Posted by Bill L on March 1, 2001, at 7:48:17
In reply to Re: Celexa and sexual side effects, posted by daree on February 28, 2001, at 10:32:12
For men, Viagra should work very well. For woman- some ideas are:
1) After a few months of taking Celexa, the side effect may ease up (it did for me)
2) drug holiday (don't take the Celexa one or 2 days before having sex). Since Celexa has a short half life, the drug holiday might work. Or try half the dosage 2 days before and skip 1 day before.
3) Reduce dosage. Celexa works well for a number of people at only 10 mg per day. Sometimes people start drugs like Celexa at too high a dose thinking they need a high dose when really it's just that it can take a month or 2 for the drug to reach it's full effect.
4) try Yohimbine (monitor blood pressure since it can raise it)
5) try Ginko - may take a few weeks to have an effect
6) try Benedryl (at night since it will make you drowsy)
7) add Wellbutrin, Remeron, or Serzone to the Celexa. If Remeron is added, the dosage of Celexa could possibly be reduced. Remeron does not have a negative impact on sex.If the Celexa is working, I would advise that you keep taking it. As bad as the sexual side effects are, depression is worse.
> > I am 23 and have been taking 20 mg. of Celexa for 1 yr and 8 mos. This is my first battle with depression and Celexa has really helped. I noticed results in one week. I did try to go off after 1 yr but experienced a relapse after 2 weeks so I started up again.
> > I have actually lost weight with Celexa and am no longer obsessed with dieting. I don't know if it's the drug or the fact that I'm not depressed that helped me shed the pounds.
> > The only adverse side-effect that I have experienced is the inability to achieve orgasm. This is horrible. My desire and libido is still the same, I just can't climax and I hate it. My doctor has recommended Viagra (yes, even for a woman) to be taken before intercourse. This didn't work. He also recommended taking a low dose of Wellbutrin in conjunction with Celexa. This didn't work either. I really don't like the idea of switching medications as Celexa is working just fine other than the fact that it's really a bummer for my sex-life! Has anyone else had this problem? Any advice?
> > Sincerely,
> > Laura
>
> I am 33 and have also been taking 20 mg. of celexa only for a week. I am also unable to achieve orgasm I am also very frustrated with this side effect.
> Has your doctor recommended viagra? If so have you tried it and has it worked?
>
poster:Bill L
thread:1045
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010221/msgs/55205.html