Posted by King Vultan on May 31, 2004, at 19:24:46
In reply to low libido and strattera, posted by eugenia on May 31, 2004, at 16:54:28
> I am not sure whether I am imagining this, but it seems my sex drive has fizzled out since I began strattera. Also, having a dry mouth, really dry mouth, does not make me feel very kissable. Any feedback appreciated, because the strattera seems to help my depression and focus. Thanks.
Yes, I've read other complaints of lowered libido on Strattera, and the dry mouth is also understandable because Strattera is a powerful norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. What you are experiencing with the dry mouth is not a true anticholinergic effect but a "pseudo" anticholinergic effect because of the Strattera increasing norepinephrine transmission. Any constipation you might be suffering would be caused by the same mechanism.I would hypothesize that the lowered libido is being caused by stimulation of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors; in essence, Strattera has the opposite effect that the aphrodisiac yohimbine has, which blockades these receptors. I was on Strattera briefly last year and also for a much longer time on the very pharmacologically similar tricyclic desipramine and noticed a definite increase in my libido when I got off the desipramine.
Todd
poster:King Vultan
thread:352443
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040527/msgs/352494.html