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Sex Rx: Bupropion and your sex life

by Karen Schroeder, MS, RD

Commonly used brand names:

Wellbutrin
Zyban

What it is most often prescribed for:

  • Depression
  • Manic-depressive disorder
  • Smoking cessation, as part of a support program
  • Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder

How it works:

Bupropion increases the concentration of the neurotransmitter (brain chemical) dopamine. Dopamine increases drive and motivation, especially in the pursuit of pleasure; this is the main action through which bupropion helps to resolve depression, while also improving sexual functioning.

Possible sexual side effects:

Some antidepressant medications cause sexual dysfunction. Bupropion, however, has pro-sexual effects, and is often prescribed to counter the unpleasant sexual side effects of other antidepressants.

Bupropion improves the following:

  • Low sex drive
  • Sexual aversion
  • Insufficient lubrication
  • Erection difficulties
  • Orgasmic difficulties

However, bupropion can aggravate the following conditions:

How bupropion affects sexual function:

It is not clear exactly how bupropion improves sexual function, but a few mechanisms are likely involved:

  • Activation of the limbic system in the brain, an area that governs the generation or repression of sexual desire and response, including orgasm
  • Increasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter believed to increase sexual drive and desire
  • Stimulating DHEAS, a sex-related hormone that increases sexual desire

Contraindications

Bupropion should not be taken by people with a history of hypersexuality or menstrual disorders. Alternatives include:

Resources

Sexual Pharmacology, by T. Crenshaw and J. Goldberg. W.W. Norton & Company, 1996.

USP Drug Information
Bupropion

See our related stories:
"Prescription drugs and sex-not always a good mix."
This consumer-oriented article covers SSRIs as well as other types of medications that affect sexual function.

"Sex Rx: Tricyclic antidepressants and your sex life"
"Sex Rx: Paxil and your sex life"
Fact sheets outlining the possible sexual side effects of these medications, as well as treatment options.


Last reviewed March 2001 by Medical Review Board



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