HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Cymbalta-no orgasam

Support Forums
>
Fibromyalgia
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 5/12/2012 6:48 PM (GMT 0)
Ive been on cymbalta for close to a year now and it is causing major problems in the sex department. I cannot have an orgasam. I feel like I get so close and then the sensation completely goes away. Cymbalta helps with the pain, truly it does. I am 26 and giving up sexual pleasure with my husband is so frusturating. He doesn't understand. He thinks it's him...even after I have told him its the medication. Sometimes I find myself faking it just for his benefit and I feel terrible for doing it. This has caused serious issues in our marriage and I honestly don't know what to do. I tried to stop taking cymbalta but the pain was terrible. Help!
Posted 5/12/2012 7:23 PM (GMT 0)
You might want to try to see a psychiatrist; they are experts with this class of drug, the one Cymbalta is in. There are other medications that can relieve your pain and not affect you sexually. Again, talking to a physician who is very knowledgeabout about the drugs you are interested in is, in my opinion,  your best bet. I know antidepressants, such as SSRIs, are well known for causing sexual dysfunction but, sometimes one will affect you but another one in the same class will not. You are so young, too young, to give up on your sex life. There is hope. Do some research and I think you will find an answer

Good luck!!

Miriam

Posted 5/12/2012 7:54 PM (GMT 0)
I am sorry about the sexual disfunction. I had that problem with paxil when I was younger. I made sure to switch meds quickly. The problem with me was the medication would work fine for about two months, then I would get the side effects. Very frustrating.

I agree with Miriam. Talk to your doctor and see what else you could try. Are you willing to use regular pain medications? They usually don't have sexual side effects at a low dose.

Best wishes...

Hang in there...

Hugs, Karen
Posted 5/12/2012 8:47 PM (GMT 0)
Yea, I think y'all are right...I do need to talk to someone. I know it's probably immature but I'm kind of nervous to talk to someone about it. I guess in the back of my mind I think that whoever I speak to will think I'm being petty...orgasam or pain free...it's seems simple, of course pain free (what I think they will think). I am also on lortab 10. I hate this. I wish there was a easy solution, maybe there is...who knows :(
Posted 5/12/2012 9:04 PM (GMT 0)
I had the same problem on every antidepressant they put me on. I now tell any new doctor that I will absolutely under no circumstances use an antidepressant ever again. Im 23; it is not time yet for me to give up on that connection with my boyfriend.
Posted 5/12/2012 9:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, MRM, and welcome!  No, it's not a simple decision.  It's affecting your marriage and, for me, I would find something else that helps with the pain because my marriage would be far too important.  So, I think a doctor would realize how important this is.  There are other medications out there and there are some alternative things that help, too.  I was surprised that you said you were pain-free with Cymbalta!  That's wonderful.

 

Be sure to read Fibo 101...the second thread on the forum.  There are links to good information about fibro and you will learn a lot there.  Good starting links are called Symptoms and A Thorough Explanation of Fibromyalgia.

 

I'm looking forward to getting to know you better.  Don't hesitate to ask questions because we are  here to help you.  Hope to hear more from you soon.

 

Sherrine

Posted 5/12/2012 9:37 PM (GMT 0)
I agree. It's definitely not time to give up on sexual pleasure! It's all just so discouraging. It's bad enough that fibro causes chronic pain...now it's taking away from pleasurable activities too. I feel so guilty for not being honest with my husband. He's the typical male though...insecurities and all when it comes to the bedroom. We've always had the best sex life...now, it's just become one big fat lie. Now I'm so deep into my lie (which began to spare his feelings) that I'm terrified to come clean because I've lied about it do long. At the beginning of all I this I was honest with him and he was aware that I wasn't climaxing. I could tell that he was bothered by it immensely. Even after I told him it was the meds he continued to think that he was just inadequate. Then one night I faked it and he looked so proud of himself. It's all been on a downward spiral since then. I'm so ashamed.
Posted 5/12/2012 9:41 PM (GMT 0)
No, not pain free...sorry, didn't really clarify that. But it was a functional pain. I had stopped taking my cymbalta but gave in this morning after drying my hair hurt so bad it brought me to tears. And then of course I cried more because I gave up and took the cymbalta. Vicious cycle.
Posted 5/12/2012 9:55 PM (GMT 0)
You can't just stop drugs like Cymbalta either.  You have to wean yourself off these things.  That's why a visit to your doctor should be made and you could be given something that will help ease the pain while you wean off the Cymbalta.

 

Sherrine

Posted 5/13/2012 12:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hi MRM2007,
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. I am on cymbalta too and have had the same result. No orgasm anymore. My sex drive has drastically reduced as well. However, my husband and I both accept this since the cymbalta has helped me quite a bit. My pain is not gone by any means, but it is improved compared to pre-cymbalta.

I hope this works out for you. One thing that struck me is that you are able to have sex at all is a very lucky thing. I cannot and it's not because of the cymbalta but because of the pain from fibro and chronic fatigue. Sex for me means at least a week of pain afterward in some very uncomfortable places.

I hope your hubby will be understanding with you and realize that you are fortunate to be able to have sex at all. Also, I don't think there's anything wrong with faking it on your part. Don't feel bad about that; it's a minor thing that results in major peace for your hubby.
Posted 5/13/2012 4:38 AM (GMT 0)
I had that same problem with some antidepressants. I couldn't take Prozac for that reason, but Welbutrin didn't have that effect on me. Right now I'm taking Savella and it isn't having that effect on me either. When the Prozac was creating that issue I just told my dr. that the "sexual side effects" were too much and the doctor knows exactly what that means. He had no problem switching me to another drug. Doctors know that having a healthy sexual relationship is also important so he won't think you are silly for wanting to try something else.
Posted 5/15/2012 2:03 AM (GMT 0)
I too take Cymbalta and I find that it is harder to climax. I know I'm being blunt and I'm sorry if I offend you in any way but have you tried self pleasure? I only suggest this to find out if you can climax at all. If you can and your willing to try it then maybe you can show your husband what works for you. These things are so private and again I'm sorry if I offended you in any way. I agree with the others comments they are all correct in weening yourself off medication and talking with your doctor about new meds and even talking to a psych. My daughter is an RN and she told me that your sex life is a very important part of your well being and doctors take it very seriously when you can not enjoy that part of your life. Don't be afraid to be open with your doctor if he/she isn't helpful it is time to get a new doctor.
Posted 5/15/2012 2:35 PM (GMT 0)
Kidz Mom, you don't offend me at all! I'm the one who brought up this in the first place! Yes, I do *********...and I do have orgasams that way. It takes a whole lot of focus and definetly takes a lot longer than it used to though. I used to be fairly quick to climax (5 min tops), now it can take up to 30 min before I get there. I go back to the doctor next week and I'm finally going to break down and talk to him
Posted 5/18/2012 1:40 AM (GMT 0)
I am having this issue also which is awful because it really does help with symptoms. I am the same age as you and female. My long term boyfriend and I make a decision to make sure we had sex everyday for a week, and it really helped. I think knowing that we were going to be doing it that night made me think about it more and mentally prepare. I made sure to shave my legs and wear sexy underwear that day and the preparation helped. I also explained to him that since things are more challenging now that we really need to spend more time on foreplay, which was not his forte before that. I told him at least 10 min (which doesn't seem like a lot but we've had such a passionate relationship 2 min and we couldn't wait any more). The extra stimulation and foreplay was VERY helpful. We also had a few drinks at dinner (I know I really shouldn't with all the drugs I'm on but I didn't over do it) and that seemed to help loosen me up and not think so much about how I wasn't going to be able to climax. I hope this helps and if you find anything out at the dr please let me know! Good luck!
Posted 7/20/2012 4:14 AM (GMT 0)
I have been on almost every SSRI. I am now on Cymbalta and as with all other SSRIs I have trouble achieving an orgasam too. My husband has been very understanding, but I am frustrated. We found that longer fore play helps. I need to be relaxed. I started taking it at night so I could have more sensations during sex. I agree that you speak with your doctor. There are meds that increase a woman's sex drive. I also reccomend a stimulating lube. Like KY's his and hers. Believe it or not but it has helped. Try to experiment with positions and maybe a toy. Eventually you will find the right combo for you. Print off a copy of the side effects for your hubby. I am sure he just wants to please you. I hope this helps. I have dealt with chronic nerve pain for 15 years and Cymbalta is the only med that works on pain for me. Try a glass of wine a half hour before sex, the alcohol may relax you just enough! Good luck. We are all here to support you!
Posted 7/20/2012 7:34 AM (GMT 0)
I am glad I am not alone in this problem. My husband is not really happy with me in this dept. I wish my husband could just love me just by holding me. It's very touchy subject for me. I want to give him more, but my health doesn't allow it.
Posted 7/20/2012 2:00 PM (GMT 0)
Just wanted to update everyone. I am now 7 weeks off of cymbalta and doing great. There was definitely an increase in pain but nothing that I couldn't handle. As for sex...within a week things were back to normal. I am back to having multiple orgasmas. For anyone else going through this awful side effect of cymbalta, I would recommend trying to come off. Not only are things better sexually, I just feel a lot better emotionally...more like my old self. Yesterday, I found out that I'm pregnant! So I'm glad I went ahead and came off the cymbalta :)
Posted 7/20/2012 2:45 PM (GMT 0)
Sex essential by Lorna vanderhaugy I think is the spelling it's a supplement works great
Posted 7/20/2012 4:38 PM (GMT 0)

ak angel said...
I am glad I am not alone in this problem. My husband is not really happy with me in this dept. I wish my husband could just love me just by holding me. It's very touchy subject for me. I want to give him more, but my health doesn't allow it.


Take hubby with u to doctor. He may understand more hearing it from a professional. There is also sex therapy.
My hubby and I watched a sexy movie last night and that helped me get more in the mood. We also have dirty dice. It extends fore play. Lots of teasing.
We also have a game that helps to connect emotionally. And telling him what feels good and guiding him may also help. You are not alone here and we. Can all help each other. Keep trying. U will get there. I have a toy called wevibe. It is an insertable toy that can be used during actual intercourse. It was well worth the price. Dr. oz had it on his show.
Posted 7/21/2012 12:16 AM (GMT 0)
Ames- I have taken him to my Dr's and therapist. It never changes things. My therapist does see a problem, but we get no where. I just feel so bad because I feel so tired most of the time. My anti depressent has taken any libido I have. I had to stop it before because of this. It wasn't the greatest move. I have a brain injury, it really plays on this.
Posted 7/21/2012 10:07 PM (GMT 0)
Isn't it wonderful to have a place where we can discuss these kinds of things openly and honestly?

Congratulations on your pregnancy! What an exciting time for you! Lots of rest and pampering for you, don't forget.

I know how you feel (and many here). For me, that kind of intimacy only happens a few times a year. My husband who is so understanding and helpful with my Fibro, is also understanding about this as well, although I'm sure it was really different.

I know that worrying about "getting there" would and can take over your mind while having sex. We all know how much clearing your mind is important at that time.

I'm much older than you (could be your Mom), but I remember being your age and how important a healthy sex/love life is. It really doesn't go away.
I am on lots of medications (pain meds, antidepressants etc.) that I know effect one's libido. I couldn't give them up. Like another poster, I pay dearly after sex.

Okay - the weird thing - ALL OF A SUDDEN, the amount of orgasms I have is nuts! It is to the point of frustration. I've had 7 or more at one time, could probably have more but can't go on. You'd think that would be great, but it's not.
Posted 7/21/2012 10:22 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Jacey! We are very excited. This is baby number 2 for us. My last pregnancy was before my fibro diagnosis so I'm a little nervous about how the pain will be. I agree...for women, sex is as much mental as it is physical. I never once considered how it must be to have TOO MANY orgasmas, but yes, I can see how that could be a bit much. What in the world do you do for too many orgasmas?! I know for me the first one is great. Subsequent orgasmas make me tingle and sometimes in an annoying intense way. What does your husband say about it?
Posted 7/21/2012 10:28 PM (GMT 0)
And when I mentioned coming off of cymbalta to my doctor, I explained to her that the sexual side effects were just too hard to handle and she just looked at me like I was crazy...she had never heard a patient complain about it. She also said to me "well I'm not increasing your pain meds" which hurt my feelings big time. I think because of my age some doctors think that I am just drug seeking (which I have been accused of before). That's the sucky thing about fibro...having to have someone believe you to get treated properly.
Posted 7/22/2012 4:07 AM (GMT 0)
AK- it makes me sad that your hubby omputs sec before intamency. I hope he relializes how small sex is in a marriage. It is an important part, I get that. But it should not be the only thing. Buy him the book 1001 ways to be romantic. Read it together and do things for each other that is in the book. A little courting by our men goes a long way! ;)
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply