Shown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Zana on July 30, 2009, at 14:37:59
Has anyone had any luck adding wellbutrin to a serotenergic med to conter the sexual side effects? I am taking 100mgs of pristiq and it has completely shut me down and its a major drag. My pdoc has suggested starting with 100mgs for a week or so and then, if all goes well, going up to 200mgs. He didn't seem very confident that it would help but felt it was worth a try.
Any good news out there?
Zana
Posted by SLS on July 30, 2009, at 14:45:19
In reply to Wellbutrin for sexual side effects?, posted by Zana on July 30, 2009, at 14:37:59
You might as well continue with the Wellbutrin. Some people report that it works well. Of course, some don't. If nothing else, taking Wellbutrin might augment the Pristiq to produce a more robust antidepressant effect. Buspar might be another drug to look into.
- Scott
Posted by Zana on July 30, 2009, at 15:21:37
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for sexual side effects?, posted by SLS on July 30, 2009, at 14:45:19
Well, it would be great if it augmented the pristiq because I do feel that I have lost some of the initial AD boost. What else is new? I did try buspar as well but found it just made me tired. Another approach might to be cut out some of the other meds which may be having an additive effect like the repridal. My pdoc wants me to add before I try subtracting. What else is new.
I'm swinmming in a stew of meds altready. I don't care. I just want to find some happiness and some sexuality would be a nice plus.
Thanks.
Zana
Posted by Kimbersaur on July 30, 2009, at 15:39:24
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for sexual side effects?, posted by Zana on July 30, 2009, at 15:21:37
I tried Wellbutrin for sexual side effects but it didn't help at all. The only thing that has worked for me is Viagra/Levitra (I'm female).
Posted by SLS on July 30, 2009, at 16:10:38
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for sexual side effects?, posted by Zana on July 30, 2009, at 15:21:37
Sexual function is dependent upon a delicate balance of the stimulation of the various serotonin receptors.
Risperdal blocks 5-HT2c receptors, the result of which is a reduction in erections and probably libido too. Interestingly, the overstimulation of these receptors might reduce libido. Seroquel can actually increase libido in some people by acting as an antagonist of 5-HT7 receptors. Buspirone should produce somewhat more libido and make it easier to reach orgasm by acting as a 5-HT1a agonist. However, it is harder to get an erection in the first place.
Most of this information comes from rat studies, so the dynamics in man might be somewhat different. For example, blocking the 5-HT2a receptors in rats reduces libido significantly. In man, it does not seem to have this effect. The dynamics of sexual function are very complex and involve many receptors and diverse areas of the brain.
- Scott
Posted by Phillipa on July 30, 2009, at 16:49:34
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for sexual side effects?, posted by Zana on July 30, 2009, at 15:21:37
Zana sure give you credit lots of meds for you. One week on wellbutrin appears manic makes no sense as I think used in mania??? Good luck Love Phillipa
Posted by Sigismund on July 30, 2009, at 21:23:16
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for sexual side effects?, posted by SLS on July 30, 2009, at 16:10:38
>Risperdal blocks 5-HT2c receptors, the result of which is a reduction in erections and probably libido too. Interestingly, the overstimulation of these receptors might reduce libido.
I thought the reason for the mild prosexual effect of agomelatine, cyproheptadine and mirtazepine was their 5ht2c antagonism?
Not right?
Way too simplistic?
Posted by atmlady on July 30, 2009, at 21:58:57
In reply to Wellbutrin for sexual side effects?, posted by Zana on July 30, 2009, at 14:37:59
I'm on 10 mg of Lexapro, which is notorious for anorgasmia, and also 300mg of Wellbutrin XL, which has helped with that problem some. I'm able to orgasm again, but not as easily (takes longer), not as often and it's not AS good if you know what I mean, though they seem to be getting better as time goes by. It's better than nothing, and so I continue with the Lexapro, which apparently I cannot live without, so that's good. I don't know anything about pristiq, but maybe you aren't taking enough of the Wellbutrin. See what your pdoc says .....
Posted by SLS on July 31, 2009, at 6:12:18
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for sexual side effects? » SLS, posted by Sigismund on July 30, 2009, at 21:23:16
> >Risperdal blocks 5-HT2c receptors, the result of which is a reduction in erections and probably libido too. Interestingly, the overstimulation of these receptors might reduce libido.
>
> I thought the reason for the mild prosexual effect of agomelatine, cyproheptadine and mirtazepine was their 5ht2c antagonism?
>
> Not right?
I know you are right, but I am confused as to why. Historically, 5-HT receptor agonists have shown both activation and suppression of sexual behavior, so there has been some conflicting reports regarding receptor function. One confounding aspect of research is that most of it depends on the study of rats. I don't know how valid it is to extrapolate these data to humans. Whereas 5-HT2a receptor stimulation produces increased libido in rats, its blockade in humans does not produce the opposite effect.Under normal conditions, acute stimulation of 5-HT2c receptors can increase libido and produce erections. However, it also delays orgasm. I think it depends on where the receptors are located and whether or not chronic stimulation produces a downregulation. The receptors responsible for erection are located in the brainstem and spinal chord. Perhaps those that reside in the cerebrum play a role in libido. 5-HT1a receptors will hasten orgasm, but inhibit erections. 5-HT7 receptors reduce libido. Perhaps this is why Seroquel, a 5-HT7 antagonist, sometimes increases libido.
It really depends on a balance of 5-HT receptors to control libido, arousal, and orgasm. They are all separate functions. How to resolve a sexual side effect will depend upon which of these three functions are affected. Of course, we cannot forget about the many other biological contributions to sexual libido and response.
I had found a nice piece on the Net not too long ago that explained this stuff, but I can't find it again.
- Scott
Posted by Sigismund on July 31, 2009, at 15:46:14
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin for sexual side effects? » Sigismund, posted by SLS on July 31, 2009, at 6:12:18
> 5-HT1a receptors will hasten orgasm, but inhibit erections. 5-HT7 receptors reduce libido. Perhaps this is why Seroquel, a 5-HT7 antagonist, sometimes increases libido.
>It really depends on a balance of 5-HT receptors to control libido, arousal, and orgasm. They are all separate functions. How to resolve a sexual side effect will depend upon which of these three functions are affected. Of course, we cannot forget about the many other biological contributions to sexual libido and response.
No wonder we have problems.
Thanks anyway.
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