Wellbutrin (Bupropion) for AnxietyRead This Before Taking It

What is Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin is the brand name for bupropion, an antidepressant medication. It can be helpful if you’re facing mental health challenges such as low motivation, low mood, and fatigue. In the United States, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it for the treatment of depression and seasonal affective disorder. It’s also used to help with smoking cessation, formerly under the brand name Zyban.

In some cases, a doctor might prescribe it off-label to treat other conditions. For instance, recently, online medication management providers have been prescribing Wellbutrin off-label to treat other conditions, such as anxiety that occurs alongside depression. However, there is some concern that the drug’s stimulating effects might worsen anxiety.

Maybe you’ve recently been prescribed Wellbutrin and are concerned about side effects. Or perhaps you’re simply curious about whether it might reduce your anxiety. Learn more about the medication so you can make a more informed decision.

Does Wellbutrin help with anxiety?

Wellbutrin works by increasing chemicals in your brain called dopamine and norepinephrine. The result is you might feel more motivated, focused, and energetic. If you’re navigating both anxiety and depression, research shows that the medication may provide some relief from anxiety symptoms.

That said, it’s important to note that Wellbutrin is not typically a go-to treatment for anxiety. Instead, you might first be prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Unlike Wellbutrin, these antidepressants target a chemical in your brain called serotonin, which helps improve mood and reduce anxiety.

Can bupropion make anxiety worse?

Wellbutrin has stimulating effects, so when used at higher dosages, it could potentially worsen anxiety in some people. For instance, it can cause restlessness and other physical sensations that trigger panic attacks, particularly when you first start taking it. If you’re prescribed Wellbutrin, your doctor will likely encourage you to monitor your anxiety to ensure the medication isn’t making it worse.

Know that some trial and error is often necessary when you’re looking for effective anxiety medication. But you’re not alone in this task, and your doctor is there to help.

Dosage and how it’s taken

Wellbutrin comes in tablet form. Some tablets release the drug into your system immediately, while others slowly release it over the course of 12 or 24 hours. Daily dosages range from 75 to 522 mg. The type of release and dosage you receive will depend on your specific needs. You’ll likely need to take the medication consistently for several weeks before you notice the full benefits.

The dosage can also be increased over time as needed. For instance, if you have anxiety and seasonal depression, a doctor might initially prescribe you a 150 mg dose, and then later increase it to 300 mg as the season progresses. If you have major depression and anxiety, you might start with 150 mg and then be prescribed higher doses if your condition doesn’t seem to improve.

Side effects of Wellbutrin

Like any drug, bupropion has the potential to cause unintended effects. More than 10 percent of Wellbutrin users might experience side effects, such as:

• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Headache
• Restlessness
• Sweating
• Agitation
• Insomnia
• Tremors
• Dizziness
• High blood pressure

Again, some of these side effects overlap with anxiety symptoms. For instance, if you feel restless and shaky, you might assume you’re experiencing anxiousness.

Bupropion can also potentially lower your seizure threshold, meaning it increases your risk of having seizures.

Who should avoid Wellbutrin or bupropion?

If you have any of the following conditions, your doctor might advise you to avoid bupropion. Together, you can weigh the risks and benefits of the medication and, if necessary, consider alternatives.

History of seizures. Wellbutrin can increase your risk of seizures, so if you have a history of seizures or issues like a head injury or a brain tumor, your doctor will likely suggest other options.

Eating disorders. Eating disorders, such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa, put you at risk of seizures. So, a doctor might not prescribe you Wellbutrin, which only further increases that risk.

Severe anxiety. Some potential side effects of Wellburtion include jitteriness and agitation. You might need to work with your doctor to monitor your anxiety symptoms and ensure they’re not becoming more common or severe.

Insomnia. If you have a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep at night, this medication could make your sleep issues worse. For instance, you might find yourself feeling increasingly restless as you lie in bed.

High blood pressure. Wellbutrin can potentially raise blood pressure. If you already have hypertension or another heart-related issue, your doctor will take that into consideration before prescribing you this medication.

Liver disease or kidney issues. If you have issues with your liver or kidneys, your body may have a harder time processing the medication. Your doctor might prescribe you a lower dose of bupropion.

Pregnancy. Doctors want to ensure they don’t prescribe any medication that causes complications in pregnancy. Safety data for bupropion might currently be too limited for a doctor to feel comfortable with prescribing it to pregnant women.

Wellbutrin for anxiety alternatives

Wellbutrin isn’t for everyone, and perhaps it won’t play a role in your mental health journey. Fortunately, if you’re trying to manage anxiety, plenty of other alternatives exist. As mentioned, Wellbutrin may not even be one of the first medications that your doctor suggests. Here are other, more likely possibilities.

SSRIs. SSRIs include drugs such as Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine), and Lexapro (escitalopram). These drugs increase serotonin, a “feel-good” chemical in the brain, leading to reduced anxiety and mood stabilization.

SNRIs. Unlike SSRIs, SNRIs affect two types of chemicals in your brain: serotonin and norepinephrine. They may cause more side effects than SSRIs, such as insomnia and nausea, but they might also be more effective for certain people. Common SNRIs include Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Effexor (venlafaxine).

BuSpar (buspirone). Buspirone is another drug that relieves anxiety by affecting serotonin levels. It is mostly used to treat generalized anxiety disorder.

Benzodiazepines. Medications such as Xanax (alprazolam) and Valium (diazepam) act as tranquilizers, quickly calming down your nervous system. Unlike the other mentioned drugs, they’re typically not intended for long-term anxiety management.

These aren’t the only options. Depending on your specific needs, a doctor might prescribe other types of drugs, such as beta-blockers or hydroxyzine.

Lifestyle changes and therapy

Although medication might be part of a broader treatment plan, lifestyle changes can help you cope with anxiety. For instance, learning your triggers, exercising, and practicing breathing techniques are all small steps you can take to improve your emotional well-being.

You can also rely on a therapist to help manage your anxiety. An effective therapist might offer mindfulness tools or provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), common paths to improved mental health. We researched and tested the best online therapy services to help you find the right one.

Last updated or reviewed on November 5, 2025