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Part 2: SSRI Antidepressants
This is the second in a series of "Ten Reasons Why Women May Lack Sexual Desire."
The topic of this entry is truly one of the most common causes of lack of sexual desire for women. I encounter it with great frequency in the questions posted on the message board and in my therapy practice as well. It pits some women against some very tough questions: Lose my depression and possibly my sexuality? Or, keep my depression and maintain my sexual desire and function?
Of course, there are some women who have little interest in sex because they are depressed. That is an entirely different situation for them to unravel. It often can require the help of a mental health professional (preferably a sex therapist) to evaluate her situation and create the best path for her to take.
Women who use an antidepressant in the SSRI category (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) may sometimes find that their interest in sex (solitary or partnered) has decreased. In addition, there may also be negative impact upon their ability to get aroused or to reach orgasm. Not everyone experiences these difficulties, but enough do that whenever a women presents to me in my therapy practice with lowered sexual desire, I always ask about their use of antidepressant medication.
Sexual researchers are working on this very common problem. There is no ideal solution that works for most people (male or female).
Some women have had some success with using Viagra at the time they intend to be sexual in addition to their other medications. It works for some -- for reasons that we do not yet fully comprehend -- and not for others. Cialis and Levitra have not been explored as often in this manner, but my hunch is that they might offer a similar level of assistance.
If Wellbutrin (bupropion) has not been tried, it might be good to consider it either as a replacement to the SSRI or addition to it. It is a dopamine agonist and that has been found to be somewhat successful in treating women with sexual side effects due to antidepressants. Typically about 100 mg per day is used if it is added on. The woman's prescribing physician would have to be consulted in order to do this. There is good evidence based, scientifically reviewed research on Wellbutrin use for this purpose.
Dostinex (cabergoline), also a dopamine agonist, has also been used, but I have less anecdotal evidence upon which to rely and no scientific research as yet.
In addition to those approaches, a woman with this difficulty (lowered sexual interest and the need to stay on the antidepressant) could speak to her prescribing physician. Robert Taylor Segraves and Richard Balon offer a number of SSRI "antidotes" that have some anecdotal support in "Sexual Pharmacology Fast Facts." Among their suggestions are: Symmetrel (amantadine), Urecholine (bethanechol), bromocriptine, Periactin, (cyproheptadine), Kytril (granisetron), Claritin (loratadine), Prostigmin (neostigmine), phentolamine, Aphrodyne (yohimbine), and Ritalin (methylphenidate).
These antidepressants have a reportedly lower frequency of sexual dysfunction: Bupropion, Mirtazapine, Nefazodone, and Reboxetine. The SSRI antidepressants include: Celexa (citalopram), Lexapro (escitalopram), Prozac and Sarafem (fluoxetine), Luvox (fluvoxamine), Paxil (paroxetine), and Zoloft (sertraline).
There are several management strategies that can be tried, but each of these approaches has its limitations.
1. Waiting for spontaneous remission of symptoms or accommodation of symptoms.
2. Reducing the dose to the minimal that is effective.
3. Scheduling sexual activity around the dose.
4. Switching to another antidepressant with a lower frequency of sexual dysfunction.
5. Using other medications such as Viagra (sildenafil).
6. Take drug holidays with a doctor's permission.
7. Addition of the mentioned "antidotes."
As you can see, we are still very much in the try-and-see world with this problem. Pharmaceutical companies are well aware of these issues and will likely be tackling their own type of "solution," so -- stay tuned.
Related Topics: Human Pheromones: Our Love Scents, Married with Kids: Is Libido Lower for Women?
Technorati Tags: sexual side effects, sexuality, SSRI, antidepressants
The topic of this entry is truly one of the most common causes of lack of sexual desire for women. I encounter it with great frequency in the questions posted on the message board and in my therapy practice as well. It pits some women against some very tough questions: Lose my depression and possibly my sexuality? Or, keep my depression and maintain my sexual desire and function?
Of course, there are some women who have little interest in sex because they are depressed. That is an entirely different situation for them to unravel. It often can require the help of a mental health professional (preferably a sex therapist) to evaluate her situation and create the best path for her to take.
Women who use an antidepressant in the SSRI category (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) may sometimes find that their interest in sex (solitary or partnered) has decreased. In addition, there may also be negative impact upon their ability to get aroused or to reach orgasm. Not everyone experiences these difficulties, but enough do that whenever a women presents to me in my therapy practice with lowered sexual desire, I always ask about their use of antidepressant medication.
Sexual researchers are working on this very common problem. There is no ideal solution that works for most people (male or female).
Some women have had some success with using Viagra at the time they intend to be sexual in addition to their other medications. It works for some -- for reasons that we do not yet fully comprehend -- and not for others. Cialis and Levitra have not been explored as often in this manner, but my hunch is that they might offer a similar level of assistance.
If Wellbutrin (bupropion) has not been tried, it might be good to consider it either as a replacement to the SSRI or addition to it. It is a dopamine agonist and that has been found to be somewhat successful in treating women with sexual side effects due to antidepressants. Typically about 100 mg per day is used if it is added on. The woman's prescribing physician would have to be consulted in order to do this. There is good evidence based, scientifically reviewed research on Wellbutrin use for this purpose.
Dostinex (cabergoline), also a dopamine agonist, has also been used, but I have less anecdotal evidence upon which to rely and no scientific research as yet.
In addition to those approaches, a woman with this difficulty (lowered sexual interest and the need to stay on the antidepressant) could speak to her prescribing physician. Robert Taylor Segraves and Richard Balon offer a number of SSRI "antidotes" that have some anecdotal support in "Sexual Pharmacology Fast Facts." Among their suggestions are: Symmetrel (amantadine), Urecholine (bethanechol), bromocriptine, Periactin, (cyproheptadine), Kytril (granisetron), Claritin (loratadine), Prostigmin (neostigmine), phentolamine, Aphrodyne (yohimbine), and Ritalin (methylphenidate).
These antidepressants have a reportedly lower frequency of sexual dysfunction: Bupropion, Mirtazapine, Nefazodone, and Reboxetine. The SSRI antidepressants include: Celexa (citalopram), Lexapro (escitalopram), Prozac and Sarafem (fluoxetine), Luvox (fluvoxamine), Paxil (paroxetine), and Zoloft (sertraline).
There are several management strategies that can be tried, but each of these approaches has its limitations.
1. Waiting for spontaneous remission of symptoms or accommodation of symptoms.
2. Reducing the dose to the minimal that is effective.
3. Scheduling sexual activity around the dose.
4. Switching to another antidepressant with a lower frequency of sexual dysfunction.
5. Using other medications such as Viagra (sildenafil).
6. Take drug holidays with a doctor's permission.
7. Addition of the mentioned "antidotes."
As you can see, we are still very much in the try-and-see world with this problem. Pharmaceutical companies are well aware of these issues and will likely be tackling their own type of "solution," so -- stay tuned.
Related Topics: Human Pheromones: Our Love Scents, Married with Kids: Is Libido Lower for Women?
Technorati Tags: sexual side effects, sexuality, SSRI, antidepressants
98 Comments:
Dr. Weston,
Thank you for all the information, I started having sexually problems after the birth of my son. I was 35 when I gave birth for the first time, and ever since my entire body has changed. I used to have an extremely high sex drive, was fairly athletic,and driven. Now I have trouble getting out of bed,have gained a tremendous amount of weight,have lost all sexually desire,although with alot of stimulation I can sometimes reach orgasm.My obgyn has continued to dismiss these problems although he did send me to an immunoligist for testing. All of my tests can back fine,my GP finally put me on cymbalta which knocked me out for a week,I am on effexor now, it is helping but I still have no sexual desire.Any help would be greatly appeciated.
I have suffered from depression for over 20 years and have tried many anti depresients.
I am 54 yrs.,old now,had a hysterecomy 5 yrs.,ago and seemto have no sexual desire.I have been married 38 years but I still love my husband.I go on meds for awhile and start to feel ok but then I have a hard time having an orgasm or I can't have one at all.I don't know what to do.
I have been on Seroquel (100mg), Zoloft (100mg), Benztropine Mes (1mg) and Multivitamin (for women) for at least 3 years and had a Hysterecomy 01-03-2005. I have noticed a decrease in my sex drive, I am only 43 years old I should be enjoying sex at my age. I have been married for 24 years and I have two children a daughter(20) and a son(18) both are in college.I love my husband and loves me. My husband is a very special to me but sometimes I think I may lose him to my decrease sexual drive he says it's Okay I can (somewhat) understand what you are going through and he still loves me, he also said that sex is not the main thing of our relationship. What can I do?
Fake it like i do, it makes him happy,he has his sex with you, Now though his sex drive has gone way down also, so we don't do it as often as we use to. Ag aging we are learning alot!
I went on Effexor XR almost 2 weeks ago and I'm starting to feel better as far as the depression is concerned but I think it does effect my sexual desire.I hate this side effect but I have tried about 20 different kinds of antidepressients and for one reason or another they did't agree with me.Depression runs in my family and now that I'm older I can look back and see it.I can also see who needed help and did't get it,my Dad being one.It's really sad.He could of lived a much happier life.My Mom passed away 2 years ago and he's doing ok but not good.Anyway I plan on staying on the meds this time,even if my husband is always bringing up the subject of our,really my, sex drive.
Yeah, but depression is also linked to many other diseases, heart disease for example. So loose depression, but win much more maybe.
I have been on Effexor XR for about 2 to 2-1/2 years and once I reached a higher level dose I gained so much weight! I was always skinny all my life. I went from 130-135 to 175! So ladies please be careful with your diet and what you eat (like too many carbs) because you will gain the weight. Stay on as low a dose that works for you so maybe you won't gain so much weight.
Effexor XR is a very nasty drug to get off of. I suggest searching Roadback.org (The Roadback.org) for help in this situation.
I JUST STARTED TAKING SERAFEM, FOR HORMONAL PROBLEMS. I HAVE HAD LOW SEXUAL DESIRE ALTELY EVEN BEFORE THE SERAFEM, WILL THIS MAKE IT WORSE?
I have been on EFFEXOR XR for 3 weeks . For depression . I have been on many" mood stablizers " as I call them . The only down fall with this medication I have totally lots my sexual desire .I dont want to switch because this medication really helps . Because of this lack of sex my other half wants to bring the swingers lifestyle into our relationship .
MY LIVER STUDIES HAVE BEEN ELEVATED THE PAST TWO YEARS. MY DOCTOR, SUGGESTED MAYBE GOING OFF LEXAPRO, WHICH REALLY HELPS DEPRESSION AND TRYING WELLBUTRIN. I GAINED A LOT OF WEIGHT ON CELEXA, AND LOST MOST OF IT ON LEXAPRO. WILL WELLBUTRIN CAUSE ANY WEIGHT GAIN THAT YOU KNOW OF??? THANKS
I have been on Paxil for almost a year now. My Doc prescribed it because I had medical issues including Thyroid cancer and surgery. I,m also pre-menepausal, work full-time and two teenage boys all go into the mix. Anyway while my outlook on life has greatly improved, my sex life is non-existent. I haven't had sex with my husband (or anyone) in almost 1 YEAR!! I also have gained about 40 pounds in 5 months. I saw my Doc today and she said it was timeto stop taking it. The med is symptomatic so there is a procedure to follow as far as coming off it. Weaning as she called it. Time will tell--I just know something had to be done. Thanks for listening
I was prescribed Paxil for a very stressful condition I was going through. Although, I had bouts of depression for years before that, that's inevitably why I chose to try it out.
I stayed on it for about a year, and throughout that time, I was continually frustrated by my inability to reach orgasm- with someone else or by myself. I noticed that the person that I was with was bothered by it as much as I was, but he was understanding enough to walk beside me as I found a better way to deal with things.
Previous to that, only in very severe occurances of my depression did I lose the desire to be sexually active. For me, that was the deciding factor as to whether I stayed on the drug or not.
I had talked to my psychiatrist about the problem and his answer was just to lower the dose, which didn't help at all. He also suggested that if that didn't work, I could try Viagra, but I thought it kind of ridiculous to support one side effect with another drug, instead of figuring out how to do it without any at all. I personally think it important to be able to enjoy that aspect of one's life, and as well think that it's just one more problem to deal with if you cannot.
I've managed on my own since I've been off Paxil to not let myself sink back into the depression that I had felt on and off almost my whole life. For me, my issue with relationships in general has always been problematic while my sex drive has been rather healthy and normal. I don't know if this will help anyone, but hopefully it will give more insight to those who are considering starting to take SSRIs or have been on it with adverse sexual side effects.
I started meditating to quell my anxiety, stress, and depression, and it has actually benefitted me by causing me to feel more stable emotionally than any drug ever has. I also feel more competent to be able to tackle problems in the future instead of feeling hopeless about knowing how to solve them.
While sexual health may be important, I have not seen anyone address what is lingering in all these lives. Is the depression being expressed clinical or is it a situational depression. There is quite a difference between the two any mental health professional can tell you. Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder type I and II as well as other mood disorders are all clinical and very serious illnesses. SEX WILL NEVER BE AS IMPORTANT AS THE MANAGEMENT OF THIS ILLNESS. So, while sex may be important, someone who is so madened by sex may be the one who needs to seek help. If you had a heart problem and it was take that medication or have sex I think we would not be having this conversation. Some people should get their priorities straight.
I was on Effexor XR for 1 year - the drug worked great, except that I gained 50 pounds which didn't help the depression issue. My doctor switched me to Zoloft, so I am praying that I will lose some of the extra weight!! Also, if you do go off of Effexor, be careful - you will go through a withdrawal period which is difficult. Always check with your doctor on this!!!
I started taking lexapro about four months ago and it has helped alot with my depression. However, I have gained some weight and have had a low sex drive. My doctor recommended a yam extract creme to help as I am menopausal and this seemed to help me reach orgasm. It's seems to be worth a try. Has anyone else gained weight on lexapro?
I was diagnosed with OCD(obsessive compulsive disorder). I am sure I had this condition since my late teens but I thought it was all part of growing up. I have been on Paxil for 2 years now and I have had some lumbar disk conditions that have put me on narcotics (on and off) for the past year. I have started to notice that I have a very short attention span, I have difficulty recalling events from the day before (simple things like: what I ate for lunch, did I drop off the bills etc.) Just recently I noticed that my sleeping pattern has changed; from being able to sleep 6-7 hours, I am sleeping 3-4 hours, wake up and can't go back to sleep. I have tried researching if the prescribed narcotics and Paxil are causing these effects on me. I am a 33 year old female. Any information on this would be greatly appreciated.
Ok,I am taking Lexapro and all though my bipolar has seemed to improved over a little bit of time I am having a huge problem with reaching climax in my sex life. My libido is fine and so is my sex drive but not for lack of trying. I can not reach orgasim. I am so frustrated and so is my partner. Has anyone else experienced this sort of problem? Thanks for listening.
Yes!! I have problems with orgasm...anorgasmia, medically speaking.
I have struggled with depression, anxiety and ADD throughout my life. While clinical by definition, life stressors can generate a deep drop before I realize it. So...I take meds. Have for 10 or so years. An SSRI (various) plus lamotrigine and adderal. My Doc calls it a "cocktail". The SSRI and now SNRI, are the culprits. Recently, I decided to try Cymbalta, a SNRI, hoping for less sexual side-effect. No help; it may even have a more pronounced effect. With the SSRIs orgasm was more difficult to achieve, now it is impossible. Because I am treating a recent situational depression with a high dose of Cymbalta I will wait to certain I have life changes in place and mood stabilized before altering meds again. I may try Welbutrin, although it did not help with depression many years ago. If it indeed does not, I will go back to one of the SSRIs but at a lower dose. In my treatment in years past, these types of meds have always inhibited my ability to orgasm. On the bright side, they have given me the opportunity to have a "life"...depression caused my mother to suicide and kept me on the couch for lengths of time.
I am also trying to tease out other factors...menopause, emotional duress from divorce, etc. but I am feeling stable and positive now and yet am still plagued with this pernicious and maddening problem!!
Am I being sexist???...if this was a male issue it would gain greater attention.
I have been on antidepressants since 2003. The first was Paxil (an awful medication to get off of), then so many otheres, lexapro, zoloft, wellbutrin, effexor xr, prozac, and now cymbalta. There were things in my life that I think accumulated and finally I got to the point where anxiety and panic attacks were a normal occurance. I have had 4 years of counseling and I feel like I have the tools to get off of the medication now. I've asked every doctor I've been to, "When will I know that it's ok to get off of the medication?" They never had a definative answer for me. Now I know what the answer is. When I feel like I can take control over the anxiety and depression is when I can live without the medication. This year I plan on weaning off of the medication. I haven't had a sex drive since 2003 and I have gained 20 pounds. In answer to the other comments, communicate your feelings to your partner. Faking orgasms and doing sexual acts to appease your husband that you are not comfortable with will just make things worse (i.e. the lady whose husband wants to start swinging). Exercise and eating better are going to be my new way of dealing with the anxiety and depression. Try to deal with your issues before they get to the point where you need to get on medication. You'll be thankful for not having to go through the frustrations of these pills.
I have been taking paxil for 4 years now to help me with my panic attacks. My medicine has been switched to Lexapro and Prozac a couple times, but the paxil works best for me. In response to the other post; I have gained 40 pounds (mostly all in the first year on paxil), I have not had an orgasim in atleast 3 years, and I also have a terrible time sleeping, when I finally do get to sleep I wake up, cant fall back asleep. I have had a few different dr. opinions and talked to other girls on paxil, and they have the same side effects with paxil. And yes, I do feel very goofy sometimes like im in lala land and cant remember things that happened yesterday. My friends and family notice it to. I also feel very fatigued alot of the time. But.....I dont have panic attacks near as often and to me that is a blessing, so I will stay on it until I can control them better. And actually my dosage was just raised. But I am fed up with not having an orgasm, and my better half would love for me to have an orgasm. We have tried toys, lotions, lots of foreplay, different positions, etc.....yet still no orgasm for me. Im going on Welbutrin tomorrow to try to help with my low libido, and I also plan on using a sexual stimulation cream (over-the-counter). I will let the rest of you know how this works for me. Until next time I wish you all many orgasims!!!
I had to have a Hysterecomy on Nov. 2006. My doctor told me that put me in surgical menopause. I can handle the hot flashes and night sweats, but my mood swings were terrible. So today my doctor perscribed Effexor XR for me to take. But after reading some of these post on here I am scared to take them. I already have almost no sex drive at all. So from what I have read here it makes it even worse and makes you gain weight too? Also I have read comments from several of you saying the use Viagra, can women take that?
Hi! So I just started having sex a couple months ago with my boyfriend and the first 6 times it hurt so bad and I didn't climax. Now, the pain is gone but I never climax. I know that he climaxes and we've done a lot of positions, so I don't know whats going on. Is there something wrong with me?
I suffer from premature ovarian decline and severe PCOS, as a result I have a hormone imbalance, which has caused a lot of debilitating symptoms, including chronic fatigue, weight gain, depression, glucose problems, and many others. HRT only helped some. I also lost my sex drive several years ago. I'm 42 now. I'm always researching hormonal things, looking for answers that may help, and recently I learned that a few of the symptoms could be related to a hormonal allergy. So, I decided to try an antihistamine on the offhand chance that it might help. I started taking Claritin about 3 weeks ago. Nothing major happened at first, but after a couple of weeks, I noticed a dramatic improvement in my sex drive. In fact, I feel like a 20-year old again. My husband of 26 years is absolutely delighted. We're having sex more than once a day. I usually have two orgasms a day now. I also feel better all around, much more energy, physically and mentally, and I'm losing weight, something I couldn't do before no matter how hard I tried. This, of course, could contribute to better health all around as I have glucose intolerance and high blood pressure.
For me, Claritin is a miracle drug, and I'm trying to tell other women about it in case it could help them. I've since researched Claritin a bit and found that it does indeed have this affect on many people; however, some experience the opposite and suffer a lack of libido and weight gain after taking the drug.
The only negative affect I've experienced is difficulty sleeping.
And my only fear it that the positive affects are only temporary; however, I met another woman online who has been using the drug for 6 months, and her libido is still going strong. What's more, she has continued to lose weight.
And since the drug is not very expensive and can be purchased over the counter, I believe it's worth a try for those suffering from a lack of libido. Just remember that it needs to build up. It's not going to improve things overnight.
I've been on lexapro for 3 years and it has helped my moods and lessened anxiety alot.I too had trouble sleeping and my Dr. put me on 1 lexapro in the a.m. and 2 trazodone's before bed,i sleep like a baby now. The sex drive is still there but I also went thru menopause last year so to me I think that may low drive may be normal,I am 52.
I can't orgasm... Or climax. I've been taking zoloft and it my life I'm happy with life and everything. And I've been on it for a few years now. I got a boyfriend now and I lost it to him he has no problem going but I can't and it gets me mad and he trys so hard. Like what can I do? I wanna have fun having sex but like its fun and all but like I wanna have a lot of feeling good to you know? Idk I'm just really confused and I don't know what to do!!!?? =[
Julia...
I took effexor RX 75 mgs for 7 months. The 1st 2 weeks i lost 15 lbs because i couldnt eat. Then with in 4 weeks i gained the 15 lbs back plus another 7. I had 0 sexual side effects and reached orgasm just fine. My dr. switched me to Lexapro just a few days ago due to possibly having celiac disease and the effexor doesnt mix well with that. I am having some side effects from the change. Im very emotional and cant seem to handle alot at the moment, but i know i need to give it a few weeks. I will keep you posted on my changes.
My girlfriend has been on lexapro ever since we started going out. When we first started going out. It seemed like she was turned on more and we would have sex almost everyday. After a few months, its just like her sex drive is not there and when we do have sex, which is like once a week now. She gets off and has an orgasm. I always feel like I have to make the first move. She is never spontanous anymore. She says the Lexapro makes her sex drive decrease. How can she feel turned on in the beginning and not now? Is there something I can do differently?
I know the feeling! My wife has been on Lexapro for a few months now and her sex drive is non-existent! The next time we go back to the docs I am going to ask about welbutrin. By the way... why when I read all this I feel guilty about trying to have sex with my wife? I know I know most or some of you might be thinking "PIG". Aren't relationships about spirtual, sexual, intmate support? I treat my wife like a queen! But this is driving me nuts.
I went on to this site to explore antidepressants and weight gain. I have had a horrible time with my weight since i've been on antidepressants. Ever since i've been on these (approx 6 years), i've carried an extrea 20-30 lbs. I'm on Effexor now and the weight / appetite seems worse than its ever been. I'm thinking about going off all together or trying Wellbutrin which supposedly makes you lose weight. Any feedback?
I suffer from ocd and anxiety. I was taking zoloft and suffered from sexual side effects and weight gain. My doctor put me on wellbutrin along with the zoloft. I have lost 20 lbs. You do have to make an effort such as eat less and exercise, but it gave me more motivation to do it. It did help some with the sexual side effects. I sometimes have to fake it, but oh well I haven't found anything better.
I would like to know more about the yam extract and any other over the counter help. I've been on effexor for over 10 years because I'm afraid of the withdrawal. I've started on my own to cut back with some help from internet sites. Any help would be appreciated.
I have suffered from depression for many years and my sex drive is gone i thought that i may be having hormone problems but i think its the meds after reading all this. I am only 33 and my husband is great. I don't understand all this but i plan on talking to my doctor about it. It is very frustrating to be so young and to feel this way.
I have suffered from depression for many years and my sex drive is gone i thought that i may be having hormone problems but i think its the meds after reading all this. I am only 33 and my husband is great. I don't understand all this but i plan on talking to my doctor about it. It is very frustrating to be so young and to feel this way.
i am taking lamictal and it freaking sucks. i have no drive to do anything. i have
"highs" and "lows" even to where i want to freaking kill myself. I am slowly trying to wean myself off of it. no sleep, head thinking crazy. quit my job, no money and shopping uncontrollably.
i went through a yucky breakup, been to rehab for drinking and tried almost every antidepressant there is. this is not me. what should i do? arrrgghhhhh....
I have been on all different SSRIs, through 3 pregnancies, breastfeeding, all emotional dilemmas for me, as I am so chemically imbalanced. I have suffered from depression for 20 years. My libido has never been the problem, it's the orgasm, and now that I am forty, I am like a walking bundle of screaming phermones!! Anyway, I just went off EffexorXR, I am staying on WellbutrinXL, which works well for me. I also take Topamax, bit of a cocktail I guess, helps me with motivation. Just really want to share ....It is so important for women to have a healthy sexual life too, the Effexor I believe, is whats been messing me up. My partner is very patient, wants to satisfy me. I think lots of men are. (partners) Hope this helps someone.
I am married to a great young man that happens to be taking PAXIL. When we first got together we where having sex everyday and twice on the same night sometimes. Now that we are married for 1 and a half years and I am lucky if he has sex with me once a month. At first I was understanding about it but it is frustrating and unfair that I be made to feel that there is something wrong with me or that I am being selfish for wanting to have sex with my husband. While I do agree with previous comments that "Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder type I and II as well as other mood disorders are all clinical and very serious illnesses". I think that medicine alone is not a cure all for these disorders. I think SEX IS VERY IMPORTANT IN A RELATIONSHIP especially in a MONOGOMIS RELATIONSHIP. I feel BURDENED BY MY HUSBAND'S MEDICATION and should not be MADE TO FEEL LIKE I AM THE ONE WITH THE PROBLEM FOR WANTING SEX FROM MY HUSBAND. Anyone who says that I am being selfish and should seek help because I am "maddened" by sex, should seek help themselves. MEDICINE ALONE IS NOT THE CURE, ITS A QUICK SOLUTION.
I'am on Cymbalta 20 mg. twice a day. I was on effexor stopped working . I have depression and anxiety where I get very nervous in front of people . I have tried other meds to. Sometimes I like to know who the real me is? It's weird. I would love to enjoy a beer or two once in awhile. But afraid to being on cymbalta. Want to ween off, but scared of moods again. I have gained weight and sometimes dont even care that I did ,I also like to wonder is this med really working at times? Hate to increase,So you can tell I'am very confused. Have not had a date in 4 years alot of issues and when i start to think about dating im like why bother any suggestions for my book of problems? thanks
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I first have a comment for the person who wrote that since we're more worried about sex and orgasms than we are about depression, that we obviously have our priorities in the wrong places. The person who wrote that comment obviously has a perfect life without any of the problems mentioned here. What they don't know is that, yes, we are worried about the reasons for being started on these medications and we're also grateful for what the medications are doing for us. Humans are not only very sexual beings but also much of their pleasure comes from the intimate part of relationships with their significant others. To you our complaints may seem silly and incidental, but actually living with the person you love and not having any sexual feelings within yourself puts a strain on any solid relationship. My oncologist put me on Effexor xr to control my menopausal symptoms after I was diagnosed with breast cancer and subsequently had my ovaries removed to stop hormone production. Does the fact that I'm concerned about my lack of sexual desire being absent when it had been extremely strong before mean that I am more concerned about sex than my breast cancer? No, that notion is completely ridiculous and so was your insensitive comment.
Okay, now to get to the reason I'm on here...we all know the side effects, so besides stopping the medication, does anyone have a stimulating cream that works either over the counter or prescription? Preferably something without lidocaine in it as that only numbs the area after a few minutes of tingling which actually makes it harder to achieve orgasm. Cream suggestions please!!!
I was married to a man with bipolar for 22 years and he made our lives miserable. He wouldn't get treatment for it and used alcohol to dull his bipolar. I urge anyone that is living with someone who is violent and rages and break things and torments your family to seek out help asap. It will damage your kids and make you so depressed trying to figure them out. There are medicines out there that help. They are also highly charged sexually and that is dangerous. He cheated on me our whole marriage and was able to hide it masterfully. They can be so deceatful and selfish . Lithium would have helped him so much. Robin
I am 28 years old and i know i am depressed, any little thing can set me off. i have 3 great kids, but i am always hateful towards them. i don't want to be, i want to be there for them. i am not energetic at all, want to sleep all the time, feel worhtless, bad moods all day,agitated, and irritable all the time. i also have no sex drive what so ever. just to think of it makes me sick. i am wanting to go to the doctor for some meds, if not for me for my kids sake. but i am afraid of gaining weight or what if whatever he gives me makes me worse. i want something non-habit forming. is there such a thing? i have read many blogs and have researched cymbalta and efforex. but there are some others that seem interesting. another thing is i have tacacardia(rapid heartbeat) i wonder if it is safe to take any of these meds. please let me know something before me and kids go crazy.
I have been taken Zoloft for almost a year now and my husband and I want to try and have another baby, but it seems as though, when I try to stop the medicine, I feel like i'm off balance all the time. Is this normal on when you stop cold turkey? I hate the feeling and then I have to get back on the medicine to get the awful feeling to go away. Can someone give me an answer on this? Thanks!!
help, NJ
I have been on lexapro for about 2-1/2 years and have no sex drive. It has been very hard for my boyfriend of 4 years but, he is very understanding. Our sex drive is very slim since we first started to date. When we first to date my sex drive was crazy we had sex just about every day and sometimes twice a day and it was great.
I started on lexapro because of stress at work and the lost of my father. I feel great when I am taking it, but I want my sex drive back. My doctor lower the mg but still has'nt help. I want to have more sex with my boyfriend because I enjoy it so much but not getting off is hard. I glad he is understanding and patience.
I have tried to get my self off of lexapro but I turn into instant pain in the a-hole. I don't like myself and don't want to be around others. Help, NJ
I know this article is entitled "Ten Reasons Why Women May Lack Sexual Desire," but, just in case anyone is wondering, I'm pretty sure men have the same problem. I've been on Celexia for about 1.5 years now. I just starting being sexually active again 1.5 months ago with my new girlfriend. She is wonderful. We have sex a lot but I have a really hard time climaxing, if at all. This makes her feel worse than me. I'm just happy to be with her and happy that she can climax. I'm now climaxing at an ever decreasing rate, and am worried that she will leave someday.
For the husband with the wife on Lexapro and you said that the next time you go to the Dr. you are going to ask about switching to Welbutrin, I was on Lexapro and had to switch to Welbutrin while I was pregnant and my sex drive has never been better even 8 months after my sons birth. It doesn't help the depression as much but I take 150mg every morning and the week before my menstral cycle I start taking 150mg at night and 150mg in the morning, and once I start my menstral cycle then I go back to just 150mg in the morning. Works pretty good, and I think a lot of the depression is relationship for me when things are going good between my husband and I the symptoms are not as strong so I totally agree with you on being spiritually conntected, and no IT IS NOT WRONG FOR YOU TO WANT/DESIRE TO HAVE SEX WITH YOUR WIFE society had butchered men for to long on this its how God made you and there is nothing wrong with that. My husband also struggles with depression so between both of us taking medication (welbutrin) it is hard and we have to work at everything all the time but you know what he told me last night, he said "I feel like I actually really love you, he said not to make my friends look bad or myself look any better but I feel like they don't have the same thing for their wives its more about what they can get away with, and for him he said its an unconditional love he said that he feels hes not always as good at the things that maybe I really love all the time but in his heart he feels like this is so important to him" to me hearing him tell me (for a man that does not say a whole lot emotionally very often) that was worth a million dollars better than any spontaneous date or flowers he could ever send me. If anyone out there truely wants to have a balanced relationship I would highly recommend the book or even better the conference "Love and Respect the love she most desires, the respect he desperately needs" by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs people on this site may slaughter me for this posting but you know what it changed our marriage and our life.
For the husband with the wife on Lexapro and you said that the next time you go to the Dr. you are going to ask about switching to Welbutrin, I was on Lexapro and had to switch to Welbutrin while I was pregnant and my sex drive has never been better even 8 months after my sons birth. It doesn't help the depression as much but I take 150mg every morning and the week before my menstral cycle I start taking 150mg at night and 150mg in the morning, and once I start my menstral cycle then I go back to just 150mg in the morning. Works pretty good, and I think a lot of the depression is relationship for me when things are going good between my husband and I the symptoms are not as strong so I totally agree with you on being spiritually conntected, and no IT IS NOT WRONG FOR YOU TO WANT/DESIRE TO HAVE SEX WITH YOUR WIFE society had butchered men for to long on this its how God made you and there is nothing wrong with that. My husband also struggles with depression so between both of us taking medication (welbutrin) it is hard and we have to work at everything all the time but you know what he told me last night, he said "I feel like I actually really love you, he said not to make my friends look bad or myself look any better but I feel like they don't have the same thing for their wives its more about what they can get away with, and for him he said its an unconditional love he said that he feels hes not always as good at the things that maybe I really love all the time but in his heart he feels like this is so important to him" to me hearing him tell me (for a man that does not say a whole lot emotionally very often) that was worth a million dollars better than any spontaneous date or flowers he could ever send me. If anyone out there truely wants to have a balanced relationship I would highly recommend the book or even better the conference "Love and Respect the love she most desires, the respect he desperately needs" by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs people on this site may slaughter me for this posting but you know what it changed our marriage and our life.
I am directing this toward 28yr old anonymous posted 4:44pm. I too felt the exact same brief symptoms you described. The wanted to strangle kids and no desire to do anything with them, because they would inevitably make me angry. Was fighting with friends and family, because I made them uncomfortable. I was very very hesitant to get on meds, but it was the best thing, coupled with therapy to help me through my anxiety. I am tolerant now and not as easily irritated, as long as I haven't had too much caffeine. Can't say that I laugh as much as used to before I had kids yet though.
I am on 10mg a day of Lexapro. As far as sex, I wasn't effected. Really I have had very little side effects at all after the 1st couple wks. That was just a little nausia and light headedness. It was all worth it just to be able to sleep for more than 3 hrs. It started working quickly also, not the 4-6wks suggested. My weight has gone up a bit...maybe 7 lbs. but I am not kidding myself, I am not as active as I used to be and I have always eaten poorly, and drank beer, but been blessed with a relatively thin body and good metabolism. I am 33,female, 5'7", 140lbs.FYI. Good luck. I will tell you that now that I am feeling so well and not so anxious I am going to talk to my Dr about weening, but worry that I will be back at square 1.
>SEX WILL NEVER BE AS IMPORTANT AS THE MANAGEMENT OF THIS ILLNESS.<
Anyone who's been seriously depressed knows exactly how true thw above statement is. Sometimes you have to take the trade-off.
I am a 28 yr. old female with a very high sex drive. My husband, who is 33, has no sex drive and thinks my sex drive is abnormal. He has been on antidepressants (Zoloft, Lexapro, and currently Cymbalta) for the past 6 years and also takes narcotics for his debilitating migraines (not regularly, he takes painkillers as needed). Help! He only wants to have sex maybe once a month - we've gone three months before with no sex. I want sex three times a day. What can we do to fix this because it's driving me crazy!
I am 28 years old and have been taking Lexapro now for 5 weeks....I finally felt the difference. It eliminated my anxiety and panic attacks which were becoming daily at work.... the only thing was I could not climax. The more I read the more I seem to understand that is the general trend with antidepressants.... I am wondering if wellbutrin has the lower sexual side effect.... any opinions? I am new to this and have decided I am not a fan of pills...but when it finally worked this past week I nearly cried tears of joy
I also and 28 years old (female) and am taking Lexapro 20mg at night and Welbutrin 150mg in the morning with adderall for ADD the Lexapro works really well for me. What I found out was that before I was on the Welbutrin by itself and it just was not helping with the anxiety so I went to the Dr and she said that welbutrin does not help with anxiety its a different type of antidepressant it helps with other things so she had me piggyback it with the lexapro she said (which I have read this a lot) that when taking antidepressant like lexapro they tend to have sexual side effects like not being able to orgasm so the welbutrin can help balance out the sexual side effects. Before when I was taking just the welbutrin I had no sexual side effects at all I could orgasm in 1min if I wanted to but I still felt the depression a lot. So anyway to make a long story wrap up :) I just started taking the Lexapro and welbutrin together so I havent noticed a difference with the sexual side effects yet but I am going to give it some time and see if it works.
While taking Zoloft it seems like an act of Congress to have an orgasim. As soon as I weined off it, they came (no pun intended) right back.
Update: I am a 28 year old female 5'4 130lbs I recently changed from Lexapro 20mg and Wellbutrin 150mg I was still unable to climax with this dosage. I recently changed to Lexapro 10mg and Wellbutrin 300mg and my sex drive seems to be back from what i can tell so far.This is the best I have felt in about a year and a half.
I am 46 yrs.old and have no sexual desire,my better half loves me and he says that sex don't matter but he is always talking about sex,I have a lot of medical problems I had a heart attack in 05 resulting in bypass surgery,knee surgery,back surgery in 06 I became very depressed and suffered from panic and anxiety attacks,i had to retire from my job,I have gained a lot of weight,I take so much medicine,my pain management doctor recently told me that Serquel,Abilify,Cymbalta,and some of my heart meds,are causing all the weight gain,I have days that I just can't leave the house,my mother suffered from Bipolar,heart problems,depression,and to many to name,she and I were very close,she died in March of 07,and a dear friend was killed in a auto accident in april of 07 its like the cycle starts over,but I would rather have my sanity than sex any day.P.S.for got to mention that i had a hysterectomy in 04 and the doctor want give me harmones due to other health problems.any advice.
I suffer from depression. For the last 12 years I have been on some kind of antidepressant. For the last about 8 eight years I have been on effexor. My life if a lot better now and I have gone to lots of therapy. I finely feel good enough and decided to ween myself off with the add off my doc.. It was going really well I weened myself down to taking a very small dosage. Now I have been off for 6 days on the third day I started feeling weird. All I can call them is brain zaps. My doctor told me it is part of it and it will go away. I was just wondering how long it takes to go away for most people. Other then that I feel good not depressed at all just want to feel better so I can get back to work.
I almost forgot. I have had not sex drive for years. I look forward to getting that back too.
Amy,
I had only about 3 "brain zaps" in a span of 2 or 3 days and that was it. It also happened to me about 3 days after I was off the meds. Hope they are gone soon! Congratulations!I am off about a month now and doing ok, a few days here and there, but all in all, not bad. I was on Lexapro for anxiety...FYI.
I am currently weaning off effexor cr and have been off it for completely for 4 days. Mentally I feel fine, but in the evenings I have what I can only describe as shivering spells that make my back cramp up really bad. Has anyone experienced this. It is really annoying!!
I have been on Zoloft for about 5 years now and also have had a hysterectomy last year. My weight is awful. I have tried to eat better, but it seems like nothing comes off. I tried to switch to Welbutrin in hopes of losing some weight, but my body rejected it and I had to go back on Zoloft 100 mg. As far as my Sex drive, it does not happen. I don't want it ever and it is really frustrating. Can anyone tell me what the best thing to do on the weight gain problem. I am a very short person and I feel like the Goodyear blimp all the time. It's embarassing, but I have to pretty much be on an antidepressant for the rest of my life. Please help
Kim,
I am on 150mg welbutrin in the morning with 40mg Adderall XR, and 10mg of Lexapro at night.(adderal is for my ADD but definantly helps with weight loss) you may want to take a online test to see if you may need adderall and then take it to your doctor when you print it out and see what he/she thinks, I have actually lost 30lbs so far. Could you try 20mg of Lexapro at night with Adderall XR (if your doctor approves you need it) in the morning if you are able this is what I have done before since your body does not except Welbutrin. Good luck to you!
I have been on Lexapro for almost two years now. I have just decided to start weaning off due to weight gain and decreased libido. I currently take 20 mg. I reduced the dose to 10 mg. Side effects aren't too bad. I have been experiencing some headaches and slight dizziness but have found that Tylenol has helped. Any advice on how long I should stay on 10 mg before lowering the dose again??
I know when I was pregnant I had to stop taking it cold turkey, and it took me 5 days to get it completly out of my system had horrible side effects but your doing it the best way by weaning off, I would say the sooner the better if your body is used to it you should ask your doctor but I think they have you start with every other day and then every 3 days or something like that to help not have the side effects. I then switched to Wellbutrin which worked wonderful I had my sex drive back completely, but ended up having to add 10mg of Lexapro back on because although Welbutrin is really good, it does not help with anxiety (my dr told me, and this was all after I had the baby not during) so now I have 10mg Lexapro and 150 welbutrin theie two totally different types of antidepressants and work well together. I know welbutrin is also better for the weight gain part. I also take 40mg of adderall for add so I don't have the weight gain problem actually the opposite. Good luck to you!!
Correction, I'm sorry I take 300mg welbutrin and 10mg lexapro
Effexor is a horrible drug to be on. I used to take it several years ago. I had a horrible time trying to get off this medication. After weaning myself off I still had the brain zaps for months. It was worst during bedtime. Please consider other antidepressants. God bless and good luck.
i have been on premarin 0.625, prevacid 30mg, benazep/hctz 20-25mg,simvastatin 40mg. paxil 30mg. being depressed is no pinic. i've been depressed for years, so they tell me. paxil has helped for the most part. in oct.2006 i had ovaries taking out. since then talk about no sex life. don't want it at all. husband does not understand. husband has bi-polar is is taking lexapro 20mg. depakote 500mg.xanax,ambien. he has had trouble sleeping, working, doing anything is like pulling teeth. he has no energy, he doesn't want to get out of bed. between the two of us we should be basket-cases. however, we keep going. i have decided that a postive attitude goes a long way. also don't hide the fact that you have a problem. this only stresses you more. i have learned that you don't stop any medication cold turkey. always ask your doctor. my problem is that i don't want sex but my husband wants it all the time.
I highly recommend the book "Love and Respect" by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs my husband and I are both on anti-depressants and this book has changed our marriage completely we feel that with hard work and patience anything is possible.
I was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder many years ago. I also had a hysterectomy several years ago and am wondering what side effects Premarin (HRT) would have on my Bipolar condition??? I am currently only taking Temazapam for sleep problems due to the Bipolar condition.
What are "brain zaps"?
Clyde
I have recently went on citalopram 20 mg. Does anyone know how long it takes to start to work? I have been on the Meds for 3 days and feel better but not sure just how long it takes to start to fully start to work. My husband takes Virga can I take this as well?
Thank you Clyde! I was just wondering what the heck 'brain zaps' were too. I am currently on 75mg Effexor and want to discontinue it but I'm afraid of the withdrawl. I have heard of withdrawl symptoms such as headache, vomitting, chills, etc. Now I read about 'brain zaps'????
Any feedback would be great!
Lori
I have been on 10 mg Lexapro for over two weeks now to treat what I would consider situational depression (anxiety and grief over possible marriage separation). It seems to be working just fine for me although the first few days of adjustment were difficult, mostly nausea, light headedness and poor sleeping. All that's gone now and I feel quite awesome, even sleeping solid thru the night again. A positive side effect has been an extreme boost to my libido (aka I'm horny all the time). I think the Lexapro is delaying my orgasm to the point where I can last anywhere from 15-60 minutes compared to 5 min or less beforehand. Obviously, this makes my wife wildly happy and has significantly improved the intimacy in our relationship. Again, I'm only two plus weeks in on this dosage so I'm hoping that this particular side effect doesn't diminish or disappear all-together.
One weird thing though, is that it seems like work to have to urinate. I haven't run across that side effect in any of these blogs. Other than that things are working out just fine with Lexapro.
this has nothin 2 do w/ sex ....however i tried 2 come off lexapro as per docs. orders & by the time i got 2 every 3 days my blood pressure was 42 over 37 & I was not able 2 get off the floor.............friends in the pharmacy buz. said this iz 4 life now that i am a slave 2 the drug.... i want 2 try again but w/ a business & 10-12 hour days where is the time? any body in my boat...or am i the only azz here ...ps.. normal 4 me is 90/60 & iam a weight lifter since 18 years..thanks cindy (anklebiter64@yahoo.com)
I had to stop taking Lexapro cold turkey when I found out I was pregnant and I was really sick and dizzy for 5 days but then I made it! There is hope.
I was given Xanax and Lexapro for depression and anxiety. I was in auto accident and stopped rx for months. I just started up again but only taking Lexapro 20mg now. I've not really noticed it working? Im not sure if I am gaining weight yet or loosing. I do notice I am tired and more sleepy during day at work. It's a struggle sometimes to stay awake. How long will it take to feel effects? What will I feel?
While it is comforting to know that I am not the only one suffering this horrible side effect of not being able to climax and a lowered (non-existent) sex drive...it also is a bit depressing. I am 24 yrs old and have suffered from depression for most of my life. I have only just recently been professionally diagnosed (Major, Recurrent Depression) and have been on Prozac for about 2 months. I didn't notice any side effects the first month. Then around the 5th week, I started to have severe headaches right before I would climax (so severe I would stop what I or my boyfriend was doing because it was way too painful). I discussed this with my doctor who stated he had never heard of that side effect but recommended I go on a "Prozac holiday" and see if it improves. I only lasted three days without my pills (I am taking 20 mg a day) before my depression started to kick back in. I was so freaked out by my sudden mood change that I resumed my medication. During the following week the headaches were gone BUT I COULD NOT EVEN COME CLOSE TO AN ORGASM!! I tried it solo...no luck. I tried it with my boyfriend...no luck. My boyfriend naturally has a low sex drive (I previously had an extremely high sex drive) so my lower sex drive now actually is beneficial to my relationship. BUT...I used to always, always have an orgasm. Every time. It is very very frustrating to me that I can't even get close to it now. *sigh* I hated the idea of getting on medication in the first place and I want to get off of it but my doctor feels like I should at least give it 6 months before making that decision. I really love how well it has helped me when it comes to dealing with my depression but I have always thought there should be a better way to treat it than with meds (the easy way I call it). We shall see what happens...
It's strange hearing/reading about someone commenting on "brain zaps". I thought that I, myself, had coined the term. I'm sorry that this doesn't fit in with what you all are talking about, but I've been suffering with these off and on ever since beginning treatment for my depression, anxiety, and OCD.
I have to ask, do your brain zaps ever cause physical pain in your finger tips, tongue, spinal region, and toes? This happened to me when I was dropped off Paxil and put on Lexipro, and more recently, I missed my doctor appointment and ran out of my narcotic pain meds, and it's so terrible right now, it's throwing off my coordination.
Does anyone know if a textbook name for "brain zaps"?
Anyway, I'm sorry for going off topic with your posts. I hope you women will please forgive me since I tried doing a search on "brain zaps" and being referred here. I'm going through hell right now.
Anyone that said they were on Effexor XR should consider finding another antidepressant. I was on it for over 2 years. Not only did I go from a size 6 to a 12, but I had other very horrible side effects. My blood pressure went too high for being a 19 year old, and my pulse was 120 sitting down! Soon after getting off it (though it was a horrible experience, especially since I had been on it so long) my blood pressure lowered, my pulse was normal, and I lost 20 pounds without trying! I got on Zoloft 50mg and it is working well, however I am experiencing a very minimal sexual desire, and rarely orgasm.
I started having sexual problems not to long after my daughter was born. She is almost a year old now. I have suffered from depression in the past. My doctor put me back on depression meds because not to long after having my daughter I started feeling depressed again. I wanted a healthy relationship between my baby and I. So, I decided to try and do something about it. So, my doctor put my on fluxotine and I had no sex drive and it wasn't helping much with the depression either.Then he put me on Effexor XR and wellbutrin, but had to take me off the Wellbutrin because it raised my pulse. So, now I am on Effexor XR and Clonazepam and still have no sexual desire. The depression isn't anything like it was. My daughter and I have a wonderful mother daughter relationship (even though she can get on my nerves, being normal though). I am tired all the time. I can sleep even during the day and most people only need about 7 to 9 hrs. of sleep but I need more. My doctor is having a sleep apnea test scheduled for me. So, hopefully that will help some. I have lost all desire to have sex. My husband and I have been together for more than a couple of years and I'm 36 and shouldn't feel that way. I hate it because before I had our daughter we were very sexually active. For me, the sexual desire is totally gone. I always feel like I want to gag. I hate it. He hates it because I have to go through this. He says that sex isn't everything in a relationship, but he wants to see me feeling better and satisfied. I tell him that I hate it to. I have even told him that he could go with somebody else if he wants to but he told me that he doesn't want anybody else that he married me because he wants to be with me. It would be nice to take this sleep apnea test and get off the drugs and have my problems solved. But, I guess only time will tell. My husband also says that I can do what I want but if this doctor can't figure it out that he thinks that I should switch doctors and I really don't want to do that. Plus, I also wanted to say that reading these articles, it's nice to know that there are other people out there in this world dealing with the same problems. It's also nice to know that we aren't the only ones that get frustrated about this.
I only took pexeva for 3 months and it is now six months since I stopped taking it and I still can't have an orgasm! I have been to my gp, gyno, chiropractor and no one knows what is wrong with me. I had blood work done too. My husband is understanding most of the time, but I am starting to get extremely worried about my condition. Doews anyone know how long it takes ot get back to normal, my psych hasn't been able to tell me.
WHEN I WAS 15 I WAS ADMITTED TO CHARTER PLAINS HOSP FOR BOLEMIA...THE DR ACTUALY DIAGNOSED ME AS MANIC....AS MANY KNOW IS BIPOLAR. HOWEVER MY PARENTS DIDN'T AGREE WITH THE MEDICATION AND TOOK ME OUT AMA.(AGAINST MEDICAL ADVICE)IVE HAD PROBLEM KEEPING JOBS...I CANT GO PLACES LIKE THE GROCERY STORE BY MYSELF...SO THEN AT 29 I WAS LABELED WITH GLORIPHOBIA.....COULDN'T WAITRESS ANYMORE...I DIDN'T WANT ANYONE TO SEE ME..ESPECIALLY CUZ I WAS SO FAT....SO I WAS PUT ON EFFEXOR XR WHICH MADE ME MORE TIRED AND DEPRESSED AND FATTER....OK SO NOW IM 31 IM ON PROZAC....NOW INCREASING TO 100MG...ADDORALL WHICH HAS HELPED ME TREMENDOUSLY HOWEVER I COULDN'T SLEEP EVER!! AND HAD PANIC ATTACKS...VERY HIGH ANXIETY...SO I ALSO WAS PUT ON ZANEX...WELL FOLKS THEN I BECAME SUICIDAL....TRIED TO KILL MYSELF UNSUCCESFULLY THANK GOD....WHICH WAS LAST WEEK....IM ON FMLA...MY SHORT TERM DISABILITY IS FIGHTING ME ABOUT THIS. SO.....WEEENIN OFF OF ZANEX AND WILL BE ON 2 DIF KINDS OF ADDERALL.....LOST ALOT OF WEIGHT THANK GOD!!! BUT THE PROZAC...IDK...WANT TO HAVE SEX....MMMMM....BUT CAN'T FINISH..EVER...ONE TIME IT TOOK 45MIN...ON MY OWN...SO...I WILL KEEP U INFORMED ON THE PROGRESS OF 75MG OF ADDORALL AND 100MG OF PROZAC...NO SEX...BUT MAYBE SOME SANITY....
I am on Prozac and don't worry about anything except not thinking. I work almost 7 days a week which makes a long week about 60 hours plus. ON call 24/7. I am 60 and a month ago my dr put me on a thyroid medication plus a cholesterol med. I take adderal for concentration. My co-workers have noticed me not being myself, and offered me a free week off. I am now off the adderal and am hoping the thyroid will help. Any comment would be welcome
Started taking Celexa in December 2007. I loved it at first. (my husband and I were going thru a tough time) Then it screwed me up and made me a little paranoid. Took myself off of it. Two weeks later I went thru 10 days of horrible dizzy spells....finally went to the doctor. My heartrate was racing at 140! He put me on Effexor 75 mg. I couldn't get used to it...makes me so TIRED!!!!!!!!
I could skip it for 3 days until I got dizzy. Asked the Doc to lower the dosage; instead he doubled it. Now I can only go 1 day without getting dizzy. I know I shouldn't skip it, but I am scared to death of this drug. It is a BALL AND CHAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dar Dr. Weston,
I have discovered my wife is combining 10mg of Zolpidem or Ambien with two or three glasses of wine on a regular basis. She is depressed, angry and frustrated with me, her husband and rather than getting on antidepressants as you mentioned she has turned to the drug and wine combination of sleeping aid. Is there a negative affect from her combining wine Ambien to help her rest? Her sex drive drastically decreased many months ago and has remained sedated which is negatively affecting us both. Will you please help me understand what is happening to my wife?
Im a 24 year old female and I have anxiety, OCD, and depression. I have taken Paxil, Lexapro, Zoloft, and now on Effexor XR 75mg. With Lexapro I ended up having an adverse reaction the first day I took it, and ended up in the emergency room. That was FUN! Then I started taking Zoloft. It worked great but I gained 15 lbs , so my Dr. switched me to Effexor XR (currently on) and I gaind another SWEET 30 lbs! WTF? This is not working because now I am freaking out about my extra 45 lbs I have. Oh, and to mention I eat like a bird! So I thought about ending my love hate affair with Effexor XR, but come to find out quitting is not easy. Research shows that ending Effexor XR comes with a really difficult withdrawal period. How difficult are we talking about here?
To all on Effexor, look at the "mental health" blogs, there are horror stories about coming off effexor. it will raise your cholesterol level. mine went to 300+ on effexor, It took me 1 year to get off wean off of this drug.I would skip a day, open the capsules and take the granules less and less every week. Side effects were Brain zaps,weight gain, ringing in the ears, feeling awful, and NO SEX DRIVE OR ORGASM.
now, off the crap, I found my g-spot, my husband found it too and I can orgasm woo woo got to go......
I just started on effexor xr on a low dose of it and i haven't had been on it that long and i have gotten my menstrual in the beginning of the month and i was over it then i got it again then it stopped and now i have gotten it again so did any body have this problem before?
The tragedy is not only that people are taking these drugs like they have no side affects but they are never told they change the brain chemistry, their core identity and cause more harm than overall good. These are dangerous drugs - antidepressants - which write millions of prescriptions every year. You become dependent on them and it's hell to get off them. They destroy families and relationships daily. The drug CAUSES the problems.
Watch.....
'Making A Killing' part 1 to 10
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sYhTdeLRM8&feature=related
Why do you think they are called the #1 "Divorce Pill"?
The antidepressants, opiates and benzo's all cause decrease in sexual desire. Not your fault - it's the drugs!
Try to wean off all meds and go to diet and nutrition to recover. Omega 3's help.
Check out this blog for more info:
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I have been on prozac for about two months. I have noticed my stomach growing, but have had periods since I started taking it. Also my brests have started to prodice milk again could I be pregnant? My tubes have been tied and I know it is possible that that does not always work. Should I still go in and have a pregnancy test done?
So I was looking for ways to deal with the night sweats and it sent me here, I am not having any problems with my sex drive atleast not due to taking zoloft lol. But is there any ways to deal with that? I hate waking up and my clothes and sheets are damp! Please help.
I have been on the effexor for a few months. I am now on the extended release capsules. I have gained over 30 pounds and that makes it worse. I went on it initially b/c I was stressed and my daughter looked at me as though she was scared of me. I knew something had to be done. I called my dr. and she immediately prescribed this. Isn't there any other therapies besides drugs? I am beginning to wean myself off. What types of things should I look for in my days to come? Any help out there?
I'm writing here b/c I feel so hateful & resentful towards everything. I hate taking meds so I weaned off prozac. I wanted to die. My husband would rather me take pills than cry and want to die. So I'm taking Prozac again
(30mg)It's been almost 2 months but I'm not feeling better. I dont want to get fat and I dont want to have trouble with sex...what should I do to keep me from hating myself and most everyone else. I dont know what's wrong with me.
i have had anxiety for a long time so my doctor gave me paxil i took that for five years came off it for a year .
the anxiety came back so i went back on it i started having tremors and twitcy muscles so i stopped taking it . then i started taking effextor that medcation is awful it shouldnt
be given to anyone . with in a day of taking that i felt soo nervous and soo full of anxiety i had to stop taking it . i felt soo full of engery i could have ran a marthon . now iam taking nothing because because my doctor says sense i cant take the SSRI"S i cant take anything what ever .... so there is no good pill out there to control anxiety the doc knows squat . i gained 40 pounds on the paxil when i took it five years it took a long time to loose it all i went from a size 18 to an eight =] the only thing advice the doc gave me that helped was to walk a few miles every day to help my anxiety . the fda should pull all of those pills of the shelf but they wont cause they dont care . they are making to much money off the nervous and the depressed . what a world we live in .
i also drink chanomile tea thats the only drug that works for me . how sad . maby some day they will come up when ones that do .
I have been on 50mg of Zoloft for a month now for depression, I am only 24 years old and have completely lost my sex drive, before I started this medication, even with depression I had a pretty decent sex drive. I have tried to take this medicine at different times of the day and have tried to have sex around the medicine but nothing seems to be working. I have talked to my doctor about this and he says that he is not concerned because of my age, not sure even what he means by that. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
I had a rough 2 years that caused my anxiety to get out of control and started having all the physical symptoms of depression although I wasn´t SAD. My doctor put me on 5mg of Lexapro which helped me except for the same weight gain and no libido problem. Now after 6 months, I stopped cold turkey and I have been lightheaded for days, almost to a point that I feel as if I could pass out at times and minor nausea. Also have a minor migraine that I am taking Tylenol for. Just glad that there are others who are experiencing the same thing as I thought that I might be going crazy or having symptoms of a brain tumor. Hope it goes away soon.
I have been on and off of anti-depressant/anti-anxiety medications since I was 15 and now I am 31. I am currently on day three of a 150mg Effexor withdrawal and it isn't pretty. The only way that I can reach orgasm is with the help of toys and heightener creams. Guys don't get it and they only add to the problem which leads me to be on meds again. I hope I have the tools to finally be free from the sick medications that keep me feeling like I am a patient for life.
Our marriage has suffered ever since my wife started anti-depressants. She has tried several different drugs with no success at getting her sexual desires back. Her sexual desire is almost completely gone. But the worst part about it is that she doesn't care because the drugs masks her feelings. She is not even aware. She goes through life happy; while her marriage is a disaster. She doesn't care for any intimacy. Anti-depressants have ruined our marriage. All the drug pushing doctors should be punished. Someone needs to study this.
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