An open-label, fixed-dose study of bupropion effect on sexual function scores in women treated for breast cancer

Abstract

Background: Sexual morbidity after chemotherapy and hormonal therapy for breast cancer can seriously affect patients' quality of life. Bupropion is an antidepressant that has been reported to increase libido.

Objective: To investigate the improvement of sexual function in female breast cancer patients using bupropion.

Patients and methods: We performed an 8-week open trial using bupropion in women diagnosed with breast cancer who had received chemotherapy and were currently receiving adjunctive hormonal therapy. The Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) was used. The ASEX scale includes five questions that evaluate sexual function in the following areas: libido, excitability and ability to reach orgasm. Women received oral Bupropion 150 mg/daily for 8 weeks and were evaluated prior to the initiation of the study and again during Weeks 4 and 8.

Results: Twenty patients were included in the study. At the beginning of the study, the mean ASEX score was 23.45 [21.67–25.24] 95% CI. After 4 weeks of treatment, we observed a reduction in the mean ASEX score that persisted until the end of the study, at eight weeks: 18.45 [16.59–20.31] 95% CI (P = 0.0003) and 18.95 [16.60–21.30] 95% CI (P = 0.0024), respectively.

Conclusion: In this non-controlled open trial bupropion 150 mg/daily was associated with improved sexual function in women receiving adjuvant systemic treatment for breast cancer.