Bupropion and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2019

Wellbutrin XL (bupropion) for Depression "I am prescribed 150 mg of Wellbutrin XL, and it has been a godsend. I could not get out of bed, had no sex drive, thoughts about suicide, and I burned some work bridges with adjusting firms that I was working for because I was suffering silently. I was also living in filth (by myself which didn't help matters). I was diagnosed with depression and began this med immediately. Now, as soon as I wake up (fully erect again mind you), I am ready to tackle the day. I am in a great mood and am very hopeful for the future. I have a 1973 VW bus that I bought as a project, and it sat for the last 6 months. In the last few weeks, I have done more to it than I have since I bought it. The magic bus is running again. Sort of a metaphor for my life. I moved out of the apartment as I had some dark memories there. I feel like my old self again and have my life back! I hope the same happens for any of you suffering with this affliction. Keep on truckin!!"

• Lin...
• January 10, 2017

Wellbutrin XL (bupropion) for Major Depressive Disorder "I have been on and off different SSRI's and none of them have helped, e.g., slept my life away, foggy mind, couldn't concentrate, no feelings, constant ringing in my ears, low libido. I started on Wellbutrin XL 150mg for 1 month and my doc upped my dose to 300mg. My experience has been super wonderful, from sleeping too much I am now going to bed later at night and getting up earlier & feel refreshed. I cry when I need to which to me is a good release. I am always busy. I have redone my whole home & garden, I go out more (used to be a total recluse). I sit & have my coffee out on the patio & watch the bird life and find so much joy in everyday life. I have found an inner peace with Wellbutrin XL that I have never felt before. Big thumbs up :)"

• Woo...
• October 2, 2020

Wellbutrin (bupropion) for Depression "I began Bupropion about a year ago. It took a while to kick in. Waiting eight weeks for the hoped-for effect was like waiting eight months. I had tried another med and it left me with negative sexual side effects, which is why the doctor suggested Bupropion. I've been taking a low dose of Viagra. Honestly, I don't know if I need it, but Viagra works. I told my doctor that I'm okay but don't seem to feel any drastic change from when I first began the med. She suggested upping to 300 mg extended release. After a week, I began to feel better, but I don't know if it is from the med or the high of knowing I made the attempt at trying to feel better. Wishful thinking is a good way to put it. So here's my question: Since I was already taking Bupropion at 150 mg/day extended release, should I expect the new dosage of 300 mg to take eight weeks to fully kick in? Has anyone had this experience?"

• Ms ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2020

For Anxiety "I've been taking Wellbutrin for PTSD/MDD/Anxiety for almost 5 weeks, and man has it been wild. I've lost 10 pounds, I'm feeling more confident, and I'm happier overall. I can't wait to see what happens at 3 months! I had no idea it was used for appetite reduction, so I was concerned at first, but it's nice! No more grazing or overeating. It also helps with libido. I literally did not have one for years. I was taking Prozac. Now I'm 24 and actually have one. I would recommend this to anyone! :)"

• Gsi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2014

Wellbutrin (bupropion) for Depression "After starting Wellbutrin, I didn't notice any effects until week 5. I am now on week 9. I feel so much better than before. My self-image and self-confidence have skyrocketed. My libido increased. I am so much more optimistic and happy too. Honestly, can't say enough positive things about Wellbutrin."

• Dav...
• August 11, 2018

For Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced "46-year-old male. Started taking Bupropion (branded as Zyban) to help stop smoking. Unfortunately, within 1 day, I completely lost the ability to orgasm. I persisted once and 'forced' an orgasm. I immediately had an awful migraine-like headache. I suspect that those who find Bupropion helps their sex life had low dopamine levels; Bupropion increases the effects of dopamine. For those like me where Bupropion has killed their sex life, I suspect dopamine levels were already high. If you take a NDRI when you already have high dopamine levels, it will kill your libido/ability to orgasm, as the brain literally thinks you are always 'post-orgasm'! Orgasm is the point when the brain releases the most dopamine (narcotic drugs aside). If dopamine levels are too high, the brain thinks you have recently reached orgasm and will not allow you to orgasm (easily) to prevent very high dopamine levels, which can be harmful (can cause psychosis). This drug is certainly not for me."

• Hap...
• March 30, 2017

Wellbutrin (bupropion) for Depression "I was feeling very depressed this winter. A combination of SAD and life. I was irritable, unmotivated, unsociable, negative, and sad. I could hardly recognize myself. I was nervous to try an antidepressant as I'd heard weight gain and loss of sex drive were often side effects. That would've depressed me more! But my doctor said that Wellbutrin was often referred to as the skinny sexy pill. Now that made it sound a whole lot better. I know it seems hard to believe, but day three I felt like a weight had lifted...not sure if it can work that fast but I was able to jump out of bed and feel motivated. My appetite has decreased, I'm happy, my libido is still as good as ever, and I have experienced 0 side effects. Love it!"

• Sda...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2019

Wellbutrin (bupropion) for Depression "This drug is amazing. It has lifted my depression, and I have endless energy. The side effects are even better - weight loss and increased libido. It is the only antidepressant I've tried that has good side effects."

• Opt...
• February 17, 2016

Wellbutrin XL (bupropion) for Depression "I have anxiety and depression. I tried SSRIs, and they just masked the depression and caused sexual side effects. Wellbutrin XL helped me feel much better, and I didn't have negative sexual side effects. Best sex I've ever had on Wellbutrin XL. Now with the future I think about, feel optimistic about, and am planning for it. I don't have anxiety like I had. I am more philosophical, 'Tomorrow will be a better day.' I'm motivated to accomplish things. I wish I had found this med years ago."

• ess...
• July 13, 2013

For Anxiety "Was on Celexa for anxiety and stayed sleepy all the time. Switched to bupropion (300 mg) and am very pleased with the results: much less anxiety, improved libido, sleep well at night, lost some weight, and have more energy. For me, it's a good choice for anxiety without side effects."

• dar...
• January 7, 2015

Wellbutrin (bupropion) for Depression "I've been struggling with depression and anxiety/panic attacks since I was a kid. I'm now 36. I tried every antidepressant they threw at me from Celexa to Zoloft. None of them worked and came with side effects I couldn't handle. Weight gain and loss of sexual function. When my psychiatrist suggested Wellbutrin, I was afraid of more side effects, but I was desperate. I also take Valium and Klonopin for my anxiety, so I'm not sure if those might mask any increased anxiety, but I have to say, I noticed a difference the first day. I take 200mg SR in the morning, and I've got more energy and almost no interest in smoking, which is a bonus. It's only been a week, but I feel an improvement every day. I think I finally found the right one."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 23, 2020

For Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced "I asked my doctor if I can take Wellbutrin to counteract the sexual side effects of Methadone and Lyrica. Needless to say, in 3-4 days, I was getting extremely firm erections and producing a huge amount of ejaculate."

• Jak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 11, 2021

For Borderline Personality Disorder "1st week = mini heart attacks, increased anxiety, heavy breathing, low sex drive, sweating, body odor increased (BO). Overthinking, negative, honestly was going to give up. So many side effects. 2nd week = fewer heartaches, lower anxiety, normal breathing, sex drive up, low hunger, lost like 5 lbs in those 2 weeks, sweating palms, sweating armpits. More confident due to less thinking. 3rd week = Sweating palms, little to no anxiety, body odor still present, metabolism is on fire, always craving snacks, no sadness, but easily irritated. Seems like if you have anger issues, this will be a big problem since you don't feel sad anymore. 4th week = I'm still in the process :) Overall, give it a few weeks, it worked for my depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, and abuse. Former Marine and survivor of parental abuse. Good luck, people! It's time to get our lives back!"

• AAn...
• November 13, 2014

Wellbutrin (bupropion) for Depression "I was on Prozac and felt tired all the time, still depressed, and no sex drive. I thought maybe the dose wasn't enough and I was going through menopause, but the doc put me on Wellbutrin. I'm with the person above, I cannot believe in one day I felt better. I thought it was in my head. I made phone calls I would avoid because of anxiety, I got things done instead of sleep, and I felt so much happier next to my husband. Day two I woke up ready to start the day, completely the opposite of what I had been experiencing. Everyone is different, and you just have to see what works for you. Prozac is in a different class, and I just needed this antidepressant."

• Adh...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 11, 2017

For ADHD "Well, not sure if everyone follows the take on ADHD 7-types, but my girlfriend pretty much says that the traits for the 'over-focused' type is me to a 'T'. Worrier, resistant to change, hyper-focused, impulsive, forgetful, etc. Doctor originally thought GAD - so treated with Effexor, Cipralex, Imipramine and then Cymbalta. Cymbalta made things so worse. Psychiatrist caught the ADHD and prescribed Wellbutrin. HUGE difference. I see it, friends see it...and my psych is really pleased with the change and turn-around. May not be for everyone..and give it several weeks if you try. Oh - some pluses...no impact on the libido (maybe even increased)...and a bit of appetite suppression (hey, two side-effects most could live with!)"

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2017

Wellbutrin (bupropion) for Depression "I have been taking 150 mg of the generic of Wellbutrin for the past month. I can't believe how amazing I feel! After dealing with depression for the past 4-5 years, I finally feel like myself again. I was diagnosed with PMDD and mild depression but tried to deal with both of these with Prozac and hormone birth control. After three months of Prozac, I quit. It made me tired and took away my libido. It didn't help my depression at all. I've tried three different birth controls (I'm 46... it wasn't for birth control, just to try to help my hormone levels.) Nothing helped my depression. Finally, my doctor prescribed Wellbutrin. I filled it but didn't take it for 8 months because I was afraid of the side effects. Now I could just kick myself!"

• Hon...
• July 7, 2021

Wellbutrin XL (bupropion) for Major Depressive Disorder "I am on day 3 of taking 150 mg Wellbutrin XL, extended release. I was previously taking 10 mg Lexapro for 4 years. I found myself constantly fatigued, absolutely no libido, and gaining weight. I'm a 44-year-old, 145 lb female. Day one I noticed immediate effects such as calmness, and I wasn't as sad. Keep in mind, I took a month off from no meds at all. I wanted to give my body time to adjust without having the Lexapro in my system. Day 2 and 3, I noticed my appetite was suppressed. I wasn't as hungry as before. I have also been experiencing a slight headache. I am also dealing with insomnia. I think I got maybe 1 hour of sleep the first night, second night, slept better but did wake up and had a hard time falling back to sleep. I will keep you updated and good luck to anyone taking this medication! I have read horror stories of mixing this with alcohol. I haven't tried it and am almost scared to have a glass of wine...I'm not a big drinker but am scared to have at least 1 or 2 glasses of wine."

• win...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 5, 2014

Wellbutrin (bupropion) for Depression "Wellbutrin is amazing. Prior to Wellbutrin, I was put on Zoloft, Prozac, and Valdoxan, all of which either killed my sex drive, did nothing, or made me too sleepy to function. For 2 years, I stupidly went off medication and just thought everything in life was crap, and probably said some things I regret to people. Eventually, it came to the point where I was failing at work and angry at everyone. The ADHD medication I was taking also worsened my depression. With Wellbutrin, I have been on it for around two months, and I feel great. I have energy, more motivation, increased libido, and I feel content, although I still have moments. Also, I have lost more than 5 pounds without dieting or exercising."

• You...
• February 19, 2014

Wellbutrin XL (bupropion) for Depression "I started 150mg of Wellbutrin XL in Jul 2013 due to feeling very unmotivated, depressed, tired, and hopeless. After a few days, I felt good, and by the second week, I felt better than I had in several years. I increased the dose to 300mg in Oct because I was starting to feel down again. It helped a lot but by Jan I was very irritable, angry, and bitter, so I lowered the dose to 150mg and restarted 40mg of Prozac, and the anger subsided. To address some side effects: inability to fall asleep (went away after 2-3 weeks), increased libido (awesome), pretty much the same appetite (no weight loss or gain), vivid dreams (sometimes disturbing), more emotional (but not crazy or extreme), constipation (moderate to severe), sensitivity to caffeine (must avoid)."

• Ido...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2013

For Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced "I started taking this medication for depression, and as a side effect, found that it took away my desire for sex. I feel like I never needed it to begin with. I am happily married, but now I wonder if that desire is going to return as strong as it was before. I'm taking vitamin supplements and hope they will eventually do something. I'm wondering at this point if I am in the very few minorities who experience lack of sex drive as a side effect."

• Ted...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 2, 2012

For ADHD "My doctor gave me Wellbutrin XL as an experiment. I was hyper, couldn't focus, or stay still for very long. My mind raced, and I was easily distracted. And like many others, I had projects that were started but never finished. My shrink told me that my childhood characteristics were those of an ADD kid. As an adult in my 40s, I still had the hyperactive and difficulty staying focused on one thing at a time. Wellbutrin starting at 100 mg and going up to 300 mg once daily had a calming effect on me, and I was more able to focus on one thing at a time instead of my thoughts being scattered and drifting. It did not have any effect on my erectile dysfunction problem though. If anything, it decreased my sexual drive. Wellbutrin has helped with my ADD symptoms, and I feel calmer."

• kgi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 28, 2019

For Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced "Been taking this for about 2 months after being on Prozac, Lamictal, Zoloft for the last 8 or so years. I had sexual side effects that ended up causing me to discontinue use. I’d say that Wellbutrin has made my libido higher than its baseline. It gives me a little energy and motivation but is in no way like a traditional stimulant. I find it less effective on depression and anxiety than the SSRIs, but I still prefer it due to the lack of sexual side effects and the motivation boost. I notice myself being more irritable and almost like I’m just looking for things to anger me during driving, work, and social interactions, etc. I’m not sure if the anger is more a placebo effect as I knew it was a common side effect before I started. I wouldn't say it affects my sleep one way or another. I like Wellbutrin but if I got into a dark place with depression and anxiety, I would add back in some Prozac. I wish there were more options for depression medication that don't have sexual side effects."

• Bec...
• January 13, 2015

Wellbutrin (bupropion) for Major Depressive Disorder "Wellbutrin has saved my life. It's a miracle. About 6 months ago, I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and localized anxiety disorder. I was put on Lexapro, which didn't help much, and the side effects were awful: total loss of sex drive, bad headaches, and nightmares every night. Then, about 3 months ago, they put me on 200mg of Wellbutrin daily, and I started feeling better within a week. It was incredible! I am now happier than I have ever been. I feel like a new, improved version of myself. My sex drive has drastically improved, but my appetite has not returned. In fact, I have lost weight despite not changing my eating or exercising habits. Other than those, I have no side effects."

• Emi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2013

Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) for Depression "I am only on my 3rd day with Wellbutrin SR (150mg once a day for now) but I really feel good about this medicine already! I'm brand new to antidepressants but had been on Lexapro for 2 weeks prior to getting the Wellbutrin prescription, and I really did not like the Lexapro. With it, I had been having a headache every day, tense muscles, felt emotionally numb, was tired all the time, couldn't focus, and absolutely could not reach orgasm even having sex every day (which was extremely frustrating). Since switching 3 days ago, I have had more energy, more ability to focus, I feel happier about life as a whole, and I have been really productive with school work (I'm a college student). I also have noticed that I'm not feeling as hungry. Good feels."

• Anonymous
• June 30, 2010

Wellbutrin (bupropion) 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."