Generic Name: Bupropion for Anxiety (bupropion)
Bupropion for Anxiety Reviews
"I finally went on Wellbutrin after telling myself “I’ll try next year if it gets bad again.” This medication has eliminated my anxiety, encouraged more healthy habits, and brought me back into my body & stopped self-medicating for the first time in my life. This is NOT a cure-all! I have found that this medication must be paired with healthy habits (healthy diet of whole foods with plenty of fruits & veggies, ample hydration & sleep, etc.). Side effects I experienced in the first week included insomnia, mild constipation, and thirst. All managed by previously stated healthy habits. After a couple of weeks, I stopped noticing any side effects at all. I’m about two months in and the drug is so effective I have been forgetting to take it. What anxiety?! If I could wave a magic wand, I would make it so that this drug was effective for and available to every person with anxiety because it has changed my life."
"I never, and I mean never, listen to bad reviews on drugs because I know everyone reacts differently. But please, for the love of God, listen to this bad review. I have mild to moderate anxiety and started taking bupropion 75mg, once a day, 3 days ago. It has been a living nightmare. 30 minutes after I take it I have massive panic attacks, feel like I can’t breathe, and I’m losing my mind. I feel paranoid and “sketched” out about everything. I shake, feel dizzy, and my thoughts are absolutely insane. If you’ve ever smoked too much marijuana and had an anxiety attack, that’s just what Wellbutrin feels like. I’ve ended up just staying in bed. When I was driving on day 2, I had a massive sudden panic attack where I had to pull over. I didn’t even have that severe of anxiety before Wellbutrin."
"I've been taking Wellbutrin for PTSD/MDD/Anxiety for almost 5 weeks, and man has it been wild. I've lost 10 pounds, I'm feeling more confident, and I'm happier overall. I can't wait to see what happens at 3 months! I had no idea it was used for appetite reduction, so I was concerned at first, but it's nice! No more grazing or overeating. It also helps with libido. I literally did not have one for years. I was taking Prozac. Now I'm 24 and actually have one. I would recommend this to anyone! :)"
"Bupropion is not intended for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Unlike sertraline or fluoxetine, bupropion acts on dopamine. Dopamine is not indicated in anxiety disorders. My doctor prescribed this medication off-label for anxiety, and my experience was very negative. Not only did bupropion not relieve symptoms of anxiety, it also caused severe nervousness and paranoia, high blood pressure, fast beating heart, constipation, difficulty concentrating, increased anxiety, not feeling alert, having trouble speaking, tremors, shaking, headaches, among other unpleasant side effects. Even though there are claims on the internet that bupropion is an effective treatment for anxiety, it should never be given to individuals with anxiety. Bupropion is an antidepressant medication that blocks the reuptake of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is not implicated in anxiety disorders such as panic disorder. Bupropion is intended for the treatment of depression, not anxiety."
Wellbutrin (bupropion) "I take Wellbutrin for help with the management of stress, and it works wonderfully! I used to be in a bad mood and very tired after work, which was not good for my kids or husband. I take 100mg at 6:00 am and another 100mg at 2:00 pm, and it makes a HUGE difference in my mood, energy level, and diminishes my cravings for chocolate. What I like the MOST is how I have energy ALL DAY LONG now. I used to be so tired all the time, even though I was not depressed or sick. Now I have energy even after a long day of work. I must drink 50-60 ounces of water daily, or I have bad muscle pain. But so long as I get enough water, I feel fabulous and definitely recommend this for others who have a hard time with stress and low energy levels."
"I have been on Bupropion ER/SR for about 5 years, and it has recently occurred to me that I should share my positive experience with others who may be suffering with anxiety, depression, and arthritic pain. During the summer, I take 100 MG, and during the winter, I take 200 MG. First, my major issues were anxiety and depression. I would be irritable and would snap at people; then I'd regret it later and hate myself. And at best, I was often very depressed. When I developed arthritis pain, my issues escalated. All these years later, I realize and appreciate how much this medication has changed my life. Bupropion, for me, is very subtle, like taking an aspirin for a headache - I don't feel like I'm 'on' something, I just generally feel better like a normal person. Before trying Bupropion, I tried other medications that made me feel terribly dopey, which was even more depressing. Bupropion is a miracle drug for me. As long as it keeps working, I will take it for the rest of my life."
"I freaking LOVE bupropion! Sertraline and Fluoxetine would kill my sex drive and also make it impossible to achieve the big O. Now, I'm back! Not only is my anxiety and depression under control, and I was able to quit smoking, and I lost some weight... Having my sex drive back is awesome! I want to kiss the folks who invented this stuff!"
"Was on Celexa for anxiety and stayed sleepy all the time. Switched to bupropion (300 mg) and am very pleased with the results: much less anxiety, improved libido, sleep well at night, lost some weight, and have more energy. For me, it's a good choice for anxiety without side effects."
"I have GAD and have noticed nothing but great effects from Bupropion XL. I noticed my energy levels have increased for the most part, but not excessively. I am able to get more work done and stay focused. At first, I struggled with eating because my appetite went away. All of the side effects went away after the 6-week mark."
"Well, I've been on this medication now for almost 6 weeks, and I love it. There were very few side effects. It does suppress the appetite. Well, it did when I first started on it, but now my appetite is great and I'm still losing weight. And my sex drive and life are totally AMAZING! My husband is overjoyed! And to think I never wanted to take medication, I simply refused to. I always tried anything natural, and it would work for a minute, then I was trying something else. I'm so glad that I got on this medication because it has really changed my life. I still have very small amounts of anxiety every now and again, but it's nowhere near the way it was, which was constant."
"I was having really bad panic attacks, anxiety had me feeling like I was going crazy! I went to my doctor, he put me on bupropion 75 mg 2x a day. I started taking this medication 5 days ago and I feel that I can finally get my life back! I had a little anxiety for about 3 days, nothing major, but I'm feeling so good. I sleep well, I can think without answering myself, I have energy. I'm so happy my doctor put me on this. I pray to whoever going through this, I hope that you will find comfort as I did."
"I have taken bupropion for over 13 years for anxiety. I have severe anxiety that causes depression. After many years of storm phobia and severe anxiety and many different medications, this is the one that worked for me. Being able to feel normal and not have panic attacks has been wonderful. Have had no side effects except every once in a while I see twinkly dots in my vision, hard to tell if it is the medicines or from being tired. I will take the twinkly dots over anxiety any day."
"I never, ever go out of my way to write reviews, but after the most intense panic attack I’ve ever had, I knew I had to get on here to warn others. I took the bupropion pill about 2 hours ago, only to be hyperventilating and crying for my parents about thirty minutes later. I felt as if someone was sitting on my chest, and my hands went completely numb. I felt paranoid about everything, including my own family. I was extremely disconnected from everything and knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep at all tonight. So here I am writing this review. I also would like to mention that the nightmares I had while on this medication were INSANE. I understand that certain medications affect people differently, but I would never, and I mean EVER, want anyone to go through this experience."
"Just finished my first week on the generic form of Wellbutrin (bupropion 150 XL) and have to say the first few days were tough: dizziness, anxiety, and muscle pains. But now those symptoms have mostly gone away. I do feel amazingly clear-headed and have lots of energy. My appetite is gone so I hope to lose about 20 lbs if possible. I don't feel the need to drink at all (used to love my wine every night!) The strange part is most people talk about insomnia and vivid dreams. I suffered from those before I started this medication! And now, I sleep a full 7 hours, have no trouble falling asleep, and don't remember any dreams when I wake up! I really like this stuff!"
"To be honest, I have been prescribed many antidepressants by doctors in my life. All of them did not properly work. When I was prescribed bupropion, it changed my life quality. I did not see any side effects yet. It does not create any fog or confusion in me. On the contrary, you will discover your brain's true power and potential. I thank my doctor for prescribing this magical drug to me."
"I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety and Depression after some very traumatic events. I was first put on Prozac and two months in, I knew it wasn't for me. Flatline and impossible to have an orgasm. Next was Remeron, which made me so exhausted but helped somewhat with anxiety before bed. My new pdoc suggested Wellbutrin. I did research and was afraid to take it. It sat in my drawer for three months. Things got so bad, I would wake up in dread, crying, worried nonstop, so I started it. 150XL in the morning for two weeks. I was completely surprised that I had no side effects and was feeling it almost from day one. It was as if the worry disappeared, replaced by a feeling that everything is going to work out. Up to 300 now, great results."
"On 20 mg Cipralex two years ago and gained almost 30 pounds. Began taking Wellbutrin 150 mg three weeks ago after weaning myself off the Cipralex over a 2-month period. A few side effects, dry mouth being the most noticeable. 150 mg for two weeks and started 300 mg this last Monday. Huge energy boost, appetite is level, and cravings are non-existent. I have to remind myself to eat. I have lost 8 pounds in 3 weeks without changing anything in my daily routine. I believe the ingredient in the medicine which helps a person to quit smoking has the same effect on appetite. It just stops the cravings, therefore stopping needless emotional eating or eating out of boredom. Anxiety was my major mood disorder but it has not affected me negatively!"
"Bupropion works really well for my ability to focus on tasks. As someone who has struggled my whole life with focus, it is a godsend. It also helps so much with cigarette cravings as a heavy smoker and works really well with an increase in libido. Otherwise, I cannot say it really does a whole lot for my anxiety. I would give this medication a 10, but my fiancé (several months ago) tried to take this medication and, after 4 days of an increase from 150mg to 300mg, committed suicide. So, please know your internal rhythms and let someone monitor you on any new medication because every medication reacts with everyone's chemical systems uniquely."
"I’ve taken this medication bupropion for one week. The first six days I felt great, but starting day seven (yesterday) my anxiety has gotten worse! I feel like I’m regressing! I thought maybe it was just me, but my anxiety had been better than after taking this medication! It just makes it worse for me."
"I like the medication, I feel better but not 100% anxiety-free. What I like about it is that now my mood is stable and I am happier, and most of chocolate cravings are gone. I still worry about things here and there, but it's much better than it used to be. I can say that I feel just like my old self (happy and full of life)."
"This is my third time taking a type of anxiety medication due to how severe mine is, and this medication seems to do the opposite of what I was told it would do. I feel less depressed, but my already severe anxiety is even worse now."
"I have severe anxiety, and I would get anxiety attacks every day. My doctor first put me on Fluoxetine at the highest dosage. After a couple of months, my body got used to the medication and it was helping a lot with the anxiety. But I continued to still get the anxiety attacks, just not every day. So then he put me on bupropion 300mg with the fluoxetine, and after a while, my panic attacks slowly went away. Now it has been over a year since I have been on the bupropion, and my dosage is reduced to 150mg, and my fluoxetine dosage is lowered to 20mg. I am happy to say that I have not had a panic attack for 2 years now. This bupropion is a really good medication, and I find that using the combination of the fluoxetine has helped me amazingly."
"I’m literally lying in bed after 5 days of reacting to this medication. I started this for smoking and anxiety. I did a slow wean off Lexapro and started on Wellbutrin 150 mg once a day and then increased to two times a day. Symptoms include: dry mouth, dizziness, vision problems, flu-like symptoms (weak, tired, nausea), ringing in the ears, sensitivity to light, smells, and extreme headache. The dizziness is the worst, hence why I have been in bed for 5 days. The doctor advised me to get off it, so I’m about one day without it. I still feel the same. I'm waiting for this to get out of my system. I have had to cancel work and have been completely useless to my family. Hope this can help someone else who may be experiencing these issues."
"Just a quick note - I actually found it helpful to research the actual chemical this medication works on (norepinephrine) because the side effects make a lot more sense once you can look at the NORMAL effects of increased circulating norepinephrine (if you're at all prone to hypochondria/health anxiety like I am). I am taking it for depression, even though anxiety is my main struggle. I can honestly say it doesn't help with anxiety per se, but does turn it into a more 'focused' anxiety (i.e. feeling rather hyperactive but in a productive way as opposed to a paralyzed or hopeless way like with depression). It has also DEFINITELY decreased my binge-eating tendencies/desires, so yay for that!"
"I started this drug 5 weeks ago and absolutely hate it. I suffer from anxiety, not depression, and if you have anxiety, I wouldn't recommend it at all. My anxiety is through the roof. I mentioned this to my Dr. that I had gained weight on my Cipralex, so he weaned me off it and started me on bupropion. Week 2, I started getting what I call brain zaps (so irritating). Week 4, I started getting very anxious, so I went back to my Dr. and he increased it to 300mg from 150mg, and now I'm a hot mess. I am going to my Dr. today and asking to get put back on my Cipralex. I'd rather be fat and happy than manic and ready to pull my hair out. Will never go on this again."
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