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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Angela S. on January 5, 2001, at 8:44:59
I've been taking AD's for over 2 years and have gained 20 pounds. During that time, I've gone through periods of weight loss due to depression and anxiety, but have gained it all back and then some. I started out on Zoloft and am currently on Celexa, 80mg/day. I noticed a distinct difference between the Zoloft and Celexa as far as sex drive is concerned where the Zoloft was much harsher than the Celexa. Now, maybe because its such a high dose, I have basically no sex drive and I can't seem to lose weight to save my life. My pdoc suggested adding Wellbutrin to the Celexa to see if it would help me lose some weight. I've read some posts about irritable bowel syndrome associated with the WB and how the person lost 10 pounds and is still losing weight. Has anyone out there lost weight with WB and have you noticed any difference in your sex drive while taking it? I'm getting very frustrated and considering going off meds all together to lose this weight and feel more sexual. The down side to that is that if i do go off meds, I'm going to be depressed and obsessing in no time and I don't want to be that way if I don't have to. Suggestions? Comments? Advice? Please?
Posted by PhoenixGirl on January 5, 2001, at 11:25:25
In reply to Celexa, Wellbutrin, Libido Weight Gain/Loss, posted by Angela S. on January 5, 2001, at 8:44:59
I can identify with the hell you are going through, and I'll give you some advice. I've tried many ADs because of only partial effectiveness, digestive side effects, and a destroyed sex life. Now I'm on desipramine, remeron, and wellbutrin.
People can have widely varying responses to ADs, but I'll tell you what happened for me. I started Wellbutrin while on Celexa, and the first two weeks of it was absolute hell with nausea, stomach pain, no appetite, diarrhea, and agitation. I almost gave up on it, but then after about 2 weeks the side effects subsided for the most part. I lost 5+ pounds, and because of a weak appetite I'm taking a low dose of Remeron now. I haven't noticed any sexual side effects, because the celexa and now desipramine (to a lesser extent) causes it. I thought that wellbutrin would help reverse it, but it hasn't seemed to. I stay on the Wellbutrin to help me stay awake during the day, which has been a struggle for years. Wellbutrin has essentially no antidepressant effect on me, or else I would switch to it entirely. If Wellbutrin helps your depression, that will be great because it has very very little chance of causing sexual problems (more often the opposite), and will help you lose some weight.
Well I really hope that helps, I know the nightmare you are experiencing. My advice is to give Wellbutrin a try, and if that doesn't work try a stimulant like Ritalin or Modafinil.> I've been taking AD's for over 2 years and have gained 20 pounds. During that time, I've gone through periods of weight loss due to depression and anxiety, but have gained it all back and then some. I started out on Zoloft and am currently on Celexa, 80mg/day. I noticed a distinct difference between the Zoloft and Celexa as far as sex drive is concerned where the Zoloft was much harsher than the Celexa. Now, maybe because its such a high dose, I have basically no sex drive and I can't seem to lose weight to save my life. My pdoc suggested adding Wellbutrin to the Celexa to see if it would help me lose some weight. I've read some posts about irritable bowel syndrome associated with the WB and how the person lost 10 pounds and is still losing weight. Has anyone out there lost weight with WB and have you noticed any difference in your sex drive while taking it? I'm getting very frustrated and considering going off meds all together to lose this weight and feel more sexual. The down side to that is that if i do go off meds, I'm going to be depressed and obsessing in no time and I don't want to be that way if I don't have to. Suggestions? Comments? Advice? Please?
Posted by Virgil on January 10, 2001, at 11:01:25
In reply to Celexa, Wellbutrin, Libido Weight Gain/Loss, posted by Angela S. on January 5, 2001, at 8:44:59
> I've been taking AD's for over 2 years and have gained 20 pounds. During that time, I've gone through periods of weight loss due to depression and anxiety, but have gained it all back and then some. I started out on Zoloft and am currently on Celexa, 80mg/day. I noticed a distinct difference between the Zoloft and Celexa as far as sex drive is concerned where the Zoloft was much harsher than the Celexa. Now, maybe because its such a high dose, I have basically no sex drive and I can't seem to lose weight to save my life. My pdoc suggested adding Wellbutrin to the Celexa to see if it would help me lose some weight. I've read some posts about irritable bowel syndrome associated with the WB and how the person lost 10 pounds and is still losing weight. Has anyone out there lost weight with WB and have you noticed any difference in your sex drive while taking it? I'm getting very frustrated and considering going off meds all together to lose this weight and feel more sexual. The down side to that is that if i do go off meds, I'm going to be depressed and obsessing in no time and I don't want to be that way if I don't have to. Suggestions? Comments? Advice? Please?
Angela,
The celexa/wellbutrin (30mg Celexa/150mg WB)combination has worked very well for me. It does take a bit to get used to, since the WB makes you agitated at first. But ride it out, it's worth the wait. Sex drive has returned and I did lose some weight (5 lbs) with it. I think it also seems to activate the celexa a bit, although it's just a hunch. I take the celexa at night, and the WB in the morning.I had went from 20mg Celexa to 30mg beginning of Oct, then added the WB at the end of Nov. It's finally started to come together. A great combination so far for me. Good luck
Posted by Angela S. on January 10, 2001, at 12:15:44
In reply to Re: Celexa, Wellbutrin, Libido Weight Gain/Loss, posted by Virgil on January 10, 2001, at 11:01:25
I'm taking the celexa for obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression and I've heard that wellbutrin doesn't do much for OCD. Is this true? I see my doctor in February and I'm going to ask him about it then and hopefully give the WB a try. Thanks for your input!
Posted by Andre Allard on January 10, 2001, at 13:25:47
In reply to Celexa, Wellbutrin, Libido Weight Gain/Loss, posted by Angela S. on January 5, 2001, at 8:44:59
If an AD works and you have the typical depression (insomnia, decreased appetite), you should gain weight from having your appetite back. This could be a reason why you have gained weight.
At 80mg of Celexa I do not feel that there is a whole lot you can do about an impaired libido.
Alone, Wellbutrin, especially when increasing the dosage, can increase the libido. It also diminishes appetite which can be a bonus for people trying to maintain their weight.
Good luck!
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