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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by West_Coast_Richard on October 28, 2009, at 15:39:58
Hello Guys:
I'm a fifty-something fellow, and have recently started taking SSRIs, for anxiety/mild depression.
My issue; these drugs are causing a sexual side effect. Specifically, it is very difficult to have an orgasm. My libido and erection are fine, it's just that the orgasm is very difficult (takes forever, and is usually not possible) to have.
So far, I've taken Celexa (for 1 week, and then due to this side effect my doctor suggested trying Zoloft), and now Zoloft. I've been on Zoloft for 3 weeks.
Both drugs caused the same side effect.
So, what do I do? Do any of you have ideas as to how I can "mitigate" or somehow get around this side effect? Different drug? Do something? Take something?
Any ideas are much appreciated.
cheers -
Richard
Posted by metafunj on October 28, 2009, at 19:16:15
In reply to Men: need advice...sexual side effects with SSRIs, posted by West_Coast_Richard on October 28, 2009, at 15:39:58
Have you tried brand Wellbutrin?
Posted by West_Coast_Richard on October 28, 2009, at 20:31:38
In reply to Re: Men: need advice...sexual side effects with SSRIs » West_Coast_Richard, posted by metafunj on October 28, 2009, at 19:16:15
> Have you tried brand Wellbutrin?
I have not. What would it do in this circumstance?
thanks - Richard
Posted by metafunj on October 29, 2009, at 0:13:12
In reply to Re: Men: need advice...sexual side effects with SSRIs, posted by West_Coast_Richard on October 28, 2009, at 20:31:38
Its a Dopamine Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Dopamine is positive for sexual functioning, basically. Too much serotonin inhibits dopamine which is one reason that SSRIs cause sexual dysfunction. Wellbutrin doesn't increase serotonin. Its also a standard first line treatment. I'm sure you could get it if you asked for it. Many say the brand is better than the generic so if you get the generic and it doesn't work try the brand GSK Wellbutrin.
Posted by bulldog2 on October 31, 2009, at 12:29:28
In reply to Men: need advice...sexual side effects with SSRIs, posted by West_Coast_Richard on October 28, 2009, at 15:39:58
> Hello Guys:
>
> I'm a fifty-something fellow, and have recently started taking SSRIs, for anxiety/mild depression.
>
> My issue; these drugs are causing a sexual side effect. Specifically, it is very difficult to have an orgasm. My libido and erection are fine, it's just that the orgasm is very difficult (takes forever, and is usually not possible) to have.
>
> So far, I've taken Celexa (for 1 week, and then due to this side effect my doctor suggested trying Zoloft), and now Zoloft. I've been on Zoloft for 3 weeks.
>
> Both drugs caused the same side effect.
>
> So, what do I do? Do any of you have ideas as to how I can "mitigate" or somehow get around this side effect? Different drug? Do something? Take something?
>
> Any ideas are much appreciated.
>
> cheers -
>
> RichardThere is a link published by me in the med section that discusses this topic in detail. I suggest that you read it as every possible solution is discusses in detail.
Posted by shasling on November 1, 2009, at 7:11:22
In reply to Men: need advice...sexual side effects with SSRIs, posted by West_Coast_Richard on October 28, 2009, at 15:39:58
amantadine. doing studies on it now for just that.
Posted by Alexanderfromdenmark on November 1, 2009, at 13:46:19
In reply to Men: need advice...sexual side effects with SSRIs, posted by West_Coast_Richard on October 28, 2009, at 15:39:58
Drop the SSRI or add mirtazapine or something similar.
Posted by thinkingitover on November 22, 2009, at 13:08:38
In reply to Re: Men: need advice...sexual side effects with SSRIs, posted by bulldog2 on October 31, 2009, at 12:29:28
I've noticed some people have said that you should try Wellbutrin. You also mentioned that you have anxiety. As a word of caution, Wellbutrin *can* exhasberate anxiety as it tends to be activating. However.... many people take it in conjunction with an SSRI. Just food for thought.
Posted by conundrum on November 22, 2009, at 16:53:34
In reply to Re: Men: need advice...sexual side effects with SSRIs, posted by thinkingitover on November 22, 2009, at 13:08:38
If you have reason to think you have low dopamine then it probably won't cause much anxiety if it even works at all.
Posted by MoonageDaydream on December 15, 2009, at 18:19:10
In reply to Men: need advice...sexual side effects with SSRIs, posted by West_Coast_Richard on October 28, 2009, at 15:39:58
In my experience, Prozac didn't uhh...cause me to go for TOO long, whereas Celexa & Lexapro did cause an issue with that. However, that's just my experience, and since all SSRIs usually cause some sexual side effect, I wouldn't switch to Prozac hoping it'll solve the problem.
There are a few drugs that could be added that might resolve the issue:
Wellbutrin (bupropion)
Ritalin (methylphenidate)
A dopamine agonist, like amantadine
cyproheptadineThe easiest option would be to lower the dose of Celexa (what dose are you on?). You might find that it works just as well with less side effects. Run it by your doctor before changing your dose, though.
There are also some ADs that don't usually cause sexual side effects (Wellbutrin, Emsam, Parnate, Remeron), but if Celexa works well for your mood/anxiety, I'd stick with it and try some of the options above first.
This is the end of the thread.
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