Wellbutrin (Bupropion) Sexual Side Effects
The antidepressant known as bupropion (Wellbutrin) may not be the best option for everyone, but for people experiencing sexual side effects from another antidepressant medication, it can be a true blessing.
Some of the most popular antidepressants today can cause negative sexual side effects, like decreased libido, reduced arousal, difficulty orgasming, and erectile dysfunction (ED)—but bupropion isn't one of them.
On the contrary, some research shows it could increase libido.
Below, we’ll explain how Wellbutrin works, whether it can treat sexual dysfunction, and what other Wellbutrin sexual side effects you may need to consider.
We’ll also touch on alternatives for treating low libido and erectile dysfunction so you can get back on top of your game, regardless of what’s keeping you down.
Wellbutrin 101
Does Wellbutrin make you last longer in bed? Does Wellbutrin impact sex drive positively? To answer these questions, let’s first review a little bit of background information.
Bupropion is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for depression, seasonal affective disorder, and smoking cessation. This medication is also frequently used to treat ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), obesity, and sexual dysfunction disorder.
Wellbutrin was approved by the FDA in 1985 for the treatment of depression. It does this by targeting receptors for the neurotransmitters in the brain.
These medications are called norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). NDRIs like Wellbutrin prevent your neurons from reabsorbing norepinephrine and dopamine. As a result, more of these neurotransmitters remain active in the space where neurons communicate with one another.
Get effective, affordable ED treatment... from your home!
Can Wellbutrin Treat Sexual Dysfunction?
In addition to its other uses, bupropion can help with low sexual desire and erectile dysfunction in people experiencing them as side effects of other antidepressant treatments.
Usually, SSRIs are the culprits in these cases.
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are the most frequently and safely prescribed medications for depression and anxiety disorders. You may know names like Prozac®, citalopram, sertraline, and fluoxetine as common mental health medications.
Some adverse effects of SSRIs include things like diminished sex drive and negative impacts on sexual performance.
Bupropion, on the other hand, is one of the few antidepressants that don’t cause these common side effects, and some research shows it can have the opposite effect — increasing your libido.
So, while Wellbutrin erectile dysfunction treatment isn’t an FDA-approved usage, in this off-label capacity, bupropion can work as a remedy for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction, specifically SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction.
Wellbutrin Sex Drive Increase
Bupropion sexual side effects may, in other words, be beneficial for things like sex drive.
The Wellbutrin libido relationship hasn’t been deeply studied, but some limited research shows the side effects of bupropion may include increased libido.
In some research, while taking Wellbutrin, some men observed beneficial sexual effects.
For instance, a small double-blind study found that, compared to a placebo, bupropion increased self-reported feelings of desire and frequency of sexual activity in men with SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction.
Will a Wellbutrin sex drive be insatiable? Probably not. Still, research indicates that sex drive could be substantially improved with Wellbutrin.
What Causes Wellbutrin’s Positive Effect on Sexual Functioning?
SSRIs work by boosting serotonin levels in your brain and body, which can influence key hormones in sexual health like testosterone and dopamine.
However, Wellbutrin functions by elevating dopamine and norepinephrine, which are chemicals linked to your brain's reward and pleasure pathways.
The positive effects of Wellbutrin on libido may help encourage more fulfilling sexual experiences, which in turn may help alleviate stress and restore healthier sexual function.
Other Wellbutrin Sexual Side Effects in Men
Wellbutrin isn’t without its own side effects. Compared to a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, some of its side effects might be considered more significant.
Premature Ejaculation and Spontaneous Ejaculation
Scientists aren’t really sure how or why this happens, but there are reports of spontaneous ejaculation and shortened time to ejaculation (aka premature ejaculation or PE) in men who use bupropion.
Digestive Issues That Can Kill The Mood
The digestive side effects of bupropion are significant.
They can include constipation, weight loss, dry mouth, nausea, headache, loss of appetite, stomach pain, vomiting, uncontrollable shaking in your extremities, and frequent urination. This medication can even affect your sense of taste. There’s also the potential for ringing in the ears and a sore throat.
We don’t know about you, but when we’re experiencing any of these issues, the only thing we’re in the mood for in the bedroom is sleep.
Serious Side Effects
In addition to Bupropion’s sexual side effects, it’s possible to experience other serious side effects when taking bupropion.
Some of these may include:
Irrational fears
Seizures
Hallucinations
Muscle and joint pain
Confusion
Rapid heartbeat
Seek medical attention ASAP if you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms while on the medication.
Also, contact a healthcare professional if you have trouble swallowing, a fever, rash, blisters, swelling, hives, or priapism (a painful erection lasting more than four hours) when taking bupropion.
Check our guide to Wellbutrin side effects for more insight.
Viagra Connect® makes it possible... from your home!
Alternatives to Wellbutrin for Sexual Dysfunction
Drug-induced sexual dysfunction can come in several forms. But for many men, the reality of taking antidepressants is that sexual activity often takes a hit due to things like erectile dysfunction or low libido.
Bupropion may help, but treatment for these issues might call for more than a new medication — and it might involve extra work on your part. And that’s okay.
The most effective ED treatments are therapy for psychological ED, prescription medication and lifestyle changes. Here’s what to know.
Therapy
While SSRIs may be the culprit in your case, the psychological causes of ED can be significant. This may include performance anxiety, confidence issues, and other self-esteem problems that make intimacy difficult.
Previous sexual traumas might also play a part. As such, talking to a therapist about ongoing ED issues is crucial, whether these issues are medication-induced or not.
Prescription Medication
Medication-induced ED is one instance in which you can fight fire with fire.
Prescription medications like Cialis® (tadalafil) and Viagra® (sildenafil) can help increase blood flow to the penis. They do this by acting on an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), keeping you hard for longer.
Medications for ED include:
Sildenafil (generic for Viagra)
Tadalafil (generic for Cialis)
Avanafil (sold as Stendra)
Interested in alternative delivery methods for PDE5 inhibitors? Check out our chewable ED meds hard mints.
Lifestyle Changes
This might be obvious in this day and age, but your overall health plays a role in your erectile health.
If you’re having ED issues, a healthcare professional may suggest lifestyle changes, like reducing smoking and drinking, avoiding recreational drugs, eating a better diet, improving your exercise habits, and even getting a better night’s rest.
ED treatments, delivered
Personalised Recommendations
Get personalised recommendations, custom-made to fit your needs, based on an online evaluation by a licensed medical provider. Packaged in a discreet portable tin.
Traditional Pill
SildenafilGeneric equivalent to Viagra®
From £2.36/use
The most commonly prescribed ED treatment, contains the same active ingredient as Viagra® but is 80% more affordable than the brand name.
Traditional Pill
As-Needed TadalafilGeneric Cialis®
From £2.36/use
The unbranded, more affordable generic form of Cialis® taken as needed. It is clinically proven to help men get and keep harder erections for up to 36 hours.
Traditional Pill
Viagra Connect®
From £5.83/use
The over-the-counter branded version of sildenafil. Viagra Connect® improves blood flow to the penis, helping you achieve and maintain strong and satisfying erections.
Traditional Pill
Daily TadalafilDaily Generic Cialis®
From £21/month
A clinically proven treatment for erectile dysfunction that helps men achieve and maintain erections more easily. It gives you the freedom to enjoy spontaneous sex without needing to plan ahead.
Important safety information for Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Tadalafil Daily or Viagra Connect.
Wellbutrin for Sexual Dysfunction: Next Steps
Wellbutrin isn’t an automatic libido enhancer, and there’s no guarantee you’ll have better erections or an improved sex drive if you switch to it from another antidepressant.
But you should absolutely talk to a healthcare professional about it, and other potential treatments if you’re experiencing unwanted sexual side effects with your antidepressant:
If you’re on antidepressant medication and are experiencing bothersome sexual dysfunction, it’s time to talk to a healthcare provider.
We know navigating medications can be confusing, but skip the gas station pills and weird herbal supplements and just talk to your healthcare provider. Getting the right support, advice, and medications will be a life-changer.
Erectile dysfunction treatments might be better suited for your needs, or they may work alongside Wellbutrin.
If you have other sexual health issues, we can help you find what you need. Our online psychiatry platform is a great place to look. We can also help you explore premature ejaculation treatment if you want to last a little longer.
Whether you’re switching off an SSRI or not, get medical advice from your clinician today. It’ll lift your spirits — among other things.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment or medication.