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Wellbutrin Erectile Dysfunction Side Effect
When a person is suffering from depression, they often also experience problems with their libido, including erectile dysfunction. Adding to the problem is the fact that certain antidepressants are also known for causing erectile dysfunction as a side effect. Other sexual side effects can include orgasm problems and issues with arousal and satisfaction. Fortunately, there are some antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin, that are known for having very few sexual side effects.
What is Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin, also commonly known as bupropion, is a drug that is largely used to treat depression. It has also been used by many and even marketed as a drug to help individuals quit smoking.
Wellbutrin works differently than other antidepressants, such as:
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Selfemra, Prozac Weekly)
- Paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
While other medications increase the levels of serotonin, the happy hormone, in the brain, Wellbutrin doesn’t. Instead of being a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), Wellbutrin is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). This boosts levels of noradrenaline and dopamine in the body.
Although it’s known that Wellbutrin increases levels of these neurotransmitters, how it works on depression is still not completely understood. It is thought that Wellbutrin also affects nicotinic receptors in the body, preventing nicotine from binding to them. It’s for this reason Wellbutrin has been shown to be such an effective medication for individuals that want to quit smoking.
Does Wellbutrin Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Wellbutrin does have some common side effects. These include edema, tremors, dizziness, insomnia, and anxiety. Seizures are also possible, particularly if the drug is not taken as prescribed. The most serious side effect of Wellbutrin is a suicide, so patients must be monitored closely.
Although other antidepressants are known for causing erectile dysfunction and other sexual side effects, Wellbutrin is not. There has been one case documented in which a man experienced erectile dysfunction shortly after starting Wellbutrin. However, researchers found this case to be atypical and were mainly due to the increased dosage prescribed to the patient.
Not only does Wellbutrin not cause erectile dysfunction in patients that take it, but it can also help combat sexual side effects caused by other antidepressants. When patients experience sexual side effects due to an antidepressant they are taking, Wellbutrin will often be added to their treatment plan. The dosage of any other antidepressants they’re taking will also be lowered so patients don’t overmedicate. This combination can help treat depression, while also treating side effects such as erectile dysfunction.
Experiencing Side Effects from Medication? Contact a New York Urologist Today
No one should have to let their depression go untreated, or suffer the side effects they cause. If you’ve been taking Wellbutrin and have experienced erectile dysfunction or any other side effects, it’s important you speak to a Brooklyn urologist today. At Lazare Urology, we can help get to the bottom of your erectile dysfunction and discuss a treatment plan that will help you get back to an active sexual lifestyle.
We can adjust your medication, and perform a number of simple procedures to help you get normal function back. Call us at (718) 369-3300 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lazare today.