Published on 09 December 2021

Does Wellbutrin Make You Hornier?

Wellbutrin (Bupropion) DefaultImage
Table of Contents

Has anyone had this problem with antidepressants, especially Wellbutrin, before? People have different experiences with various antidepressants. Antidepressants are used to alleviate depressive symptoms, Anxiety, or fear.
The word 'horny' is slang for being sexually aroused or excited.

Having a sex drive and being turned on are standard parts of sexuality. But are these adjectives related to the use of Wellbutrin? Let us find out more about this drug in this blog.

What Is Wellbutrin?

Antidepressant Wellbutrin (bupropion) treats major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. Wellbutrin isn't an SSRI and has no chemical similarity to any other antidepressant. While medical doctors are still unsure how and why Wellbutrin Make You Hornier, Wellbutrin can improve sexual pleasure isn't surprising.

If anyone has questions about whether can you buy Wellbutrin over the counter: No, Wellbutrin is a prescription-based medicine and you must have a prescription for this medication

Indications of Wellbutrin

The Food and Drug Administration has approved Wellbutrin to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

It is used off-label to help with obesity, Anxiety, Social Anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and even some form of nerve pain. Additionally, Zyban (another brand of active ingredient drug Wellbutrin) is helpful to help quit smoking.

Working Of Wellbutrin

The medication increases dopamine (a crucial neurotransmitter in the brain's reward system) activity. It is a controlled substance. That's why it is not an OTC medication. You will need a prescription to buy Wellbutrin from any drugstore.

How Does Wellbutrin Make You Hornier?

Wellbutrin's mode of action differs from that of an SSRI. Bupropion is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) that raises dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which "reward" the pleasure centers following activities like eating and sex.

Wellbutrin 150 - 300 mg/day is an adequate dose to show its effect. However, it was identified that the men undergoing antidepressant treatment with this drug had pleasant sexual experiences.
One associate professor of medicine stated that Wellbutrin is an excellent drug for sexual dysfunction for most men and women.

However, on studying the history of this drug, it was identified that previously sertraline was also introduced to his regimen. Then, physicians discovered that SSRI caused hypersexuality, not Wellbutrin.

Frequently asked questions

Wellbutrin may take nearly 1-2 weeks after the start of treatment, and the full effects, including psychological and physical, may kick in about one month later.
Wellbutrin weight loss is the most commonly reported and desired side effect. Unlike Wellbutrin, most antidepressants cause weight gain, making Wellbutrin a drug of choice for most people, especially during nicotine cessation therapy.
Wellbutrin is not supposed to make you drowsy. You should consult your doctor if you experience too much drowsiness from Wellbutrin.
Wellbutrin makes you feel pleased if you are suffering from Depression. But many people also reported feeling restless, anxious, and agitated when they take this drug.

Study On Wellbutrin With Sexual Side Effects

According to a study by the Department of Psychiatry, University of California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA.

Twenty-four people using serotonin reuptake inhibitors for Depression who developed new sexual side effects after starting the medication were given increasing dosages of bupropion SR up to 300 mg daily for seven weeks. Women reacted 46 percent of the time, while men reacted 75 percent of the time.

In both men and women, all sexual adverse effects improved in response to bupropion SR, with no difference in any sexual side effect. Most improvement (more than 50%) happened in the first two weeks and at a low dose (100-200 mg daily). Bupropion SR appeared beneficial in addressing all significant types of adverse sexual effects.

This resulted in Wellbutrin improving sexual wellness.

Who Should Not Take Wellbutrin?

Do not take WELLBUTRIN if you-

  • are allergic to the ingredients in WELLBUTRIN.
  • Are you taking ZYBAN or other medicines containing bupropion hydrochloride?
  • Had or have epilepsy or a seizure disorder.
  • Take sedatives or excessive alcohol and stop drinking or taking these sleeping aids.
  • Had or have an eating disorder such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa.
  • Have taken MAO inhibitors within the last 14 days medicine for Depression, such as NARDIL, PARNATE, or MARPLAN.

Before Taking Wellbutrin

Inform your doctor if you have experienced Depression, abnormal or suicidal thoughts, or other mental problems. Contact your doctor about your other medical conditions, including if you:

  • Have kidney problems.
  • Have hepatic disorders, especially cirrhosis of the liver.
  • Are breastfeeding. Wellbutrin passes through your milk. It is uncertain if it can harm your baby.
  • Are you pregnant or planning to become pregnant? It is unsure if Wellbutrin can harm your unborn baby.
  • Have an eating disorder, such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa.
  • have had a seizure (or convulsions)
  • have had a head injury.
  • Have a tumor in your nervous system (spine or brain).
  • Are diabetic, taking insulin or other medicines to control blood sugar.
  • Have you had a heart problem, heart attack, or high blood pressure?
  • Drink a lot of alcohol.
  • Abuse prescription medicines or street drugs.
  • Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, herbal supplements, and vitamins.

Side Effects On Men

Several case studies show that taking Wellbutrin positively and negatively impacts male libido. The side effects are subjective.

Positive Effects:

  • Increased sexual arousal.
  • Increase in sexual ideation.

Negative Effects:

  • Reduction in sexual arousal.
  • Maintaining an erection is difficult.
  • Decrease in sex drive.

Side Effects On Women

According to various research, Wellbutrin's potential sexual adverse effects in women can range from minor to non-existent such as:

  • Reduction in sexual arousal.
  • Having a hard time climaxing.
  • Decrease in sex drive.

Even at a low daily dose of 150 mg/day, people can utilize bupropion to boost their sex drive. However, make an appointment with your doctor first since any changes in dosage can result in Bupropion overdose adverse effects. Bupropion takes a few months to enhance sexual life.

Therefore, a medical practitioner should watch patients and seek help during this time. It should also be mentioned that, despite the possibility of adverse side effects, one should never discontinue taking Wellbutrin suddenly.

What Other Medications May Interact With Wellbutrin?

Several products contain bupropion as their active ingredient. Do not consume more than one product with bupropion as its active ingredient, as it may increase the risk of seizure.

Certain medications might increase the risk of seizure when combined with Wellbutrin. These include antipsychotics, isoniazid, tramadol, theophylline, stimulants, hypoglycemic agents, steroids, other antidepressants, and antibiotics (such as the Cipro tab).

Speak to your pharmacist or concerned doctor if you are taking the following medicines- phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine, nelfinavir, cimetidine, ritonavir, efavirenz, or lopinavir. All these medicines can alter the way your body reacts to Wellbutrin.

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Bottom Line From Practical Anxiety Solutions

Wellbutrin is an antidepressant of the aminoketone class, indicated for treating major depressive disorder. Major Depression implies a prominent and persistent dysphoric or depressed mood that interferes with daily functioning (for at least two weeks).

Increased appetite or sexual drive is one of Wellbutrin's side effects, or effects, considering it is given for Depression, and reduced sex drive is one of Depression's symptoms. It has been touted as a drug that was supposed to make people "happy, hornier and skinny," and also, Wellbutrin is used for smoking cessation. For further guidance, seek help from your medical practitioner.

  • Ferris, R. M., et al. "Some neurochemical properties of a new antidepressant, bupropion hydrochloride (Wellbutrin)." Drug Development Research 1.1 (1981): 21-35. From https://doi.org/10.1002/ddr.430010103 Obtained on 25/11/2022
  • Anonymous. "Treat Depression Without Compromising Sexual Function." Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services 39.7 (2001): 21-21. From https://doi.org/10.3928/0279-3695-20010701-12 Obtained on 25/11/2022
  • Meyer, Jeffrey H., et al. "Bupropion occupancy of the dopamine transporter is low during clinical treatment." Psychopharmacology 163.1 (2002): 102-105. Fromhttps://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-002-1166-3 Obtained on 25/11/2022
  • Phillips, DeAnne. "Wellbutrin: misuse and abuse by incarcerated individuals." Journal of Addictions Nursing 23.1 (2012): 65-69.