Depression Drug Helps Women Wi

Low sex drive affects at least one out of five women in the United States. A study presented at this year's American Psychiatric Association meeting found that bupropion hydrochloride sustained-release tablets may be an effective treatment for some women who suffer from hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). There is currently no approved drug treatment for low sex drive in women.

Researchers found that almost one-third of the women in the study responded with increases in the number of episodes of sexual arousal, sexual fantasy, and interest in engaging in sexual activity. Women included in the study were aged 23 to 65 and had experienced HSDD for an average of six years. Participants saw improvement as early as two weeks after beginning treatment.

R. Taylor Segraves, M.D., Ph.D., lead investigator and professor of psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine said, "The results of this study are encouraging. One aspect that demonstrated a substantial improvement was that by the end of the treatment phase nearly 40 percent reported being satisfied with their sexual desire, whereas 100 percent were dissatisfied before starting treatment."

Although a person diagnosed with HSDD can still function sexually, the disorder is characterized by a combination of factors including persistently diminished or absent sexual fantasies or desire for sexual activity. Low sex drive is a condition that can cause both emotional distress and problems in intimate relationships, according to Dr. Segraves.

Bupropion hydrochloride SR enhances the presence of neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and dopamine, in the brain and is not associated with the sexual side effects often experienced by patients using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) anti-depressants such as Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft.

It may be, but even Dr. Segraves agrees that more research is needed on the use of this drug as a treatment for HSDD. The drug is currently approved for the treatment of depression and is marketed as Wellbutrin SR by Glaxo Wellcome Inc.

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Menopause and Depression

Question: Does Menopause Cause Depression and Irritability?Answer: Many women in perimenopause and menopause feel depressed and irritable. Some researchers believe that the decrease in estrogen triggers changes in your brain, causing depression. Others think that other symptoms you're having, such as sleep problems, hot flashes, night sweats, and fatigue cause these feelings. Or, it could be a combination of hormone changes and symptoms. But these symptoms also can have causes that are unrelated to menopause. If you are having these symptoms, and you think they are interfering with your quality of life, it is important to discuss them with your HCP. Talk openly with your HCP about the other things going on in your life that might be adding to your feelings. Other things that could cause depression and/or anxiety include: having depression during your lifetime before menopause feeling negative about menopause and getting older increased stress having severe menopause symptoms smoking not being physically active not being happy in your relationship or not being in a relationship not having a job not having enough money low self-esteem (how you feel about yourself) not having the social support you need regretful that you can't have children anymore

If you need treatment for these symptoms, you and your HCP can work together to find a treatment that is best for you.

Reprinted from the NWHIC

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