Zoloft + Celexa or Wellbutrin SR

kato_cat69 · 08-04-2002, 02:32 PM

I have been taking 75 mg Zoloft for about 6 weeks and it has killed my sex life. In the past I took Wellbutrin SR and Celexa at different times, separately. Both had side effects I didn't like too much, however both actually improved my sex life over Zoloft and some other SSRI's, like Prozac. Is it possible to mix Zoloft with either of these meds? I am thinking of taking just a small dose of either one (25 or 50 mg) to hopefully add some spark to the Zoloft, which generally makes me feel tired and inactive. Any help or experience you could share about mixing these meds would be appreciated. Thanks.

Jay Tor · 08-05-2002, 06:16 PM

Just checked drug/drug and food/drug interactions for Zoloft and Wellbutrin and found 'moderate' levels of interaction.

The linchpin is the CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass liver metabolic pathway. The zoloft and grapefruit [juice and fruit] both use this pathway. What this means is that the presence of either of these will INCREASE the amount of whatever other food/drug in your body also uses this pathway.

In plain language - there is a potential for overdose if you combine grapefruit with Zoloft, grapefruit with Wellbutrin, or Zoloft with Wellbutrin.

Before mixing these meds, speak with your doctor AND pharmacist. Doesn't sound as though this is something you can attempt safely by yourself.

kato_cat69 · 08-05-2002, 10:54 PM

Thanks for the advice, Jay Tor. What do you know about mixing Zoloft and Celexa? I think the Wellbutrin gives me more "bang", if you know what I mean. But if that is a no-no, then I would consider Celexa which seemed to bring back some of my sexual appetite. Any more advice would be helpful. Thanks.

Jay Tor · 08-07-2002, 05:13 PM

According to the drug database I checked, Celexa and Zoloft do not have any drug/drug interactions together. However, both have the grapefruit warning. To me, this suggests that they are related compounds - they are both metabolized through the same liver pathway. This means that you would probably have some type of additive effect, although not necessarily 1 to 1.

Your best bet is to speak with a medical/health professional that understands your present health status as well as these meds' pharmacology.

kato_cat69 · 08-11-2002, 11:08 PM

Jay Tor - Two questions: (1) are you serious about this grapefruit thing; I mean it sounds kooky to me ( but what do I know?); (2) can you suggest any websites that have the drug interaction databases you refer to. I'm having trouble finding drug interaction information on the net. Would appreciate any help you can pass along. Thanks.