Bupropion and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Los...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 24, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "Started post-breakup. Happy now, don't credit meds, but still take WB and never want to stop (unlike Clonaz. and Desipr.) because of other reasons to take. Lost weight, gained energy, desire to be social. Now only anxiety and IBS; the WB counters some sexual side effects of other meds. NOT a morning person, but 450 SR (12hr) right before sleep (RIGHT before or insomnia) = hop out of bed at alarm. If I take 450 in the morning, easy to resist food. Wish I could have both, but splitting dosage or taking XL (24hr) doesn't work. 167 lbs 6 years ago at start, down to 125. 3 years of 130 lbs but built-up tolerance, so then 150 lbs 2 years ago. Took at night for months, then back to morning, and now 1 year 135 lbs. 450 mg is max. New doctor: split time night and morning. But that would defeat half its purpose."

• 25a...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 8, 2019

For Anxiety "I was on Zoloft, and it worked amazingly for my anxiety, but it was causing sexual dysfunction. My doctor had me try bupropion. The first week, I didn’t really notice a change, but by week two, I was depressed for the first time ever and cried every single day after work for no apparent reason. An absolutely exhausting medication I will never ever take again."

• Jes...
• August 9, 2019

For Panic Disorder "I've had very bad experiences with SSRIs. Mainly with weight gain and sexual side effects. I experienced none of these issues with Wellbutrin. I ended up dropping it, however, as I started to notice early after taking it my heart rate would be insane, and I felt ready to run through a wall. Not a pleasant feeling when you deal with a panic disorder. If I could not have that side effect, I'd much more prefer this drug."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 24, 2015

For Depression "Before starting bupropion, I was almost incapable of getting out of bed, I had lost all desire to do anything and felt so hopeless. Over the course of a few months, I started taking first 150 mg, then 200 mg, and it has made such a significant difference. I have energy and am more motivated than I have been in so long. Taking bupropion has also helped me regain my libido, the loss of which was one of the most troubling symptoms of depression for me."

• che...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I am a 47-year-old man and have been on several medications for my schizoaffective disorder and depression. My last antidepressant was Effexor XR, which killed my sex drive for several years. I suggested to my Pdoc to try Wellbutrin XL, and I shall say that my sexual life increased from 1 to 10. I am very pleased with this medication and would recommend it to anyone."

• roa...
• May 30, 2010

Bupropion for Depression "Suffer from SAD and PTSD. Tried Zoloft but had sexual side effects and still felt depressed. I have taken Wellbutrin with much success. Occasionally, I have stopped taking it, and the depression returns. No sexual side effects, and I'm back to my usual happy, positive, and energetic self. I've had to increase the dose to 300 mg XL four times daily, still felt the blues and lack of concentration on 150 four times a day. Doing great! No extreme side effects. Ringing in ears stopped, love the decrease in appetite, and am now able to, and desiring to, exercise, so the weight loss is a plus. Occasional nausea, but able to deal with it. I love feeling back to my old self; highly recommend!"

• jen...
• July 31, 2011

Bupropion for Depression "After 3 years of a dark depression, I hit bottom and started Wellbutrin 300 mg every day. Over the next 2 years, I've lost weight (because I was trying), I quit smoking (because I wanted to), and I discovered a small part of life that was tolerable (a small part). I increased to 400 mg in July because I felt myself slipping back to the dark place, and it's the first time I've noticed side effects: marked insomnia, unfavorable irritability, a little bit of numbness, I crave sweets, and I don't seem to want sex as much. So I'm thinking 300 mg was the therapeutic dose for me and will call my doctor to see what the plan is. On the bright side of the 400 mg, I'm sitting here tonight writing a positive review for the medicine I believe in."

• dro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 22, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "50-year-old woman. I was still experiencing depression while on Celexa 20 mg, added bupropion 300 mg. It has definitely had a positive effect on my depression. I find my patience with others and how I interact have greatly improved. I'm definitely much happier. I have been on the bupropion for 8 weeks, my libido and ability to orgasm were weak long before starting Celexa, but got worse while on it. Imagine my (and my husband's) surprise to have bupropion return what was lost and then some! I'm sure this may level off but will enjoy it while it's here."

• dro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 22, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "50-year-old woman. I was still experiencing depression while on Celexa 20 mg, added bupropion 300 mg. It has definitely had a positive effect on my depression. I find my patience with others and how I interact have greatly improved. I'm definitely much happier. I have been on the bupropion for 8 weeks, my libido and ability to orgasm were weak long before starting Celexa, but got worse while on it. Imagine my (and my husband's) surprise to have bupropion return what was lost and then some! I'm sure this may level off but will enjoy it while it's here."

• Anonymous
• October 17, 2010

Bupropion for Depression "Took Zoloft for many years to combat depression, but that drug caused troublesome sexual side effects. I started with Wellbutrin, and the side effects from the Zoloft were gone completely. Very pleased."

• Anonymous
• September 8, 2010

Bupropion for Depression "I have been taking Wellbutrin SR 150 mg for five years. Have been doing really well, but here lately I have been really tired, low sex drive, wanting to eat when I am not hungry. Maybe I need an increase."

• CSe...
• March 12, 2016

For Anxiety "Just wanted to add this article regarding bupropion and anxiety: http://www.currentpsychiatry.com/home/article/does-bupropion-exacerbate-anxiety/e49bea11f64a67d3c2912a72db4e46bc.html It seems to state that if there is anxiety alone, that bupropion would not be the best choice as it is not FDA approved for anxiety. Studies do show that bupropion does not exacerbate anxiety symptoms. I have been on Zoloft 100 mg for anxiety, and it was working quite well, except for sexual side effects. My doctor added Wellbutrin (bupropion) 75 mg twice daily and has me tapering off the Zoloft. Only on day 2 of taking both and feel like my heart is beating harder and some issues sleeping, but it is manageable. Hopefully, those symptoms will pass."

• ing...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have MDD. I was prescribed 0.25 mg risperidone that evolved to 0.5 mg and 15 mg escitalopram. Risperidone helps me sleep and was supposed to augment the effects of escitalopram. Escitalopram gave me energy and improved my mood, but gave me sexual dysfunction. So I gradually switched to bupropion (150 mg) after two months. I got a bit low after I stopped escitalopram in the 2nd week, but in the 3rd week, bupropion really kicked in. Now I'm good, living a normal good life and feel better with bupropion than with escitalopram. Now I'm with 150 mg bupropion in the morning and 0.5 mg risperidone in the evening, which are doing great for me. As important: (i) with therapy I managed to understand my dysfunctional behavior that (I believe) led me to MDD; (ii) for years, I run 40 min/day, which helps a lot."

• Ric...
• February 22, 2018

Bupropion for Depression "Closing on 21 years with Wellbutrin. My depression has always been treatable, but at high dosages. Started with Pamelor after a lifetime of depression, worked up to 100 mg, and it worked well; kicked in in about four weeks. It also lowered my blood pressure about 20 points, which made standing up problematic. I was next switched to Wellbutrin, but not enough as it turned out. The dosage prescribed worked up to 300 mg. This dose left me on edge, and I switched again after 4 months. Then to Zoloft, 150 mg. This worked well also, but the sexual side effects manifested after 5 months and were totally unacceptable. I then switched back to Wellbutrin again to mitigate the Zoloft side effects, but worked up to 450 mg, the maximum non-clinical dosage. But there is a cost. Now I am also being treated for high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both common side effects of Wellbutrin, but worth it for the mood stability."

• Jma...
• August 26, 2015

For Smoking Cessation "So far I love bupropion SR. Been on it for 3 weeks. I tried Lexapro for social anxiety, I hated it. I was confused and out of it for a week. So I went on bupropion SR 150 x 2 a day. Not for anxiety but Dr. thought depression and smoking. The first 2 weeks I hated smoking, and it tasted nasty. Now, on week 3, I got used to the taste but don't crave the cigarette... probably just habits I need to work on. The most interesting, I guess, side effect is my libido, which has increased!!! I guess it's a good thing. Until your husband doesn't want to!!"

• Anonymous
• August 1, 2009

Bupropion for Bipolar Disorder "I started taking Wellbutrin SR 4 days ago. I took it in addition to Seroquel XR. It helped for a couple of days. During those days, I only experienced some dizziness, decreased appetite, and sex drive. Although yesterday evening, I was hospitalized with a 5-minute-long grand mal seizure. I don't have a history of seizure disorders, and the doctors believe that this seizure was caused by Wellbutrin SR. If you take Wellbutrin SR and antipsychotics together, I suggest that you speak with your pharmacist or health provider."

• Gig...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 2, 2021

Bupropion "I have tried several antidepressants (Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac) before landing on Wellbutrin. Providing some context because I think that's important, as we all function differently—I (20 F) was diagnosed with OCD during childhood and just recently started treatment for ADHD-like symptoms (thinking undiagnosed ADHD for 20 years caused OCD to develop as a coping skill). General depression and anxiety are natural comorbidities to living with these conditions. I am extremely happy taking Wellbutrin. I take 300 mg XL every morning, and it really helps me get out of bed. At first, I had to be careful with caffeine consumption since it would amplify my anxiety. Once I passed the adjustment period, it has been smooth sailing. I switched over from Effexor, and all of the side effects I experienced on that medication (insanely tired, no libido, generally feeling 'flat') disappeared. Although it does not directly help OCD, the medication helps me manage anxiety related to the disorder."

• Bma...
• February 15, 2016

Bupropion for Depression "I asked my doctor if we could try something different as I was on Effexor, and the sexual side effects were kind of rough on a newlywed. He prescribed Wellbutrin. Not only did I rapidly taper off Effexor, but the Wellbutrin sent me into a manic state where all I did was clean, yell, and cry. I had panic attacks all the time. Wellbutrin will definitely not help with anxiety."

• Pat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 28, 2022

For Major Depressive Disorder "Life-changing. After years trying and sticking to SSRIs, the switch to bupropion without any SSRIs was sufficient to improve my SSRI sexual dysfunction (although it is still hard, but possible, for me to reach orgasm), lower my anxiety levels, and cure my depression. I am more confident, happy, and motivated than I have ever been. It's been 27 days that I have been on it, and it took at least 3 weeks for me to start noticing benefits. I guess not everyone has a dysfunction in their serotonin because, for me, this NDRI (norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor) worked better than SSRIs without the side effects. Each person is unique, and the only noticeable side effect I had was sweating a lot in the first 2 to 3 weeks. The excessive sweating seems to have subsided. I feel confident at social events without the need or wish to drink, and I feel more like myself. It had no effect whatsoever on my appetite or concentration."

• muc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 8, 2016

For Depression "I have been taking Bupropion now for about 2 months, and it has been awesome feeling 'normal' again. Initially, I was prescribed Effexor for anxiety/depression, and I didn't have much success with it. I had decreased libido, mood swings, and didn't much care for being touched intimately, or otherwise. Bupropion (300 mg-extended release) has been great for me. Overall, I am a much calmer, happier, and relaxed person since taking this medication. And, it has also helped with me being able to quit smoking... which I have been trying to for years now. Not saying it's a cure-all, but it has helped me significantly."

• AJP...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2022

For Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced "This actually gave me anorgasmia despite being used to improve sexual function. It improved libido and ED somewhat, but absolutely zero feeling from orgasm. It is not a typical response, but beware, it can happen."

• tir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 16, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have tried a lot of meds for depression over the years. Paxil actually works best for me, but the sexual side effects void this option. Wellbutrin/Bupropion XL does lift my mood, but when I take 300 mg a day for 5-6 weeks, I begin getting aggressive and angry for some reason. The sleep interruption is awful, especially if you are a former combat vet with PTSD. But I must admit I have found something that works great for me. I take a Sam-E tablet early in the morning and take Wellbutrin XL 150 mg an hour or so later. This combination has given me a much better outlook and causes me to have so much energy for working or doing whatever all day long. And it doesn't interrupt sexual relations. I still have to use a sleep aid, though. Both Sam-E and Wellbutrin interrupt sleep a bit. I will continue using this combo until something causes me to stop."

• mrd...
• June 17, 2009

Bupropion for Depression "I have been on bupropion for mild depression for many, many years. I switched to the 300 XL recently, in order to only take it once a day. I had tried many other antidepressants and found one overriding side effect: sexual problems. With the Budeprion XL, I have no such effects, and the drug works very well."

• Mat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 13, 2016

For Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced "I used Wellbutrin for a month to start stopping smoking. I used it as you should use Zyban (first week, one pill in the morning, then the next two months, two pills a day with a minimum of 8 hours in between, best long before evening). After 2 weeks of use, I lost a lot of libido and nearly all ability to get fully erect. Now I stopped it by eating one per day for a week. Since two days, I've fully stopped and am still waiting on the libido and erectile ability I had before that idea of stopping smoking and eating Wellbutrin...."

• jai...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 30, 2024

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder "Wellbutrin improves concentration and clarity of mind. It reduces autism and improves sleep when you don't get enough but is not a sleeping pill. Low sexual side effect but may increase ED. Not sure about it."