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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ghuber on February 3, 2005, at 20:00:51
Well for the third time in three years I'm starting another round of SSRI's.. First time I took Zoloft, second time Celexa/Wellbutrin then changed over the Lexapro/Wellbutrin. Now I started Celexa again.. I take these drugs for OCD mainly, as well as the depression and anxiety that occurs with the OCD. Anyway, I previously stopped taking the SSRI's both times before, not because I didn't feel great, but because they killed my ability to perform *well* in bed -- In the higher dosages (20+ mg of Celexa) they killed my libido as well. Without being too graphic, lets just say my tool worked and all, but not like it did before. I could still finish the job without too much of a problem, but I found it embarrassing and rather annoying when my girl made comments how it isn't like it use to be..
I tried Wellbutrin augmentation last time around as I heard it might help, which it did, but only mildly. I actually think it made me happier more then hornier. I also tried Ginko Biloba, but unfortunately I don't think that did all too much.
As I mentioned before, I started taking Celexa about 2.5 months ago.. The dreaded SSRI sex syndrome has started to reappear. I'm getting frustrated quick and don't know if I can deal.
I'm thinking of asking my pdoc for a script for some Vigra, Levitra, or Cilais. Anyone tried these drugs? I tried Viagra when I was off SSRi's but was not too big of a fan of the stuffy nose, headache and flushing it caused.
Have any of you men who had this problem ever had any success in switching to another SSRI? I was considering switching to Cytmbalta or Effexor - My friend took high dosages of Effexor for quite a long time, and he swears he never experienced any sexual side effects. He actually claims his member worked better. I figure a drug that is a reuptate inhibitor of NorE as well as serotonin would probably have less of a chance of inducing sexual dysfunction as NorE is involved in sexual response -- That's one of the reasons Yohimbe works so well. Speaking of Yohimbe, has anyone ever taken it when they're on an SSRI? I've read that the combination can be dangerous, as Yohimbe is an inhibitor of MAOI.
Finally, I'd like to say previous to going on back on Celexa, I was playing with the supplement L-Tyrosine. I read it that it converts to NOrE and Dopamine which I deducted would enhance my levels of these two chemicals, increasing my sex drive. All I can say is -- WOW!! After about 5 weeks my drive and performance was awesome!! Bad thing is, it seems the higher levels of dopamine made me obsess more, which winded up being BAD!! That's why I'm back on drugs... For anyone interested in trying, I don't think it's safe to take L-Tyrosine with any SSRi either..
Oh well, that's enough psycho babbling for me. Anyone have any comments/thoughts?
G
Posted by Vornan19 on February 3, 2005, at 21:59:38
In reply to SSRI induced erectile dysfunction - Discussion, posted by ghuber on February 3, 2005, at 20:00:51
How long were you on celexa the first time, and did your sexual functioning return to normal when you came off it? It didn't for me. I took celexa for two years, and came off it over a year ago, but my libido has remained very low. Before celexa I used to have a very high sex drive.
> Well for the third time in three years I'm starting another round of SSRI's.. First time I took Zoloft, second time Celexa/Wellbutrin then changed over the Lexapro/Wellbutrin. Now I started Celexa again.. I take these drugs for OCD mainly, as well as the depression and anxiety that occurs with the OCD. Anyway, I previously stopped taking the SSRI's both times before, not because I didn't feel great, but because they killed my ability to perform *well* in bed -- In the higher dosages (20+ mg of Celexa) they killed my libido as well. Without being too graphic, lets just say my tool worked and all, but not like it did before. I could still finish the job without too much of a problem, but I found it embarrassing and rather annoying when my girl made comments how it isn't like it use to be..
>
> I tried Wellbutrin augmentation last time around as I heard it might help, which it did, but only mildly. I actually think it made me happier more then hornier. I also tried Ginko Biloba, but unfortunately I don't think that did all too much.
>
> As I mentioned before, I started taking Celexa about 2.5 months ago.. The dreaded SSRI sex syndrome has started to reappear. I'm getting frustrated quick and don't know if I can deal.
>
> I'm thinking of asking my pdoc for a script for some Vigra, Levitra, or Cilais. Anyone tried these drugs? I tried Viagra when I was off SSRi's but was not too big of a fan of the stuffy nose, headache and flushing it caused.
>
> Have any of you men who had this problem ever had any success in switching to another SSRI? I was considering switching to Cytmbalta or Effexor - My friend took high dosages of Effexor for quite a long time, and he swears he never experienced any sexual side effects. He actually claims his member worked better. I figure a drug that is a reuptate inhibitor of NorE as well as serotonin would probably have less of a chance of inducing sexual dysfunction as NorE is involved in sexual response -- That's one of the reasons Yohimbe works so well. Speaking of Yohimbe, has anyone ever taken it when they're on an SSRI? I've read that the combination can be dangerous, as Yohimbe is an inhibitor of MAOI.
>
> Finally, I'd like to say previous to going on back on Celexa, I was playing with the supplement L-Tyrosine. I read it that it converts to NOrE and Dopamine which I deducted would enhance my levels of these two chemicals, increasing my sex drive. All I can say is -- WOW!! After about 5 weeks my drive and performance was awesome!! Bad thing is, it seems the higher levels of dopamine made me obsess more, which winded up being BAD!! That's why I'm back on drugs... For anyone interested in trying, I don't think it's safe to take L-Tyrosine with any SSRi either..
>
> Oh well, that's enough psycho babbling for me. Anyone have any comments/thoughts?
>
> G
Posted by ghuber on February 3, 2005, at 22:30:07
In reply to Re: SSRI induced erectile dysfunction - Discussion, posted by Vornan19 on February 3, 2005, at 21:59:38
I took Celexa for a year.. And to answer your question, "NO" my libido didn't come back. After getting my testosterone levels checked (They were fine) I came to the realization that my lack of libido was due to supressed levels of dopamine/norepinephrine caused by the prolonged levels on elevated serotonin from the SSRI. I noticed that when I took Yohimbe, my libido was much better, so I deducted it was from the effect it was having on norepinephrine. That's why I decided to ended up taking L-Tyrosine -- It's a precursor nutrient to dopamine and norepinephrine, the two chemicals most regarded as having an effect on sex drive. If taken properly, it works WELL. Too bad you can't take it with an SSRI, for some reason the combination is contradicted. Maybe eventually I'll work up the nerve to try it.. Or maybe someone else is braver then I?
> How long were you on celexa the first time, and did your sexual functioning return to normal when you came off it? It didn't for me. I took celexa for two years, and came off it over a year ago, but my libido has remained very low. Before celexa I used to have a very high sex drive.
Posted by Vornan19 on February 3, 2005, at 22:57:08
In reply to Re: SSRI induced erectile dysfunction - Discussion, posted by ghuber on February 3, 2005, at 22:30:07
I would seriously consider whether it is worth going back on the celexa again. I mean, what if the libido-supression effects are cumulative? Unless you were you able to totally correct the problem with Tyrosine and finally returned to normal and didn't need it any longer? Just FYI, I was reasonably OK after a year on celexa, but after two years I was seriously impeded...
I think you could be right about the dopamine theory.
> I took Celexa for a year.. And to answer your question, "NO" my libido didn't come back. After getting my testosterone levels checked (They were fine) I came to the realization that my lack of libido was due to supressed levels of dopamine/norepinephrine caused by the prolonged levels on elevated serotonin from the SSRI. I noticed that when I took Yohimbe, my libido was much better, so I deducted it was from the effect it was having on norepinephrine. That's why I decided to ended up taking L-Tyrosine -- It's a precursor nutrient to dopamine and norepinephrine, the two chemicals most regarded as having an effect on sex drive. If taken properly, it works WELL. Too bad you can't take it with an SSRI, for some reason the combination is contradicted. Maybe eventually I'll work up the nerve to try it.. Or maybe someone else is braver then I?
>
> > How long were you on celexa the first time, and did your sexual functioning return to normal when you came off it? It didn't for me. I took celexa for two years, and came off it over a year ago, but my libido has remained very low. Before celexa I used to have a very high sex drive.
>
>
Posted by lars1 on February 4, 2005, at 5:18:00
In reply to SSRI induced erectile dysfunction - Discussion, posted by ghuber on February 3, 2005, at 20:00:51
> I'm thinking of asking my pdoc for a script for some Vigra, Levitra, or Cilais. Anyone tried these drugs? I tried Viagra when I was off SSRi's but was not too big of a fan of the stuffy nose, headache and flushing it caused.
You had good function before, so your nerves and pipes are apparently all in good shape and any of those drugs should be very effective. If you had unpleasant side effects from Viagra, that probably indicates that your dose was too high. Since your problem is apparently mild (you are able to finish), you shouldn't need much anyway. I would suggest trying 25 mg, or even 12.5. You can split the tablets with a sharp knife if needed.
Another way to reduce the required dose (and therefore the side effects) is to time it such that you will be having sex when the drug is near its peak concentration, i.e., 30 minutes to 2 hours after taking it on an empty stomach.
Best regards,
Lars
Posted by Optimist on February 4, 2005, at 6:13:18
In reply to Re: SSRI induced erectile dysfunction - Discussion, posted by Vornan19 on February 3, 2005, at 21:59:38
Taking tyrosine with an SSRI should be fine. The two operate with totally different mechanisms. Tyrosine is the precursor to dopamine and norepinephrine and doesn't effect serotonin. If anything the amino acid tryptophan or 5-HTP would be contraindicated since it's the precursor to serotonin, although many use it safely with SSRI's. You just have to be careful with dosing to make sure you don't invoke serotonin syndrome with the latter.
Brian
Posted by JayDee on February 4, 2005, at 15:43:45
In reply to Re: SSRI induced erectile dysfunction - Discussion, posted by Vornan19 on February 3, 2005, at 21:59:38
How long before your sexual dysfunction appeared after starting the celexa, Vornan19
Posted by Vornan19 on February 4, 2005, at 17:15:09
In reply to Re: SSRI induced erectile dysfunction - Discussion, posted by JayDee on February 4, 2005, at 15:43:45
> How long before your sexual dysfunction appeared after starting the celexa, Vornan19
I took celexa for anxiety. I first noticed it at about the six month mark, but it was very mild. At about one year, it was more noticable, and at two years it became intolerable. That's when I quit. One year later, and my sex drive's still low. I can get an erection, but orgasms are duller than they were pre-celexa. I'd appreciate any suggestions - I'm very depressed about it.
Posted by Iansf on February 4, 2005, at 19:29:57
In reply to SSRI induced erectile dysfunction - Discussion, posted by ghuber on February 3, 2005, at 20:00:51
> Have any of you men who had this problem ever had any success in switching to another SSRI? I was considering switching to Cytmbalta or Effexor - My friend took high dosages of Effexor for quite a long time, and he swears he never experienced any sexual side effects. He actually claims his member worked better. I figure a drug that is a reuptate inhibitor of NorE as well as serotonin would probably have less of a chance of inducing sexual dysfunction as NorE is involved in sexual response -- That's one of the reasons Yohimbe works so well. Speaking of Yohimbe, has anyone ever taken it when they're on an SSRI? I've read that the combination can be dangerous, as Yohimbe is an inhibitor of MAOI.
>I take Cymbalta and I do experience sexual dysfunction on it. Not total dysfunction, in that my libido and sexual sensation are intact. But I can't sustain an erection for more than a few moments. I don't like Viagra, but I intend to try Cialis as soon as I recover from a severe cold I've had for a month now. I'm also looking into Uprima, which is a form of apomorphine and works completely differently from Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. Unfortunately, it's not available in the U.S., which is where I live.
John
Posted by ghuber on February 4, 2005, at 22:29:48
In reply to Re: SSRI induced erectile dysfunction - Discussion, posted by Vornan19 on February 4, 2005, at 17:15:09
If your not taking an SSRi's currently, try the L-Tyrosine.. Life Extension (www.lef.org) also makes a very good product called Super MiraForte. It contains ingredients which help supress estrogen and raise testosterone.
The combination of the two will work -- I promise.
Posted by lars1 on February 4, 2005, at 23:14:51
In reply to Re: SSRI induced erectile dysfunction - Discussion, posted by Vornan19 on February 4, 2005, at 17:15:09
> > How long before your sexual dysfunction appeared after starting the celexa, Vornan19
>
> I took celexa for anxiety. I first noticed it at about the six month mark, but it was very mild. At about one year, it was more noticable, and at two years it became intolerable. That's when I quit. One year later, and my sex drive's still low. I can get an erection, but orgasms are duller than they were pre-celexa. I'd appreciate any suggestions - I'm very depressed about it.Hi Vornan,
Since you mention that you are depressed, I wonder if that might itself be part of the reason for your troubles? Depression itself is a well-known libido-killer. Maybe you would benefit from a non-drug treatment for the depression (like cognitive-behavioral therapy or even exercise), or from one of the antidepressants that don't tend to cause sexual dysfunction. Unfortunately, other than Wellbutrin, I'm not sure which ones those are, but I'm sure somebody on the board knows. Anybody?
Best regards,
Lars
Posted by Vornan19 on February 5, 2005, at 0:09:54
In reply to Re: SSRI induced erectile dysfunction - Discussion, posted by ghuber on February 4, 2005, at 22:29:48
OK, thanks. I will try them.
Vornan
> If your not taking an SSRi's currently, try the L-Tyrosine.. Life Extension (www.lef.org) also makes a very good product called Super MiraForte. It contains ingredients which help supress estrogen and raise testosterone.
>
> The combination of the two will work -- I promise.
>
>
Posted by ghuber on February 5, 2005, at 9:18:16
In reply to Re: SSRI induced erectile dysfunction - Discussion, posted by Vornan19 on February 5, 2005, at 0:09:54
Buy the L-Tyrosine Plus from LEF.. It comes in a powder. Take 1,000mg in the morning on an empty stomach. If you normally drink coffee or tea, don't until you take it for a few days as this supplement tends to have a stimulatory effect.
The combo of Super Miforte and L-Tyrosine WILL work. Trust me!! The reason I don't take it now is because it overstimules dopamine production which makes my OCD symptoms worse...
LET US KNOW HOW YOU MAKE OUT!!
Posted by Vornan19 on February 5, 2005, at 22:22:59
In reply to Re: SSRI induced erectile dysfunction - Discussion, posted by ghuber on February 5, 2005, at 9:18:16
Thanks, I'll give it a shot. I'm encouraged to hear that it seems to have fixed the problem permanently in your case. Have you read "Brain Lock" and other books by Jeffrey Schwarz about OCD etc. They look interesting...
Vornan
> Buy the L-Tyrosine Plus from LEF.. It comes in a powder. Take 1,000mg in the morning on an empty stomach. If you normally drink coffee or tea, don't until you take it for a few days as this supplement tends to have a stimulatory effect.
>
> The combo of Super Miforte and L-Tyrosine WILL work. Trust me!! The reason I don't take it now is because it overstimules dopamine production which makes my OCD symptoms worse...
>
> LET US KNOW HOW YOU MAKE OUT!!
Posted by ghuber on February 5, 2005, at 23:02:43
In reply to Re: SSRI induced erectile dysfunction - Discussion, posted by Vornan19 on February 5, 2005, at 22:22:59
The only book I've read about OCD was "Stop Obsessing" by Foa. Overall I don't think it helped really - But I do not experience typcial OCD symtpoms. I have determined I have "Pure-O" type OCD -- The condition manifests itself by way of excessive mental rumination and unwanted thoughts that are unreasonable that create anxiety. No phsyical rituals, hording, ordering or complusions..
This is the end of the thread.
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