Question

A 38-year-old professor with depression requests you to prescribe an antidepressant that would be least likely to cause sexual dysfunction. Which of the following drugs would you prescribe?

• A. Bupropion
• B. Escitalopram
• C. Venlafaxine
• D. Fluoxetine

Hint:

When prescribing antidepressants, consider the risk of sexual side effects. Bupropion is often preferred in patients with sexual dysfunction as it is less likely to cause these issues compared to SSRIs or SNRIs.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Sexual dysfunction is a common side effect of many antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These drugs, such as escitalopram, venlafaxine, and fluoxetine, are known to often lead to sexual side effects, including reduced libido, delayed ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction. Bupropion, on the other hand, is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), which is generally considered to have a lower risk of sexual side effects compared to other antidepressants. In fact, it is often used in patients who experience sexual dysfunction from other antidepressants. Therefore, the drug least likely to cause sexual dysfunction in this case is Bupropion (Option 1).