Wellbutrin and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Sqy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2017

For Depression "The first few days while taking Wellbutrin, which is not really recommended for anxiety, but the doc recommended giving it a try, were not too bad. Around week 2, I began to notice I was miserable, angry all the time, and just not feeling like myself! I am usually a happy person that laughs a lot and enjoys making others laugh! Wellbutrin changed all that! I was now a bitter and angry person that found fault with everything! I wasn't sleeping well, had slight headaches every day, and my head felt cloudy and foggy all the time! I wasn't able to concentrate, which made it difficult for me to function properly at work. I was no longer the happy, silly person I used to be! This drug totally changed my personality!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 3, 2021

For Depression "Best antidepressant I've ever taken, and the only one that balances out my brain chemicals while allowing me to feel like myself. I wasn't serious about taking it pre-COVID, but after the pandemic, I became very depressed. I went to my doctor who put me back on Wellbutrin, and within the first hour of taking it, it felt like a light switched on in my brain. I scoffed down my food, went home and cleaned up, submitted my job applications, and fell asleep early. The next three months with it were magical. But let me tell you, medication is NOT the only way to solve your problems. I began to relapse after 4 months because I had a lot going on. You have to make life changes. I finally did and got off of them, but I lost motivation in my interests. Just got back on them yesterday, and I feel a difference, although not as drastic as when I took it after the pandemic. I might want to increase the dosage. This drug may also increase anxiety."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 4, 2022

For Depression "It’s worth a try. Easy to come off of. I’ve cold turkey quit many antidepressants. Insomnia will probably be your worst side effect. Sweating, agitation, restlessness, trouble focusing, and even increased depression and anxiety are common too. It’s an NDRI like Ritalin but much weaker and less selective. I think jogging, drinking lots of water, and an energy drink or coffee or two is more effective. Don’t expect much, but it’s definitely better than SSRIs, SNRIs, antipsychotics, etc."

• Sun...
• February 11, 2012

For Depression "I have incurable cancer and fell into deep depression. My doctor prescribed the smallest dose of Wellbutrin. I took it, and one hour later I was happy as a clam. I had been taking it for two months when I suddenly lost connection to the world. I assumed that the medicine had quit working, and the doctor upped the dosage. I am now jittery and unable to sit still, can't concentrate, and have no appetite. Not a good thing for someone in my condition, as I'm not supposed to lose weight. It worked at first, but now I'm thinking I need to get off it."

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 23, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "Was put on this after I went to the psych ward for suicidal thoughts and general depression. Before this, I was on Prozac for 3 weeks, stopped taking it due to increased anxiety and extreme binge eating that I never had before. After that, my doc switched me to 20 mg Celexa. Took that on and off for over a year... it helped slightly with anxiety but quickly became as effective as taking sugar pills. I started on the generic SR, 2 a day, and with that, I had slight ringing in the ears, some random panicky feelings. But my mood had improved tremendously, plus my sex drive went way up after just 1 day! My appetite control is great. On 300 mg XL generic now, and side effects are subsiding. Had worries about seizures, but that's rare. 0.3% incidence."

• Los...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 24, 2016

For Depression "Started post-breakup. Happy now, don't credit meds, but still take WB and never want to stop (unlike Clonaz. and Desipr.) because of other reasons to take. Lost weight, gained energy, desire to be social. Now only anxiety and IBS; the WB counters some sexual side effects of other meds. NOT a morning person, but 450 SR (12hr) right before sleep (RIGHT before or insomnia) = hop out of bed at alarm. If I take 450 in the morning, easy to resist food. Wish I could have both, but splitting dosage or taking XL (24hr) doesn't work. 167 lbs 6 years ago at start, down to 125. 3 years of 130 lbs but built-up tolerance, so then 150 lbs 2 years ago. Took at night for months, then back to morning, and now 1 year 135 lbs. 450 mg is max. New doctor: split time night and morning. But that would defeat half its purpose."

• oka...
• June 14, 2010

For Depression "I went on the 300 XL version for about 1.5 years when I was in college. It improved my motivation, concentration, energy, and mood, but I had hallucinations. Also, I did have a few severe major depressive episodes while taking it, but my rebound back to 'normal' was quick. I stopped taking the medicine for about a year - turned into the most severe episode of depression. When I went back on it, started at 150 mg SR - no problems, then back on the 300 XL and had terrible anxiety and agitation. Switched to 200 SR - it's perfect. I'm not as moody, mopey, or feeling sorry for myself. I don't spend hours on the couch. The fog is gone, but I think I will ask my doctor if I can take 2 times a day - my fatigue and concentration are getting worse. Overall, great medication."

• Eva...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2021

For Depression "I had to stop Prozac, which worked very well on me, but unfortunately started causing neutropenia and related skin problems. The doctor recommended Wellbutrin 75 mg for a week then to increase to 150 mg. Straight after the first dose, I developed hand twitching/tremors and felt, in general, very jittery. I could never increase it to 150 mg. I felt weird, one minute hyper, the next minute tired. Did not sleep or feel very well. I’ve been on it for 4 weeks and am really struggling. Prozac worked very well on me, Wellbutrin affects dopamine and noradrenaline, so completely different neurotransmitters than Prozac. I am starting now Vortioxetine, which is a newer generation SSRI with less side effects, etc. Hoping for better days."

• Moc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 24, 2012

For Depression "I started Wellbutrin after taking Zoloft for several years. The Zoloft was not effective anymore, though it had worked perfectly for a long time. Wellbutrin nearly killed me. I was more upset, anxious, and suicidal than I had been in years. For some reason, it just did not agree with me chemically. Afterward, I went on Remeron. That was an experience to read about!"

• JC2...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was prescribed Wellbutrin 2x a day after Celexa stopped working after being on it 5 years. Within a few days of taking the Wellbutrin, my anxiety was back, and depression was worse. Had trouble staying asleep because my mind was constantly racing. Definitely did not work for me."

• Cma...
• December 3, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been taking this medication for about 2 weeks now. I got prescribed it in the hospital after a fallout. I tried Prozac while in high school and had no luck with it. Then was prescribed Zoloft a few months ago and obviously didn't work, considering landing myself in the hospital. Now trying Wellbutrin. Even though I have just started it, I'd say that I do see some positive effects in it. I have more motivation and am trying to do better for myself. But I do have some side effects including really bad headaches, ringing in ears, insomnia, dizziness at times, with nausea. I also have noticed that taking Excedrin to suppress the headaches doesn't help but makes my anxiety increase. Don't take a dose late either as that just increases mood swings."

• Nam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 8, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "Even after 8 months of taking Wellbutrin 300 mg daily, Wellbutrin increased my anxiety from a 7 to a 9. Even though I'm not bipolar, I felt mean and irritable on it. It helped reduce physical symptoms of depression, such as sleep and body weakness problems, but it gave me way too much energy during the day. Now, the drug company is researching adding a cough suppressant to it. No thanks."

• Amb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 3, 2017

For Depression "This medication really blows. It is like I'm not even on anything. If anything, it makes me irritable and jumpy. I am taking 150 mg 2x a day. I switched to this from Celexa because Celexa was making me extremely forgetful, but other than that, Celexa was actually working. I have anxiety and depression, and this stuff does absolutely nothing. I'm going to my doctor Monday to switch to something else."

• 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."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "Currently on this medication, 150 mg daily. I expected the side effects to be bad after reading some reviews here, and they were, lol. Thought so many people said it would calm down after the first month, but it's been longer than that. Usually for me, the nausea is the worst thing. I never want to eat anything, food just disgusts me most of the time now. I felt like it was really helping the depression a few weeks ago, but now I am more suicidal than ever. Also, my anxiety is horrible. Many days, I don't want to leave the house. I used to be agoraphobic about 10 or so years ago (in my teens), and now I feel myself heading that direction again. It also has really affected my sleep, or at least that's what I'm assuming. I have been having a very hard time getting to sleep, and then if I wake up from something, it's even harder to fall back asleep. It just sucks. The only plus is that it doesn't increase my appetite. Hope this helps."

• Anonymous
• July 7, 2011

For Depression "I have been on over 15 different antidepressants across every category. I have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Ensam), tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs (several - Effexor, Pristiq, etc.), and nothing worked. I'm taking Wellbutrin 150 mg once a day (along with the Effexor XR still at 300 mg), and it is incredible. I feel amazing. Unfortunately, after 3 weeks, I developed hives all over my body that were itchy. While the itchiness went away after 3 days and the hives only come out at night now, my blood work shows I'm having a bad reaction to it. I also lost 14 lbs in 4 weeks (a good thing). I do feel extremely anxious and agitated at times and can't stop wiggling my foot, for example. Combined with the Effexor (which causes too much sleep), my sleep is at the right length now."

• 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."

• 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."

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 10, 2022

For Depression "Wellbutrin helped me. I have been hurting from depression for 5 months, and now after I upped it to 300 mg XL, I am not in pain from depression anymore, which is AWESOME! I wake up way too early, but I hope this is a side effect that will resolve. I also get very anxious 1 hour after taking it, and I hope that resolves, too. Been on it for 6 days. Also on 50 mg Pristiq in the morning and 10 mg Seroquel at night."

• 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."

• Win...
• January 20, 2018

For Depression "Don't look at the rating, I just started taking this medicine. I have horrible side effects (increased gender dysphoria, depression, extreme anxiety and panic attacks, etc.). I know they will go away, but it's my first strong antidepressant. Please talk to your doctor about the side effects and how to deal with them. Also, I would highly recommend talking to a therapist before getting on this."

• sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 31, 2022

"Wellbutrin 150 mg 1x daily for anxiety and ADHD. 1st 4 days I felt cracked out. Jittery in waves, no appetite, a little floaty, more focus but I had to be doing something. Day 5 I'm hungry but I would be okay if I didn't eat. Not jittery anymore. I feel okay. I'm going to wait until 8 weeks to make a decision if it actually helps or not."