Embarrassing question

Dylan,

Welcome to HealingWell and you concern is legitimate and often causes these problems for other members.

SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as Prozac, Zoloft or Celexa are very effective in treating depression, but can cause sexual side effects.  The three most common antidepressant-induced sexual side effects include decreased sexual interest (libido), decreased physiological arousal (including lubrication in women and erection in men), and delayed or blocked orgasm.  Unusual and rare sexual side effects include priapism (or constant erection), clitoral priapism, painful ejaculation, penile anesthesia, increased libido and/or spontaneous orgasm with yawning.

 

It is important to seek treatment when your emotional health and sense of well-being are compromised by this undesired side effect.  The impact of antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction is substantial and negatively affects quality of life, self-esteem, mood, and relationships with sexual partners.

Some studies show a significant improvement in sexual functioning by taking a brief “drug holiday,” or by simply lowering the dose of the antidepressant medication.  However, you should discuss this option with your doctor, as to minimize any potential relapse of depressive symptoms.  Another strategy consists of switching to an alternative antidepressant medication known to cause a lower incidence of sexual side effects such as bupropion, nefazadone, or mirtazapine.  Some people may benefit from augmentation of their antidepressant medication with drugs such as sildenafil (better known as Viagra), which improves sexual arousal but does not necessarily improve the ability to achieve orgasm.

I am sorry to read of your problems and I do hope you make an appointment with your Dr.

Kindly,

Kitt

Dylan,

In addition to the very good advice that the others have given you, I had one more thing to add. Keep in mind that I'm female, so I understand things are different for the two of us.

If your issues are mental, with just drive, and not physical, as in erectile dysfunction, I've learned several ways to help myself with that.

My sex drive is lowered, maybe even non-existent, with some of the medications I take. Because I'm a married woman, it is important to me to work towards maintaining a healthy sex life, not only for me but for my husband.

In the beginning, I used to pick a day - say Tuesday. Tuesday I'm going to make this work! I'd start the day off with things that made me feel desirable - extra effort on my hair, stockings, whatever. Throughout the day, I would try to pump myself up. Kinda like preparing yourself for a job interview. lol I have no idea what the male equivalent of things to do would be, but maybe you do. Anyway, after several successful attempts this way, things often find their way back to a natural consistency for a while.

Just offering kind of a "coping strategy" if you decide changing/adding to your medications isn't an option just yet.

If it is mostly physical, my husband saw improvement by adding another medication.

(Mods: I hope I haven't gotten too explicit or anything.)

On a positive note, I'm glad that you're feeling so much better! Take heart, you'll find your way through this road bump. And, welcome to the group.

Hugs!

That sounds like a good plan. You have a good outlook on a difficult s/e to deal with...so I have faith that you will get through this, and find the answers that you need.

Best wishes and keep posting if you find it helpful.:)

S.C.