Posted by Dave954 on May 31, 2006, at 22:00:14
I'm looking for a way to remedy the sexual side effects of my current medication regimen: 10 mg Lexapro (taken in the am), 200 mg Seroquel and 900 mg Neurontin (both taken at bedtime). Having been on each of these medications by themselves, I can say that Seroquel contributes the most to my loss of libido, followed closely by Lexapro, with Neurontin causing the least effect. I know that a lot of doctors RX Wellbutrin as a way to overcome sexual side effects, but I am unable to tolerate any stimulants (after one cup of coffee I went to the emergency room and had to stay overnight for observation b/c of a sustained heart rate of 160 bpm ... which lasted for hours ... the same thing also happened when I took a caffeine supplement called Redline at a local gym ... a second hospital stay - this time they kept me overnight for two nights in a row - these serious reactions to stimulants only started in the past two years). I am extremely frustrated because this is the most helpful combination of medication that I have ever been on thus far (I have been on all of the atypical antidepressants including Wellbutrin, Remeron and Serzone as well as Effexor and Strattera - I have never been on the MAOIs or tricyclics - I have also been on benzos i.e. Klonopin and the sedative hypnotics i.e. Ambien/Lunesta). The Wellbutrin made me very anxious before and made my depression worse (I was taking it by itself mind you - and this was several years ago). I sleep perfectly at night now thanks to the Seroquel and the Lexapro works great for my depression. I wish I could take something in place of Seroquel for my chronic insomnia (while only on Lexapro and Neurontin I have a much better sex drive), but I know that I need to be on it b/c it works better than benzos/hypnotics and also augments the Lexapro quite well (it takes away my irritability). It is extremely frustrating to feel like I am doomed to be asexual the rest of my life in order to function as a normal person. I am only 25 and feel that I am missing out on a significant aspect of life. I imagine it is quite a task to overcome sexual dysfunction from an SSRI combined with an antipsychotic since antipsychotics antagonize dopamine, which is the main component that influences libido (among other things). Cialis and Viagra only help me get an erection (which is not my issue), but don't increase libido at all (which IS my issue). Natural supplements have been marginally effective. I fear that in the end, my only option for getting my libido back will be to switch to a medication that is less effective or one that doesn't work at all (it seems that the only truly effective medications are the ones that destroy it all together). Anyone who has a helpful suggestion, please post!
poster:Dave954
thread:651270
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060530/msgs/651270.html