Wellbutrin and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 5)

• 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."

• 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."

• Tay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2015

For Depression "I spent a lot of time reading reviews, and it took me a while to even start the medication, but I finally said, 'Screw it, I'll try it.' After reading the reviews, most people said they felt better almost right away. So, after 2 months when I still wasn't feeling great, I started to get nervous. Then, 3 months approached and I started crying less and less, and I actually got excited to do things again, and by 4 months, I feel great! I'm so glad I stuck with it. If your depression is bad, this really can take up to 3 months, but don't give up! I did have to take Buspar with it because I'm just naturally an anxious person, and that helped with my anxiety and to balance it out. I now take 100mg of bupropion in the morning and 100mg in the afternoon, and it's just enough!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 8, 2015

For Depression "Wellbutrin SR 150s, which initially had positive outcomes on my depression, probably the best I've tried, and I've tried a lot in the past years. It took a bit to get the optimal dose. At 300 mg, it was causing a cascade of side effects: anxiety, palpitations, sweating. Doc helped me back down to 100 mg with no side effects. The depression is just as gone as with the initial 300 mg. Wellbutrin also developed a positive outcome in mere days - a major plus."

• 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."

• Sie...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 6, 2022

For Depression "I started this because I take 20 mg of Lexapro, but I have fatigue and lethargy with it. Basically, all SSRIs just make me lazy. My doctor said this would help. I only started a week ago, but I’m posting to talk about initial side effects. I prepared myself for the racing heart, anxiety, etc. that everyone says. Trying new meds is usually rough for me, but this one was fine! First day, 0 side effects. Second day, I was a little extra out of breath at the gym, which gave me anxiety, but other than that, I’ve been fine. Hopefully, it helps me once I’m experiencing the full effect of it. I take the extended release, by the way. That one is best to minimize the side effects."

• Ter...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 24, 2022

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have taken Wellbutrin twice before and started it again. YOU NEED TO GIVE IT TIME TO WORK!!! People come in here after 3-4 days and have expected a miracle. Your body is getting used to it and will have some side effects at first. THEY GO AWAY!!!! For my first time, I had to get off of it due to breastfeeding, but on it, I felt happier and don’t have anxiety, etc., with it. It was easy to get on as well. My second time, I was happier, pretty much no anxiety, and lost 15 lbs. I don’t remember why I got off it. I had to beg my doctor to put me on it, and he wouldn’t, so I simply found another doctor who listened to me. It’s the best choice for me. I have depression and horrible anxiety. I quit two jobs due to the anxiety. This is my miracle med. We are all different though, but don’t give up so easily. It works! And an added bonus is some weight loss..."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2022

For Depression "Doctor started me on Wellbutrin 150 mg once daily for ADHD and depression, and I must say this drug takes about 3 weeks to start working. At first, I was frustrated but continued taking it. I experience weight loss, a boost of energy, and motivation in my everyday life. I was on 300 mg daily, and it was a little anxiety, fast heart rate at first, then, after a few hours, it goes away. I was told this is normal."

• Bup...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2022

For Major Depressive Disorder "It didn't really help at first, until I gave it 6 weeks and my doctor upped my dosage from 150 mg to 300 mg. Everybody is different, I'm just saying what seems to be working for me. I was very suicidal after coming home from the hospital and coming cold turkey off of venlafaxine. I was on an extremely high dose of venlafaxine (375 mg of XL daily) a previous doctor was prescribing. I lost that psychiatrist and because I was extremely psychotic, partially because of the venlafaxine (I think) and had to go to the hospital and be put on Haldol, which has been very effective at treating my psychosis. I am also on buspirone (15 mg daily) and escitalopram. The buspirone is very safe and is helping me, anyways, a great deal with my anxiety. Today, I'm not so sad or nervous as I was a few months ago. I'm sharing what's helping me in hopes that it might help someone out there. Thanks! Sincerely, from someone who has suffered a great deal from chronic depression, psychosis, and generalized anxiety disorder."

• Mr ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 8, 2022

For Depression "Started Wellbutrin XL 6 weeks ago after having depression and constant anxiety and bad side effects on SSRIs. The first 2 weeks I didn’t notice much or have any side effects. Week 3 my anxiety was the worst I ever experienced, and at points, I felt like I was having a heart attack. This side effect subsided after a week and left me feeling better than ever. No depression whatsoever, and my anxiety is at a normal and manageable level. I feel normal for the first time in years, this medication saved my life. It takes time to have a full effect, so be patient."

• Pau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 23, 2021

For Depression "I'm taking this medication with Lexapro, however, I take Wellbutrin XL for ADHD and depression. It does cause some anxiety, but nothing serious that would make me stop it. I'm going to leave another review in the near future because I just started it a week ago."

• Per...
• February 18, 2021

For Depression "I have mostly managed my depression/SADD/PTSD for years with exercise, light box, and talk therapy. My doctor and I recently agreed the lowest dose, 100 mg, of Wellbutrin would help me out of a particularly low winter. I tried 150 mg years ago for a few months. The jittery side effects made me look forward to getting off it then. However, now I have no side effects, sleep great, my focus on work is back, and find it easier to do my usual lifestyle routine to address my depression. I appreciate having Wellbutrin as a tool to use when I really need it. One caveat, I do find that if I have more than 2 drinks, the following days I get pretty down. Also, exercise + Wellbutrin = self-esteem × libido, just sayin."

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

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."

• 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."

• Jad...
• December 14, 2017

For Depression "I am a 21-year-old female. I have struggled with depression, anxiety, and addiction (food, substances). These issues came to fruition when I went into my first year of college. I left HS as an honor student and went into college failing classes and unable to stay on track. I had lots of self-pity, mood swings, and slept all the time. I took sertraline for years, but it didn't give me that motivation I needed. It reduced my anxiety but really didn't help the depression. I started Bupropion XL, and things have changed immensely. I'm doing well in nursing school, and I feel much steadier. I have my bad days, but they aren't controlling my life anymore. I do get anxious, but the pros outweigh the cons for me. I also can't drink much (which is a good thing)."

• BP ...
• August 25, 2017

For Depression "I have bipolar 2 and was on Wellbutrin for about 7 years. It dug me out of a deep depression in the beginning. It caused a lot of anxiety, but I didn't want to get off of it, so Lexapro was added to my regimen. Lexapro helped with some of the anxiety caused by Wellbutrin, but I'm pretty sure now that Wellbutrin has made me more susceptible to manic episodes. Recently, I started seeing a new psychiatrist, and I was ready for a change. He convinced me to finally get off Wellbutrin, and I have never felt better. I feel so much more relaxed. I'm currently on Lamictal, Vyvanse, and Lexapro. I'm sure Wellbutrin works well for others, but it wasn't a great fit for BP for me personally. It dug me out of a big hole at one time, so it works well with depression. Doesn't hurt to try it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 1, 2017

For Depression "This drug has saved my life! I have struggled with methamphetamine addiction for about 4 years now. The hardest part about quitting was the extreme depression and suicidal thoughts. They always caused me to relapse. My physician prescribed Wellbutrin and it has worked like a miracle. I have been clean for over half a year and feel like I have my old life back! My relationships are healing and my family feels like they have their son/brother back. I am back in college and passing my classes! I don't attribute all that to the drug. Counseling and AA were extremely helpful but I know it was Wellbutrin that got me through the horrible depression to the other side. Only upfront side effects I had were jitteriness and dry mouth."

• JXa...
• June 22, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was diagnosed with depression and panic disorder in 2013. The first medication I was prescribed was Zoloft, which turned me into a zombie. My doctor then switched me to Effexor, which had way too many side effects from mood and all the way to affecting my vision. I was then switched to Lexapro, which was great at masking the depression but made me gain 30+ pounds in less than a year and literally have zero motivation. 3 months ago, my doctor switched me to Wellbutrin and it's made the biggest difference in my life. In the first couple of weeks, my anxiety was a lot worse, but that went away entirely and I haven't had any other side effects. My energy is back, and I genuinely look forward to the next day."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• dde...
• August 28, 2014

For Depression "I started this 4 weeks ago. I was originally on Paxil but I was tired of its side effects. My doctor switched me to Wellbutrin after also trying Cipralex, Effexor, and Zoloft. It works great. I had almost no side effects when I started it (I did with every other medicine). It does increase anxiety for me though. Wellbutrin gives me more energy and makes me feel alive again. Because of the energy, I work out now which helps counteract the anxiety. It did not increase my sex drive BUT it made me normal. (Paxil made it so I wouldn't even let my husband touch me). I have lost the weight that Paxil made me gain and then some! I would recommend it to people for sure but if you have bad anxiety like I do, try being really active as well."

• Con...
• January 5, 2014

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."

• 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! ;)"

• jen...
• August 31, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "When I first started taking it, it gave me anxiety, but once finding the right dose, it works very well with no adverse side effects."