Unlike many antidepressants, Wellbutrin is not known for sexual side effects such as low sex drive or difficulties with orgasm. For some people, Wellbutrin may have a positive impact on sexual functioning by increasing libido.
What Is Wellbutrin (Bupropion) & How Is it Used?
Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an FDA-approved medication for treating mood disorders. Although symptoms such as low sex drive and erectile dysfunction may be caused by depression, antidepressants also cause some sexual side effects. What makes bupropion unique is that, over the years of usage for treating depression, it has not been associated with any sexual side effects in the body 1.
The drug belongs to the class of drugs called norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). They work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine, which are the chemicals that positively influence the brain’s pleasure centers 2. When you suffer from severe sexual side effects of the other antidepressants, the medical provider might recommend a change in medication. However, it is essential to note that a licensed healthcare provider can only do this change. The drug is also used as a medication for depression, seasonal affective disorder, and smoking cessation.
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Does Wellbutrin Have Sexual Side Effects?
Mood disorders are mainly treated using SSRIs, and most of them are associated with sexual side effects in both men and women. These side effects include delayed orgasms, delayed ejaculation, reduced sex drive, and erectile dysfunction. Studies have shown that Wellbutrin does not cause some of these side effects and, in fact, have a positive effect on the sexual health of most of these people 3.
Wellbutrin has been used to treat major depressive disorders and is widely used. The medication has proven to have a positive effect on the sexual aspect of life for people who use the medication. These impacts are often seen when the person is using the medication and depending on the current state of their mental health, the impact might fluctuate.
Positive effects of Wellbutrin on sexual functioning may include:
- Increased libido.
- Increased sexual arousal
- Improved orgasms 4
What Causes Wellbutrin’s Positive Effect on Sexual Functioning?
Most antidepressants belong to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) class of drugs known to increase serotonin levels in the brain and the body. The increase affects testosterone and dopamine, the main hormones for sex. 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 improved libido resulting in satisfying sex 5. The ripple effect of this is that good sex may help relieve stress and also restores normal sexual functioning.
Can You Take Wellbutrin to Treat Sexual Dysfunction from Antidepressants?
Wellbutrin is used as an antidepressant, although it has not been officially approved for treatment for sexual dysfunction that is not related to depression treatment. For people who are treated for depression, according to a study, the introduction of bupropion increases sex drive in men. Wellbutrin has a relationship with testosterone, leading to higher sex hormones and arousal 6. A qualified medical provider can change antidepressant medication and introduce bupropion to reduce the side effects of SSRI drugs.
Bupropion raises the dopamine level in the body, and for women, too, this may lead to an increased libido. 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 7.
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Questions to Ask Your Health Team About Wellbutrin Sexual Side Effects
Wellbutrin seems like the better option for antidepressants due to its positive effect on sexual health. However, the licensed medical provider may prescribe a medication they feel best suits you at the time. Understanding the medication and how it works may help you know how to manage with the side effects. This will also help you understand the dosage which should only be adjusted by a licensed medical provider.
Once you know how the medication works, it may be easier to know when to contact your medical provider in case you experience any other symptoms. If anything, unusual happens always seek immediate medical care by calling your doctor’s emergency hotline or 911.
Questions to ask your care team about the sexual side effects of Wellbutrin include:
- How will I know if my Wellbutrin dosage is too low?
- How long will it take for me to adjust to taking Wellbutrin?
- Am I at risk for more severe symptoms if I am already taking other anxiety /depression medications?
- Is Wellbutrin a treatment for sexual dysfunction?
- Does Wellbutrin cause erectile dysfunction?
- What is the relationship between Wellbutrin and sex?
- What is the best dosage for fewer side effects?
- When should I reach out to you if I am experiencing sexual side effects?
- Is there anything I should tell my therapist about this new medication?
- What should I avoid while taking bupropion?
- Does Wellbutrin increase sex drive?
- Can Wellbutrin cause erectile dysfunction?
In My Experience
In my experience, bupropion is an effective option for treating mental health disorders in comparison to other types of antidepressants. This is because of the negative sexual side effects that are associated with these medications. Bupropion has the potential to counter sexual dysfunction. Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor about this topic and follow their guidance.
For any changes in the dosage of medication, switching of antidepressants, or stopping the medication, you should talk to a qualified medical provider. Improvements in sexual health are seen after a few months of taking the medication. Therefore, you will require monitoring by the doctor to determine if your body is responding well to the medication. As bupropion is seen to have fewer side effects, talking to a medical provider helps in reducing the risks of addiction and abuse.
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