Lithium and Libido (INCREASED), Anyone Have This Issue?

I also have experienced greatly increased libido -- in the past 2 months. I was on 600 mg lithium for 5 years and increased to 750 mg 4 months ago. Almost constant sensation of throbbing & need for release. I'm 70. I don't think calling it mania or hypomania or hypersexuality is the answer. I think it's a response to lithium that has not been acknowledged in the research literature. Lithium has helped me a lot, but I'm waiting to see if this libidinal response calms down a bit.

Oh man!! I WISH I had had this problem! In the 2 years I was taking LI not once was I able to achieve an erection. And sadly, it didn't bother me. My doctor had me on 1800mg/day for the first 6 months then reduced to 1500mg/day. I finally told my doctor he had to find something else because the side effects were worse than any swing I ever had. Nothing wrong with masturbating so I say enjoy these desires while you can. :)

I am 36 and on 600 mg of lithium my sex drive went from none to hyperactive and has been that way for 2 months. I have no clue why but just thought u should know it has affected others in the same way

I just started lithium 500mg a day, I am also on Seroquel 400mg a day and mirtazapine 15mg. I haven’t had a sex drive in about 6 months and just after starting lithium last week, my craving for sex has shot through the roof and I feel like I can’t get enough now. I’m a 25 year old 5’4” 135 pound female. My boyfriend isn’t disappointed but it’s crazy because I have friends who had said it’s decreased their sex drives completely and I have only been finding articles about other people’s decreasing as well. I guess it might just depend on your sensitivity to it. I also have only lost weight on seroquel while I have read the most common side effect is gaining.

I agree with desgul. This sounds like hypomania or an impending manic episode. As said, it takes time to stabilize on lithium and if you are in a low normal therapeutic range or below this is probably the cause.
"When someone with bipolar disorder is having a manic episode, impulsive, reckless sexual behaviors and significantly increased sex drive are quite common."

It could just be that you are in a hypomanic phase and the meds haven’t kicked i yet, it usually takes a year till a patient on lithium is stable. When I started taking lithium I was also slipped into a hypomanic phase after switching meds. then there’s the hormones adding onto that.

Anyone else this is happening to? It is me with a very low dose. I kinda like it but it does demand masterbation... wherever I am so is very weird for me. BTW... before I started taking ithium, l never had sex. Haven't n years.

Yes, Edithonus,
I'm experiencing the same thing. I'm a 63 year old male. I feel like I'm back in puberty. It's a pain in the butt.
It started the same time I started lithium for the first time, 3 weeks ago.
I leveled off at 900mg. I'm 5'7" and 155lb.
I'm also on Lamictal and Cymbalta, which I've been on multiple times in the past.

Thought I was finally out of the stage/phase where I'm constantly gawking at girls' legs, but now it's worse than ever.

I also see where the opposite is supposed to be true of lithium... ??? ¿¿¿.

I have experience an increase in my sex drive when i started lithium. I think its bemuses the lithium redirected my aggressive energies elsewhere. Thats just my theory. I was on 300MG of lithium and now that I have increased my lithium to 600MG i have experienced a significant decrease in my sex drive and feel sort of numb in my sexual parts, lack of sensation. I will probably go back to the lower dose of lithium.

Hi Edith,

First of all you should never lower your dose of Lithium like that without telling your doctor. It is dangerous! It supposed to be done very gradually with small amounts lowered. Secondly I still think it is your hormones. It's normal to feel that way at 16. Now I would call your doctor to let him know that you lowered your dose so he can treat you well. Not trying to tell you what to do just concerned for you. I am also on Lithium and never felt that the Lithium did this to me.