Sustained-Release Bupropion for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor-Induced Sexual Dysfunction: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study

OBJECTIVE: The authors compared low-dose sustained-release bupropion with placebo for sexual dysfunction induced by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). METHOD: Thirty adults who had received SSRIs for at least 6 weeks, who were euthymic, and who had sexual dysfunction as determined by a total score greater than 19 out of a possible 30 on the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale were randomly assigned to receive either 150 mg/day of sustained-release bupropion or placebo at 6:00 p.m. for 3 weeks. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the sustained-release bupropion and placebo groups as measured by change in Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale or Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores or side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Future studies should compare higher doses of bupropion for treating sexual dysfunction and should include a greater number of subjects.