Posted by JohnL on June 5, 2000, at 4:51:33
In reply to sexual side effects, posted by MLG on June 4, 2000, at 2:40:00
MLG,
Sorry to hear about that pesky sex thing. I can sure relate. Happens to both sexes, and gosh isn't it frustrating?!
Since you respond to a serotonin med, I think it might be worth your time to make sure you are on the best one in its class for you. Just because Celexa works doesn't mean you should stop exploring, in my opinion. That's because you are having a bothersome side effect. Further exploration is warranted I believe. We are looking for equal or better efficacy without the sexual side effect. While Celexa is pretty good for you, there might be one even better. But personal comparison trials are needed to find out.
I wouldn't even bother with Paxil or Zoloft since these two are the most notorious for sexual problems. It's almost guaranteed. But the one in literature--and often in the real world--that has the fewest sexual side effects is good ole Prozac. And about 25% of the time enhanced sex is experienced with Prozac. Prozac didn't work that well on my anhedonic type depression, but I have to admit I had the best sex of my life with Prozac. Of course, with others it's just the opposite. But it just goes to show that the possibility does exist. It's a realistic possibility. You might want to try Prozac for 2 to 4 weeks. If it is going to work on your depression and improve sex, you will know in that short time. For me the enhanced sex became obvious after one week, despite an initial dropoff in sex at the start. It's worth a try I think.
Another possibility is to take Ritalin on an as-needed basis an from one to three hours before anticipated sex. Even without a partner, you could experiment with Ritalin just to see if your desire and ability is helped. If it helps, it should be noticeable quickly. No long trials to find out. Since it has a very short halflife, you could use it just when you need it. This is the first thing my psychiatrist gives his patients for sexual dysfunction.
In the herbal arena, Yohimbe can certainly work with both men and women. I can personally attest to its powerful aphrodisiac effects, and its pleasure enhancing effects. I mean, like, oh my gosh. Wow! But it comes with some side effects of feeling pepped up, feeling warm or hot, somewhat agitated, and then difficulty falling asleep. Though sex is incredible, the overall feeling outside of the bedroom is a bit uncomfortable. Therefore it is best used as-needed an hour to three before sex. It wears off after about 3 hours. At Rite-Aid or GNC you can get the GNC brand of Yohimbe for about $9.99, and it's worth a try.
It could be a complete substitute for Celexa might work too. Something that works better on your depression and leaves your sexlife in good shape. From International Antiaging Systems you can mailorder a box of Adrafinil for about $30. Takes 2 to 4 weeks for delivery. Try it at 300mg or 600mg for a couple weeks with your Celexa and see if you improve. If so, you may be able to stop the Celexa completely and say goodbye to the sex problems at the same time.
Just some ideas. Hopefully they help.
JohnL
poster:JohnL
thread:35948
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000603/msgs/36070.html