Posted by lostsailor on July 29, 2003, at 4:36:52
In reply to Re: Sexual Side Effects/Who Cares? I do..me too.. » djmmm, posted by jay on July 29, 2003, at 2:15:25
>>I imagine there are a number of folks who might not bring up these issues when they see their doctor, especially the sex drive one, but that is what your doctor is for<<
>>Well, when you are on meds for 10-15 years, and then likely the rest of your life, I think feeling like you have a healthy sex drive is important. Gaining weight is also quite unhealthy, especially *lots* of it. From diabetes, to heart disease (these things are endemic in N. America) I think we should be more concerned<<
both of the above are what docs are for. Sex, orgasm, libido can all be treated with meds, but as you said, many don't bring it up. As for ssri related sexual side effects, when I was on paxil a few years ago, that was an issue. I brought it up to him and found that an antihistamine, wellbutrin, or buspar used on a prn basis can counteract that side effect easily. Luckily, though, many of the "newer" meds don’t have such a severe effect like celexa, lexapro and effexor...maybe that's just me though. the thing is, though, you need to be frank with your doc.
As for the weight...I have went off of a med due to weight gain. I am fairly athletic and that is important to me. One med made me gain 25 lbs in a little over a month. i walked into his office, he asked about my appetite and running/cycling...it was readily apparent for him. I said no change in that but am gaining ...he took me off the med right away citing, like you said again...all the troubles re: physical health + self-esteem...meds and docs can work magic when trusted and good at what they do.
in peace,
~tony
poster:lostsailor
thread:246211
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030728/msgs/246409.html