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Wellbutrin Sexual Side Effects

Although Wellbutrin may be less likely to cause sexual side effects than other antidepressant medications, sexual side effects are still a possibility with Wellbutrin. Changes in sex drive and impotence are among the Wellbutrin sexual side effects that may occur. However, if a person does develop sexual side effects during treatment with Wellbutrin, it is difficult to know whether these problems are because of depression or Wellbutrin itself.

 

Wellbutrin Sexual Side Effects: An Overview

 Wellbutrin® (bupropion hydrochloride) may be less likely to cause sexual side effects, compared to many other antidepressant medications. Although sexual side effects of Wellbutrin are less common, they are still possible. Wellbutrin sexual side effects may include:
 
Wellbutrin Sexual Side Effects: Sex Drive
Wellbutrin may affect the sex drive (also known as libido). In previous clinical studies documenting the side effects of Wellbutrin, a decreased sex drive occurred in up to 3.1 percent of people taking Wellbutrin. However, an increased sex drive is also possible, occurring in at least 1 percent of people taking the medication (although the exact percentage was not reported).
 
Wellbutrin Sexual Side Effects: Impotence
Impotence is usually defined as a total inability to achieve an erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only brief erections. Ultimately, impotence is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Impotence is also known as erectile dysfunction (or ED for short).
 
In previous studies, impotence occurred in up to 3.4 percent of men taking Wellbutrin, compared to 3.1 percent of men not taking the medication.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;