Bupropion or TMS for Depression When You Want to Avoid Libido Concerns

Complete Healthcare | Richland, WA

Depression affects thousands of women each year and continues to be one of the most common reasons patients seek help at Complete Healthcare. The condition can influence sleep, energy, appetite, motivation, and relationships. One of the biggest worries women have when considering antidepressant treatment is the possibility of sexual side effects, especially decreased libido. This is a very real concern for many women who already feel their emotional health has affected their intimacy.

Bupropion has become a valuable option for women who want effective relief from depression while avoiding the sexual side effects commonly linked to other antidepressant medications. In addition, women who want to avoid medication entirely or who need a non-drug alternative now have access to NeuroStar TMS therapy, an FDA-cleared treatment proven to improve depression without affecting libido. Together, these options allow us to tailor care to each woman’s goals and lifestyle.

Why Libido Changes Occur With Many Antidepressants

Most first line antidepressants belong to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor group, also known as SSRIs. These medications raise serotonin levels to stabilize mood and reduce anxiety. While effective, serotonin can also suppress sexual desire, delay orgasm, or reduce sensitivity. These effects are common enough that many women hesitate to start SSRIs or discontinue them because intimacy suffers.

Since sexual health is a meaningful part of overall quality of life, treatments that avoid serotonin-driven side effects are essential.

How Bupropion Works

Bupropion works through a completely different pathway compared to SSRIs. Instead of increasing serotonin, it affects norepinephrine and dopamine. These neurotransmitters help regulate motivation, pleasure, and energy. By improving mood through these pathways, bupropion avoids the libido lowering effects seen with serotonin based medications.

Women taking bupropion often describe improved energy, clearer thinking, and a lift in mood. Because it does not interfere with sexual desire, it is an ideal option for women who want to treat depression while preserving intimacy and relationship satisfaction.

Benefits of Bupropion for Women

1. Very low risk of sexual side effects

Bupropion is one of the few antidepressants that does not typically decrease libido. Many women actually notice improved interest in intimacy once mood and energy begin to stabilize.

2. Helps with energy, focus, and motivation

Women who describe feeling slowed down or fatigued by depression may benefit from the activating effects of bupropion.

3. Useful for women who have sexual side effects on SSRIs

Some women do well on SSRIs emotionally but struggle with unwanted sexual side effects. Bupropion can be used alone or, in some cases, added to an SSRI under supervision to help reduce those issues.

4. Weight neutral profile

Unlike several antidepressants associated with weight gain, bupropion is generally weight-neutral, which is appealing for many women.

5. Can assist with smoking cessation

Bupropion also has an FDA approved use for smoking cessation, offering an additional benefit for women who want to quit.

When Medication Is Not Enough

Depression is complex. Some women respond well to medication, while others prefer non medication options or have persistent symptoms despite trying antidepressants. For these patients, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation has become an important additional choice.

NeuroStar TMS Therapy at Complete Healthcare

NeuroStar TMS is a noninvasive, FDA-cleared treatment that uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It requires no anesthesia, consists of no medication, and does not cause changes in libido or weight gain.

TMS is ideal for women who:

• Prefer a non-drug option for depression

• Have experienced sexual side effects with previous medications

• Did not respond well to SSRIs

• Want a treatment that allows them to continue working or caring for their families without downtime

A typical session lasts about 20 minutes, and women remain awake and comfortable throughout the treatment. There is no recovery period, and patients can resume normal daily activities immediately after. Most women begin noticing improvement within several weeks as sessions continue.

What to Expect When Starting Bupropion or TMS

If bupropion is chosen, improvement often begins within two to four weeks. Temporary side effects, such as mild jitteriness or difficulty sleeping, usually resolve as the body adjusts.

For TMS, the course typically involves daily sessions during the workweek for several weeks. NeuroStar is well-tolerated and does not interfere with sexual function, cognition, or hormone balance.

At Complete Healthcare, treatment is always tailored to each woman’s medical history, lifestyle, concerns, and goals. Both options can be used individually, and in some cases, TMS can be combined with medication if needed.

Personalized Care for Depression in Richland

Depression treatment is not one size fits all. Women deserve options that support emotional health without negatively affecting sexual wellbeing. Whether bupropion, NeuroStar TMS therapy, or a combination of treatments is the best fit, our team is committed to providing care that feels supportive, compassionate, and effective.

If you have concerns about libido changes on antidepressants or want to explore non-medication approaches, we are here to help you understand your choices and create a plan that fits your needs.

Complete Healthcare

509-392-6700

Richard Lorenzo, D.O.

Kortney Jones ARNP