Wellbutrin and Libido

[dano]

Dr Mariano:

I read in a previous post from another member a question about the use of Wellbutrin and libido enhancement.

You simply stated that ” Bupropion (Wellbutrin) does not increase dopamine signaling. It raises norepinephrine signaling in norepinephrine neurons”

In your pofessional opinion, are you stating that this is not a drug that you would use to treat men who have libido problems. I ask this because I have read a number of studies where Wellbutrin has had very favorable results with helping to fix libido problems, even in men who did not experience depression?

Thank you.

[DrMariano2]

@dano 994 wrote:

Dr Mariano:

I read in a previous post from another member a question about the use of Wellbutrin and libido enhancement.

You simply stated that ” Bupropion (Wellbutrin) does not increase dopamine signaling. It raises norepinephrine signaling in norepinephrine neurons”

In your pofessional opinion, are you stating that this is not a drug that you would use to treat men who have libido problems. I ask this because I have read a number of studies where Wellbutrin has had very favorable results with helping to fix libido problems, even in men who did not experience depression?

Thank you.

See this thread for more information:
http://www.definitivemind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=173

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I cannot give you my professional opinion since you have not paid for it. But I can provide educational information and discussion – which is the primary purpose of this forum. Medical decisions (e.g. professional opinions) are between physicians and their patients. Their opinions may vary from mine.

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Bupropion may help some men with libido problems, but most often does not.

When used long-term, this is primarily from its effectiveness in raising norepinephrine, not dopamine.

Bupropion may increase dopamine signaling by blocking dopamine reuptake transporters weakly (about 20% blockade). But this is undone by Bupropion’s other effects:
1. Bupropion also increases the number of dopamine reuptake transporters – reversing the increase in dopamine, and potentially reducing dopamine signaling.
2. Bupropion increase the number of Dopamine Vesicle transport proteins.
3. Bupropion increases norepinephrine signaling, which can result in reduction of dopamine roduction.

Thus, whether or not Bupropion works to improve libido is going to be hit or miss – most commonly miss.

It is worthwhile to try? In some men, sure it is – particularly when norepinephrine signaling is not excessive to begin with. But this decision I leave to the physician and their patient.

[Author]

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