Bupropion and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Swi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 31, 2017

For Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced "I have been on anti-depressants/anxiety medications for the last year now and have been on 3-4 (Lexapro, Celexa, Trintellix, and Wellbutrin) to try to find one that doesn't give me sexual side effects. Lexapro made me feel the best but has the worst sexual side effects. Wellbutrin was my last hope, and sadly, it hasn't worked for me at all!! I see so many posts on here that say it is magical, which is great for many of you but so hard to believe. I still want to have sex but can't reach an orgasm the conventional way. I have lost all sexual sensation, and that is so depressing because I never had issues in the past. Like another person remarked, I would rather deal with my anxiety than deal with these side effects!"

• hac...
• September 13, 2017

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "In the last 6 years, I have taken a few meds for my depression. Started with Lexapro, which helped but caused very quick weight gain. Switched to Cymbalta, which caused a rash. Switched quickly to Prozac, which caused horrible dreams and sexual issues! Was then put on Wellbutrin by a psych NPR because of my issues with weight gain and sexual side effects. The drug was a miracle for me! Lost 45 lbs in 2 years after starting it, and sexual side effects disappeared! Started out on 150 mg a day but upped to 300 mg a day when I had a depressive episode! Since upping the dose, I have had no issues other than unusual dreams, but can live with that! Nothing's perfect!"

• all...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 29, 2016

For Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced "36, female. I have been on Lexapro 10 mg since late March '16. I'm very active... running, hiking, yoga, and still managed to put on 10 lbs in 6 months, and the sexual side effects suck! Pdoc added Wellbutrin XL 150 mg/day to try to help with SSRI-induced SE. I have been on the WB for 2 days now, and I could not believe that it already brought back much of my libido, as well as sensation and faster orgasm. I hope this keeps up-if so, the WB/SSRI combo may save us all! Good luck! UPDATE (3 mo use): Wellbutrin XL is still doing wonders for my depression. It still helps with sexual side effects from the Lexapro, but not as much as the first week mentioned above. Def helping but not eliminating. I'll still take it though b/c I def need some serotonin too."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 20, 2024

Bupropion "Hugely satisfied. I tried this medication based on reviews from this page and absolutely agree with those who have found it transformational. I’ve suffered anxiety and addictive tendencies all my life, am a recovered alcoholic and drug addict through Alcoholics Anonymous with 18 years sobriety, but continued to struggle with binge eating and anxiety which has increased in recent years, and associated weight gain in line with perimenopause. My libido also crashed a decade ago following birth of my first child and never bounced back. I’ve been on HRT for nearly a year and that’s really helped, but had been suffering increasing panic attacks and general sense of doom linked with rogue undermining thoughts. I’ve been avoiding SSRIs as just couldn’t have any further weight gain or sexual issues (gained weight and lost sex drive on SSRIs in the past). Did a bit of research and found this. I’m on the Zyban brand as that’s all we can get down in NZ. On 75/75 SR."

• anx...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 4, 2019

Bupropion for Depression "I've been taking Wellbutrin along with medications for OCD and ADHD for many years now. I take this to improve my mood, give me a bit of energy, and counteract some of the sexual side effects that come along with my other meds. This med makes me 'racy,' and forget certain words sometimes, but I do feel less lethargic and the feelings of hopelessness and desperation have gone away. Interestingly, I was smoking cigarettes when I began this medication, and within days, the cigarettes started tasting nasty. Found out this drug is an anti-smoking drug and can see why. So, if you smoke (and are looking to quit), this drug could help you in that area as well."

• Jan...
• April 9, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "I have had episodes of depression throughout my life. I have been on SSRI meds off and on. They never seemed to help, and side effects were horrible, tired, lack of energy, sexual side effects, increased anxiety. After my son was born, I experienced the worst depression and anxiety. After over 3 years, I finally went to seek help and refused to take SSRI meds. They first put me on Buspar for anxiety, which is a great alternative to other addictive meds. Then they added 150 mg of Wellbutrin once in the morning. The first day, I felt like I actually woke up for the first time in 3 years, had energy, but after a week, felt like it wore off too quickly. I am being upped to 300 mg XL and hoping I'll get better results. Still, best med I've ever tried!"

• HBa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 4, 2018

For Anxiety "From what I’ve been told and read, this medication is not for anxiety. You need an add-on for that. I am on Buspar for anxiety and bupropion for depression. I went off of Prozac because of weight gain and sexual dysfunction. Bupropion changed dramatically for me when Buspar was added. Sex has never been better (libido went back up). For some strange reason, it also helped the pain I had with sex occasionally from endometriosis. My anxiety is now much better. I take 15 mg of Buspar three times daily and 300 mg XL bupropion. The only issue is lack of sleep, but I was like that before."

• Pin...
• November 19, 2014

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and have also suffered the loss of my family. I had 5 major surgeries in one year and have attempted suicide several times. I've been on a variety of meds and have watched my weight balloon from 140 to 240 lbs because of these medicines. Am I better because of Wellbutrin? Maybe at first, and it is easier to move my life along. Side effects: itching that drives me nuts, no sex drive, I've only been able to drop 40 lbs, can't sleep, agitated really easily over stupid stuff, crying at the smallest thing. Yes, I still have days I don't want to get out of bed, but after a while, I finally do. No suicide thoughts right now, which is good."

• Ava...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 27, 2020

For Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced "I was on 10 mg/day of Prozac for over 10 years, and it didn’t seem to be working anymore. I got depressed recently, and the psychopharmacologist added 125 mg of Wellbutrin (alternating dose of 100 mg and 150 mg), and I’ve tapered down the Prozac to 5 mg/day. While I’m glad my energy has increased, my sex drive has actually gotten too strong, especially since the Wellbutrin has made it so I can’t orgasm. It’s extremely frustrating, and I find it embarrassing to talk about with the doctor. It’s nice to have my sex drive back after years of it being low, but horrible not to be able to orgasm. It’s making me irritable."

• noc...
• July 31, 2013

Bupropion for Depression "I started taking this medicine for depression and adult ADD-like symptoms. I did not notice any side effects at all in the beginning, very easy to start taking. However, after taking it for about two months, I noticed I was very easily aggravated and overreacted to little things like crazy! Very emotional, crying, deep emotional pain. I did not wean off, I just stopped taking it because I didn't feel like 'me.' No adverse reaction in stopping for me, although I don't recommend stopping cold turkey for others. Only a plus was reduced appetite and increased libido!"

• Bee...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 4, 2019

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I take 450 mg Wellbutrin for MDD and other meds for bipolar 2, and no other antidepressants worked for me. Some of my other meds made me tired on top of depression, making me exhausted, and this gave me the energy I needed and pulled me back up out of it. It kills my appetite, which is good because I’m guilty of stress eating. It’s known not to change your libido, but my other meds do that, so idk. But overall, this medication has been great for me."

• Big...
• June 27, 2019

Bupropion for Depression "Tried it for a couple of months after getting off of Zoloft 100 mg after 5 years (sexual side effects). Healthy 34-year-old male, and I quickly became pleased with my libido returning within a week or so. That’s where the good news stopped. Started off with being dizzy and almost disoriented extremely often. Had issues sleeping and was constantly with my head in the clouds. Nothing felt real, and I found myself doing silly stuff that was out of character for me. Losing things, stumbling thoughts, feeling faint, shortness of breath, just completely out of sorts. Stayed with it for another month just to see if the side effects would drop off. Irritability level went through the roof! Little stupid things set me off deeply! Finally, enough was enough. Been off a week now, and I feel like a human again. Luckily, I changed doctors, and she recommended me getting off of Wellbutrin XL. That being said, this was NOT the drug for me at all."

• Duc...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 16, 2018

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I've been on Wellbutrin for 5 or 6 years. The counselor gave me the choice of this or some others, which all had sexual side effects that were not acceptable to me. Taking 150 twice a day. If I forget it for a couple of days, I get very irritable, so even if I forget some of the others (for blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart problems), I try always to take the Wellbutrin. But, in the last year, I'm finding that there are few times when I'm not down in the hole. Won't be seeing the psych for another 6 months, but don't really want to talk to her anyway. My recommendation: if it helps even a little, keep taking it; it's better than going nuts."

• Anonymous
• January 25, 2012

Bupropion for Depression "I have been taking this medicine for 2 weeks now, and I feel much better. I was extremely depressed and unmotivated. I tried taking Lexapro, and the sexual side effects were severe, and the benefits were not worth the trade-off, so I stopped taking it. My psychologist recommended Wellbutrin as an alternative, and I am SO glad that I tried it. I am more focused in school, exercising, and I have an overall more positive attitude. The only problem that I have experienced is that I have a very hard time falling asleep and staying asleep at night. It is VERY annoying, but worth it to me. No sexual side effects and no weight gain."

• SIA...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 19, 2018

For Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced "My doctor switched me to bupropion 300 mg because Zoloft caused me sexual dysfunction. When I was changed to it, at first it was great, I had orgasms again, but after being on it for over a year, I have lost interest in sex. When I have sex, I couldn't have an orgasm, so needless to say, I'm no longer taking this medication."

• Fem...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 24, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "I credit Wellbutrin for my life. Started taking 150 mg Wellbutrin SR 15 years ago to combat the sleepy side effect of Prozac (taken for depression). About a year later, I dropped the Prozac (because of sexual side effects). The Wellbutrin is enough to keep me normal. Over the 14 years, I have tried 1: The no-name brand (almost a disaster - made me sleepy & more depressed - fortunately, I figured it out before getting suicidal) 2: The name brand long-acting version - again made me sleepy and more depressed. 3: Took 2 by accident once or twice - okay until it wears off, then withdrawal feeling/depressed. 4: Sometimes I take one in the afternoon (when I am unemployed and more depressed), this works pretty well provided I take it before 3 pm - or it keeps me awake."

• Har...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 31, 2023

For Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced "Please do not take this medicine. I took this because of my depression, and I took it only for a week, maybe a month at the longest, until I found out I was pregnant with my son. In that short amount of time, it caused my vagina to be dry, and I don’t like sex because it is uncomfortable and it feels like my skin is ripping apart, and I can't orgasm anymore. It has been like 5 years since I took it, and I still have these problems, and I don’t think there is a way to fix it. I hate myself for this. I cry all the time."

• hop...
• May 23, 2010

Bupropion for Depression "I have taken Paxil, Effexor, and Lexapro. These drugs helped but left me feeling like a zombie, had sexual side effects, and extreme night sweats. Because of these side effects, I always went off the prescription after a year or less. When I went off Effexor, I was energetic, worked out, and felt great. I thought if I could just maintain working out, I would be okay. Well, I slowly quit working out and got angrier and angrier. I tried to fight it for 3 years before I couldn't take it anymore. This time, the doctor put me on 150 mg Wellbutrin XL. I started feeling better within a couple of days. I did experience bad headaches and had an upset stomach for the first month. It was worth it. I have no side effects and feel 100% normal."

• Rev...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2015

For Anxiety "I have only taken the XL for 3 days. I have had some anxiety and take Ativan to get through. I feel more able to focus, complete projects, not so much crying, starting to feel like I can cope with life again. I am working. I would advise people to take a couple of days off work when starting just to let the side effects subside. I had sexual dysfunction with Zoloft, so I am hoping that I don't have the same problem with this med."

• Jan...
• March 4, 2021

Bupropion "22-year-old male. I’ve struggled with depression my whole life, but due to certain events in my life, I reached an all-time low the past year. I would have panic attacks daily. I tried to just keep going on my own because I did NOT want to get on any medications. I hit a point where I knew that things weren’t going to change unless I did something about it. I gave in and decided to get on Wellbutrin so I wouldn’t have any sexual side effects from SSRIs. I am now on day 10, 150 XR. The first 8 days of this drug were absolutely terrible. It actually made my depression worse the first 5 days. BUT I can say, on day 10 now, all those side effects have begun to get better and better the past couple of days, and I feel a lot better. I feel relaxed, and it has helped a lot with anxious and depressing thoughts. Night and day difference. You just gotta push through the first couple of weeks until your body starts adjusting. And if I can do it, anyone can. Keep going! Give it a chance."

• Ner...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 22, 2014

For Anxiety "I was prescribed Bupropion as an alternative to my usual Lexapro at the beginning of an 'episode.' I was probably more anxious than depressed. I was a little concerned because Bupropion is not specifically an anti-anxiety medication. Bupropion was an instant pickup and boosts libido. The boost did not last, and I started to get very anxious and somewhat depressed after the first week. I eventually had to start back on the Lexapro. I don't think Bupropion is a very effective anxiety medication, and it is not generally prescribed for that purpose. I did find very few side effects compared to the sweating, loss of libido, and weight gain of Lexapro. I am presently tapering off. I have some issues with insomnia, and Bupropion may not help."

• sbo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2023

For Depression "I can’t take regular antidepressants because I have bipolar, and they seem to make me manic. I tried this one, and it seemed to work. Also, I was able to have an orgasm for the first time in my life. (I literally had one orgasm from my partner ONCE before, and I’m 34 now.) So I obviously have sexual dysfunction if this is working for that. I love it because it can help with my depression without being an SSRI."

• Anonymous
• January 20, 2010

Bupropion for Depression "I am a 28-year-old mother of 2. I was diagnosed as being anxious depressive after battling for 5 years with postpartum & paranoia. I started on citalopram for about 2 years. Then, 8 months ago changed to fluoxetine because I was falling back into depression. I talked to my doctor a week ago about my concerns with my lack of libido. I was also still battling getting up in the AM and starting my day. She has added Wellbutrin along with fluoxetine. I started with 150 mg for 4 days, and today is my second day taking 300 mg. It is working wonderfully! I have not noticed any real side effects and wake up ready to take on the day. Because of my anxiety, I can't take Wellbutrin alone, but it has been the perfect extra kick I needed."

• Bul...
• November 24, 2017

For Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced "I’ve been taking Zoloft for three months, and after one month, it was damn near impossible to orgasm. I still had the desire for sex and would reach the peak before the orgasm, however, the orgasm would never come! It was so frustrating that I gave up on even trying. I told my doctor, and she added the lowest dose of Wellbutrin. I’ve been taking it for four days, and I’m proud to say I had an orgasm within two minutes the other night. I also feel a lot better and a lot more calm. I also like how I’m able to focus on a task like I used to pre-medication. With the Zoloft, it made me so lazy and even took away my good anxiety. I have a high metabolism and felt the effects of Zoloft and Wellbutrin within the same day, which isn’t typical."

• cow...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2022

Bupropion for Depression "Coming off of paroxetine, I have found bupropion to be a godsend. The sexual side effects of paroxetine became too much to handle. I was hoping they would mitigate to some degree, but they did not. Tadalafil solved the ED problem but not the lack of interest or inability to orgasm. I asked my doctor to put me on bupropion, and he started me on 150 mg daily and has now increased it to 300 mg daily. My mood and depression have been replaced with just being happy. No anxiety. No depression. It's the first time I've felt normal in a very long time. Sex? It has returned in spades. The desire, arousal, and ability to orgasm and ejaculate are back full force and then some. The orgasms are incredible! Bupropion has allowed me to treat my depression without sacrificing my sex life."