Bupropion for Anxiety: How It Works and What the Evidence Shows

When people talk about bupropion, a non-SSRI antidepressant that affects dopamine and norepinephrine. Also known as Wellbutrin, it's often prescribed when other antidepressants cause weight gain, low sex drive, or emotional numbness. Unlike SSRIs, which mostly target serotonin, bupropion works on two other brain chemicals—dopamine and norepinephrine—which is why it’s sometimes chosen for anxiety that comes with low energy, fatigue, or lack of motivation.

It’s not FDA-approved specifically for anxiety, but it’s commonly used off-label for generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and panic disorder—especially when the person also has depression. A 2022 study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that patients with major depression and anxiety symptoms had better results with bupropion than with some SSRIs when it came to energy levels and sexual function. That’s why many doctors use it as an add-on for people on SSRIs who still feel anxious but can’t handle the sexual side effects. In fact, SSRI sexual dysfunction, a common side effect affecting up to 70% of users is one of the top reasons people switch to or add bupropion.

Some people try bupropion because they’ve had bad reactions to other meds—like weight gain from paroxetine or nausea from sertraline. Others use it because they feel more alert and focused, which helps with anxiety tied to procrastination or avoidance. But it’s not a magic fix. If your anxiety is mostly about racing thoughts, panic attacks, or intense worry, benzodiazepines or SNRIs might work better. Bupropion shines when anxiety is paired with low mood, sluggishness, or loss of interest.

It’s also worth noting that bupropion can sometimes make anxiety worse at first, especially in the first few weeks. That’s why doctors usually start low and go slow. People with a history of seizures, eating disorders, or bipolar disorder need to be extra careful—bupropion isn’t safe for everyone.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real-world insights from people who’ve used bupropion for anxiety, either alone or with other meds. You’ll see how it compares to SSRIs, how it helps with sexual side effects, and what to watch for when starting or switching. There’s also info on how to monitor your response, when to call your doctor, and what alternatives exist if bupropion doesn’t click. This isn’t about theory—it’s about what actually works for people trying to feel better without losing themselves in the process.