Dead libido, indifference, Zoloft not helping - Mental Health Message Board

wifelookingforanswers · 09-16-2003, 11:52 AM

The doctor said that my husband didn't want to have sex because he is depressed--but the Zoloft hasn't helped at all. Paxil helped with the depression in the past, but ruined his libido--it never really got back to normal. Any suggestions/similar experiences?
Our marriage is now on the rocks because of these problems....

j3nuinebrui17 · 09-16-2003, 12:36 PM

Hmmm...has his MD suggested Wellbutrin? It's mechanism is different from the SSRI's (ie Paxil or Zoloft) in that it is a dopaminergic and noradranergic reuptake inhibitor. Thus, it does not effect libido (and may actually slightly enhance it) since it has no advertent effect on serotonin. Typically, meds that are serotonergic will effect libido. If hid depression requires a serotonergic agent, perhaps his MD could couple it with Wellbutrin. That sometimes can help with the decreased sex drive.
I'm not an MD, so isn't expert advice. It's best that you check in with the doctor. Hope I've helped. Good luck!

wifelookingforanswers · 09-16-2003, 12:44 PM

Thanks, we will look into that!

Jamie Silent · 09-16-2003, 06:19 PM

Zoloft was a poor suggestion on your doctor's part. It is notorious for inhibiting one's libido.

I have the same problem as your husband, and SSRI's only make it worse -- even Wellburtin SR.

I can't offer you an answer, but I hope I can save you from wasting some time.

j3nuinebrui17 · 09-19-2003, 10:44 PM

As far as my knowledge from neurobiology, psychopharmacology, and personal experience, Wellbutrin has little, if not any at all, side effect on libido. Wellbutrin is also a dopaminergic and noradrenergic reuptake inhibitor. It has no direct effect on serotonin. The dopamine pathway is one of the pathways responsible for pleasure. Thus, an increase in dopamine, such as the result of Wellbutrin, theoretically enhances the pleasurable sensation. This is why some psychiatrists may couple wellbutrin with a serotonergic agonist, such as an SSRI, to counteract the decreased libido side effect.