Wellbutrin Increasing Dosage Sexual Side Effects?
Wednesday, 28 June 2006
A visitor asked about an unusual side effect of increasing Wellbutrin (bupropion) dosage from 150 to 300 mg: increased libido.
I looked at the package insert (prescribing information that the FDA approves for a drug) and didn’t see increased libido in the side effect profiles, including the rare side effect profiles. I did a medline search and saw a couple of case reports of hypersexuality from bupropion:
J Clin Psychiatry. 2003 Oct;64(10):1268-9. “Effect of bupropion on sexual dysfunction induced by fluoxetine: a case report of hypersexuality.” Chollet CA, Andreatini R.
Publication Types:
* Case Reports
* Letter
PMID: 14658981 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Can J Psychiatry. 1998 Aug;43(6):644-5. “Bupropion-SR-induced increased libido and spontaneous orgasm.” Labbate LA.
Publication Types:
* Case Reports
* Letter
PMID: 9729695 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
I wanted to see if anyone either knows additional information about this or have experienced this. Wellbutrin is often prescribed for those concerned with the sexual side effects of SSRI-type of drugs, and the low incidence of sexual side effect is a feature of this drug that the manufacturer markets to physicians. However, I’m not aware of this drug increasing libido to a debilitating level.
Can anyone help with this visitor’s question?
No. 1 — September 21st, 2006 at 10:32 pm
Jane,
Just began on bupropion for depression…side effect was increase in my naturally decreased libido. I am 42 years old, have always had high libido until recently, and attributed it to my age. I have a level of sexual response much like that before it began to slowly decrease in past few years. I am all for it in helping women’s libidos.
It does have the caffeine effect, and makes it hard to sleep, but it has only been ten days.
Sincerely,
Yvette
No. 2 — September 22nd, 2006 at 8:09 am
Yvette -
Thanks for your feedback. I agree with you about helping women’s libidos – there aren’t many options out there for women as opposed to the various drugs advertised for mens’ sexual dysfunction.
Do you take it early in the morning? Bupropion is definitely “activating” and in the past when I took it, I took it in the morning.
Best wishes,
Jane
No. 3 — January 15th, 2007 at 8:04 pm
I was prescribed Wellbutrin because 3 other antidepressants I’ve tried “diabled” my ability to reach orgasm. I have definitely experienced the libido lift of Wellbutrin, overly so, even. I’ve also experienced sleeplessness – which is NOT me, and night sweats.
No. 4 — August 7th, 2007 at 8:38 am
I’m taking the wellbutrin XL (extended release). only 150, just got raised to 300. I take it before I go to bed because I have the tendency to get tired after I ingest a pill.
Yes, I sleep less (don’t miss it though, not tired). Yes, I may sweat more than usual.
And YES,YES, YES (about the other thing)
No. 5 — September 4th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
Today I Googled sexual side effects of Wellbutrin XL after being on it for 2 weeks now. The first week I was on 150mg and starting at the beginning of the second week have been on 300mg. Not only is it helping with my depression, my formerly non-existant libido has returned to “normal.” Now I have another problem… Most of my depression revolves around the fact that I don’t like my husband because he is emotionally abusive. Now I’m horney but married to a man that I really don’t want to do it with. What’s a girl to do?
No. 6 — September 14th, 2007 at 10:07 am
Kathy, do you need someone to approve what you are planning? OK, then.
Cheat on your husband, or dump his sorry ass. Maybe cheat on him, and then leave him when you’ve found a real man.
Or you can stay with him until he learns not to be abusive. Hahahahahaha. Just kidding. That never happens.
No. 7 — September 26th, 2007 at 8:14 pm
I’m taking Welbutrin 300 mg.. And also on Paxil.. The problem I have is I am unable to ejaculate.. I would think it was the paxil, but I was taking only 5 mg of paxil only and sometimes could ejaculate sometimes not.. I went back on the Welbutrin and trying to stop the paxil. Went from 5mg to 2.5 mg.. Since I’m on the welbutrin, Can’t ejaculate at all..
Any Ideas? Any Medications I can add to help with this?? I don’t think Vigra will help.. LOL
No. 8 — October 4th, 2007 at 6:31 am
[...] made the following comment regarding his experience with two antidepressants: I’m taking Welbutrin 300 mg.. And also on [...]
No. 9 — July 27th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
I am a 40 year old male. I just increased my wellbutrin from 300 to 450 a day and my libido is through the roof. I guess it effects everyone differently, but for me it makes me want to have sex all the time,
Robert
No. 10 — August 22nd, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Oh My Goddess!~
increased libido??!?!?!?!?! mine has so increased i didn’t think a libido could get that big!~(lol).
Anyways, let me be serious for a minute about MY personal condition:
I have been diagnosed ptsd and borderline bipolar…
I was put on Wellbutrin SR and Seroquel 300 @ 3 years ago…
The Seroquel is WAAAAAY too strong for me to take an entire pill at bedtime…but concerning the Wellbutrin—
…i have found (And i would REALLY like it if you
could get back to me personally when I’m through here, so I can tell you some very,very interesting things about Wellbutrin)that my depression has been somewhat alleviated as long as i stay on my regimen of Buproprion…my mood is now generally “up”-ee and I sometimes feel the SLIGHTEST little bit of self-esteem coming back to me…But here is the answer you asked us for—Sexual Libido increase w/ Wellbutrin?
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES OMIGODYES YES YES…I’M A WALKING ORGASM…i’m sorry i don’t mean 2 offend you…but 100% honestly, i have never , ever in my whole 42 years on this planet,felt soooooo darn horny All the Time!~i get a little “tingle” in my u-no-where area and it stays there alllll day!` I have actually followed these amazing feelings and they have taken me to OOhhhh boy ooooh boy….places i never thought i could EVER discover!~this is why u must Email me back personally…i would love to share w/ you my experiences while
on Buproprion…which i might add, i have been changed over to the Wellbutrin XL…and oh boy…even worse!!!..or better-it’s in the way you decide .
No. 11 — September 1st, 2008 at 9:47 pm
ive just recently started taking wellbutrin for my depression and found four distinct affects,an elivated mood elivated labido alot of energy and pain relief in my stomach from a hernia and im only taking 100 mg a day go figure!
No. 12 — September 24th, 2008 at 4:36 am
I have been on Wellbutrin for 8 years. LIBIDO stays but not as strong as it was at first. It is a great anti depressant. Love my WELLBUTRIN XL!!
No. 13 — September 30th, 2008 at 12:02 am
I consider Wellbutrin XL to be a wonder drug for brain chemistry depression (added the descriptors as some people don’t know the difference between chronic and temporary depression.) I am productive and I can hold a job. And although I don’t believe I am hypomanic at all, (I have bipolar depression,) I do have the hypersexual side effect that is usually attributed to a hypomanic mood swing. I’m an odd case though — diagnosed bipolar disorder I, the strongest level, yet I don’t have mood swings anymore. I healed. Just chronic depression, which the Wellbutrin XL fixes. However, the hypersexuality is a problem, and I have even started going to a Sex Addicts Anonymous group as a result. For me the main problem is instead of having sex with my wife, I prefer to satisfy an appetite for fantasy, yet I do that safely, using free internet porn movies. It is a problem as then the hypersexuality just gets worse when you are watching porn. The porn seems to act as a persuasive element that then just creates more appetite and makes you look at women and teenage girls as sex objects. Even when your morality dictates otherwise. I can be irritable also I think, but it takes someone else’s temper usually to set mine off, or it takes a lot of stress. I probably should take another anti depressant with wellbutrin to temper the effect of the libido, as most others have the opposite affect on libido. While it can’t hurt to boost multiple brain chemicals regarding treating depression.
No. 14 — October 16th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
I wish my husband would look at this issue. He has always been more into fantasy through porn but this has seemed to result from his dysfunctional family system. As a result, I think it’s become somewhat an addiction for him. I also know that depression runs in his family. He has never wanted to investigate whether the depression and the escape porn provides may be linked in some way. I, personally, have nothing against porn as an addendum to sex with another person, but when it replaces that sexual connection with a person, it’s destructive to the relationship. Well, I saw your email and it gave me pause when you mentioned the link between depression and sexual addiction. If anything you have tried has been successful in addition to the medication, I’d be interested in hearing your perspective on it.
Thank you! Jeannie
No. 15 — November 3rd, 2008 at 11:45 am
I was prescribed on Citalopram about a year and a half ago for panic attacks. I recently noticed, maybe two or three months ago that it was very difficult to reach an orgasm. My doc put me on wellbutrin, and my libido went through the roof!!! I was reaching orgasm two sometimes three times a day, in a matter of just hours too. I’m 24 and have never been able to ejaculet 3 times in 6 hours, until then, which is fantastic because my wife and I are very sexual beings. However, about two weeks ago, my libido disappeared, and I have since grown somewhat depressed. I have had no desire at all to have sex. This is very difficult because my wife is upset, she feels as though it is her, AND IT’S NOT!!! I am more than happy to satisfy her in other ways, but she refuses, she wants to make love. So often times I try to give her what she needs and it leads to nothing but heart break for both of us, I can’t get get excited, she thinks it’s her, and I’m upset because I have not only upset my wife emotionally as she thinks i am not attracted to her, but I am unable to satisfy her sexually as well, which fuels my depression. I talked to my doc and he raised my dosage from 150mg a day to 300mg a day, he thinks this will boost my libido and my wife and I can have our fantastic sex life back. Anyone experienced anything similar to this, with the dosage increase or what not……..DID IT WORK?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
No. 16 — January 5th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
When I was in Carrier Hospital they put me on Wellbutin XL. I started feeling better. I remember when I was on it for a couple weeks that I went out to walk my dog and it felt so great, so great. I quit smoking as if the cigarette was so heavy that when I lit it, it was so heavy that it just dropped to the floor before I could even want to smoke it anyway. {explicit content about a sexual encounter removed}
If you have morals and a good heart and you respect women, an increased libido is great. {otherwise} it will destroy all of those things around you.
No. 17 — January 20th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
I’m bipolar and very hypersexual. Have been since childhood. When I first met my husband I was going through an extreme manic cycle. As my best friend he just waited on me to calm down and now we’ve been together for 8 years. I have always maintain complete control of my body dispite my inclinations. Now I’ve been on Wellbutrin for just 2 weeks and came within seconds of cheating on my husband a couple of days ago. I had no way of knowing that for the first time in 8 years I would come so close to losing control. I’m back in a uncontrollable manic cycle which has left me depressed for fear of cheating and my husband very afraid. I’ve made myself homebound but it doesn’t seem to stop me from phone calls and the painful urges to just get in my car and give up. I didn’t know it was the welbutrin until reading this site. I see my psych. tomorrow. I oversexed enough. I didn’t need anymore.
No. 18 — January 28th, 2009 at 8:29 pm
This drug has done wonders me! I wouldn’t mind staying on it even when I don’t need it anymore. The sexual side effects are fantastic.
No. 19 — February 3rd, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Dear Angela, I’m sorry to hear about your experience on wellbutrin, and glad that the article has given you additional information that can help you have that important conversation with your psych about the hypersexual side effects that you’ve been experiencing. It sounds like you have a high level of self awareness, but medications have profound effects on our bodies and psychologies (esp. medications targeting our brain chemistry). I hope you have resolved the symptoms and are finding an effective alternative that does not put you (and your marriage) at the same level of risks you have experienced. Please let me know how you’re doing. Jane.
No. 20 — February 19th, 2009 at 5:53 am
My husband has been taking Paxil for over 4 years 20mg and take four .05 Xanax four times a day. Since taking the Paxil he has no sex drive at all and when we do have sex he cannot have an orgasm. The doctor is adding Welibutrin to the list of meds to help the sexual side effects that the Paxil gives him. Has anyone had and done this and has it worked? Thank you
No. 21 — March 10th, 2009 at 8:17 am
just reading all posts and wondering what the heck is wrong w/ ME? i love having sex, but i have to FAKE it, but my husband knows. i just can’t reach the big bang anymore.
No. 22 — March 28th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
I started Wellbutrin after ineffective tours of duty on Zoloft, Prozac, Effexor, all of which hampered libido and response. Wellbutrin increased both . When I had to stop it for 6 weeks prior to a surgery, both decreased (well, surgery and recovery discomfort didn’t help libido any) and resumed when I began again. Every so often I get a dopamine ‘overload’ on Wellbutrin and take one or two days off, until the blinking stops (caffeine, and it doesn’t take much,) exacerbates this. When I resume, the libido and response return. My problem was depression and a sort of physical as well as mental inertia, which Wellbutrin helps, considerably.
No. 23 — March 29th, 2009 at 7:09 am
Dave, stop taking Paxil! It ruins the libido and make you not have ejaculation, or to have a very weird one! By the way, are you so bad?! Why would you need two antidepressants?
No. 24 — April 3rd, 2009 at 8:51 pm
I was given venlafaxine in hospital at 150mg and it made me very uncomfortably turned on. I also had itching and thumping heart rate and constant anger. The hospital stay was very traumatic as I asked to be on on less meds but was not listened to. That was 3 years ago. I gave myself 75mg venlafaxine 9 months ago when depression returned a month after quitting smoking. This time it has helped keep me steady and off tobacco and safe. I have noticed I do not paint anymore nor play music. My partner and I are very close but I am getting tired of sex.He tries so hard and I feel guilty I cannot be there. These effects have slowly developed but I know they are due to the medication. Other side effects I have is itching arms and legs. I know meds have different effects in different people, but at a guess I’d say the wellbutrin and venlafaxine (at higher doses) affects dopamine which would put one in a state of expectation. It wouldn’t necessarily turn one on immediately but over time one would learn to become turned on.At the moment I am unsure whether to take more of the venlafaxine or try coming off it entirely. I’ve had enough of the way things are right now and I need a change. It’s all relative really, I guess.
No. 25 — April 6th, 2009 at 10:50 am
I was on paxil for 12 years for depression and sociel anxiety disorger when I tried to wean myself off of the drug. I entered a period of anxiety and major depression that I will never forget. In about a month I lost 25 pounds and was eating the same. And, then I cut myself off from everyone and started playing Russian roullete, which I did for five days. Oh, I cheated, but I don’t know how I didn’t blow my head off. I finally committed myself and was in the hospital for 17 days. The doctor put me back on paxil and introduced me to wellburtin. My libido took off, but has now two years later just disappeared. It would be nice to have some libido back.
No. 26 — April 9th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
47 yr old male. Of any antidepressant I’ve taken (c.14), by far I prefer Wellbutrin. On it, my thoughts shift from a frequently suicidal hopelessness toward being able to focus more on future possibilities. On even moderate doses of Wellbutrin, I experience a highly increased libido and in one aspect, it’s great because it gives me back the rutting drive of my 20s, when life seemed pregnant (pun intended) with possibilities. I can orgasm every day (normally 2-3x/wk) and orgasms are doubly intense. At 300mg though, it’s way too much of a good thing. I’m overly flirtatious with both men and women, prone to sexual innuendo, and reach a point where almost anything is sexual. I start seeking out porn obsessively and eventually I can’t concentrate at work. I’m currently taking 100mb every day or two (more or less to control the sex drive effect) and that seems to have struck a happy medium, returning my mood and energy without the hypersexuality. What nearly drove me insane was a high dose of an orgasm-killer like Paxil or Zoloft PLUS a high dose of Wellbutrin.
No. 27 — April 13th, 2009 at 5:31 am
The reason my husband is taking 2 antidepressants is so the other will help with his libido, but as of right now it has increased a little but that is it he still gets no pleasure out of sex and that makes it were he just don’t want sex again. they want him to try other meds but he is afaired he wont leave te house again
No. 28 — April 22nd, 2009 at 4:54 pm
I’ve been on Wellbutrin for about 2 years. I definitely have noticed an increase in libido since I started it but until I stumbled across this article/forum, I did not realize it was the Wellbutrin!!! I didn’t know what was going on with me, unfortunately, I attributed it to the new man in my life (came into my life at abut the same time) and stayed with him too long as a result. Broke up several months ago and the increased libido continued – that was my first inkling it might be something other than him! I am entering menopause (about a year) and was wondering why my sex drive hadn’t decreased – now I know!
No. 29 — May 17th, 2009 at 11:13 am
Just wanted to add a note here… Wellbutrin is structurally similar to amphetamine, or speed, if your into street slang. Thats why everyone complains about racing heart, anxiety, etc. If you just take it in the morning you should be able to sleep at night, and if it is still a problem, you can be prescribed something called Trazadone, which will help you sleep.
Now for the libido thing, I’m having a problem with it too, I feel like I need to chase my husband around the house, to work, etc. And hes exacerbating the problem to get back at me for a low sex drive for the last 13 years. I feel like Im walking around with concrete underwear on all day and night, and no matter how much sex we have, it doesn’t seem to let up. On the other hand, its done wonders for my marrige and the depression is totally gone, and I have been on several medications. So all in all, I guess its worth it!
No. 30 — May 22nd, 2009 at 3:17 pm
thank you everyone for adding to this thread, because your personal experiences may help someone who can’t find much public information about this side effect, and let that person know he or she is not alone (or going crazy)!
No. 31 — June 6th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Thank you so much everyone for your info! I have just been prescribed Wellbutrin for my ADHD which has squashed my potential and i am sick of it. I also am unable to reach orgasm during sex, but with lots of porn and vibrators have been able to on my own. I am excited to see where this leads!! Now I’m a little afraid of becoming a sex-maniac though….I already am oversexed and make inappropriate comments all the time! I’ll let you know how it goes.
No. 32 — June 9th, 2009 at 8:05 am
I was on 10mg of Paxil for about 6 years until about 3 months ago when I started weening off of it by now taking only 5mg a day instead of 10mg. I now have no sex drive whatsoever and can hardly keep an erection. Does anyone think this could be attributed to coming down on the Paxil? Does anyone have a similar story?
No. 33 — August 4th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
I am bipolar and recently have had SEVERE depression. I wanted a medicine that would make me happy and not have sexual side effects. I was put on wellbutrin and my sex drive DECREASED. I can not even get an erection. I have only found one other person on the internet who has had the same problem. What’s wrong with me?
No. 34 — September 6th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
I am 35 yrs old and i have always had an average to low average sex drive. I started taking wellbutrin 150 mg for depression, lack of motivation, and lethargy. within days of starting it i noticed an increase in my libido. a few weeks later my psychiatrist increased my dose to 300mg and my sex drive has gone THROUGH THE ROOF!!! i NEEEEED to have sex every single day! the horniness begins sometime in the afternoon and by the time the night rolls around i am all over my husband! even after i orgasm and we are finished, i STILL feel like i want more! its nice to have an increased sex drive but this is boardering on nymphomania!!! (my husband is not complaining though!)
No. 35 — September 7th, 2009 at 5:52 am
I started taking wellbutrin only 5 days ago and I already feel MUCH better. Not calm though…hyper but happier!!! How long should I take it for? Is it highly addictive?
No. 36 — September 11th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
Marta, I am glad to hear that you are experiencing relief from the treatment; I’d defer to your physician, who would be best to help you decide the proper length of treatment. When you say addictive, you may be asking about the potential for dependence or withdrawal symptoms (2 sides of a similar coin in addiction) – again, questions to ask your doctor – the wellbutrin product insert would have that data.
No. 37 — September 11th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Adam, even though wellbutrin/bupropion is shown to be likely to increase sex drive (and that itself is SIDE EFFECT NOT THE INTENDED EFFECT of the medication), that doesn’t mean that EVERYONE should be experiencing the same side effect! When I was prescribed wellbutrin, I developed a horrible itch all over, and had to stop taking this drug. This isn’t a common side effect, and there was nothing “wrong” with me – just as there is nothing “wrong” with you because you have experienced a particular side effect with this drug. It just means we respond to the same drug in different ways. If it bothers you enough to the point where the relief of severe depression is being compromised by a new concern with this sexual side effect, I’d discuss with your doctor about what he or she could recommend.
No. 38 — October 2nd, 2009 at 6:14 pm
I was on Paxil for 10 years for OCD and depression and had zero sex drive. In order to have an erection and have a “good time” I would have to go off of Paxil for the weekend. I weaned off of it and was put on a once a day 100 mg dose of Wellbutrin. Since being on the once a day dose of Wellbutrin, my sex drive is even less than it was when on the Paxil. I feel good on the Wellbutrin and only have anxious moments every once in awhile. I talked to my pharmacist and he suggested that I talk to my doctor about increasing my dose of Wellbutrin, that may help with the periodic anxious moments and zero sex drive, what do you think Dr Jane? I would really like to get my sex drive back!!
No. 39 — October 4th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Some of the posters to this thread seem to think that wanting sex every day, or being attracted to people that they encounter during the day, means that they’re out of control, deviant, or addicted to sex. In my opinion, they just have a healthy sex drive, and sexual addiction means that you’re hurting someone, breaking the law, or ruining your life over sexual matters. I have had a similar, but slightly different outcome from taking Wellbutrin and wanted to share: I’m male and had difficulty reaching orgasm (but no erectile difficulties), but when I did the intensity was much greater than usual (and I wouldn’t complain about my “usual”). I literally would almost roll out of bed.
No. 40 — October 8th, 2009 at 11:45 am
I am bipolar but usually have a very high sex drive. Prozac has always worked wonders for me and not effected my sex drive. I have been on 300mg of wellbutrin for a month now and i can’t orgasm. I dont’ get turned on like i used to. I am madly in love with my boyfriend. I am praying that maybe it’s just stress??!? But if it is wellbutrin, what are the chances and time frame that this will go away? I don’t want to change my med combo- i’m stable. But this is a really big problem?!? And now i can’t tell if it’s in my head or the meds…and stressing just makes it worse….
No. 41 — October 11th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
I am a 53 year old woman who has always had a healthy libido. Two years ago I was prescribed Lexapro for anxiety. Not realizing it was the drug, I suffered from weight gain, sweating in social situations, and absolutely NO libido. I finally told my doctor about the loss of libido so he switched me to BuPropion (Wellbutrin) In one month my libido is through the roof. I haven’t experienced orgasms this frequently or strong, EVER! Sometimes it’s so strong I have to take care of it right then. If my husband isn’t home I turn to “my friend”. Even though my husband and I are enjoying my through the roof orgasms, I’m thinking I might have to get off the medication because I’m afraid this “need” will take over my life.
No. 42 — October 11th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
I forgot to mention I am on 150mg twice a day. Also for anyone who might be put on Lexapro, since I went off it I have lost weight, stopped sweating and oh yea…..my libido has returned 10 fold!
No. 43 — October 19th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Michelle – your description links your change in libido with the addition of wellbutrin – did you talk to your doctor about this? If you’re stable then the med combo works, but not optimally if you’re dealing with this new side effect that obviously is stressing you out and affecting your quality of life. I’d encourage you to tell your doctor what’s going on and what may be done! Wellbutrin comes in released formulation as well, I’m not sure if that’s the formulation you’re taking; for the most part, the “extended release” may reduce some symptoms, but I don’t know if that would improve your libido change. It’s worthwhile to ask your doc!
No. 44 — October 20th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
As an update to my earlier postings, I have since reduced my dossage to 150mg once a day. Although my husband was REALLY enjoying my insatiable sex drive and I was REALLY enjoying my out of control orgasms, my life was turned upside with a constant need for sex! Now with half the dose, I still have a mesured increase of libido since switching to BuPropion from Lexapro but I can concentrate on life beyond orgasms!
No. 45 — November 30th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
i am 34 weeks pregnant when starting wellbutrin , before taking it i had no sex drive problems in any way, we was having sex 3 times a day without wellbutrin , now it has increased and my boyfriend almost don’t want to come around anymore because i bug him for sex so much, and i even get angry if i cant get it when i want it, really it would be a nice side effect for someone having issues with sex drive , but for someone with a high sex drive already , poor spouses cause my man is scared of me now.
No. 46 — December 6th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
I have been on Wellbutrin for 3 weeks and WOW…..my sex drive was excelent before…………but now I’m a walkin hard-on……….its kinda anoying
No. 47 — December 22nd, 2009 at 1:01 pm
I have been on 40mg of Citalopram per day for about the past year now; I have an immune disorder which I am also taking daily medication for; and, because of my strict Christian upbringing, I learned about sex through other, not-so-positive outlets. – I believe that all of these things have had an effect on me not being able to have orgasms with my partner(s). I focus so hard on trying to orgasm during sex that it often never occurs, and this makes the anxiety about sex even more unenjoyable!! I want to have orgasms again and not be anxious with my partner.
My doctor is lowering my Citalopram to 20mg per day and I am beginning to take Welbutrin…But I am again anxious about adding yet another prescription to my list. Hopefully the Welbutrin will help out!
By the way, is the side effect of losing libido after being on Welbutrin for a period of time due to the body becoming used to it, therefore having to continually increase the dosage?? That’s not ideal, either, is it??
No. 48 — January 3rd, 2010 at 4:47 pm
When I was younger, I was diagnosed with treatment resistant depression, among other things. After years of drugs, I was put on Welbutrin (450mg eventually) and it worked amazingly, it was the only thing that worked for me and I stayed on it for years. I didn’t really experience side effects with Welbutrin. I got to a point when I was quite stable and decided I was done with psychotropic drugs (not a really brilliant idea), I stayed off of them for quite a while. Recently my depression has come back and I was again put on Welbutrin (150mg to start). My sex drive has increased considerably. Pretty much any time my boyfriend is speaking to me I’m thinking we should have sex and about whether we’ll have sex later, in an almost obsessive way. When he’s gone, I get myself off at least 5 times every day. I had had a decent sex drive before when stable and when on Welbutrin (it was horrible when depressed or when taking other anti-depressants) but could not have sex daily and feel fine (though I think sex daily is kind of ideal), now I find myself feeling completely unsatisfied if I go a single day without sex. My boyfriend will even go to bed and I’ll masturbate as I can’t fall asleep feeling as sexually frustrated as I do any night I don’t have sex. Sometimes it’s great but sometimes it sucks as I know any boy with a normal sex drive wont be able to keep up with my Welbutrin sex drive.
No. 49 — January 5th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
After lowering my dose of BuProprion from 150mg twice a day to 150mg once a day I found myself feeling too depressed. So, about 3 weeks ago I reintroduced the second dose hoping to get the relief I needed without the extreme sexual side effects. So far so good. At this point the sexual side effects are tolerable AND enjoyable!
No. 50 — January 6th, 2010 at 7:43 pm
I started wellbutrin this week after being on lexapro. The lexapro caused major sexual problems. How long will it take for the Wellbutrin to help if it is going to?
No. 51 — January 8th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
use 300 mg daily bupropion sr(generic Wellbutrin). does increase dopamine, libido, depression gone after sad 50 years. married but husband is decreasing sexual feelings as he ages. problem is wanting orgasm frequently with no partner, but decreasing bupropion causes depression. reducing mg leads to depression. wish I had bupropion when I was 20. oh well, at least i am not depressed, even if sexually hyper all the time.
No. 52 — January 29th, 2010 at 9:20 am
I was taking Welbutrin for a few years following a tramatic event. During that time I noticed a decrease in sex drive which was fine in that it more closely matched my spouse’s sex drive. Now that I have come off of Welbutrin I encounter bursts of hightened sex drive (about 1/month for two days) that with is out of control. I would rather not experience this and keep control than have a sex drive my spouse cannot meet.
No. 53 — January 31st, 2010 at 10:03 pm
I’ve now tried 300 mg of buproprion….too much increased libido, reduced to 150 mg….too depressed, increased to 300 mg….bad headaches, reduced to 150 mg….so far so good!!! All this over a period of about 4-5 months.
No. 54 — February 4th, 2010 at 9:37 am
I recently ramped up my Wellbutrin XL to 450 mg daily and after 3 days I’ve been having some concerning effects — libido is certainly raised but I’m seeming to experience hypersensitivity, to the point that I can have orgasms in seconds. This is extremely concerning as most men describe having augmented sexual performance, but at least each consecutive day has improved this problem.
What I’m wondering is, if when the medication ‘levels out’, will my hypersensitivity?
No. 55 — February 22nd, 2010 at 1:21 pm
I’ve been taking Zoloft for about 10 yrs. My depression was under control but my ability to deal with stress was very low. My doctor suggested that the zoloft was not working to par and thought I’d do better on Wellbutrin. I’ve been on Wellbutrin for about a month. 5 days after I started the Wellbutrin I became quite ill with extreme chills, night sweats and headaches but no fever. This lingered for about 3 weeks. I was told that it wasn’t a side effect of the Wellbutrin. Since then I have had extreme loss in appetite to the point that I feel nauseous when I think about foods that I previously enjoyed. My sexual appetite has become numb and I have absolutely no desire for any physical contact with my partner. I thought it could have been due to my illness but now I’m thinking that its the Wellbutrin. The persistant numbness and nausea have become a great concern.
No. 56 — February 22nd, 2010 at 1:39 pm
Dear Callie,
If this is not due to side effects of Wellbutrin then you need to ask your doctor to “work you up” thoroughly and find out what is causing it.
Just because a side effect isn’t listed in the PI (package insert/product information) DOESN’T MEAN THE SIDE EFFECT DOES NOT EXIST. Each one of us is different. When I was prescribed wellbutrin, I had a rash all over my body. Is that a “common side effect”? No. And the docs didn’t believe it was true, either, it was not listed prominently on the PI. But I had tried it 3 separate times – with generic versions AND brand versions – and got the same bad rash.
My bias is that it is probably a side effect of the drug – but then again, I am going by little information here and I am not medical licensed and not authorized to dispense medical advice – so you can only trust this when a MD in good standing tells you.
No. 57 — February 23rd, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Used Wellbutrin to help me quit smoking and help with a bit of depression at same time. It’s been 3 months. I am 36, have always had high libido, and was glad to hear that wellbutrin wasn’t likely to cause sexual side effects. It didn’t at first. Unfortunately, either the wellbutrin, or nature, is taking it’s toll. I wish I knew. I am going to stop taking the wellbutrin now, in order to see if my libido (and ability to reach climax) returns/increases. One reason I was depressed was the splitup of my family. Now that I’m seeing a new, hot!, girl, this is embarrasing and she’s concerned it may be her ! I used to be able to have sex 3 times a day… I’m guessing it’s the wellbutrin (fingers crossed).
No. 58 — February 27th, 2010 at 10:28 am
I have been back on 300mg of buproprion now for about 3 weeks. Feeling really good. Headaches have stopped, libido is wonderful but under control. So far, so good.
No. 59 — March 2nd, 2010 at 3:17 pm
I have been on cipralmil for 4 years now due to Postnaltal depression. My love life with my husband is non existant as i cannot reach orgasm so i could not be bottered – GP suggested i swop over to Wellbirtrim as i does not have such severe side effects on libido. If i do this as i do suffer from depression and i probably have to be on some form of anti depressant for the rest of my life – how do i swop over and not loose the plot at the same time?
No. 60 — March 5th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
I’m going to throw in a curve ball here. I’m a 57 y.o. single male and have not had sexual relations for the past 12 years. I have been on Paxil for the past 7 yrs. and xanax off and on for 16 yrs.
I have 0 sex drive but am supposedly in good health and exercise
regularly. All this talk about Wellbutrin has me thinking; do I want to stir something up that doesn’t really exist so I can need something I don’t have in the first place, that being a girlfriend for the increased libido that I might rev up. I just might experiment with this.
No. 61 — March 5th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
after talking wellbutrin for 3 weeks my libido took over my life, the constant extreme sexual excitement and sensory bombardment were impossible to ignore and hijacked normal thoughts and interactions…attention to sex was imperative…i have taken myself off the medication in desperation although it is the only thing that has stopped my crying, grief, depression, physical inertia, etc…what a pity! even now, without taking the medicine for a week, I am constantly orgasmic, and hyperstimulated and so far today have had to masterbate 5 times! when will it stop?
No. 62 — March 17th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
My wife and I had a fantastic sex life until about 10 years ago. Slowly her desire to have sex has deminished and a this point shhas no sex drive and that makes her even more resistant to attempt to “get in the mood”. She is frustrated and wants to have her previous sex drive back. She is not depressed, will taking Wellbutrin cause her any ill side effects?
No. 63 — March 26th, 2010 at 6:33 pm
I started taking Wellbutrin XL 10 days ago to help quit smoking. I took 150 mg for the first 7 days and then increased to 300 mg on day 8 and stopped smoking completely. So far, I don’t want or feel an urge for a cigarette so that is great. I have lost 6.5 pounds since I started 10 days ago, which isn’t a bad thing as I need to lose much, much more. I have noticed that I feel happier and because of that, have been more active both in and out of the house with my children.
My husband, children, friends and co-workers have commented that I don’t seem as uptight or tense lately and that I am more happy and easy-going. I am enjoying life more. I believe that I was experiencing a little depression, as things have been very stressful both at work and at home so the fact that it is used to treat depression is an added plus.
I take my meds in the morning, so I haven’t experienced and insomnia or problems sleeping. Oh yes, the libido that everyone is speaking of. All I can say is, “It’s baaaaack!” I have had issues with a decreased or almost nonexistent libido for about 3 years. The only time I wanted to have sex with my husband was during my ovulation time. So, we were only intimate 2-3 times per month MAYBE. Now we are back to 2-3 times per week and I just LOVE it (so does my husband). I don’t know if it will continue, but I haven’t experienced anything negative so far.
No. 64 — April 6th, 2010 at 4:09 pm
I started taking bupropion FiVE days ago. twice a day. i cant tell u the dosage off hand. blue pills? holy cow i feel like i’m a teenager again with the libido and this is not a good thing!!!!!!!! i had a crazy hyper sex drive and was masturbating all the time, everywhere back then. now, i feel like i’m back to that. i can’t concentrate! i looked at porn for the first time in, probably 5 years today. i havent had much of a sex drive in 4 years. and now, this!! yes, this could be marketed for womens libido. but there’s no gurantee the wife’s gonna wanna have sex with her husband so be prepared for that!
i’m going to start dating again.
lol!
oh. i should say though. i was very seriously ill though. i’m bipolar II and was taking topamax 125 mg’s 2x a day. suicidal thoughts, crying spells out of control negativing thinking. then doctor added lithium and wellbutrin. i’m giggly and smiley and daydreaming about happy stuff and, hot stuff! lol.
No. 65 — April 6th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
I am a late 30′s male. About 8 weeks ago I started on Wellbutrin XL 150 to quite smoking. My doctor kept me on the 150 for the first 4 weeks because of some side affects, then in week 5 raised me to 300 mg. Within two days there was sexual dysfunction as I could not get an erection no matter what I did. My the 6th day on the 300, I was able to go back to 150 because I was traveling and wasn’t able to contact the doctpr. Things started to work again with few days. A week later I noticed just being on the 150, I was starting to have a weak erection again. The doctor took me off it immediately. I have been off of the meds for 5 days and still no change. I have never had a problem with sex drive or erection. Now I am very concerned that this has ruined me for life. I have found other stories like this on the net from other guys so I wanted to post mine in as many places. Clearly they did not include this in their side affects. Being a very sexual person who is single and was used to having sex often, I am afraid to even go there.
No. 66 — April 13th, 2010 at 7:06 am
took celexa for 9 yrs, dead sex drive for about 5 yrs.
a week on wellbutrin xl, no libido so far, how long will it
take. i know all are differnt, what do i do?
No. 67 — April 25th, 2010 at 10:24 am
My husband was actually put on wellbutrin to counteract the sexual side effects of zoloft. Zoloft made him not want to have sex ever, then with the wellbutrin he is back to his old self!
No. 68 — May 4th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
I started taking Wellbutrin two weeks ago. I was on Effexor and barely had any sex drive, now I’m a walking hornball. WTF?
No. 69 — May 10th, 2010 at 9:27 am
44 y.o. male. I have been taking wellbutrin for 5 weeks. I started with 150mg/day, then after a month, increased to 300mg/day (150mg twice daily). I am not yet convinced it is helping the depression, but it has definitely increased my sex drive. I get frequent erections (I mean high-school frequent!) and my erections are much firmer/stronger. Additionally, my orgasms (which I am having typically twice/day) are INTENSE and have increased dramatically in duration.
Now, if the effect on depression is as remarkable, then I will pretty much classify wellbutrin a wonder drug.
No. 70 — May 10th, 2010 at 10:22 am
I’ve been on Cymbalta for a little over a month for minor depression, insomnia and migraines. I feel rested and wonderful. The problem is my sex drive. It was always a little sluggish now it’s non-exsistent. My doc added 150 milligrams of Wellbutrin 3 days to see if that would help. She wants me to continue with the Cymbalta because Wellbutrin may cause insomnia. So far I haven’t noticed any side effects. When can I expect to have a sex drive again? My doctor said to call her in 2 months if I don’t notice any increase. I’m a newlywed and would really like to rekindle things with my husband.
No. 71 — May 13th, 2010 at 7:33 pm
i take trazodone 50 mg to sleep at night i get irritability and have headaches was placed on elavil 25mg that i take at night also. i want to quit smoking and the doc placed me on wellbutrin sr 150 a day is this to many med ? and will the work with each other im a military guy back from iraq please help before i start taking the elavil and wellbutrin sr
No. 72 — May 14th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
My doctor just put me on Bupropion SR is there any difference between Wellbutrin (Bupropion) SR and XL ?
No. 73 — May 14th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
I have been taking buproprion (Wellbutrin)for about 8 months. I had a tough start. TOO strong a libido & headaches. After changing dosage several times, settled on 150mg twice a day. Libido is perfect!! Still have headaches
But, the wierdest side effect is loss of appetite and extreme weight loss. Without dieting I have lost 12 lbs! I wasn’t overweight to begin with so this isn’t really a good thing. I’d like to know if anyone else has experienced this.
No. 74 — May 16th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
Yes. Bupropion SR (sustained release) is meant to be taken twice a day, or BID, while Buproprion XL (extended release) is meant to be taken once a day, or QD. You can read more on Wikipedia as well, here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bupropion
No. 75 — May 24th, 2010 at 8:54 am
I have been using Wellbutrin for about 2 weeks almost, still no libido increase. How long will it take to get my libido back? Also I noticed to feel much better and joyful the first few days and now it’s a little bit decreasing again. Does it take some time till the effects show?
No. 76 — May 29th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
Hi Susi, From my experience it will take a few weeks. How many miligrams do you take? When I started on 150mgs twice a day, my libido was through the roof almost from the start. I also felt the rise in “joyfulness” which leveled out quickly. But, as you can read above, I have had to make many adjustments to my dose. I recently stopped taking two pills because I have experienced extreme weight loss and night time sleeplessness. Good luck. I hope you get the results you’re looking for.
No. 77 — June 5th, 2010 at 5:26 am
Susi…it’ll be 1 month tomorrow since I’ve been on the Wellbutrin and no change whatsoever concerning my libido:( I also take Cymbalta which fortunately takes care of my insomnia, migraines and minor depression. My doctor told me to give it 2 months. I must say I’m disappointed. I was really hoping for the “horny” feeling other people talked about since the only reason I’m on Wellbutrin is to increase libido.
No. 78 — June 26th, 2010 at 6:37 am
I was on fluoxitine (Prozac) for seasonal effect disorder, mild depression, and panic attacks. My libido had never been extremely strong anyway but the fluoxitine killed it completely. i had a very hard time acheiving any erection and it was impossible to ejaculate. I am almost 60 and started to have wet dreams. Yee gods! My physician switched me to Bupropian and suddenly I have gone sex crazy. I have done things completely out of character like looking at porn, buying sex toys and have been planning all kind of sex encounters with my wife of 36 years. She thinks it is wonderful! I have this sexual timgle in my genitals and can start dripping when having erotic thoughts. I still have a hard time with the erection thing but I am also a heart patient and all 3 drugs I take are noted for sexual difficulties. I can honestly say, I enjoy the increased libido, but since this is to the point of me being oversexed out of character for me, I also find it frightening. I have also been buying a lot of sh*t I don’t need off the internet and am almost manic at times. I don’t know what to do. The bupropian helps me with my job. I can concentrate much better and get more done, plus I find my work much more enjoyable. I have a very hard time sleeping and I’m tired during the day. I don’t know what to do. The depression and mild panic attacks I experienced are gone, but this personality isn’t me. If there was something that anyone has luck with and not drastic side effects, please advise.
No. 79 — June 30th, 2010 at 5:45 pm
I would love to feel the sex drive. I went to my psych having bad panic attacks. He gave me 100mg Welbutrin per day which I take in the morning. I am taking 3 .05 Xanax a day also which I will get off of as soon as the Welbutrin kicks in. This is my 8th day on it, and I can’t even get calmed down jittery wise. How long could these side effects possibly last. Can’t sleep well, jittery, sweaty, dry heaves in the morning. I have eaten 2 meals in the past 4 days.