Effect of bupropion-SR on orgasmic dysfunction in nondepressed subjects: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Sexual Medicine
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Orgasmic dysfunction, including delay and inhibition, affects many individuals.
• The aminoketone antidepressant bupropion's effects on sexual function in nondepressed populations are not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of bupropion sustained-release (SR) in treating orgasmic dysfunction in nondepressed men and women.

Main Methods:

• A single-blind, sequential study involving 20 women and 10 men with non-physiologic orgasmic delay or inhibition.
• Participants received placebo, bupropion-SR 150 mg/day, and bupropion-SR 300 mg/day for three weeks each.
• Outcomes included reported difficulty achieving orgasm, satisfaction with orgasm and erectile function, and subjective drug effects.

Main Results:

• Bupropion-SR significantly improved sexual function in women compared to baseline and placebo.
• Men showed significant improvements in sexual satisfaction, erectile function, and delay in orgasm/ejaculation with bupropion-SR.
• Seventy percent of all subjects reported enhanced libido, arousal, or orgasmic function.

Conclusions:

• Bupropion-SR demonstrates potential as a treatment for orgasmic delay and inhibition.
• Findings suggest bupropion's prosexual effects may extend beyond its antidepressant activity.
• Further research could explore bupropion for sexual arousal disorders.