Bupropion as a Treatment for Sexual Dysfunction Among Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Sexual dysfunction is a common complication among male patients with chronic kidney disease. Common disturbances include erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and infertility. Sexual dysfunction is a multifactorial problem, and the treatment options are limited, it associated with lower quality of life scores in patients. Chronic kidney disease also has a critically impairing effect on the quality of life. To investigate the efficacy of bupropion on sexual dysfunction and quality of life in men with chronic kidney disease, a single-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted. A total of 40 male patients with chronic kidney disease suffering from erectile dysfunction (Mean age 41/25±8/8) were randomly assigned to receive 10 weeks of treatment with either bupropion or placebo. Sexual function and quality of life were assessed by IIEF5 and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires, respectively. Baseline demographic and clinical features were similar in both groups. The results showed a significant difference between the intervention and control groups in sexual function (P=0/005) and total quality of life (P=0/001); also the difference was significant in physical health (P=0/012), psychological health (P<0/001) and social relationship (P<0/001) domains. Our findings suggest that Bupropion is effective and safe for treating sexual dysfunction in men with chronic kidney disease and also could positively affect the quality of life among the patients.