Wellbutrin and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 5)

• ACS...
• September 21, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "After trying Zoloft and Lexapro with no success, my doctor recommended Wellbutrin. Starting with 10 mg daily. I've been taking this medication for 4 weeks now, and my depression has not improved, and my anxiety has worsened. The only positive review I can give is that I've lost 5 lbs since starting. Today, my Dr. advised I should try a different medication rather than increase the dosage because of my anxiety."

• Har...
• September 6, 2016

"I was on 20 mg of Celexa for 2 years to treat anxiety (GAD) and OCD. With Celexa, I never had any side effects, and the only thing I noticed was my weight would fluctuate. My doctor suggested Wellbutrin because it was weight neutral and also could help with ADD. I tried it for 4 weeks, which I know you should give it the full 6-8 weeks, however, 4 weeks was enough. I had horrible headaches, no appetite, felt like I was strung out, up days, down days, depressions (which I have never had), horrible anxiety, no motivation, horrible ADD, and the list goes on. I told my doctor, but she urged me to continue. Finally, my hair started coming out, and I was done. This is a powerful drug, and I am sure it does wonders for people who need it, but not me."

• Fif...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 4, 2016

For Depression "So my journey has been two years with depression/anxiety. Had two bouts prior... the first coming out of nowhere around age 40. The two times I went on Paxil and in 30 days I was normal. You can only imagine my disbelief when this third bout trying Lexapro, Effexor, and Paxil led to horrible fatigue within a week of each. I just couldn't tolerate the fatigue, and there was no relief. Incredible. Went on 100 mg of Wellbutrin despite it increasing my anxiety... requiring Lorazepam. For the past year, I couldn't tolerate more than 100 mg of Wellbutrin without terrible fatigue. A year later, I just got up to 150 mg without fatigue... no relief of depression yet. Also in therapy. Wellbutrin is better than nothing, I guess. Not sure what's next."

• Edg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was prescribed 150 mg of Wellbutrin after I had attempted suicide twice. It really didn't help me. For a while, I kind of just felt empty, and it didn't really help my mood. To be honest, it made me worse. My anxiety was at its worst, and I was still self-harming and thinking about suicide. This was definitely not for me."

• Anonymous
• July 23, 2016

For Depression "I took bupropion for about two weeks, and I didn't like the side effects. I can't sleep, and with kids, it's a big no! It's been about two weeks since I stopped, and I wish I didn't. I get anxiety attacks, I want to cry! And dizziness. I will visit my doctor soon."

• Iwa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 5, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been on Wellbutrin 75 mg x 2 a day for a week. I have CFS and MDD, SAD, as well as mild OSA. My sleep doctor suggested Wellbutrin because of its stimulating effects after I asked about Provigil or Nuvigil for my extreme fatigue and depression. The first four days, I felt like I drank 20 cups of coffee. Jittery, gnashing my teeth, tensed-up muscles, hard time sleeping, while still depressed. Not a good combination. After four days, the stimulant effect suddenly went away and was replaced by the worst sleepiness I've ever felt. An hour after taking the pills, I practically fall asleep. Drowsy and sleepy all day to the point of not being able to function at my job. Not sure if I can continue Wellbutrin for much longer."

• hso...
• April 24, 2016

For Depression "Probably saved my life. This is the first antidepressant I tried as I was scared of some of the nasty side effects of the SSRIs (sexual, weight gain, tiredness). I was on Wellbutrin XL 150 mg for 1-2 months and then have been on 300 mg XL for 3 months now. Getting on it was a little strange, as I had some side effects of anxiety at first, but actually have not had a panic attack since starting. Just know that it doesn't really help with anxiety/OCD symptoms (but I've been going to therapy for that). Really made me motivated to get work done (never been the case for me) without that craziness feeling from Adderall. Very consistently good mood and makes me want to be alive. Also increased sex drive + motivation for exercise is a plus."

• Jan...
• April 9, 2016

For Depression "I have had episodes of depression throughout my life. I have been on SSRI meds off and on. They never seemed to help, and side effects were horrible, tired, lack of energy, sexual side effects, increased anxiety. After my son was born, I experienced the worst depression and anxiety. After over 3 years, I finally went to seek help and refused to take SSRI meds. They first put me on Buspar for anxiety, which is a great alternative to other addictive meds. Then they added 150 mg of Wellbutrin once in the morning. The first day, I felt like I actually woke up for the first time in 3 years, had energy, but after a week, felt like it wore off too quickly. I am being upped to 300 mg XL and hoping I'll get better results. Still, best med I've ever tried!"

• Fee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 5, 2016

For Depression "My daughter suffered from depression and anxiety and had tried SSRIs. We thought this might help give her more energy and feel better since it affects dopamine. However, over the summer, her anxiety got worse. At college, her anxiety got even worse. She became paranoid and even started hearing voices. She ate very little and slept very little. She stopped going to classes and had suicidal thoughts. She called me and said she felt constantly 'jittery,' so I told her to get off the drug. Basically, it increased her energy and made her mood much worse. I don't recommend this for someone who suffers from anxiety since it affects norepinephrine - the fight or flight response."

• Fee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 5, 2016

For Depression "My daughter suffered from depression and anxiety and had tried SSRIs. We thought this might help give her more energy and feel better since it affects dopamine. However, over the summer, her anxiety got worse. At college, her anxiety got even worse. She became paranoid and even started hearing voices. She ate very little and slept very little. She stopped going to classes and had suicidal thoughts. She called me and said she felt constantly 'jittery,' so I told her to get off the drug. Basically, it increased her energy and made her mood much worse. I don't recommend this for someone who suffers from anxiety since it affects norepinephrine - the fight or flight response."

• 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."

• 000...
• December 23, 2015

For Depression "I started taking this a week ago, I think. I never wanted to use meds, but I'm in the middle of a major depressive episode that began around mid-late October. I'm a single mom of a 4-year-old. I feel like she takes more care of me than I can of her sometimes, and that makes me feel awful. I decided to ask my doctor to do something because I figured nothing could feel worse. Day 1, I had a lot of energy, days 2-4, I was very anxious and irritable over nothing. That has now passed, but I still don't feel better, not really. I don't feel overwhelmed with the feeling of wanting to die, so I guess that's good, but I still feel it. I'm not suicidal, though I have been in years. I just don't want to move out of my bed, clean the house, or do anything really."

• 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."

• bjd...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 31, 2015

For Depression "Just starting day 3 tomorrow. Seem to feel better already, but very cautious. Have anxiety, tho, and take Ativan 0.5 mg, 3 times a day that helps. With all the good reviews, I am very hopeful. Wish me luck."

• 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."

• 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."

• She...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 4, 2015

For Depression "Well I started at a 100mg dose and within 3 days it kicked in. I felt great, laughing again, cleaning the house again, friendly and chatty. No anxiety either. It was a lifesaver for me."

• 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."

• 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."

• Hel...
• August 31, 2015

For Depression "I started Wellbutrin about 2 and a half weeks ago, and my anxiety and depression are worse. I am crying all the time, super anxious, and can't relax. Has anyone else had this problem? I take 30 mg Prozac and 150-225 mg Wellbutrin. I am scared to continue."

• Ale...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 23, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "Wellbutrin is probably the best antidepressant on the US market. It's best to start at > 75 mg a day to make sure you can tolerate it; there are many for whom this medicine does nothing or causes anxiety or other health problems. Regardless of what they say, do check your liver and kidneys; it is more non-toxic than a lot of drugs, but it does take a toll on your body over time. For me, nothing as of yet."

• 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!"

• 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
• 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."

• Chi...
• December 5, 2014

For Depression "Recently I retired from public safety. I should have been happy and content to have a lot of free time. My friends all said I looked rested and better than I had in years. What they did not know is how depressed I was and how much I missed the work and my work friends. Reluctantly my doctor prescribed Bupropion HCL 150 mg for seven days then 300 mg daily in the AM. After the first day, I was already feeling better. I just finished the first two weeks and I'm feeling so much better. Occasionally I still have negative thoughts. Side effects include anxiety and an elevated BP. I'm happy with the results and believe the medication has taken me away from the edge. I will post updates periodically."