Buspar for libido (buspirone side effects sexually)

Dr. Saya and all,

Does anyone here take Buspar and have it increase libido?
I have read that in some people with some level of anxiety that it increased libido.
I read that it is mild and not addictive like benzos,

 

Here is an older study that indicates Buspar can positively impact libido.

Effect of buspirone on sexual dysfunction in depressed patients treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors - PubMed

 

I've seen it talked about for years, but can't recall anyone who said they tried it and it worked to improve their libido.

 

I've seen it talked about for years, but can't recall anyone who said they tried it and it worked to improve their libido.

I agree. In fact, the study I posted above indicated that improvement was noted in the first week and then seemed to plateau. Many turn to Cabergoline to enhance libido. It has its critics, too.

 

From what I have read it helps IF the person has some level of anxiety and not just as an enhancer for everyone (which I do have).
I have a script for it from a while ago for ann as needed basis (mostly to sleep) so I may try it for a week. I do like that is considered safe and non addictive.

But doesn't your prolactin need to be elevated for caber to work on libido as it is rectifying the issue of prolactin?

 

Cabergoline is a very potent drug that can suppress prolactin well below where it should be. Many men, however, use it, and say that it enhances libido and orgasm even in the absence of elevated prolactin levels. Use it as a search term here on the Forum and you will find multiple threads offering the pros and cons related to its use.

I have never used either Cabergoline or Buspar, but would proceed with caution in regard to the latter. But I approach any drug that way.

 

So would that be used if you had a little performance anxiety or what? I read it's marketed for generalized anxiety disorder, or does it work differently for libido?

 

It may help those on SSRIs. Not much data on those not taking SSRIs.

J Clin Psychopharmacol. 1999 Jun;19(3):268-71.
Effect of buspirone on sexual dysfunction in depressed patients treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Landén M1, Eriksson E, Agren H, Fahlén T.


Abstract

To evaluate the possible influence of buspirone on sexual dysfunction in depressed patients treated with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), we analyzed data from a placebo-controlled trial designed to explore the efficacy of buspirone as add-on treatment for patients not responding to an SSRI alone. At baseline, all patients met the criteria for a major depressive episode according to DSM-IV and had received citalopram or paroxetine during a minimum of 4 weeks without responding to the treatment. Buspirone (flexible dosage, 20-60 mg/day) or placebo was added to the SSRI for 4 weeks; the mean daily dose of buspirone at endpoint was 48.5 mg (SD = 1.0). Sexual dysfunction was evaluated using a structured interview. Before starting medication with buspirone or placebo, 40% (47 of 117) reported at least one kind of sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, ejaculatory dysfunction, orgasmic dysfunction). During the 4 weeks of treatment, approximately 58% of subjects treated with buspirone reported an improvement with respect to sexual function; in the placebo group, the response rate was 30%. The difference between placebo and active drug treatment was more pronounced in women than in men. The response was obvious during the first week, with no further improvement during the course of the study. It is suggested that the effect of buspirone on sexual dysfunction is a result of a reversal of SSRI-induced sexual side effects rather than of an antidepressant effect of the drug.

 

Dr. Saya and all,

Does anyone here take Buspar and have it increase libido?
I have read that in some people with some level of anxiety that it increased libido.
I read that it is mild and not addictive like benzos,

Buspar is indeed a less risky alternative to benzos for treatment of anxiety. I have used it occasionally in patients that suffer anxiety along with low libido and found it to be effective for some, not for others...about 50/50.

Similar to a drug being studied for female sexual dysfunction (Lybridos - a combo of testosterone/buspar). I have found the key to be lower doses and NOT DAILY. Buspar impacts serotonin/dopamine levels. With daily dosing the serotonin effect overpowers dopamine, I have seen a report (cannot recall where exactly) that with INFREQUENT administration (EOD or E3D) the effect can actually slightly suppress serotonin thus favoring dopamine = good for libido. This has correlated with my clinical experience as well as the patients who HAVE responded favorably I had taking 5-7.5mg twice per day, but ONLY every other or every third day.

IMO, it's worth a try for patients that suffer both anxiety and low libido once hormone levels have already been addressed/corrected.

 

Yes, one should not take caber unless their prolactin is elevated. Low prolactin is as bad as high.

 

I wish there was something that helped with libido as TRT itself has done zero for me in that regard.

 

I wish there was something that helped with libido as TRT itself has done zero for me in that regard.

We're going to talk about escalating to the next step of trying to manipulate neurotransmitters (dopamine/serotonin) further than that achieved from hormonal manipulation alone.

 

exactly

This is exactly what intrigues me, and yes that is me some anxiety and low libido.

I am keeping a log of everything (dhea,preg,hcg, e2, test, feelings, supplements, daily low dose cialis) and the last 3 days my libido spiked. So I am narrowing it down to what caused it. It was very noticeable.

I assume that a non everyday dosing of budspar will help not to get the body used to a new higher dopamine response?

 

I wish there was something that helped with libido as TRT itself has done zero for me in that regard.

I think there has to be but there are alot of "weapons" available and you need to be methodical about keeping a log of changes and results.
I feel like I'm real close to getting it to where it should be.
And some things dont even make sense like a standard "before the activity" dose of cialis, viagra or stendra do nothing yet I am evaluating if a low daily dose helps as I dont get the sides that way.

 

I assume that a non everyday dosing of buspar will help not to get the body used to a new higher dopamine response?

Yes/perhaps, but more importantly to not cause a concurrent rise in serotonin, which would then begin to suppress dopamine.

 

ERO
Are you getting nocturnal or morning erections?

I have found that these are tied tightly to hormones.
Libidio seems to be much less dependent on hormones but a certain minimum is required.
I agree with Dr Saya that stress and sleep are damn killers in the bedroom. It can cause a cycle that also causes anxiety.

 

Dr Saya,
If it is dopamine causing an issue (assuming hormones are good and other lifestyle basics)
No matter what the related dopamine solution ends up being, that no one should try to get dopamine high or "stable" because the body needs it to be varied for receptor or brain sake"?

Just like a rising testosterone level that is increasing dopamine levels at the begging of trt, the body gets used to the dopamine level and the honeymoon ends.

 

We're going to talk about escalating to the next step of trying to manipulate neurotransmitters (dopamine/serotonin) further than that achieved from hormonal manipulation alone.

Im definitely interested in the neurotrans discussion/aspect, Dr Saya.

 

Im definitely interested in the neurotrans discussion/aspect, Dr Saya.

Noted. Let's discuss during our next chat (be sure to remind me).

 

Hi. I'm new to ExcelMale and had an experience with Buspar you might find interesting. During a tough time several years ago, my physician suggested I try the drug. I took it, reluctantly, and found that it did, in fact, boost my libido. I felt very "activated" while taking it, which, I didn't like...though the libido boost was awesome. Not extreme, but steady. I only stayed on the drug for about 1 month because it caused insomnia and my situation wasn't all that bad.