and my appetite is absolutely gone, even when elevated. But I think I’m feeling more balanced out overall, but when I have my anxiety moments, they are very intense. Too soon to tell if I could recommend it, but it has interacted fine with Mary J the past 4-ish days:"

• Pr2...
• November 4, 2019

For Depression "I’ve been on Wellbutrin for almost 2 weeks now for depression. I’m giving it a seven out of 10 because I used to cry every day when I woke up, drove to work, drove home, and before bed. Now I don’t cry at all, in fact, I actually feel peaceful. Is this how normal people feel? I used to drink coffee multiple times a day, and now I don’t even crave it. I also used to smoke marijuana here and there to stop crying at night. And I haven’t had the urge. Anyways, I’m worried about the whole anxious thing, sometimes I find myself not focused at work and sometimes feel overwhelmed. But I’m going through a terrible breakup, so I don’t know if it’s the depression or the pill. I’ve also lost a lot of weight, which I’m not mad about. I don’t crave junk or carbs. I don’t feel sad anymore. I guess I would say I feel kind of numb/peaceful. I’d rather feel numb than the horrible, painful, depressing feeling I used to feel every day, I would feel worthless. Let’s hope the anxiety goes down!"

• Pr2...
• November 4, 2019

For Depression "I’ve been on Wellbutrin for almost 2 weeks now for depression. I’m giving it a seven out of 10 because I used to cry every day when I woke up, drove to work, drove home, and before bed. Now I don’t cry at all, in fact, I actually feel peaceful. Is this how normal people feel? I used to drink coffee multiple times a day, and now I don’t even crave it. I also used to smoke marijuana here and there to stop crying at night. And I haven’t had the urge. Anyways, I’m worried about the whole anxious thing, sometimes I find myself not focused at work and sometimes feel overwhelmed. But I’m going through a terrible breakup, so I don’t know if it’s the depression or the pill. I’ve also lost a lot of weight, which I’m not mad about. I don’t crave junk or carbs. I don’t feel sad anymore. I guess I would say I feel kind of numb/peaceful. I’d rather feel numb than the horrible, painful, depressing feeling I used to feel every day, I would feel worthless. Let’s hope the anxiety goes down!"

• Ane...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 18, 2015

For Depression "Taken all types of antidepressants. None worked until a friend mentioned Wellbutrin. Started off on 150mg SR generic brand. Anxiety increased, smoking decreased, sex drive moderate, no change in weight or additional side effects. After two years, doctor finally prescribed 24 hr Wellbutrin. Taking name brand. Day 2 & WOWWWWW. I'm feeling fabulous. I have Valium in case of emergency anxiety attacks. But I honestly believe this is a winner."

• Anonymous
• November 4, 2020

For Depression "I had Wellbutrin for depression, it did help me extremely with my mood. It did cause me to become more forgetful and kind of empty-headed, but I felt alive again. It made me lose weight and stop with food obsessions. It did increase anxiety, but I weighed the pros and cons and was on it for a while because while the pros were weight loss and a better mood, the cons being forgetful and anxious weren't worth it. So I will be trying Prozac now. I was on 150 mg SR 2x a day."

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

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."

• ctr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 4, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "After 1 week of taking Wellbutrin, I developed severe intrusive tinnitus. I have been off the drug for almost a year, and it has not faded at all. While obviously this side effect doesn't happen to everyone who takes Wellbutrin, it is frighteningly common. All of the doctors I've seen since then (psychs, ENTs, etc.) weren't surprised at all when I told them my tinnitus was from Wellbutrin. It has absolutely destroyed what was left of my life. I already had depression, anxiety, and insomnia, now all of these are 100x worse, plus suicidal thoughts. Again, I don't want to say 'don't take this drug' because all drugs have side effects, and I was one of the unlucky ones. But I would highly suggest something else as I would not wish this on my worst enemy."

• Jos...
• January 3, 2021

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!"

• Mou...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 15, 2017

For Depression "I have been on Wellbutrin SR prescribed off-label for major depressive disorder for about 3 years now. Initially, I had the same kind of side effects that are common, such as headache, some anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. The side effects diminished and pretty much went away after about a month, and I take my second dose at midday so that it doesn't impact my sleep. Overall, this medication has made a huge difference in my quality of life and has stopped me from experiencing cripplingly low moods and huge rapid mood swings. It continues to work as well now as it did at the start of treatment. It has also helped me to focus and concentrate on a task in a way that I found hard before. My main concern has been the impact on short-term memory."

• Ger...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 16, 2018

For Depression "I have had depression for as long as I can remember. My depression tends to be more physical: tired, trouble staying asleep, physically exhausted, and no interest in doing anything physical (e.g., I was an avid runner and weight lifter before). Wellbutrin XL 150 mg has completely helped me in every way possible. I’ve been taking it for over 2 years and I have more energy than ever. Although I still have depressive and anxiety cognitive patterns, Wellbutrin has helped me with my depression and increased my quality of life significantly."

• Jet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2013

For Depression "This medication makes me feel weird like my brain is dehydrated, loss of appetite, constant headaches and a jittery feeling that was uncomfortable at times. Reduced smoking cravings and made smoking really gross. Had a few drinks on New Year's... bad idea, sick for days."

• bea...
• May 5, 2017

For Depression "I wanted to put up my experience with Wellbutrin because some people may have the same issues that I had with the drug. In the onset of taking Wellbutrin, I had, each time, slight to severe anxiety and almost worsening of symptoms in proportion to how hefty of a dosage I started off with. Long story short, I'm never getting off of it again. BUT if someone is trying to get on Wellbutrin and is having awful anxiety and no sleep or appetite like I did, you might ask your doctor if you can take a small dosage and taper up. I literally started with 18.5 mg and I still had a few symptoms from that, but I could also feel improvement at the same time. I increased by 18.5 mg more every 3-7 days. I'm now on 300 mg and knock on wood, my life is back."

• Ala...
• September 11, 2015

For Depression "I was suffering from depression, anxiety, and bad insomnia. I've tried so many meds from Zoloft (horrible drug), Celexa, and Seroquel. So finally, I went to my PCP, and he prescribed Wellbutrin 150mg. FIRST DAY: anxiety was bad, so I had to take Seroquel to calm down. Also, my hand swelled up. SECOND DAY: anxiety was still high, and I felt a little spaced out, so I decided to call my doctor, and he put me on 75 mg. THIRD DAY: no symptoms. I'm now on FIFTH DAY, no side effects. I'm telling you, this drug really helps. It's worth a shot to try, and if it doesn't work, switch medication. Don't be discouraged by other posts. Some people's bodies just respond differently. I didn't believe anything would ever help. I've been putting myself through hell for a year. Glad I took it."

• col...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 22, 2022

For Major Depressive Disorder "Though I was struggling with an intense chemical imbalance (feeling incredibly hopeless/empty/anxious), I avoided meds for a long time, terrified by bad reviews until the amount I struggled through every waking moment of my day made it impossible for me to continue avoiding. Started on 100 mg of bupropion. I remember feeling very weird at first, dissociating on the first day, then sweating, heart palpitations, some anxiety, and my leg randomly shaking (nothing unmanageable). Immediately, depressive feelings were greatly alleviated. Then a month in, all initial symptoms were pretty much gone, though I still had pockets of depression, so I upped my dose to 150 mg XL. Miraculous. I now feel calm, collected, and very content and thankful for my life. The only side effects I still feel are some ear ringing and loss of appetite (not complaining). This was the extra boost of dopamine my brain needed to function like a normal, healthy human brain. Absolutely incredible and so thankful this exists!!"

• cut...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 31, 2013

For Depression "Just started this medication 2 days ago - 150mg pill daily for the first week and then it will be 2 pills daily after the first week. I took the 1st pill in the evening and it gave me a serious energy jolt, lifted my mood, and I also stayed awake until 2 am. I couldn't get myself to sleep plus I was jittery all night. My sleep was not that great and woke up very tired. The jittery feeling subsided in the morning, so I decided to take pill 2 in the afternoon. This was much better, just a little drowsy. My mood is currently calm and content. I took Zoloft several years ago, and while on that medication, I was ready to kill somebody. I stopped it immediately. Hubby says I don't nag and yell at him as much, so I am glad for my happy pill! ;)"

• cou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 12, 2013

For Depression "One week on 100 mg, week two on 200 mg, halfway into the third week, diarrhea, feeling hungover, only sleeping 3 to 4 hours a night, horrible anxiety like something bad is going to happen. Getting angry at just about anything. This medication isn't for me."

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

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

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!"

• Bar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2015

For Depression "This has worked wonders for me. I have been on it for just two weeks, and it's amazing how different I felt by day 2. I was suffering from severe depression after a miscarriage and subsequent breakup, and I couldn't dig myself out of a hole. I was dealing with that plus anxiety. I did experience an increase in my anxiety when the daily 150mg of Wellbutrin started to kick in, so I started taking half of a 0.5mg of Xanax for a few days, and now that feeling is gone. I still get sad, but I haven't cried since I started the medication, and being in a better mood is very motivating and makes me feel really good."

• Kil...
• September 29, 2011

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."

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

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."

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

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!"

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

"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."