If I switched from citalopram to wellbutrin would that help sexual side effects?

7 Jun 2011

Hey strmcliffae,

You are on the right track in that Wellbutrin has less sexual side effects. Whether it will be as effective in controlling your symptoms is hard to say. Wellbutrin acts on the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine while citalopram works on the brain chemical serotonin. So they are different in their mode of action though they are both good for treating depression. You would have to do a trial of the medication to determine if it will work for you.
You can take the Wellbutrin with the citalopram to see if the Wellbutrin willl counteract the sexual side effects of the citalopram. Then possibly taper off the citalopram to see if the Wellbutrin is enough, if not then you can always start the citalopram again.

Wish I could give ya a more direct answer but it really is a trail and error sort of deal.

Best wishes,

Laurie

4 Aug 2011

Hi Strmcliff- I started out taking Wellbutrin but when the doctor added citalopram, I no longer could have orgasms so I went off. Now I cry at the drop of a hat. My anxiety level has climbed to the point where my back is sore all the time from tension. I too, need to find something for anxiety that will not make me gain weight or have sexual side effects. Sorry I can't help more more but I, for one, can tell you that Wellbutrin doesn't cancel out the unwanted effects of citalopram.