I started Wellbutrin right about the same time as the diet. In the past I've had a lot of issues of anti-depressants lowering my sex drive, however my Dr. and I discussed goin on Wellbutrin because it's supposed to increase libido. I've gone up to the max dose and I feel nothing. I mean literally, I think my sex drive is even a bit less then before! I mean it could be maybe I'm putting pressure on myself and getting upset that my body is not responding how I want it, but I really do wonder if somehow the Wellbutrin is having an opposite effect. Have you ever heard of this or am I wrong?

Wellbutrin does lower libido for some women, although it either doesn't affect libido or increases it for most.

You shouldn't be on an antidepressant unless you need to be on an antidepressant. Did your doctor prescribe it for increasing libido or are you depressed?

It was prescribed only for my sex drive. She also tried Buspar on me before that to increase libido(apparently it does for some?), but for me it decreased it! Mind you this is a sexual health clinic doctor, not a psychiatrist. By the way she was really intrigued when I mentioned your book!

Well we are on the same path. First she checked your hormone levels and they are good (although your SHBG could come down a bit). Now she's trying to raise your dopamine. I personally don't think raising dopamine with drugs is a good idea, unless a woman is already on an antidepressant and needs something to balance the high serotonin. Fish oil raises dopamine naturally.

I know this isn't something you want to hear, but when young women come to me who aren't on hormonal birth control and haven't had any children, and they are complaining of low libido, the first thing I ask is "Are you vegetarian?"

If you didn't respond to dopamine-raising drugs, I'm not sure you will respond to the fish oil, but it's worth a try (and much healthier for you!)

quote:

Originally posted by Marrena:
I know this isn't something you want to hear, but when young women come to me who aren't on hormonal birth control and haven't had any children, and they are complaining of low libido, the first thing I ask is "Are you vegetarian?"

Really? Have you seen people who are vegetarian and taking the algae DHA(or flax AHA? though you said it doesn't work as well) improve on your diet while staying veg?

Yes, I've had a few vegetarians go on the diet and respond; it's just harder.

And some women who have had low libido as vegetarians saw their libido improve just from dropping soy and eating meat without going on my diet.