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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Depression/Wellbutrin/Sexual Side Effects
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
Depression/Wellbutrin/Sexual Side Effects
by bpciprez, Jun 10, 2004 12:00AM
I am asking this question as a concerned husband. My wife was diagnosed with depression/anxiety as a teenager (about 13-14 years ago.) She took Prozac?? for several years before taking herself off in her early twenties before we met. Our relationship has been up and down for years, due in large part to her illness (my opinion.) I finally talked her into seeing a doctor about getting on some medication (she resisted for years.) The doctor over the phone called in a prescription for..... I can't remember which one. Xanex maybe??? She wasn't happy with that one and finally met with the doctor about getting her medication changed after two prescriptions. I asked her to talk to the doctor about her lack of sex drive which is about non-existant (we had sex less than 10 times in 2003 and right on pace for 2004- sucks to be me!) She told me that the doctor told her that is normal with ALL depression medication. I've read and heard things about Wellbutrin that it shouldn't have sexual side effects. Is this true in all cases? Does a small percentage of the population experience sexual side effects with Wellbutrin? Is there something else she can try? The medication seems to be OK. We actually get along pretty well, but the no sex issue is weighing heavily on my happiness and self esteem. If we could get past the sex issue life would be great. Any thoughts, insights, or comments would be most helpful.
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., Jun 11, 2004 12:00AM
, Jun 11, 2004 12:00AM
Wellbutrin is reported to have almost no sexual side effects and that is why it is the commonest replacement for the other antidepressants. The problem is the issue of absolute and how that is determined. What I mean is that lack of sexual interest is also a symptom of depression, not just a side effect of the medication. It is also a symptom of a problem in the relationship. If I were you, I would seriously think about marital counseling rather than medication.
please do not assume that it will not adversely affect your spouse's sex drive. it can and will. i had fewer side effects from wellbutrin, but it still affected my ability to orgasm. i now take lexapro, which does not affect my libido very much either.
my solution has been to use a vibrator while we have intercourse. no living creature (including me) should have to work that hard to make me ***. if it wasn't for the toys, i would have a crippling case of carpal tunnel syndrome by now.
However, also contemplate :
If your wife had a physical illness that prevented having sex what would you do?
..... Well she does it's called depression - it effects even your physical wellbeing
If you became impotent and your wife wanted sex, how would her demand for sex make you feel - more likely to have sex? How safe would you feel in your relationship? Would that not make you depressed and therefore less likly to want sex.
After a very active sexual relationship, for the last 7 years my partner has not been physically able to have sex. What do I do - I thank my lucky stars that I've still got my partner and that they are otherwise unharmed by their illness. Yes I'd love sex but I rather have my partner. I hope [I know] that if I was in their position they would put me first not sex.
That was a compassionate unselfish comment and your partner is very lucky to have someone that thinks in that way...i hope this person that asked the question gets the message clear...just one question for u if u could answer for me...r u a man or a woman...was wondering? *smile*
I've been off almost a month and am feeling down in the dumps. I really want to go back on it, but don't think I can handle the stress it put on my relationship, sexually. Am feeling very frusturated. Any advice out there? I am glad to hear that I am not the only one with this issue.