Does Wellbutrin make you hornier? (3+ facts)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss the effect of Wellbutrin on sexual drive. We will also look into the incidence of Wellbutrin leading to increased sexual drive and measures to deal with it.
Does Wellbutrin make you hornier?
Yes, Wellbutrin makes you hornier. Wellbutrin can be associated with hypersexuality, which is one of the side effects experienced by some individuals; the side effects caused by Wellbutrin vary from person to person in severity and occurrence. (1) Wellbutrin (Bupropion) is an antidepressant used to treat major depression.
Drugs which belong to the class of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) often cause sexual dysfunction in about 58-73% of men. Bupropion can be used to treat SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. (2,3)
Wellbutrin is also said to cause a decrease in sexual drive in some populations. (4) If you are experiencing any sexual side effects such as increased sexual drive, unusual sexual thoughts or sexual dysfunction, seek medical help. Consult your healthcare provider to address your issue. Do not discontinue your medication without proper guidance from your physician, as it can cause withdrawal symptoms and worsen your condition.
What does the research suggest?
A case report of a 57-year-old male with a history of depression, adjustment, anxiety and pedophilic disorder was being treated with fluoxetine 60mg with bupropion 150mg daily as an adjuvant. The patient noticed increased sexual urges and fantasies along with mood changes, increased anxiety and increased level of isolation. (1)
After which, bupropion (Wellbutrin) was discontinued, and mirtazapine 7.5 mg was added. Three weeks later, the patient reported that his sexual desires and urges were in control, and his other symptoms also showed improvement. (1)
A placebo-controlled study concluded that SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction can be treated with Bupropion SR, as it increases the frequency and desire to engage in sexual activities. (3)
A study done by Ginzburg et al. also states that bupropion showed a significant effect in treating sexual dysfunction in depressed and non-depressed patients. (5)
How does Wellbutrin make you hornier?
Wellbutrin is said to cause hypersexuality due to its effect on dopaminergic activity. Wellbutrin increases the level of dopamine, which is a happy hormone; an increase in dopamine level can increase sexual drive and arousal. (6)
Sexual dysfunction caused by antidepressants is a common side effect observed in depressed patients. SSRIs are known to cause sexual dysfunction by increasing serotonin activity, prolactin levels and cortisol levels. Similarly, tricyclic antidepressant’s effect on sexual dysfunction is due to a decrease in cholinergic, beta-adrenergic and oxytocin levels. (6)
Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction is found in both genders and sometimes Wellbutrin can be used to treat these side effects with careful monitoring.
What to do if Wellbutrin-caused horniness affects your quality of life?
The first thing you should do is consult your physician. Sometimes, the sexual side effects associated with antidepressants are dose-dependent; your physician will assess your problem and may suggest a decrease in the dose or switching to another antidepressant.
It is important that you make the changes to your treatment regimen according to your physician’s guidance. Discontinuation of any antidepressants requires tapering of a dose for a minimum of 4 weeks followed by stopping the drug altogether, and sometimes another drug is started after a washout period. (7)
Consider behavioural strategies, which include counselling and therapy to manage the impact of hypersexuality on your daily life. Discuss your problems with a mental healthcare professional who will provide you with support, coping strategies and guidance on any emotional or relationship challenges.
Avoid abrupt discontinuation of Wellbutrin as it can cause withdrawal symptoms and worsen your condition.
What are the other Wellbutrin-induced side effects?
The side effects induced by Wellbutrin differ from person to person. Here are some side effects caused by Wellbutrin:
- Increased heart rate
- Rhinitis, Pharyngitis
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Agitation
- Dizziness
- Increased sweating
- Weight loss
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Tremor
- Seizure
- Blurred vision
Conclusion:
According to my perspective, Wellbutrin can cause increased sex drive and also bupropion can be used to treat sexual dysfunction in some individuals. If you are having an increased sexual drive, which is affecting your daily life, make sure you consult a physician for proper management.
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References
1.-
Yasin W, Ahmed SI, Gouthro RV. Does bupropion impact more than mood? A case report and review of the literature. Cureus. 2019 Mar 19;11(3). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6529042/
2.-
Montejo AL, Llorca G, Izquierdo JA, Rico-Villademoros F. Incidence of sexual dysfunction associated with antidepressant agents: a prospective multicenter study of 1022 outpatients. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2001 Jan 1;62:10-21. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11229449/
3.-
Clayton AH, Warnock JK, Kornstein SG, Pinkerton R, Sheldon-Keller A, McGarvey EL. A placebo-controlled trial of bupropion SR as an antidote for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-induced sexual dysfunction. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2004 Jan 1;65(1):62-7. Available from: https://www.psychiatrist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/16065_placebo-controlled-trial-bupropion-sr-antidote-selective.pdf
4.-
Wellbutrin [package insert]; GlaxoSmithKline; DSM Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2009. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/018644s039s040.pdf
5.-
Ginzburg R, Wong Y, Fader JS. Effect of bupropion on sexual dysfunction. Annals of Pharmacotherapy. 2005 Dec;39(12):2096-9. Available from: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1345/aph.1g275
6.-
Izci F, Zincir SB, Acar G, Semiz UB. Bupropion induced increase in sexual desire in a patient on fluoxetine treatment. Dusunen Adam. 2013 Sep 1;26(3):312. Available from: https://dusunenadamdergisi.org/storage/upload/pdfs/1586787819-en.pdf
7.-
Keks N, Hope J, Keogh S. Switching and stopping antidepressants. Australian Prescriber. 2016 Jun;39(3):76. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4919171/
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