The effects of bupropion treatment on libido and hormones
摘要
As a dual dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, bupropion has received much attention for its effects, which increase sexual function and libido. This study was aimed at determining the potential effects of bupropion treatment on serum gonadal hormones, prolactin, and libido in dogs. The study animals comprised ten 2-year-old male dogs with a weak libido. The dogs were treated with 3 mg/kg of bupropion for 3 days. The serum testosterone, FSH, LH, and prolactin levels of the animals were measured before treatment and for a period of 4 weeks after treatment. The study groups were compared for their pre-treatment and post-treatment libido scores. According to the findings obtained in this study, no statistically significant change occurred in the serum testosterone, FSH, and prolactin levels of the dogs after receiving bupropion treatment. A statistically significant increase was detected in the serum LH levels measured throughout the 4-week period after treatment, when compared to the levels measured before treatment (p < .05). The libido scores did not differ between the pre-treatment and post-treatment periods. No increase having been determined in the post-treatment libido scores of the animals, despite their increased post-treatment LH levels, was attributed to either no increase having occurred in the testosterone levels of the animals or the specific dose and length of period they were administered with bupropion.