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Q
My husband has had a kidney transplant (july 21, 1984) with no rejection episodes. He is on many drugs. Cyclosporine Prednisone, Imuran, laxix, capotin, paxil, zocor, Hytin, lopressor, testosterone patches, insulin, temazapan and 3 different eye drops.

Today we went to see a psychiatrist to try to get him "un-depressed" and to find out what we could do about sexual dysfunction. He was put on Serzone two months ago and had horrendous side effects not to mention that his Cyclosporine level soared. so that wonder drug was not for him.

The New Doc said for him to take 75 mgs welbutrin along with the paxil and to wean off the temazapan. I have heard and read on the "net" that it will help him to be able to have sex again. Will it go with all his other drugs? Our Primary said that the Serzone would...now we wonder?

A
... sorry to hear of your husband's problems. Antidepressant - induced male sexual dysfunction is a common and significant cause of distress. Most of the antidepressants approved for use in North America with the possible exceptions of bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nefazodone (Serzone) are involved. Temazapan, however, is not an antidepressant and does not have this effect.

Bupropion is a well tolerated drug and I have seen a report of the reversal of this effect by substituting it for Prozac (fluoxetine). You should note that your husband will be continuing with Paxil (paroxetine) which is a close relative to Prozac in how it acts. You'll just have to wait a while and see if there is any improvement. Incidentally, the dosage is quite low; the usual daily dosage given alone is 300-450 mg. per day.

I hesitate to give an opinion on any possible effect of Wellbutrin on your husband's cocktail of drugs. However I feel that his well-being be carefully monitored in respect of the several medical conditions which afflict him, namely - his blood pressure - his cyclosporin level - his blood sugar.

Best wishes to you and your husband.