Posted by Tickle on September 10, 2001, at 19:00:54
In reply to Re: HELP I HAD TO GET ON AND OFF OF CELEXA FAST!!, posted by JohnL on September 9, 2001, at 6:45:22
> Hi Tickle,
> When a patient complains of sexual dysfunction due to SSRIs, my doctor's first choice is to add Wellbutrin to it. Another choice often used is Ritalin on an as-needed basis. Other choices include Remeron or Zyprexa. In addition to possibly helping your Zoloft work even better, all of these meds have mechanisms that help to counteract the part of the SSRI that ruins sex. Since you apparently did well with Zoloft, then it makes sense to stay with it. But instead of switching, due to the sexual side effects, I believe it would be better to experiment with a second drug to combat the side effect and to improve the Zoloft simultaneously.
>
> These are suggestions to take to your doctor. They are listed in what I would consider to be priority.
> 1. Ritalin (the real stuff, not generic, and not extended release) one hour plus or minus before anticipated sex.
> 2. Wellbutrin 75mg to 150mg (the real stuff, not the extended release version). You could try it on an as needed basis, which is helpful sometimes, or take it every day if as-needed doesn't work.
> 3. Zyprexa 5mg. Will likely improve the Zoloft, and can improve sex by blocking the receptors that are flooded in serotonin causing the sexual dysfunction, and has a good effect on the feel-good brain chemical dopamine, which is also good for sex.
> 4. Remeron 7.5mg to 15mg, same kind of theory as Zyprexa, except without the dopamine component.
>
> There are other things as well, such as the herb Gingko Biloba, Yohimbe, Viagra (yes, some women find it helpful!), and dopamine agonists. But the more common sexual aids for SSRI sexual dysfunction include Ritalin, Wellbutrin, Zyprexa, or Remeron. In my opinion, that is the order they should be tried in.
> John
>
> > getting on and off of celexa
> > Posted by Tickle on September 6, 2001, at 20:39:29
> >
> > I know that in the past, the subjects of zoloft vs celexa have come up. I have taken zoloft for almost 9 years and have fallen victim to crippling sexual side effects, basically dead from the waist down. I decided to finally try to change to celexa to see if there was any possibility of changing my situation. I have been on celexa for about 2 months now and I can honestly say, I just called my doc to say I give, I surrender and I am changing back to zoloft. I have experienced more bad side effects with celexa than I think I have on any other medication I have ever taken. Besides being depressed and horribly hostile, and angry, I have rashes and fluid retention and body aches and other nagging side effects. I need an ssri and so there aren't that many choices, but celexa was definitely not for me. I am disheartened because it is hard to be in a relationship with a person with normal sexuality, when your once extremely healthy libido and ability to enjoy sex have been obliterated completely. My doc has tried many things, but I am completely inorgasmic and have been for several years. I am a healthy female in my 40's and I feel that nobody has adressed this issue to the satisfaction of all of us who suffer this loss of a very important part of our lives. Any comments? I would love to hear your opinions on these matters. Thank you.
> >
> > --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> >
> > ThreadI want to thank John for responding to my need for information. I am going to present this info to my meds shrink to see what he says. I have been given a prescription for yohimbine, and Viagra and have taken both (nothing, imagine that?) And have tried to remember to take ginko every day (guess I don't take enough) Even though I have tried to retain my sense of humor, I have shed many a tear over this situation. Do you happen to know HOW MUCH yohimbine to take a day and how much ginko? Viagra is still a big question mark. FOr the same reasons about a year and a half ago, I quit zoloft and went on welbutrin alone to see how that did. I think I remember an orgasm or two, but emotionally It was a train wreck, so I had to limp back to zoloft again. I wonder why my doctor never suggested such a combination of drugs? I have been complaining to him about this for years and he just shrugs!!!! I wonder how he would feel if he couldn't have an erection for a couple of years, maybe THEN he would be more pro-active in finding a solution. (sigh) anyway, thanks again John, I appreciate you taking the time to answer me.
poster:Tickle
thread:78308
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010907/msgs/78511.html