Bupropion and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Jub...
• August 6, 2017

Bupropion for Depression "I have been taking Wellbutrin XL for over 3 years. The reason for my review is recently I've been feeling more 'down' lately and wondering whether this drug has run its course with me. Before Wellbutrin, I was taking Effexor, and it made me feel fantastic. I stopped Effexor because the longer I took it, the more side effects it had. If I didn't take Effexor at the same time each day, or, God forbid, forget it, I would be dizzy and sweating. I like Wellbutrin because I don't feel any side effects. No weight gain, no sexual dysfunction. I would like to find another drug for depression that works well and has little side effects. Any suggestions?"

• nur...
• November 16, 2011

Bupropion for Depression "Was on Prozac for 15 yrs, if it's not broke, don't fix it kind of thing, wanted to drop the sexual side effects and apathy, so after research, requested bupropion (am a nurse). If you can stick out the first few weeks of side effects (same as others have cited), it is worth it. Can finally respond to my husband and am able to feel sadness and joy and concentrate more clearly. Do be mindful of any fluctuations you may feel with different manufacturer generics your pharmacy may use. It could be a nightmare (it was for me), like plummeting into an abyss in turmoil. Went to a different pharmacy to order the version that works for me!"

• Man...
• May 9, 2017

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I live with depression and anxiety. Generic Wellbutrin has given me none of the sexual side effects I experienced with SSRIs like Zoloft. Seems to help me get out of the house. I'm on 150 mg every morning, and I'm trying 200 mg soon. 300 mg was too much for me."

• hmm...
• March 30, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "I started on Wellbutrin about 8 months ago for clinical depression, and while it hasn't been a miracle cure, things could definitely be worse. It really has been a gentler medication in terms of side effects. The only medication I tried before this was Lexapro, and geez, was that rough (sexual side effects, extreme lethargy, brain fog, memory loss, weight gain, etc.). I switched to Wellbutrin as an alternative and experienced mellow side effects while adjusting (lethargy, drowsiness), which only lasted for about 3 weeks. Cons: Significant rebound depression if I miss a dose, insomnia if taken at night (it's a stimulant), occasional bouts of depression (it hasn't been a complete fix). Sometimes I'll get really bad brain fog if I mistime a dose."

• BiP...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 2, 2022

Bupropion for Depression "I have had great success with Wellbutrin. It has helped me quit smoking twice. I feel it supports an upbeat mood without being overstimulating. I get good energy from Wellbutrin. I also like that there are no sexual side effects, no weight gain, and no noticeable withdrawal syndrome. Highly recommend Wellbutrin (bupropion!)."

• Fig...
• February 28, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I just wanted to share some of my knowledge of bupropion as I am currently taking it and have done a lot of research on it. Bupropion is pharmacologically different than any other antidepressant and is the only one in its class. It does not have any effect on serotonin but prevents the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. Because it doesn’t affect serotonin, it has a much different side effect profile than those associated with SSRIs. Medicines that affect serotonin can often be very sedating and include symptoms such as apathy, somnolence, and sexual dysfunction. SSRIs also do not affect epinephrine; a healthy amount of epinephrine can be helpful in regulating mood, sleep, etc. Gives you energy instead of taking away energy, which can be counterproductive during depressive episodes! Increases sex drive instead of taking away, which as we all know can cause many relational problems and make someone feel sad in and of itself."

• NJM...
• January 31, 2020

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I was on Paxil 20 mg for 16 years to treat MDD. It was extremely successful at treating the depression. I still had some anxiety, and the side effects of weight gain and loss of interest in sex were apparent. The Paxil pooped out on me. The psych nurse practitioner advised Wellbutrin to get away from the weight gain and sexual side effects. I've been on 75 mg once per day for nearly 8 weeks now, and honestly, I'm still unsure. I've lost 15 lbs, and my interest in sex has increased a little. I've had really bad agitation, especially in the first few weeks, that made me want to scream. It has eased up since then but not completely gone. Just as I think I've turned the corner, I slip back a little. My dose is low, as that is how my psych nurse wants it. She has suggested switching to 200 mg of the SL version to address the anxiety I'm still having, but I fear the agitation returning like it was or worse. I couldn't say to someone - choose Wellbutrin."

• Tor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 11, 2020

For Smoking Cessation "Today is day 2 of bupropion 150 x 1 and continue this for 1 week, then move up to 300 mg mornings. I'm trying to give up smoking. I am a very heavy sleeper and need 8 hours to have a good day. Last night I woke several times and it was hard to go back to sleep. I had to start counting until I fell back asleep. I have seen it should take at least a week to see/feel a change. I have a low tolerance for medication as well. I was diagnosed with depression. I have low libido, I smoke, I am overweight, and I lack motivation to do stuff around the house. I also have already noticed a change in smoking less and eating less in 2 days. I will try to make another review after 1-3 months as an update."

• Eda...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 27, 2020

Bupropion for Depression "I’ve been on Wellbutrin for 20+ years, Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED). I am currently taking 450 mg ER. I was taking Seroquel for insomnia but started showing signs of TD: Tardive Dyskinesia. Pardon the spelling. TD is a known side effect of prolonged use of Seroquel. The Wellbutrin barely works. I take Temazepam now for my insomnia. Prozac had sexual side effects for me."

• Tom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 12, 2019

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "Wellbutrin was a terrible medication for me. It gave me a lot of anger, my mood worsened much more, and loss of libido. But the worst side effect was a major and total loss of memory. Never taking anymore."

• Mon...
• April 3, 2020

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "So I’ve taken Wellbutrin once before because my antidepressant (Prozac) was giving me sexual dysfunction. So my doctor said that I’ll add on Wellbutrin to see if that gets better. And I never really noticed a difference with that. But this medication gave me tinnitus (ringing in the ear) and a headache that drove me insane. Oh, also it made me more depressed."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2023

For Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced "I really, really like bupropion. I’ve been on all the main SSRIs over the years. My most recent expedition was with Zoloft, which was terrible. Truly the worst experience I’ve ever had. I had every single symptom, and it exacerbated all my anxiety. I kept hoping it would help, but it never did. I could also barely orgasm. At some point, I got frustrated at feeling numb and sexually dysfunctional and got a script for bupropion since it worked well for my brother. Oh my. Things changed. I’ve tapered off the Zoloft, stayed on the bupropion, and feel better than I have in a year. My sex drive is crazy - my boyfriend is overwhelmed. Very grateful I found something that works for me."

• Dre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 30, 2022

For Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced "I was prescribed Lexapro for persistent depressive disorder and GAD. It did wonders for my anxiety and helped my depression a bit, but for the last 3 years, I've had no desire for sex. I can't get aroused, and I can't have an orgasm. Sick of living like this, I talked to my psychiatrist about it. He immediately prescribed this. After a month, I feel my libido coming back. It's an actual miracle."

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

For Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced "This is my third time on this medication for depression. I struggled with e.d. off and on. In June, I started testosterone replacement therapy. It had me feeling like I felt in my early 20s. My wife couldn't keep up. I suffer from anxiety and depression, so my doctor recommended that I start bupropion again. I believe that it causes sexual dysfunction in men. For the last month and a half, I have had no desire to have sex with my wife, and I wake up with the weakest erections possible. I'm still on testosterone replacement therapy and have been suffering again with e.d. Today is November 29, 2016. I'm stopping the pill and will take my chances with depression and anxiety until I'm prescribed something different."

• Anonymous
• March 15, 2012

Bupropion for Depression "I have been taking Wellbutrin for a little over 5 weeks now, and I have never been so sleepy in my life. I know it's supposed to be one of the more stimulating antidepressants, but it has the opposite effect on me, so I'm going to have to discontinue use. My doctor only prescribed it to me to try and counteract a sexual side effect I am having due to Prozac. Anyway, everyone is different, but it didn't work for me. Thank you..."

• typ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 11, 2019

For Anxiety "I have been on this medicine (bupropion XL) to treat my panic and generalized anxiety disorders after I failed three SSRIs due to sexual side effects. The only issue I experienced switching to this medication was a racing heartbeat on the first day. Since then, my racing thoughts are slowed, and I am able to be at peace instead of being constantly overwhelmed by the world. I would recommend with caution, as I have a history of depression and it is used more specifically to treat anxiety that presents with depression. I plan on increasing my dosage at my next appointment, as my psychiatrist believes that a 300 mg dosage would be the most beneficial to me."

• leo...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 22, 2018

Bupropion for Depression "I gained 77 pounds, lost my sex drive and self-esteem. I went from 115 lbs to 192 lbs. I'm 5'4". I'd already had 3 kids. Exercise (walking, yoga) didn't help at all to relieve anything. I talked about these issues with several doctors, 2 general practitioners and 2 psychiatrists. The first three doctors found no problems except that I was obese and told me it was just my metabolism slowing with age. I had my thyroid tested by a gp and it was fine. No diabetes or hypertension yet. The last doctor (shrink) I spoke to immediately had me taper off the Wellbutrin XR, which did not take more than 2 weeks. I lost about 25 pounds the first month and 5 months later another 20 pounds lost. My self-esteem is improving and my sex drive returned. I know they say Wellbutrin causes weight loss and has little sexual side effects, but not for me. This medicine nearly ruined my life, physically and psychologically, and sadly it contributed to the end of my marriage."

• Mst...
• November 28, 2016

For Anxiety "I started taking Bupropion 1 1/2 years ago. At first, I thought I had found the best meds for my condition, but about 8 months in, I stopped feeling the effects and started having anxiety attacks almost daily. My doctor upped my dosage from 100 mg to 200 mg. Fast forward to present day, and I completely went crazy (irrational, irritability, memory loss, loss of sex drive, and so many more things that I am embarrassed to even say, even though this is anonymous!). My wife and I looked up some of the side effects of this drug (after long-term use) and saw that I was displaying just about all of them. I have since begun to taper myself off the drug, and for the past week, while my anxiety is still there, the other 'issues' I was having are gone."

• dat...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 7, 2022

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "150 mg x2 Bupropion SR. An excellent but dangerous drug. Side effects: seizures, nausea, appetite loss, hearing damage, increased libido, increased energy, aggression or agitation. A strange medication, you lose cravings for everything but sex. No desire to eat, smoke, drink, or use street drugs. However, at therapeutic levels, it can cause seizures. The medication works great otherwise, I just needed to increase my anti-epileptic drug (AED). Wellbutrin acts very stimulating, so piggybacking a sedating antidepressant or anti-anxiety med is usually a good idea. Personally, I use doxepin and (as needed) Valium. It balances out Wellbutrin nicely. For the first few years, I had constant stomach pains from the medication even when taken before bed. The stomach pains went away immediately with the SR. There are studies showing Wellbutrin causing damage to hearing after decades of use. I noticed the ringing in my ears went away (after 20 years or so), but my hearing was now worse."

• Blu...
• July 21, 2009

Bupropion for Bipolar Disorder "Been on Wellbutrin and Clonazepam since 1994 to treat my bipolar. I was put on Wellbutrin SR in 2000. Works very well for my condition. Feel very even-keeled and all my troubles evaporate in thin air. I don't feel irritable or obsessed over things like I used to. Side effects I have experienced. I have to be careful during the summer months when it's extremely hot. I get dehydrated very quickly. Drink lots of water and drinks with electrolytes. Decrease in sex drive due to vaginal dryness."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 15, 2015

For Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced "I been on Celexa in the past. Totally kill my libido, nothing work down there, get soft most of the time. Doc chance to Wellbutrin HCL XL 150, it really helps increase my libido. Never get soft, I guess get the job done for me. Plus, keep me motivated."

• Smi...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 3, 2020

For Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced "The arthritis doctor put me on Cymbalta for pain, but after a week or so I couldn't have an orgasm, erections were okay but couldn't get off. The wife tried to no avail. I talked to the doctor and he advised me to check with my urologist, who checked me out and found nothing wrong. So I went online for a sex therapist that would take insurance as most only take payment at office visits. The therapist recommended this but didn't tell me if it worked or not. Wellbutrin for 8 years now, and it's awesome. It took 3 weeks before I felt any improvement, but the kick was amazing! Sensation has returned and was great. I have stopped Cymbalta after back surgery but still use Wellbutrin 200XL daily, just using a shower handheld unit is great also. LOL, the therapist was happy that it worked well as she said some men really have good results as women, but it doesn't do so well for others."

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 6, 2014

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "I have major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. This medication helps motivate me, and it gives a slight boost for my moods. I tend to smile more now but still get depressed now and then. It has very little side effects, best thing is no sexual side effects! It also helps my anxiety, but I still have a hard time concentrating, which my doc says helps, but for me, it doesn't. It's just a mood stabilizer to me. I give it a 7 out of 10 because it only helps me slightly. I take 150 mg twice a day."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 16, 2021

For ADHD "It was combined with atomoxetine, it worsened my ADHD, developed tics, and made me forgetful, depressed, irritable, no libido, erectile dysfunction, unmotivated, brain fog, no emotion or feeling empty, difficulty breathing. The 2-month experience was terrible, I had to stop it immediately."

• Kep...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 6, 2021

Bupropion for Depression "For me, Wellbutrin was a real miracle drug in treating my moderate-severe depression. After just 2 days, I was restored, especially in terms of my cognitive performance. In terms of general perception and state of mind, I feel present, real, and without perceptual distortion. The depressive symptoms were also gone. With SSRIs, the whole world felt somewhat unreal, as if in cotton candy, and the emotional world kind of washed out and without amplitude, which I quickly grew to resent. The side effects are limited, with the lower quality of sleep being the most noticeable. Notably, there are no sexual side effects, quite unlike SSRIs. There are no significant side effects that prevent long-term use."