Bupropion for Sexual Dysfunction: What Works, What Doesn’t, and What You Need to Know

When you’re on an antidepressant and your sex life starts to fade, it’s not just in your head. Bupropion, a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor used to treat depression and smoking cessation. Also known as Wellbutrin, it’s one of the few antidepressants that doesn’t usually cause sexual side effects—and for some people, it actually helps restore them. Unlike SSRIs like sertraline or fluoxetine, which can shut down libido, delay orgasm, or make arousal nearly impossible, bupropion works differently. It boosts dopamine and norepinephrine, two brain chemicals tied to motivation, pleasure, and sexual response. That’s why doctors sometimes switch patients from SSRIs to bupropion when sexual dysfunction becomes a dealbreaker.

Sexual side effects from antidepressants aren’t rare—they affect up to 70% of people on SSRIs. But here’s the thing: most patients never tell their doctor. They assume it’s normal, or they’re embarrassed. That’s why bupropion is often overlooked as a solution. It’s not a magic pill for everyone, but for those struggling with low desire or delayed climax from other meds, it’s one of the few options backed by real data. A 2019 study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that switching from an SSRI to bupropion improved sexual function in over 60% of participants. And unlike drugs like sildenafil (Viagra), which only treat physical symptoms, bupropion tackles the root cause: brain chemistry.

It’s not without risks. Bupropion can cause insomnia, dry mouth, or, in rare cases, seizures—especially if you’re taking too much or have a history of seizures or eating disorders. It’s also not approved specifically for sexual dysfunction, so it’s used off-label. But for people who’ve tried everything else, it’s a lifeline. If you’re on an SSRI and feeling emotionally flat and physically disconnected, bupropion might be worth discussing with your provider. And if you’re already on it and noticing changes in your sex life, you’re not imagining it—you might be one of the lucky ones.

Below, you’ll find real-world insights from patients and providers on how bupropion affects sexual health, how it compares to other treatments, and what to watch out for. These aren’t theoretical discussions. They’re stories from people who’ve been there—and found a way forward.