Posted by Sunnely on December 8, 2000, at 8:34:22
In reply to Sex side effect experiences w/ Trazodone, anyone?, posted by PhoenixGirl on December 6, 2000, at 12:31:35
> Since I've been having this side effect with a lot of meds, I'm considering giving trazodone a try. Right now I'm giving desipramine a try, but if it isn't successful, I may try trazodone. So please tell me if you have had this kind of side effect with trazodone. Thank you!
++++++++++++++++I am not on trazodone (Desyrel) so can't comment on my own experience about sexual dysfunction. Please allow me give a general comment about antidepressants and sexual side effects.
Psychotropic drugs in general, frequently interfere with sexual desire and function, and antidepressants are no exception. The mechanism of action remains obscure, although the interplay of various autonomic effects must bear some responsibility. Delayed, incomplete, or altered orgasm is reported occasionally by both men and women. Decreased libido also is sometimes described by both sexes.
One potentially serious sexual side effects that is more commonly associated with the use of trazodone is "priapism." It is a rare condition of persistent, painful erection not associated with emotional arousal. It is believed to be related to trazodone's alpha-adrenergic blocking effects. The manufacturer estimates the incidence (rate of occurrence) to be 1 in 6,000 men. This figure is conservative because of the voluntary-reporting nature of the system. Priapsim is most likely to occur within the first 4 weeks of treatment at doses of 150 mg/day, but can erupt anywhere from 3 days to 18 months after the drug is initiated. If sexual ability is to be retained, intervention within 4-6 hours is mandatory. If treated too late, condition will be irreversible, resulting in permanent impotence. Injection of epinephrine or of metaraminol, an alpha-adrenergic agonist (enhancer), into the carvernal space has been effective and obviates the need for surgical shunts from the corpora cavernosa to the corpora spongiosum. All males on trazodone must be warned in advance about priapism. Clitoral priapism has also been reported but no apparent long-term risk is related to this side effect.
Other than trazodone, priapism has been reported from use of other medications such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine, Largactil), thioridazine (Mellaril), some blood-pressure lowering drugs, and the newer generation of antipsychotics such as clozapine (Clozaril), risperidone (Risperdal), and olanzapine (Zyprexa). I believe some of the SSRIs have also been implicated.
poster:Sunnely
thread:50065
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001130/msgs/50183.html