Sexual side effects of Cymbalta

Ok, this one is for my wife. I am bipolar, but she only (not meant in a condescending way, actually she's fortunate) has depression issues. Before having our daughter she was on Wellbutrin and everything seemed great, now our little one is 2 1/2 and her doctor put her back on an antidepressant, this time Cymbalta.

On the Cymbalta her sex drive doesn't seem affected (hers is naturally a good deal lower than mine, she's easily satisfied and stays that way for a while), but her ability to orgasm is. Typically she can orgasm within 3-5 minutes or oral, or 1-3 minutes of vaginal sex (if we're both worked up), but on the Cymbalta it's much harder. She started off on 30mg and I noticed it took her a little longer but she said the climax felt even better than before. Now on 60mg (30mg wasn't cutting it for depression), it seems to be very difficult. She claims that the sex itself feels very very good, even better than before, and that it feels like she's going to climax almost instantly...but then it just doesn't happen.

This is in contrast to the Wellbutrin she was on that didn't seem to have any sexual side effect whatsoever, and the Lexapro she used to take which still allowed her to orgasm easily, but she said that they weren't satisfying.


As a caring partner I really don't want her to have to lose her ability to orgasm easily, so should I talk to her about trying Wellbutrin again? Is Wellbutrin considered as effective against depression as Cymbalta? We are both also quite overweight and I'm afraid the Cymbalta might make her gain even more (the same fear I have about meds for myself).

Thoughts?

Hi, markmorrow! You could talk to her about it and see what she says. You could ask her how she felt on the Wellbutrin and share your concerns with her and you guys could talk to her doctor too. Try asking in the medication forum too, if you like.
I'm sure she'll understand if you're honest with her How are you?