May 16th, 2025
When you think of anxiety medications, Wellbutrin probably isn’t the first name that pops into your head—and that’s exactly why we’re talking about it! When it comes to treating anxiety, most people think of medications like SSRIs or benzodiazepines, but Wellbutrin (bupropion) is starting to get attention for its unique approach.
Originally developed as an antidepressant, Wellbutrin is known for boosting mood and energy in people with depression. However, Wellbutrin (aka bupropion) is starting to make waves as a surprising option for certain types of anxiety, too.
It’s not your typical anti-anxiety medication—there’s no serotonin reuptake here. Instead, Wellbutrin works on dopamine and norepinephrine, making it a bit of a wildcard in the mental health world. But for some, that’s exactly what makes it effective.
Are you curious about possibly taking Wellbutrin for anxiety and wondering “is Wellbutrin good for anxiety?”. Let’s dive into what Wellbutrin is, how it works, and whether it might be the right fit for your mental health journey.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never ignore or delay seeking professional help due to information found here.
Wellbutrin is the brand name for bupropion, a prescription medication primarily used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Unlike many other antidepressants, Wellbutrin is not an SSRI.
It’s classified as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). This means it works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine—two important neurotransmitters that play a key role in regulating mood, energy, and focus.
Wellbutrin is an oral medication available in both immediate-release and extended-release tablet forms. You might also recognize it by other brand names like Aplenzin or Forfivo XL, which are different formulations of bupropion.
Wellbutrin is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It is also commonly prescribed to help people quit smoking under the brand name Zyban.
Wellbutrin has been established as an effective antidepressant demonstrating an impressive ability to reduce anxiety levels. While it’s not officially approved for anxiety disorders, some individuals with co-occurring depression and anxiety may benefit from taking Wellbutrin—especially if their symptoms include low energy or fatigue.
Because Wellbutrin works differently than traditional anxiety medications, it may be a helpful alternative for certain patients. However, it can also increase anxiety in some individuals, so it’s important to talk with a psychiatrist or a PA in psychiatry before starting treatment.
One thing to note about Wellbutrin is that it does not cause certain side effects that are common to most antidepressants such as weight gain and sexual side effects.
More recent clinical data has found that bupropion (Wellbutrin) is an appropriate treatment option for depressed patients with comorbid anxiety (someone who has both depression and anxiety). This is because bupropion has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of depression-related anxiety.
While this sounds promising, more research on Wellbutrin for anxiety disorders is needed to fully understand its maximum anxiety-reducing potential.
It’s a fair question—and a common source of confusion. If Wellbutrin is sometimes used to treat anxiety, why do people say it can actually make anxiety worse or cause anxiety?
The truth is, Wellbutrin can cause anxiety in some people, especially when first starting the medication or adjusting the dose. But this isn’t unique to Wellbutrin—nearly all antidepressants have the potential to temporarily increase anxiety, particularly in the early stages of treatment.
That said, Wellbutrin can also be a highly effective anxiety treatment option for some individuals. Everyone reacts differently, which is why working closely with a mental health provider is key to finding the right fit.
Something unique about Wellbutrin is that it is not known to cause weight gain or sexual side effects like most antidepressants which is great news! However, like every medication, Wellbutrin comes with some potential side effects. Let’s cover what those are below:
In rare cases it can cause:
Mixing Wellbutrin (bupropion) with alcohol can be risky, and it’s important to understand how this combination may affect your health. While all antidepressants carry some risks when combined with alcohol, Wellbutrin is unique—it works differently than SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants and interacts with alcohol in a different way.
Wellbutrin can decrease overall tolerance to alcohol and increases the risk of blacking out. Meaning, if someone is typically intoxicated after 3-4 drinks they may experience the same effects after only 1-2 drinks and they have an increased risk of disruption to memory/poor recollection of events while they were drinking.
One of the most serious concerns is the increased risk of seizures. Drinking alcohol while taking Wellbutrin—especially in large amounts can significantly increase your risk of having a seizure. On the other hand, if you’re a heavy drinker and suddenly stop drinking while on Wellbutrin, that can also cause serious problems, including seizures.
To summarize, it’s safest to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Wellbutrin. However, if you are a heavy drinker, then suddenly stop drinking alcohol while on this medication, that can also be risky. In some cases, your doctor may say that having an occasional drink is okay—but this depends on your personal health history and drinking habits. This decision should always be made with your doctor or qualified mental health care provider.
Be open with your healthcare provider about your alcohol use. Make sure to share:
Alcohol can diminish the effectiveness of Wellbutrin, potentially worsening symptoms of depression or triggering mood swings, irritability, and even suicidal thoughts. Being upfront with your doctor or provider helps them create the safest, most effective treatment plan for you.
Struggling with anxiety and not sure where to turn? At Clarity Clinic, our expert psychiatrists and PAs in Chicago specialize in personalized anxiety treatment that works. We offer both in-person and online psychiatry options to meet you where you are.
For individuals experiencing more severe anxiety, we also provide comprehensive PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) and IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) services for both teens and adults—designed to offer a higher level of care and support.
Take the first step toward feeling better—schedule your appointment today at one of mental health clinics and discover the difference compassionate, evidence-based mental health care can make.
Book an AppointmentNot sure if what you are struggling with is anxiety? Take our free anxiety test to gain more insight on your symptoms. Our GAD 7 test is quick and easy to take! Click on the link below to get started.
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Is Wellbutrin an SSRI?
No, Wellbutrin is not an SSRI; it’s an NDRI (norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor).
Does Wellbutrin help with anxiety?
While Wellbutrin is not typically used to treat anxiety, some individuals have seen positive results in reducing the symptoms of depression-related anxiety. Please consult with your healthcare provider to learn if Wellbutrin is a viable option for your mental health journey.
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