Kelly022
07-10-2009, 10:06 PM
I have a huge problem with sex drive and my meds. I'm on 30mg Cymbalta, 2mg Risperdal, and 150mg Lamictal for bipolar 2 disorder. The lack of sex drive has threatened my marriage for almost 10 years as I've tried different drugs. Now my husband says he's tired of living without sex and wants out. We have a special relationship other than having no sex. What do I do? I have to be on an antipsychotic, which I know messes up my sex drive. And the Cymbalta doesn't help me either.
Can anyone recommend an antipsychotic and antidepressant that doesn't affect your sex drive? it seems like they all do.
Can anyone recommend an antipsychotic and antidepressant that doesn't affect your sex drive? it seems like they all do.
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seaturtle
07-10-2009, 10:28 PM
Hello,
These meds sure can wreak havoc with our systems.
In reply to your question - I am on Lamictal and Wellbutrin, and actually had to lower the Wellbutrin because I was so turned on all the time that it was more a torture than a pleasure. Associated with that was a painful side effect of a sexual nature, apparently found once in a million people.
For sex drive, Wellbutrin often is prescribed to counteract the sexual side effects of the SSRI's, and it has worked better for me than the SSRI's. Also less likely to cause mania. You might ask your pdoc about Wellbutrin and Lamictal. I don't take an anti-psychotic, so can't advise you there, but I am sure others can.
This is just my own experience. And my last partner, while on Zoloft, had zero sex drive. Switched to Wellbutrin and away we go!
I hope this helps. It would a shame to have your marriage collapse when you otherwise have good relationship.
If your pdoc doesn't give you any satisfaction, then go elsewhere.
Wishing you the best and lots of sympthathy,
Seaturtle
These meds sure can wreak havoc with our systems.
In reply to your question - I am on Lamictal and Wellbutrin, and actually had to lower the Wellbutrin because I was so turned on all the time that it was more a torture than a pleasure. Associated with that was a painful side effect of a sexual nature, apparently found once in a million people.
For sex drive, Wellbutrin often is prescribed to counteract the sexual side effects of the SSRI's, and it has worked better for me than the SSRI's. Also less likely to cause mania. You might ask your pdoc about Wellbutrin and Lamictal. I don't take an anti-psychotic, so can't advise you there, but I am sure others can.
This is just my own experience. And my last partner, while on Zoloft, had zero sex drive. Switched to Wellbutrin and away we go!
I hope this helps. It would a shame to have your marriage collapse when you otherwise have good relationship.
If your pdoc doesn't give you any satisfaction, then go elsewhere.
Wishing you the best and lots of sympthathy,
Seaturtle
Kelly022
07-10-2009, 10:43 PM
Thanks for your reply. I forgot to mention I'm on Wellbutrin, too. But that is a good suggestion.
dragoncat
07-10-2009, 10:48 PM
When I was on only anti-depressants (before I was diagnosed BP) I had this problem and I was prescribed BuSpar. Well it brought my sex drive back but it also brought back my depression so I didn't stay on it, but it might work for you. My psychiatrist at the time also said I could take Viagra, which I wasn't too keen on because I like to think I'm more spontaneous than that! But that might help too. Good luck.