Posted by JBill on May 30, 2001, at 17:59:29
In reply to Re: Celexa and sexual side effects, posted by Bill L on May 3, 2001, at 8:50:49
Hi,
This is my first post on this site. I have read alot of the posts over the last few years, trying to tweak my antidepressant and side affects etc. This site has helped me, and I just wanted to share some success here.
I take 10mg celexa at bedtime. And I had the sexual side affects until I gave ginko biloba a try.
I take 80mg ginko with my coffee at 6am and I take another 40mg at 4pm or so. I noticed a benefit after only a couple weeks, and its now been 2 months, and it has helped alot, with all areas. The most help has been with orgasm, and it has gotten rid of the numb type of feeling.
I also noticed that the ginko has helped cut through alot of the grogginess from the celexa upon awakening. The ginko has also helped with my memory, reading print and alertness. >
No, I don't sell ginko. In fact it sounded weird to me at first. But I heard a natural remedy type MD on the radio once talking about it, and this relaxed me to give it a try.
Also, I have been trying different meds since 1992, and found celexa to help me the most, even though I would like to get rid of am drowsiness completely. The ginko seems to help alot with this especially if I take on first awakening, with my coffee.
I only can take 10mg of celexa because I have a sensitive system.
Hope this helps someone.
JBillI also take Celexa. I take 20 mg. There is a negative sexual effect but not too bad. Two things come to mind:
>
> 1) A newer version of Celexa (called escitalopram) will be marketed soon. I think within the next year. The hope is that it will have less side effects than Celexa. But only time will tell.
>
> 2) Try less Celexa (maybe half a pill instead of the whole pill) in the morning if you plan to have sex that evening. That's the "drug holiday" method that works for some people. Or if you have sex in the morning, take less the prior day. That can work for some people with Celexa since it has a relatively short half life in the blood. But since reducing the dose can be dangerous to a depressed person, check with your doctor first.
>
>
>
> > > > > I am 23 and have been taking 20 mg. of Celexa for 1 yr and 8 mos. This is my first battle with depression and Celexa has really helped. I noticed results in one week. I did try to go off after 1 yr but experienced a relapse after 2 weeks so I started up again.
> > > > > I have actually lost weight with Celexa and am no longer obsessed with dieting. I don't know if it's the drug or the fact that I'm not depressed that helped me shed the pounds.
> > > > > The only adverse side-effect that I have experienced is the inability to achieve orgasm. This is horrible. My desire and libido is still the same, I just can't climax and I hate it. My doctor has recommended Viagra (yes, even for a woman) to be taken before intercourse. This didn't work. He also recommended taking a low dose of Wellbutrin in conjunction with Celexa. This didn't work either. I really don't like the idea of switching medications as Celexa is working just fine other than the fact that it's really a bummer for my sex-life! Has anyone else had this problem? Any advice?
> > > > > Sincerely,
> > > > > Laura
> > > >
> > > > hi Laura,
> > > > i too have this problem w/ taking celexa. i have no sex drive what so ever now, wonderful to be feeling outta the 'bottomless pit' we call depression, but now my sex life, if one can call it that, is now totally gone.
> > > > help, advice or just someone that is going thru the same thing ??? would be wonderful to hear from.
> > > > T~
> > >
> > > Hello Laura and T,
> > > I too have just started using Celexa. I've been on it for about three weeks and have been amazed by it positive affects on my mood swings and feelings of anxiety. However, I do know that a common side affect of antidrepressants is a lack in sex drive; I have already experienced this in the short time I have been on this medication. Do either of you, or anyone else, know whether or not this a side effect that will diminish once I have been on this medication for any given amount of time. I would hate to give up the peacefullness I have finally acheived. Any feedback would be greatly appreicated - Allie
> >
> >
> > I took Celexa for 14 months and hate it hate it. I haven't been in the least bit interested in sex for that whole time, don't even want to play with myself, which is not me. I've also experienced a "rubber room" effect; Don't think well, can't come up with words. I'm an artist, a painter by proffession and the drug affected my visual ability in some subtle but upsetting ways. I'm in the proccess of getting off it and I feel like my self again, but this proves that different people need different drugs. I'd call Celexa disastrous for me but some people just love it. Don't be afraid to want a change of meds; no orgasms is a very poor quality of life.
poster:JBill
thread:1045
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010530/msgs/64794.html