Wellbutrin and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 2)

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

For Depression "Excellent for suicidal thoughts and depression. Helped me quit smoking. I didn't experience any increase in anxiety."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• HHa...
• March 1, 2020

For Depression "I was on Celexa for a couple of years, but I flatlined and felt like a zombie. My psychiatrist switched me over to Wellbutrin. I was nervous to take it because it works with different neurotransmitters. Celexa works with serotonin while Wellbutrin works with dopamine. It felt like my eyes were being pulled up by magnets, it was hard to look forward, and I was dizzy. This subsided after a few weeks. My anxiety became way worse. Every day, I felt like all of my nerves were exposed. I overreacted to everything and caused a lot of fights. Then came the suicidal thoughts. I've struggled with these thoughts when I was off of meds, so to be flooded with them again was scary. These thoughts were invasive and more intense than I've ever experienced. Luckily, I was able to realize that it was just the medication, so I switched to Zoloft. Please be careful if you take Wellbutrin. If you get those dark thoughts, remember it is not you, it's the meds."

• Anonymous
• November 3, 2010

For Depression "I have been battling with depression for years and recently hit a plateau while taking Prozac. Not just with my depression but with my weight as well. I did some research online about Wellbutrin, read many reviews, and decided to ask my doctor for a prescription. It was the best decision I could have made. I feel so much better, not just mentally but physically. I have finally been able to lose weight again and feel good about my life. I am not sure about others, but my side effects were a small headache and a little anxiety to begin with, but it subsided within 2 weeks. I will never switch to anything else."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• JKL...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 11, 2013

For Depression "I started on 150 mg for the first month and was raised to 300 mg after that. I began having weird side effects such as uncontrollable jaw clenching so hard it would give awful headaches. I also would violently twitch while relaxing before going to sleep. I experienced insomnia. Last, my sense of smell was very heightened and the smells would make me feel nauseous. I had suicidal thoughts even though I didn't ever want to do that. I continued to feel depressed, and in my opinion, it intensified my anxiety."

• 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!"

• Lee...
• October 4, 2015

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."

• gar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 6, 2023

For Depression "I’m on day 5 of Wellbutrin. I’ve had severe anxiety and depression for the past 10 years, and I’m 26 now. I’ve been hospitalized twice for suicidal feelings. Tried all different kinds of medications for the past 8 years. I had no hope anymore. I switched doctors this week after getting fed up with my old psychiatrist, who I felt didn’t understand me and couldn’t give me the care I needed. My new doctor understands me, and she started me on Wellbutrin this week. The first day of taking Wellbutrin, I felt relief. The fog of hopelessness was lifted, and although my situation is still bad, I now feel like I have the ability to overcome it. Now on day 5, I’m feeling much better, like I can actually focus more on the present moment rather than being stuck in my head. Side effects have included dry mouth, some stomach issues, anxiety, and insomnia. My doctor gave me trazodone to sleep better, which has helped. Please do not lose hope or be scared to try medications. They can help."

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

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."

• 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."

• 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."

• com...
• December 31, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was on 150 mg Effexor for nearly a year and continued suffering with depression and anxiety. It affected my libido to the point that I couldn't stand being touched by my husband. I've been on Wellbutrin for nearly three weeks, and it's been a miracle for me. My energy level is up, I can focus again, and my libido has increased. The only negative I have had is it doesn't help my anxiety."

• Sah...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 27, 2019

For Depression "If you have anxiety, you don't want to take Wellbutrin. Over a 90-day period, it turned me into an anxious mess, with full-blown panic attacks. Couldn't pay me to take it again!"

• Cou...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 8, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've been off and on this medication for about 8 years. I originally started it to help me quit smoking (which worked wonders for me, I was able to quit) and later was put back on it for seasonal depression disorder. It helps me a lot with depression, especially as it worsens in the winter. Side effects I experience are increased anxiety, heart palpitations, increased heart rate. I've been on 300 mg (150 mg twice a day) before, and my anxiety was horrible. If you're on a higher dose and suffer with anxiety, you may want to try a lower dose. I currently take 150 mg a day, and it's very helpful. It gives you that spark of motivation you need in the mornings."

• 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:"

• 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!"

• soy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 2, 2014

For Depression "Didn't work. I was given it on top of Remeron. It helps in a way. But I needed some energy boost. Hoping Wellbutrin would work. All my anxiety and suicidal thoughts hit me like a truck. Had to discontinue taking."

• cis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 14, 2017

For Depression "I switched to Wellbutrin after a year of Zoloft, mostly due to weight gain (I'd gained about 20 lbs. in a year). I started taking Wellbutrin 2x a day with a plan to eventually increase to extended release, but the meds kept me up all night. I got maybe 4 hours of sleep a night, even with Zzzquil. My sleep was extremely restless, and I woke up about every hour. I called my doctor and asked if I could switch to the extended release version, but she said it would probably be the same situation. I did like how the meds made me feel. Very little depression, and I felt super energized and productive. Honestly, I was almost too wired; I was very jittery and almost a bit manic."