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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. Changes in sex drive and impotence are among the sexual side effects that may occur. However, if a person does develop any of these side effects during treatment, it is difficult to know whether these problems are because of Wellbutrin or depression itself.
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. These sexual side effects may include:
- Changes in sex drive
- Impotence (erectile dysfunction, or ED)
- Other sexual problems.
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).
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.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD