Wellbutrin and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say

• Kat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 3, 2023

For Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced "I took Wellbutrin for about 10 months without any major issues... or so I thought. A few weeks after starting, I realized I couldn't orgasm, but joked with my boyfriend that he 'broke' me and didn't think it was the bupropion. It took a few months, but eventually, my orgasms came back, just much weaker than before. I never once thought it was the bupropion (if I did, I would have stopped) until I left the bottle behind on vacation and realized that after I stopped taking it suddenly, my weak orgasms fizzled down to nothing at all. This was a slow fade over ~6 months, and I only put the puzzle pieces together another six months after that. Now, 2 years later, I see that I went from naturally having multiple amazing orgasms a day to barely being able to eke out roughly 2/10ths as much pleasure post-bupropion. I'd warn anyone on Wellbutrin that they should be extremely careful tapering and keep an eye out for issues, as bupropion is not known to cause sexual side effects but most definitely does."

• Kat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 3, 2023

For Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced "I took Wellbutrin for about 10 months without any major issues... or so I thought. A few weeks after starting, I realized I couldn't orgasm, but joked with my boyfriend that he 'broke' me and didn't think it was the bupropion. It took a few months, but eventually, my orgasms came back, just much weaker than before. I never once thought it was the bupropion (if I did, I would have stopped) until I left the bottle behind on vacation and realized that after I stopped taking it suddenly, my weak orgasms fizzled down to nothing at all. This was a slow fade over ~6 months, and I only put the puzzle pieces together another six months after that. Now, 2 years later, I see that I went from naturally having multiple amazing orgasms a day to barely being able to eke out roughly 2/10ths as much pleasure post-bupropion. I'd warn anyone on Wellbutrin that they should be extremely careful tapering and keep an eye out for issues, as bupropion is not known to cause sexual side effects but most definitely does."

• Ste...
• August 10, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "Wellbutrin ruined my life. I went from 220 lbs. down to barely 100. I cannot eat. I am literally rotting away. It enlarged my prostate, and now I feel like I'm carrying around a grapefruit. It also increased my libido to the point of being completely frustrating."

• Bma...
• February 15, 2016

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."

• Anonymous
• June 5, 2009

"Wellbutrin seemed to make me angry, and I lost my sex drive. After taking it for 3 weeks, I started to itch all over. Needless to say, I don't take it anymore."

• Mon...
• April 3, 2020

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."

• Mac...
• July 12, 2016

For Depression "Well, after trying Paxil (worked really well but had bad sexual side effects) for a couple of years, then Celexa worked but not as well as Paxil, still sexual side effects. Recently on Prozac, worked for depression, however, sexual side effects made me just not want to even bother. Got a script for Wellbutrin XL 150 mg, brand name as I asked for non-generic, out-of-pocket cost 11.27 with insurance. Will report back and see how I do. Day one tomorrow. I put a rating of 5 just because of the unknown. Will rate when in full swing."

• Anonymous
• March 15, 2012

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..."

• NJM...
• January 31, 2020

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."

• Pin...
• November 19, 2014

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."

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

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."

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

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."

• Jan...
• April 9, 2016

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!"

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

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."

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

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."

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

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."

• hmm...
• March 30, 2016

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."

• ADH...
• December 22, 2015

For Depression "I'm 18 years old. I started taking Wellbutrin 3 months ago when my psychiatrist put me on. I looked up reviews in here, and recommended I should be prescribed. Anyway, the first couple of months were horrible, but don't give up! 1 month ago, all my problems with Prozac were alleviated, my focus was 10X better (I also have ADHD, so my grades skyrocketed)! And my depression died. Yes, DIED! I laugh so much now, people at my school ask me why I laugh so much. It's refreshing, actually. Anyway, Prozac gave me severe loss of libido (on a serious note). I'm 18, so it bothered me horribly that I had a low sex drive. After months on end of taking Prozac, my libido became ED. And I lived a fairly healthy life, trust me. Wellbutrin fixed my problems."

• nur...
• November 16, 2011

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!"

• Anonymous
• October 17, 2010

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
• June 30, 2010

For Depression "I was tired all the time. I have been to Iraq and back, and the way I felt was just the way I thought I should feel. I was lazy sometimes, would put things off, irritated, and got upset quickly. For years and years, I just thought that was me. I was a major drinker and smoker, couldn't ever get enough sleep, and had no motivation to get out of bed. Again, I thought that was me. I started to have anxiety after my wife had a miscarriage. Then we got pregnant again, and things really started to get out of control. Wellbutrin saved me. I quit drinking and smoking! I'm motivated, love being a dad, work is great! Slight sexual side effects."

• Anonymous
• January 20, 2010

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."

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

"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."

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

"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."

• Jan...
• March 4, 2021

"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."