How can I improve my libido while taking an antidepressant? part 2

The other option for treatment of sexual dysfunction includes lowering dose of the anti depressant. This is often a tricky option as most antidepressants have a fine line between effectiveness and no effect. Lowering the dose may reduce sexual dysfunction but may also decrease effectiveness of the drug- most patients are reluctant to try this option.

The other option includes adding another medication to counter the sexual dysfunction or one can switch to another anti depressant with a lower incidence of side effects.

One of the alternative drugs, which has often been prescribed to counter sexual dysfunction is bupropion. Bupropion is an effective anti depressant and does not cause a change in sex drive or weight gain. Bupropion, also sold as Wellbutrin, is an atypical antidepressant that does work well. There are several studies which have shown that bupropion can reverse sexual dysfunction in normal healthy individuals. The improvements were observed in terms of arousal, orgasm, and overall sexual satisfaction. However, it was observed that sexual benefits usually were more prominent at a higher dose (300 mg). A lower dose (150 mg) was not much different compared to placebo

However, at high doses, bupropion often has many side effects including inability to sleep, anxiety, and intense headaches. Most people stop taking the drug because of headaches and mouth dryness.

Another drug recommended to counter the sexual dysfunction is to use selegeline. This anti parkinsonian drug when applied as a patch (6 mg) does work as an antidepressant and has minimal sexual side effects.