[Visioneer]

I originally posted this in the Sexuality forum, but thought this might be a better place.

I have been taking 40mg Citalopram (Celexa) in the morning and 7.5mg Olanzapine (Zyprexa) at night for a few months. Ever since starting the Citalopram, I have been unable to become aroused at all and have little to no genital sensation. My sexual relationship with my boyfriend was already strained, and now is non-existant.

After talking to my pdoc about this, she perscribed 150mg Bupropion (Wellbutrin) to be taken along with the Citalopram citing the low occurence of sexual dysfunction associated with Wellbutrin. From what I have read, it seems that only dosages of around 300mg Bupropion had the desired affect when used in combination with Citalopram, which makes me wonder if this will work at all.

My question is to anyone who has used Wellbutrin, alone or in combination with a dysfunction-causing anti-depressant; did it have the desired affect of restoring those feelings?

Also, to anyone who has experienced sexual dysfunction caused by meds - any advice for someone struggling?

Any help is appreciated.

[DePressMe]

I had sexual problems while I was taking prozac. Personally, I think this issue is big enough to warrant a med change--I quit the prozac and upped the wellbutrin. No problems with the wellbutrin.

I really had to communicate with my boyfriend about the sexual problems. He needed reassurance that it was not him--just the meds. I had to ask for time to sort things out....

[AAAAA]

I had the same sexual side effects from Effexor, it wasn’t just lack of desire, it was dead from the waist down. Wellbutrin was better with the sexual side effects, but not so great with the depression and anxiety. Then we did Wellbutrin and Ativan. Still not so great. Seroquel has no sexual side effects, is wonderful for the anxiety, but not so great with the depression, especially around my period.

I remember years ago seeing an Rx for Ritalin in my mother’s medicine chest and I asked what it was for (I was about 30ish at the time) She said “you don’t want to know” which meant it was sex related. I did a bit of research on my own, and on the Effexor site the members said that they had heard of this type of medication working for the sexual side effects I don't know how or why. They also told me to try yoga and some type of herb suppliment. What they didn't understand, and you're the first to understand my particular type of sexual side effect, is that no matter what, there was nothing going on down there.

For me (I was on a bunch of other stuff for bipolar I but had a bout of depression so Wellbutrin was added) Wellbutrin increased my desire & enjoyment & fulfilment (don't want to get too graphic) tremendously. But I have a friend on Zolof for panic disorder & she had negative sexual side effects so I told her about Wellbutrin & she had so much anxiety & feelings of unreality on it, that she was begging to go back on the Zoloft--so everyone is different.--Suzy

[redneckdiva]

<font color="#000088"> </font> Oh I have been where you are!! I know how you feel it is heartbreaking not only for you but your boyfriend. I have been married 10yrs, and we have 3 beautiful girls. My husband was very patient, yet he was scared/worried that I just wasn't attracted to him anymore.
Citalopram was a good anti-depressant & work very well for me. I was on it for a year. But, I could not tolerate the sexual dysfunction, even when I did become aroused, it took forever to hit the big "O" & could only have one "O" moment. On top of that I gained alot of weight , so that did not help with wantin to have sex cuz I felt unattractive. I weened myself off the Citalopram, after about 2mos I got my "lets get it on" back!!!
Course I got depressed again about 6mos later & didn't want back on the citalopram or anything else that was gonna cause me to lose my sex drive or gain weight & I am now on Wellbutrin XL 300mg& klonopins 1mg. It has been the greatest thing for me. I have been on a few anti-depressants and I have never felt better on one except for Wellbutrin XL. After about 2wks being on it, I got my "lets get it on" back & I wanted it all the time!!! Plus when I went back for a 3month check up, I had lost 11lbs and was not even dieting!!!
As far as your boyfriend, Please be sure to reassure your boyfriend that you love him, you know he is frustrated, and so are you. Let him know you are attracted to him & you want to be intimate but right now you just don't have that urge and it is not his fault.
Things will get better, he needs to be patient with you and you need to be patient with yourself as well. it takes time for our bodies to re-adjust when we switch meds like these.
I hope I have helped you & given you some encouragement.
Feel free to send me a private message if you need to talk more.
My thoughts & Prayers are with you.