If I were to switch from Lexapro to Wellbutrin, would that minimize the sexual side effects?
Friday, November 27th, 2009 at
1:04 pm
Don’t worry, I’m going to ask my doctor this as well but I’d rather hear it from people who have experienced it. Lexapro leaves me literally NO sex drive~ hubby says it’s evil 
I also think it’s made me gain weight. Or maybe I’ve gained weight b/c I’m old and lazy Have any of you experienced any side effects with Wellbutrin? If so, were any of them sexual? Also, is there a generic form of Wellbutrin? My Lexapro costs a month with my prescprition card b/c there isn’t a generic form. Thanks!
Filed under: anxiety treatment
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Yes there is a generic for Wellbutrin- it’s Bupropion; the sustained XL release has no generic. They are both selective serotonon reuptake inhibitors, meaning that they prevent serotonin ( a mood-controlling hormonal neurotransmitter) from being stored in neurons, so it floats around longer making you feel better.
Decreased libido and insomnia are frequent side effects of both, so it may not be a huge improvement. However, people react so individually to most psych drugs that no one can really say until you try it.
Since it takes 4-6 weeks for any of these drugs to become effective, you definitely need the doc’s guidance in switching over. There is a risk of serotonin syndrome if not done correctly.
If you are in your forties, have you considered decreased libido to be a function of pre-menopausal state? Many women my age complain to me of this- and it’s hormone-related. So is insomnia, so how to differentiate from the drugs?
Good luck!
PharmD K
I am on wellbutrin and I will say for me it has increased my sex drive, lessened my smoking habit and over all makes me a happier person. You have to have your Dr though decide which is best for you. If you do switch, you will go through side effects such as the dirraeha and stomache problems for the first few weeks, but overall it is a good choice. Good luck.
Maybe you shouldn’t take that garbage at all and stop being weak.
According to my Dr. , Wellbutrin does not have sexual side-effects. I have been on it for two years, with no adverse reactions. Welbutrin IS available in generic, under the name
"bupropion". I cannot tell that it caused weight gain for me.
i took wellbutrin for 7 years and it didnt really effect my sex drive, i gained a little bit of weight, but i had to stop taking it because the highest doseage they can go, i had already built a resistance for it.
Yes it would. However, Lexapro’s sexual side effects don’t last past a month for most people. I am on Lexapro and Wellbutrin together. There is not a generic of Wellbutrin yet. Good luck!
I just started taking Wellbutrin SR 3 days ago and the main side effect I’ve had is sleepiness and restlessness at night while I’m sleeping. Other than that, no bad side effects.
I am taking the generic form of Wellbutrin SR. It’s 60 bucks a bottle without any insurance coverage.
Lexapro is manufactured by Forest Pharmaceuticals. You can read their FAQ on Lexapro here: http://www.lexapro.com/english/resources/default.aspx
You can also contact them about help with prescription drug costs! Almost all manufacturers offer free or low-cost medications to individuals that qualify. Try the Free Medicine Foundation, here: http://www.freemedicinefoundation.com/
As for the side effects, that’s a question for your doctor. There is a female version of ‘Viagra’ on the market that you might want to consider.
Remember, Lexapro was prescribed for its beneficial effects. Your hubby should understand this and resolve to s-l-o-w down and take time with you. Besides, Wellbutrin has its own side-effects. Talk to your doctor AND your hubby
There is a generic available and your doctor might add a low dose of the Wellbutrin to go with the Lexapro to help with your side effects.
I’ve been on Wellbutrin for about 2 months now. This is my third time on it and I have not experienced any sexual side effects. It’s supposed to also help with smoking, and be minimal weight gain. There is a generic form of Wellbutrin. I’ve had both. Prefer the original. Switch over, both you and hubby will be happier ! Stay away from the Prozac tho, I took that for a short time years ago and it did have sexual side effects.