*An off-label use of a medication is a use that is not FDA-approved. Prescribers can decide to use a medication off-label because, in their professional judgment, they believe it may offer a benefit to someone.
Unlike most antidepressants, Wellbutrin is not known for sexual side effects. For some people, it may have a positive effect on sexual functioning. For those experiencing sexual side effects from antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a change to Wellbutrin may be beneficial.
If you are considering Wellbutrin or want to discuss your current medication treatment with a provider, online psychiatry platforms, such as Talkiatry and Brightside Health are a good place to start. Their providers offer assessments and prescription consultation, and can answer any questions you have about Wellbutrin sexual side effects.
Boxed Warning: Bupropion (Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XR) – Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people
Bupropion, the active ingredient in Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XR, has a black box warning. These are the most serious types of warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Bupropion can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults. Regardless of your age, you should talk with your doctor about serious risks with bupropion and any other medications before starting treatment.
Key Takeaways
Wellbutrin is not typically associated with a risk for sexual side effects and may have a positive effect on sexual functioning for some people.
If you experience sexual side effects from taking other antidepressants, your healthcare provider may recommend switching to Wellbutrin as a treatment option.
If you are considering Wellbutrin or an alternative, a good place to start is with an evaluation from a medical provider. Many online psychiatry platforms offer online assessments and medication management, such as Talkiatry, or Circle Medical.
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Does Wellbutrin Have Sexual Side Effects?
Unlike many antidepressants, Wellbutrin typically does not cause sexual side effects and may have a positive effect on sexual functioning.1 However, this positive impact may not be immediate and may vary from person to person. The effects can persist as long as the person continues to take bupropion but may fluctuate or fade over time as well.
Positive effects of Wellbutrin on sexual functioning may include:*
- Increased libido
- Increased sexual arousal
- Improved orgasms2
While these effects on sexual functioning are often seen as desirable, not everyone may feel comfortable with these changes. Heightened sexual interest or arousal may be distracting for some, even distressing in some cases. If the sexual side effects of Wellbutrin seem disruptive to your daily life, talk to your doctor about your treatment options.
*All medications, including Wellbutrin (bupropion), can cause side effects that can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive discussion of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.
Wellbutrin Sexual Side Effects in Males
Male patients taking Wellbutrin may experience increased sex drive, also known as libido. One study showed that the relationship between bupropion and testosterone may lead to increased higher levels of hormones and increased arousal.3
Wellbutrin Sexual Side Effects in Females
Wellbutrin raises dopamine levels in the body, and for women, this may lead to an increased libido.4 Due to hormonal changes, some postmenopausal women experience lower sex drive.
Some postmenopausal women taking Wellbutrin may notice increased sex drive while taking the medication. Although during an active episode of depression with increased symptoms, sex drive may decline again.
What Causes Wellbutrin’s Potentially Positive Effect on Sexual Functioning?
Wellbutrin’s positive effect on sexual functioning may be attributed to its specific pharmacological properties. Wellbutrin works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine, which are the chemicals that positively influence the brain’s pleasure centers. According to research, the medication has often been associated with increased libido resulting in satisfying sex.5
While research provides insights into the positive impact of Wellbutrin on sexual functioning, it is important to consider individual variations. Talk to your healthcare professional for personalized advice and management of any sexual side effects you may experience.
Can You Take Wellbutrin to Treat Sexual Dysfunction from Antidepressants?
Yes, it may be possible. Some research shows that Wellbutrin may improve some symptoms of sexual dysfunction caused by taking SSRI antidepressants long-term that have caused SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction in men and women.6, 7 However, taking two antidepressants together can cause added risks. Your provider can determine whether this approach may benefit you.
How Soon Will I Start Feeling the Sexual Effects of Wellbutrin?
Sexual side effects may develop soon after starting Wellbutrin. These effects may fade after the first several weeks, but some may experience these effects for as long as they take Wellbutrin.
How Long Do Sexual Effects of Wellbutrin Last?
Some people may experience sexual side effects from Wellbutrin during the first few weeks of their treatment or when changing doses. The duration of these effects may vary depending on several factors, such as the dose, duration, and individual sensitivity of the person taking it.
What If Sexual Effects of Wellbutrin Persist?
If these effects continue and they are impacting your overall quality of life, speak with your doctor. They may help you consider a change in dosage, timing of dosage, medication, or possibly adding another medication.
What Antidepressant Medications Have the Fewest Sexual Side Effects?
Wellbutrin is one of the antidepressant medications with the fewest reported sexual side effects. However, if you find it intolerable, you may discuss switching to a different medication with your prescriber.
Before recommending a different antidepressant medication, your provider will account for many factors, including your condition, health history, and the specific sexual side effects you’re experiencing. They will also recommend a plan for transitioning from one medication to another. This can help you avoid uncomfortable symptoms that may occur when stopping your medication.
Antidepressant medications with the least reported sexual side effects include:
- Mirtazapine (Remeron): Mirtazapine (Remeron) is an atypical antidepressant that may enhance the effects of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. Side effects may include drowsiness, weight gain, and increased appetite.
- Vilazodone (Viibryd): Vilazodone (Viibryd) is an atypical antidepressant that works by impacting how serotonin affects the brain. Side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, and headache.
- Vortioxetine (Trintellix): Trintellex is a serotonin modulator and stimulator (SMS) that works by affecting various serotonin receptors in the brain. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, and abnormal bleeding.
*These medications have a black box warning, the most serious kind of warning from the FDA for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. You should talk with your doctor about these risks before starting this medication.
When Should I Call My Doctor About Wellbutrin Sexual Side Effects?
Side effects are one of the most common reasons people choose to stop taking medication. While some effects can be managed and may fade away, some do not go away unless a person stops taking the medication. Side effects can occur even if you are taking your medication correctly.
Contact your provider as soon as possible if side effects persist or become hard to tolerate so you can consider other treatment options.
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When to Seek an Alternative to Wellbutrin Due to Side Effects
Initial side effects of Wellbutrin typically subside after a few weeks. Sexual side effects are not typically reported when taking Wellbutrin. However, some may find changes in libido or sexual arousal associated with Wellbutrin to be disruptive.
If after some time you are looking to change your medication due to continued side effects, work with a doctor to find an alternative. There are many Wellbutrin alternatives available. All classes of antidepressants can help reduce depression symptoms, though potential risks and benefits can vary.
SSRIs and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are usually the first antidepressants considered as Wellbutrin alternatives because of their safety and effectiveness. Atypical antidepressants, such as Remeron, Viibryd, and Trintellix, work differently to improve symptoms and don’t fit into a formal category.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are older medications with more side effects. However, they may be helpful for those who need to avoid or can’t tolerate other types of antidepressants.
How to Get a Prescription for Wellbutrin or an Alternative
If you are looking to start Wellbutrin, or are considering an alternative due to side effects, start by speaking with a prescriber. To get a prescription for a Wellbutrin alternative in person, start with an evaluation for your symptoms. Your primary care provider, who may be a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, can help you get the process started. They may make a referral to a psychiatrist or specialist to determine if prescription Wellbutrin alternatives should be included in your treatment plan.
To get an online prescription for Wellbutrin or an alternative, you will also start by getting evaluated by an online psychiatric provider. We have thoroughly reviewed platforms like Talkiatry or Circle Medical that prescribe non-controlled substances such as antidepressants and some antidepressant medications.
Questions to Ask Your Provider
Your prescriber will share important information about your Wellbutrin prescription. They will explain how to take and store your medication, what to avoid when taking it, and what to do if the sexual effects of Wellbutrin are disruptive for you. Follow these tips for safe and effective use of Wellbutrin.
Questions to ask your care team about the sexual side effects of Wellbutrin include:
- Why does Wellbutrin help sexual functioning for some people?
- If Wellbutrin doesn’t usually cause sexual side effects, could it still happen to me?
- Is there any relationship between Wellbutrin and erectile dysfunction?
- After how long after starting Wellbutrin can sexual effects start?
- What is the best dosage to get fewer sexual side effects?
- When should I contact you if I am experiencing sexual side effects?
- How could Wellbutrin affect my libido?
- What other side effects should I look out for once I start my Wellbutrin dose?
Prescriber’s Tips
Your prescriber will share important information about your Wellbutrin prescription. They will explain how to take and store your medication, what to avoid when taking it, and what to do about sexual side effects. Follow these tips for safe and effective use of Wellbutrin.
- Take your medication as prescribed, do not change your dose or stop taking it unless your prescriber tells you to. Keeping a consistent dosing schedule reduces the chance of unwanted side effects, including sexual side effects.
- Limit alcohol while taking Wellbutrin and eat a balanced diet to minimize sexual dysfunction and ensure your body can experience and enjoy sex. This is because drinking alcohol can make it hard for your brain to send and receive signals to feel different parts of your body during sex. It can also make it harder for men and women to reach orgasm when having sex. Your healthcare provider can help to determine what is a safe amount of alcohol for you to drink and the best-balanced diet for you.
- Take your medication at the same time each day. Doing so can help you remember to take it, making it as effective as possible. Your healthcare provider can help determine the optimal timing based on your sleep patterns and initial medication response.
- Some antidepressant medications can cause drowsiness and may affect your decision making. Talk to your doctor about how taking one of these medications may affect your ability to drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities safely.
- Tell your prescriber about all medications and supplements you take, including over-the-counter treatments. Many over-the-counter medications and supplements can interact with prescription medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Wellbutrin & How Is It Used?
Wellbutrin is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of depression and seasonal affective disorder in adults.8 It is an antidepressant that works by affecting the activity of two brain chemicals, norepinephrine and dopamine, allowing them to stay active in the brain for longer.
Does Wellbutrin Affect Sex Drive?
Yes, Wellbutrin can increase sex drive in both men and women.
Does Wellbutrin Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
No, Wellbutrin is not known to cause erectile dysfunction.
Can Wellbutrin Help With Sexual Dysfunction Caused by Antidepressants?
Yes, Wellbutrin is known to have positive effects on sexual functioning. The medication may be used to help with certain symptoms of sexual dysfunction caused by taking antidepressants.
Which Antidepressant Medications Cause the Fewest Sexual Side Effects?
Antidepressants with the fewest reported sexual side effects include mirtazapine (Remeron), vilazodone (Viibryd), and vortioxetine (Trintellix).
Which Antidepressant Medications Cause the Most Sexual Side Effects?
Antidepressants that increase serotonin levels include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are first-line treatments for depression. They also tend to cause more sexual side effects than other medications for depression.9
Should I Stop Taking Wellbutrin If I Experience Sexual Side Effects?
Do not stop taking Wellbutrin unless you have been advised to do so by your provider. If you are experiencing sexual side effects from Wellbutrin, your provider will tell you how to manage these effects or stop taking your medication safely, if needed.
Do Sexual Side Effects From Wellbutrin Go Away on Their Own?
Many initial side effects from medications go away on their own. But if some effects persist, speak to your prescriber so they can adjust your treatment plan.
Is Wellbutrin Similar to Viagra?
No. Wellbutrin can be used to reduce sexual side effects caused by SSRIs, but it works differently than Viagra.
ChoosingTherapy.com strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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CDC/National Center for Health Statistics (2021). Mental Health. Data are for the U.S. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/mental-health.htm
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Yasin, W., Ahmed, S. I., & Gouthro, R. V. (2019). Does Bupropion Impact More than Mood? A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Cureus, 11(3), e4277. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.4277
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Yee, A., Loh, H. S., Ong, T. A., Ng, C. G., & Sulaiman, A. H. (2018). Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Bupropion as Treatment for Methadone-Emergent Sexual Dysfunction in Men. American journal of men’s health, 12(5), 1705–1718. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988318784152
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Crenshaw TL, Goldberg JP, Stern WC. Pharmacologic modification of psychosexual dysfunction. J Sex Marital Ther. 1987 Winter;13(4):239-52. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3121861/
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Sayuk GS, Gott BM, Nix BD, Lustman PJ. Improvement in sexual functioning in patients with type 2 diabetes and depression treated with bupropion. Diabetes Care. 2011;34(2):332-334. Retrieved from doi:10.2337/dc10-1714
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Rizvi, S. J., & Kennedy, S. H. (2013). Management strategies for SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. Journal of psychiatry & neuroscience : JPN, 38(5), E27–E28. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1503/jpn.130076
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Razali, N. A., Sidi, H., Choy, C. L., Roos, N. A. C., Baharudin, A., & Das, S. (2022). The Role of Bupropion in the Treatment of Women with Sexual Desire Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Current neuropharmacology, 20(10), 1941–1955. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9886814/#
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Wellbutrin XL- bupropion hydrochloride tablet, extended release. (March 1, 2024). DailyMed.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
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Smucny, J., & Park, M. S. (2004). Which antidepressant is best to avoid sexual dysfunction?. American family physician, 69(10), 2419–2420. Retrieved from https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2004/0515/p2419.html#
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Condensed “What is Wellbutrin & How Is It Used?” and moved to FAQs. Added sections “How Soon Will I Start Feeling the Sexual Effects of Wellbutrin?”, How Long Do Sexual Side Effects of Wellbutrin Last?”, “What If Sexual Side Effects of Wellbutrin Persist?”Added new sections “When Should I Call My Doctor About Wellbutrin Sexual Side Effects?” “When to Seek an Alternative to Wellbutrin Due to Side Effects”, “How to Get a Prescription for Wellbutrin or an Alternative”. Retitled sections “Questions to Ask Your Health Team” to “Questions to Ask Your Provider”. Retitled and expanded “In My Experience” section to “Prescriber’s Tips”. Removed “For Further Reading”, Added FAQs.
Author: Diana Rangaves, PharmD, RPh
Reviewer: Heidi Moawad, MD
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