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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by PhoenixGirl on February 8, 2001, at 13:53:25
Yes I know I complain about this all the time. *lol* This is a weird question and is really graphic, but I'm 23 and have been on some kind of AD since I was 13. For a long time I was on the heavily serotonergic ones, which completely killed my sex drive and physical sensation down there. Recently I went on desipramine, and things improved some. But I've never had an orgasm in my life, even when the libido problem did not seem too bad. I remember that I used to get horny and try to satisfy myself, but ended up frustrated. So I've had sexual problems for so long and for most of my post-pubescent life that I don't know what is healthy and what isn't.
My depression has never been fully cured either, and I've never gone "all the way" or had a real relationship. But I've noticed big changes in my sexual functioning depending on what AD I was on. So I know the drugs are doing at least some of it.
Currently, my libido isn't as strong as I remember it being years ago, at the beginning of my AD use (I was on imipramine, which is supposed to have worse sexual side effects than desipramine...I don't get it).
Sorry for all this rambling, but I guess what I'm asking is, how do I know what my goal is or what is normal? I don't know how else to put it. Feedback would be appreciated.
Posted by bissie66 on February 8, 2001, at 15:08:28
In reply to How do you know when you're not sex. dyfunctional?, posted by PhoenixGirl on February 8, 2001, at 13:53:25
> Yes I know I complain about this all the time. *lol* This is a weird question and is really graphic, but I'm 23 and have been on some kind of AD since I was 13. For a long time I was on the heavily serotonergic ones, which completely killed my sex drive and physical sensation down there. Recently I went on desipramine, and things improved some. But I've never had an orgasm in my life, even when the libido problem did not seem too bad. I remember that I used to get horny and try to satisfy myself, but ended up frustrated. So I've had sexual problems for so long and for most of my post-pubescent life that I don't know what is healthy and what isn't.
> My depression has never been fully cured either, and I've never gone "all the way" or had a real relationship. But I've noticed big changes in my sexual functioning depending on what AD I was on. So I know the drugs are doing at least some of it.
> Currently, my libido isn't as strong as I remember it being years ago, at the beginning of my AD use (I was on imipramine, which is supposed to have worse sexual side effects than desipramine...I don't get it).
> Sorry for all this rambling, but I guess what I'm asking is, how do I know what my goal is or what is normal? I don't know how else to put it. Feedback would be appreciated.For me, I'm functional, when a) i get horny; and b) i can orgasm without too much work; either by myself or with a partner. i know other women who can't orgasm and they're not on ADs; I think for some women it's just really difficult. But for me, if I'm not having regular O's something's wrong and I'm pissed!!
I don't know if that answered your question; ask more if you want. I have noticed you posting about this a lot, and I feel bad for you. It's a pretty important part of life I think. But I've also finally realized that treating my depression has to come first; sexual function has to come 2nd to that. Thus, I am now sexually frustrated (on Celexa) and it sucks! But for the most part I am happy other than that area. This is a miracle -- I couldn't see the way out of the death tunnel a few months back. I could orgasm but I still wanted to die. So, until they come up with something that works on my depression and doesn't cause sexual dysfunction, I'll live like this.
Funny thing is, my BF just went on Celexa. I keep telling him, "if you can't come, you gotta switch meds!!" it's bad enough for one of us to have this problem but for some reason it would really upset me if we both did.
Posted by SalArmy4me on February 8, 2001, at 16:04:20
In reply to How do you know when you're not sex. dyfunctional?, posted by PhoenixGirl on February 8, 2001, at 13:53:25
Have you ever added Wellbutrin to your medication regimen in order to restore your sex drive? It seems to work for me.
> Yes I know I complain about this all the time. *lol* This is a weird question and is really graphic, but I'm 23 and have been on some kind of AD since I was 13. For a long time I was on the heavily serotonergic ones, which completely killed my sex drive and physical sensation down there. Recently I went on desipramine, and things improved some. But I've never had an orgasm in my life, even when the libido problem did not seem too bad. I remember that I used to get horny and try to satisfy myself, but ended up frustrated. So I've had sexual problems for so long and for most of my post-pubescent life that I don't know what is healthy and what isn't.
> My depression has never been fully cured either, and I've never gone "all the way" or had a real relationship. But I've noticed big changes in my sexual functioning depending on what AD I was on. So I know the drugs are doing at least some of it.
> Currently, my libido isn't as strong as I remember it being years ago, at the beginning of my AD use (I was on imipramine, which is supposed to have worse sexual side effects than desipramine...I don't get it).
> Sorry for all this rambling, but I guess what I'm asking is, how do I know what my goal is or what is normal? I don't know how else to put it. Feedback would be appreciated.
Posted by PhoenixGirl on February 8, 2001, at 17:14:00
In reply to Re: How do you know when you're not sex. dyfunctional?, posted by SalArmy4me on February 8, 2001, at 16:04:20
Yes I'm on Wellbutrin, but it doesn't help with sexual function or with depression. It just helps me stay awake during the day, which is why I keep taking it.
Bissie, I wouldn't put up with sexual dysfunction if I were you! Keep trying, like me, and maybe there is something out there that allows you to have a sex life and relief from depression at the same time. I'm going to try some of that yohimbine stuff when I get a chance. Have you considered that?Have you ever added Wellbutrin to your medication regimen in order to restore your sex drive? It seems to work for me.
>
> > Yes I know I complain about this all the time. *lol* This is a weird question and is really graphic, but I'm 23 and have been on some kind of AD since I was 13. For a long time I was on the heavily serotonergic ones, which completely killed my sex drive and physical sensation down there. Recently I went on desipramine, and things improved some. But I've never had an orgasm in my life, even when the libido problem did not seem too bad. I remember that I used to get horny and try to satisfy myself, but ended up frustrated. So I've had sexual problems for so long and for most of my post-pubescent life that I don't know what is healthy and what isn't.
> > My depression has never been fully cured either, and I've never gone "all the way" or had a real relationship. But I've noticed big changes in my sexual functioning depending on what AD I was on. So I know the drugs are doing at least some of it.
> > Currently, my libido isn't as strong as I remember it being years ago, at the beginning of my AD use (I was on imipramine, which is supposed to have worse sexual side effects than desipramine...I don't get it).
> > Sorry for all this rambling, but I guess what I'm asking is, how do I know what my goal is or what is normal? I don't know how else to put it. Feedback would be appreciated.
Posted by super on February 9, 2001, at 9:17:02
In reply to Re: How do you know when you're not sex. dyfunctional?, posted by PhoenixGirl on February 8, 2001, at 17:14:00
Hi PhoenixGirl,
I have no idea what is "normal" sexually, but it is very unfortunate that you can't orgasm. I'd try to find something to help!! I couldn't orgasm for years, but since I started on Wellbutrin, I can have great orgasms (though I still have trouble sometimes). I also read that Viagra can help women!! BTW, there are so many different types of orgasms. I'm currently reading "When the Earth Moves," a very good book based on interviews with women about what orgasms are like for them.> Yes I'm on Wellbutrin, but it doesn't help with sexual function or with depression. It just helps me stay awake during the day, which is why I keep taking it.
> Bissie, I wouldn't put up with sexual dysfunction if I were you! Keep trying, like me, and maybe there is something out there that allows you to have a sex life and relief from depression at the same time. I'm going to try some of that yohimbine stuff when I get a chance. Have you considered that?
>
>
>
> Have you ever added Wellbutrin to your medication regimen in order to restore your sex drive? It seems to work for me.
> >
> > > Yes I know I complain about this all the time. *lol* This is a weird question and is really graphic, but I'm 23 and have been on some kind of AD since I was 13. For a long time I was on the heavily serotonergic ones, which completely killed my sex drive and physical sensation down there. Recently I went on desipramine, and things improved some. But I've never had an orgasm in my life, even when the libido problem did not seem too bad. I remember that I used to get horny and try to satisfy myself, but ended up frustrated. So I've had sexual problems for so long and for most of my post-pubescent life that I don't know what is healthy and what isn't.
> > > My depression has never been fully cured either, and I've never gone "all the way" or had a real relationship. But I've noticed big changes in my sexual functioning depending on what AD I was on. So I know the drugs are doing at least some of it.
> > > Currently, my libido isn't as strong as I remember it being years ago, at the beginning of my AD use (I was on imipramine, which is supposed to have worse sexual side effects than desipramine...I don't get it).
> > > Sorry for all this rambling, but I guess what I'm asking is, how do I know what my goal is or what is normal? I don't know how else to put it. Feedback would be appreciated.
Posted by bissie66 on February 9, 2001, at 14:04:11
In reply to Re: How do you know when you're not sex. dyfunctional?, posted by PhoenixGirl on February 8, 2001, at 17:14:00
> Yes I'm on Wellbutrin, but it doesn't help with sexual function or with depression. It just helps me stay awake during the day, which is why I keep taking it.
> Bissie, I wouldn't put up with sexual dysfunction if I were you! Keep trying, like me, and maybe there is something out there that allows you to have a sex life and relief from depression at the same time. I'm going to try some of that yohimbine stuff when I get a chance. Have you considered that?
>
Phoenix Girl, thanks for the encouragement. You're right, I don't want to give up, it's just that I've paid a price every time I've gone off SSRI's b.c. of this side effect. But it really *is* an unacceptable side effect!What is yohimbine? Never heard of it.
Thanks, Bissie
Posted by willow on February 9, 2001, at 18:12:40
In reply to Re: How do you know when you're not sex. dyfunctional? » PhoenixGirl, posted by bissie66 on February 9, 2001, at 14:04:11
Phoenix
I think the answer is when it gives you pleasure. If its frustrating or anything else it could be dysfunctional for you.
Check out a local library for books on sexuality. You may find some help from them. Plus, I read historical romances (any hard romance story) and they always get me going.
Find what works for you.
BEST WISHES
Posted by JennyR on February 9, 2001, at 19:33:09
In reply to Re: How do you know when you're not sex. dyfunctional?, posted by willow on February 9, 2001, at 18:12:40
Serzone and Wellbutrin don't cause sexual side effects. So if you can be on one of these (I know you said you have a little Wellbutrin added) but if you were primarily or exclusively on one of these, then you could see what your sexuality is like without meds interfering. I don't know if this book is still around but there was a book by Lonnie Barbach called, I think, "For Yourself" which helped me a lot with my learning about myself and my responses when I was in my 20s. I think there are a lot of books out like that now, that take you through different exercises, alone and with a partner, that lets you explore your own unique responses and helps you get comfortable.
This is the end of the thread.
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