Ssri's And Sex

[cantaloupe]

2 months on Paxil 10 mg and I have the same issue. Anybody found anything to counter the issue besides adding Wellbutrin?

 

[Motion-of-the-Ocean]

Like everyone has said, anti-depressants have a very high chance of fucking up your libido and/or erection. I was given Paxil, Wellbutrin, as well as one or two others many years ago and in addition to making me a total zombie, all of them made it next to impossible to come. Since then, I've come to see such medications as a cure worse than the disease and think they should be reserved for only the most serious cases of depression or emotional issues.

Unfortunately in the states where Big Pharma reps reward doctors for dispensing certain drugs like candy, anytime I have admitted to any physician I was feeling a little down or having anxiety issues, 99% of the time a SSRI is the first thing they recommend despite my flat refusal.

Since I never had a serious problem with sexual function even during the worst bout of depression, I've seen no reason to take a drug that will almost guarantee I will and depending on the severity of your issues would look into either herbal or non-drug treatments that won't affect sex functions. I have had pretty good success with St. John's Wort in the past and without any side-effects as well as meditation, so just a suggestion.

 

[deleted8893071]

Like everyone has said, anti-depressants have a very high chance of fucking up your libido and/or erection. I was given Paxil, Wellbutrin, as well as one or two others many years ago and in addition to making me a total zombie, all of them made it next to impossible to come. Since then, I've come to see such medications as a cure worse than the disease and think they should be reserved for only the most serious cases of depression or emotional issues.

Unfortunately in the states where Big Pharma reps reward doctors for dispensing certain drugs like candy, anytime I have admitted to any physician I was feeling a little down or having anxiety issues, 99% of the time a SSRI is the first thing they recommend despite my flat refusal.

Since I never had a serious problem with sexual function even during the worst bout of depression, I've seen no reason to take a drug that will almost guarantee I will and depending on the severity of your issues would look into either herbal or non-drug treatments that won't affect sex functions. I have had pretty good success with St. John's Wort in the past and without any side-effects as well as meditation, so just a suggestion.

Well said. I stopped taking Lexapro and later Zoloft and Wellbutrin a few years back. I gave them all up. I couldn't stand the way they would make me feel. I've turned to eating better, exercising and doing more outdoorsy stuff. It's not perfect but anything is better than how these meds would turn me into.

 

[Cum_is_Great]

It's interesting hearing about everyone's experiences with antidepressants. I never really wanted to be on one but when I couldn't get myself to get out of bed, I decided I would try one out. I refused SSRIs because of the horror stories I heard about them. However I was prescribed Bupropion(Wellbutrin) since it wasn't a SSRI and had much less negative stories when I researched.

So far it hasn't negatively affected my penis. I was kinda hoping I would get improved orgasms as some have expressed but no such luck so far. Antidepressants ultimate goal is to have you taper off and quit them eventually. I have had a great success with bupropion so far and knock on wood that I get no negative side effects anytime soon.

 

[boomerboi]

There are newer antidepressants that some call "SSRI+" such as Trintellix and Viibryd that don't have the sexual dysfunction and weight gain like older SSRIs. However, those patents aren't expiring anytime soon, so cost may be a limiting factor.

Like others have said, Wellbutrin has a lower side effect profile and can even cause weight loss instead of weight gain. It is good for things like seasonal affective disorder and smoking cessation, but isn't always as effective as SSRIs for depression and should not be used by people with eating disorders or epilepsy.

SNRIs might be a good alternative for some, but they can also have sexual side effects and increased heart rate. Also, suicidal ideation is more of an issue to watch out for.

With any of these, it's dangerous to suddenly go cold turkey. The discontinuation syndrome others mentioned is no joke. It can cause people to do harmful things to themselves or others that they can't take back. The good news is that people don't have to choose between being depressed and having sexual dysfunction. It might take a little trial and error but the solution can be found!

 

[windibundu]

Like everyone has said, anti-depressants have a very high chance of fucking up your libido and/or erection. I was given Paxil, Wellbutrin, as well as one or two others many years ago and in addition to making me a total zombie, all of them made it next to impossible to come. Since then, I've come to see such medications as a cure worse than the disease and think they should be reserved for only the most serious cases of depression or emotional issues.

Unfortunately in the states where Big Pharma reps reward doctors for dispensing certain drugs like candy, anytime I have admitted to any physician I was feeling a little down or having anxiety issues, 99% of the time a SSRI is the first thing they recommend despite my flat refusal.

Since I never had a serious problem with sexual function even during the worst bout of depression, I've seen no reason to take a drug that will almost guarantee I will and depending on the severity of your issues would look into either herbal or non-drug treatments that won't affect sex functions. I have had pretty good success with St. John's Wort in the past and without any side-effects as well as meditation, so just a suggestion.

FYI, no ssri is on patent, so there is no money in them, and therefore, no pharma reps involved. 20 yes ago, that was a different story.....

 

[Motion-of-the-Ocean]

FYI, no ssri is on patent, so there is no money in them, and therefore, no pharma reps involved. 20 yes ago, that was a different story.....

Maybe not, yet it's still the first thing most family doctors seem to recommend even if you tell them you feel just a tiny bit down or stressed. In fact, not only will they not mention other non-prescription methods, but I've had some condescendingly dismiss my self-suggestions when I mentioned non-SSRI treatments. Even when they recommended things like talk therapy they still would try to push the anti-depressants as well, so someone is making money off of insisting they are the best front-line choice for even mild cases; if not the companies that make the drugs then the doctors who write the prescriptions.

 

[windibundu]

Maybe not, yet it's still the first thing most family doctors seem to recommend even if you tell them you feel just a tiny bit down or stressed. In fact, not only will they not mention other non-prescription methods, but I've had some condescendingly dismiss my self-suggestions when I mentioned non-SSRI treatments. Even when they recommended things like talk therapy they still would try to push the anti-depressants as well, so someone is making money off of insisting they are the best front-line choice for even mild cases; if not the companies that make the drugs then the doctors who write the prescriptions.

I would not disagree with anything you said, except for the money part- really it's just a general tendency to rely on meds as a first line option. Same thing happens with meds for mild hypertension or impaired fasting sugar- both of these things could also be treated by the pt loosing 20 lbs probably 80% of the time, but how many pts are able to do that, realistically? Plus, talking about those options takes extra time, whereas a script takes 30 seconds to write....

 

[Motion-of-the-Ocean]

I would not disagree with anything you said, except for the money part- really it's just a general tendency to rely on meds as a first line option. Same thing happens with meds for mild hypertension or impaired fasting sugar- both of these things could also be treated by the pt loosing 20 lbs probably 80% of the time, but how many pts are able to do that, realistically? Plus, talking about those options takes extra time, whereas a script takes 30 seconds to write....

You do have a valid point on all of that especially given that with the state of medical care thanks to private insurance and doctors trying to see as many patients as they can fit in, the doctor spending 30 seconds with a patient actually sounds like a long time . Or as I like say, an hour wait for a two minute meeting.

 

[boomerboi]

FYI, no ssri is on patent, so there is no money in them, and therefore, no pharma reps involved. 20 yes ago, that was a different story.....

Regardless of patent status, my point remains the same. Trintellix and Viibryd are not available in generic form. Cost may be a limiting factor since the brand name product is more expensive than generic older SSRIs. I'm not sure how your point helps the OP, but okay.

 

[deleted8893071]

Regardless of patent status, my point remains the same. Trintellix and Viibryd are not available in generic form. Cost may be a limiting factor since the brand name product is more expensive than generic older SSRIs. I'm not sure how your point helps the OP, but okay.

Perhaps it struck a nerve. It may not so much address the OP's concern but in some form does it address the issues with doctors pushing, doctors failing to communicate, recognize the issues and or do much follow-up the efficacy of the meds they push to get you out the door and on to the next patient. I find a lot of apathy in doctors and mid-levels. I quit my meds addressed on this topic cold turkey, they did nothing for me other than numb my brain and emotions and gave me very undesirable side effects. Cold turkey was not an issue for me. It is disquieting to see all the med commercials you see on TV and the dollars it takes to produce and air commercials. Even more troubling, is how the process of most meds getting approval for use in our country.

I have 20+ years experience working with doctors in the military and civilian physician practice settings. I believe I have formed a pretty solid view of them.

 

[deleted1025121]

I've tried about every Tricyclic and SSRI in the book and a few SNRI's. All affected my libido and I eventually stopped them. There was one, Effexor, that made me horny and hard as hell...but my heart was constantly racing. I'd sleep for like 4 hours a night and wake up ready to run a marathon. I knew that was unhealthy.

Too bad they cant make an antidepressant that helps you lose weight, helps your achieve better erections and sex. Now that would be amazing!

Anyone taken anything that at leasts boosts your libido? I will agree with a prior comment that many antidepressants just makes you asexual.

 

[cantaloupe]

I love my Paxil. Delayed ejaculation/anorgasmia is the only side effect I have. Libido and erections are fine. I still ecstaticly enjoy a hot guy! Mood has improved, appetite remained normal. Maybe I'm lucky but I still want my orgasms back and stay on Paxil. I'm on 10 mg only so lowest dose, can't imagine it'd help at less than that. In the worst case I guess I'll have to stay on it for a year or two and see if I can discontinue later.

 

[WilliamG]

I love my Paxil. Delayed ejaculation/anorgasmia is the only side effect I have. Libido and erections are fine. I still ecstaticly enjoy a hot guy! Mood has improved, appetite remained normal. Maybe I'm lucky but I still want my orgasms back and stay on Paxil. I'm on 10 mg only so lowest dose, can't imagine it'd help at less than that. In the worst case I guess I'll have to stay on it for a year or two and see if I can discontinue later.

I hear you. While I don't "love" my generic 10mg Lexapro... I didn't love those horrible anxiety and panic situations I started getting under stress. Talk about a boner killer! That said, I'm like you: Now I can take a long time to cum. My wife always cums first - which is not a bad thing. But online, I can edge with the best of them!

I've been on it for perhaps 10 years. But my diet has changed drastically for the better leaving out simple sugars and processed carbs which my doctor (Integrative Medicine) is leaning to be an issue. Also, I don't consume caffeine or much alcohol anymore. So in a few weeks I'm making a plan with my doctor for weening off the pill and see how I do. That would leave testosterone as my only prescribed treatment. My goal is to not be on any medications if possible. Here in the US they are given out like vitamins!

 

[Rewardheragain148]

Yeah SSRIs increase our prolactin levels and prolactin is the antagonist to dopamine.

Therefore SSRIs decrease dopamine and dopamine is need for testosterone production, orgasm, libido, erections.

SSRIs not with it IMO.