Wellbutrin is an FDA-approved drug for mood disorders and other mental health problems. Antidepressants have various side effects, some related to a patient’s sexual health.
Low sex drive and sexual dysfunction can be symptoms of depression or an adverse reaction to antidepressant use.
Wellbutrin, called Bupropion, stands out from other antidepressants because it doesn’t cause adverse sexual side effects. On the other hand, the medication can cause an improvement in the patient’s sexual functioning.
This article discusses Wellbutrin erectile dysfunction and provides answers to FAQs. Continue reading to learn more.
Antidepressants and sexual functions
Wellbutrin is an antidepressant drug in the class of medications called norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs).
Wellbutrin works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine quantities in the brain- these are the neurotransmitters that influence the brain’s pleasure centers. Sometimes, doctors prescribe Wellbutrin to mitigate the sexual side effects of other antidepressants.
Only a qualified healthcare professional can recommend this change for patient safety. In addition, Wellbutrin treats seasonal affective disorder and depression and works as a smoking cessation aid.
Wellbutrin is approved and effective as an antidepressant; however, the medication has not been officially cleared for sexual dysfunction therapy unrelated to treating depression.
According to a study, Wellbutrin significantly boosts the sex drive in men due to its relationship with testosterone, resulting in increased sex hormones and arousal.
Wellbutrin increases the dopamine level in the brain, leading to increased libido in women and men.
Women in the postmenopausal phase may notice a reduced sex drive due to hormonal changes.
However, some women in the postmenopausal phase may see an increase in their sex drive when they start taking Wellbutrin.
Reduced sex drive can be a telltale sign of an active depression episode.
Can Wellbutrin cure sexual dysfunction?
Wellbutrin is an effective and relatively safe-to-use antidepressant medication. It can also help against low sex drive and ED in patients suffering these conditions as adverse effects of antidepressant use.
This medication is effective in a particular modality in this respect.
Wellbutrin typically works as a treatment option for antidepressant-induced erectile dysfunction, particularly SSRI-induced sexual challenges.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications are the most prescribed for mood issues like depression and anxiety.
Famous brand names include citalopram, Prozac, fluoxetine, and sertraline.
While antidepressant use can come with several benefits, they also have specific side effects of varying severity.
Antidepressants can cause a drastic drop in sexual desire and affect sexual performance by regulating the serotonin level in the brain.
Apart from SSRIs, other classes of antidepressants also increase the patient’s risk of sexual side effects.
However, Wellbutrin can help mitigate the sexual side effects of these antidepressants and improve the sex drive and desire of the patient.
You must make sure that a qualified doctor recommends Wellbutrin before you start using it.
Read also: How Effective Is Wellbutrin for Anxiety Treatment?
Can antidepressants cause permanent ED?
People who take SSRIs report sexual dysfunction as a prevalent side effect. Sexual problems can significantly impact the quality and value of someone’s relationships, mood, fertility, and emotional well-being.
Most times, these sexual issues diminish when the body adjusts to the medication. However, in some cases, some patients report continued sexual challenges even after discontinuing antidepressant use.
Some side effects include ED, low libido, and genital numbing. In rare situations, the problems can persist for years and even worsen.
What causes Wellbutrin erectile dysfunction?
Most antidepressants are known to cause ED in most patients. However, Wellbutrin is one of the few that doesn’t. According to studies, Wellbutrin did not report any cases of ED according to clinical trials case reports.
Furthermore, doctors sometimes recommend Wellbutrin to patients to reverse the ED from other antidepressants.
Your doctor may switch to Wellbutrin as a better option if your antidepressant medication is giving you ED.
Positively, available evidence indicates Wellbutrin can improve a patient’s sex life instead of causing adverse sexual side effects.
This medication can boost your sex drive orgasms, increase libido, and improve your erection and sexual arousal as a treatment for antidepressant-induced ED.
Although Wellbutrin isn’t officially approved for ED treatment by the Food and Drugs Administration, the drug does not cause ED in men.
What side effects does Wellbutrin cause?
Compared to other antidepressants, Wellbutrin typically causes mild side effects. The medication does not cause any sexual side effects. However, more common side effects of the medication include nausea, headache, and dry mouth.
While uncommon, severe side effects can still occur with Wellbutrin use. This can include suicidal ideation, seizures, allergic reactions, and suicidal behaviors.
The FDA mandates all antidepressants, including Wellbutrin, to have a black-box warning of the risk of suicidal ideations on the medication packaging.
Studies indicate people under 25 are more at risk of suicidal thoughts when using Wellbutrin. Patients should ensure they only use Wellbutrin as a qualified healthcare professional directs.
Some patients report experiencing manic or hypomanic episodes from using Wellbutrin. In addition, some people may experience allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. This side effect is rare, however.
Wellbutrin can also cause insomnia or sleeping problems because it affects the chemical messengers norepinephrine and dopamine, which stimulate the brain.
The medication’s effects on the brain can also lead to hypertension or high blood pressure. People who use Wellbutrin are also prone to seizures.
Hallucinations, delusions, confusion, and irrational behaviors are more likely in people who drink alcohol on Wellbutrin.
Can you take Wellbutrin with Viagra?
Sometimes, doctors recommend treatment options like Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), and Levitra (vardenafil) to treat ED and hypoactive sexual desire disorder.
These medications are effective for most men. Like most drugs, viagra can interact with certain medications when taken together.
However, there are no recorded interactions between Viagra and Wellbutrin when combined. Wellbutrin doesn’t have any contraindications with ED medications.
This means that you should be able to use Viagra with Wellbutrin. However, combining both drugs as directed by a qualified healthcare expert is crucial.
When To See A Doctor
Wellbutrin is a relatively safe medication with mild side effects. However, some severe complications may arise from using the drug. It is crucial only to use Wellbutrin as directed by a doctor.
Wellbutrin may trigger an allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This reaction can be potentially fatal and requires immediate medical attention.
If you’re experiencing an itch, rash, swelling of the tongue, face, or throat, chest pain, or breathing difficulty after using Wellbutrin, you should call your doctor.
In addition, you should immediately call your doctor if your depression symptoms are worsening rather than improving.
It is vital to watch for mood changes like worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, and rapid speech). Immediately contact your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
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Read also: All You Need to Know About Wellbutrin Withdrawal Symptoms
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Unlike most antidepressants, Wellbutrin doesn’t have adverse sexual effects on the patient. Alternatively, Wellbutrin can improve a patient’s sex drive and increase libido.
Sometimes, doctors recommend Wellbutrin to treat sexual issues caused by other antidepressants. There is no indication that Wellbutrin erectile dysfunction is likely in patients.
Some antidepressants are less likely to cause ED in men. Medications like Bupropion and mirtazapine are not known to cause any sexual side effects.
Antidepressants less likely to cause sexual side effects include Mirtazapine (Remeron), Bupropion (Wellbutrin XL, Wellbutrin SR), and Vilazodone (Viibryd).
No. Unlike most antidepressants, Wellbutrin does not cause sexual side effects. Some patients experience side effects such as low sex drive or difficulties with orgasm when using antidepressants.
For some patients, Wellbutrin may improve their sexual function by boosting their libido and desire.
