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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by BrunoF790 on November 6, 2003, at 1:15:12
Hello!
After trying many different medications, for many months, I am back to Zoloft. I couldn´t stand feeling bad depressed anymore.
The only reason for these trials was to find a medication that would give me relief for anxiety/dysthmia/depression without sexual side effects.
I am now trying to find a solution in another way.
I found Zoloft and Prozac to be like the same. I feel my organ very numb. Almost no feel to touch. I can have an erection (not as good) and a very delayed ejaculation. I can´t do it without using my hand for many minutes and in the end it is weak! not worthy! Effexor for me was some worse to keep the erection.
I see there are many different things to add to the SSRIs to help with its sexual dysfunction, but which would be better for the numb feeling and delayed ejaculation?
Does Serzone work for these problems, or not? Alone, it didn´t work for me, but I could see sex was something better than without any medication.
I tryed yohimbine before and I found it to help some with desire and erection (but nothing important). I was taking 5.4mg 2 or 3 times a day.
I took Wellbutrin alone for about 5 weeks. I was still depressed, and very!! very!! anxious and nervous.. and wanting much sex!! Could it cause a different reaction combined with Zoloft? Like causing no anxiety what whas the worst for me?
What is the possibility for each different treatment work? Do they heal 100%? I know Viagra may work, but I would prefer something taken not just before the act, working everyday.
Any info will be apreciated. Thank you all!
Bruno
Posted by Bob on November 6, 2003, at 1:41:57
In reply to Solving SSRIs sexual dysfunction, posted by BrunoF790 on November 6, 2003, at 1:15:12
Ah yes, my friend. You've discovered the bane of SSRIs - incurable sexual dysfunction! Oh, no, maybe their bane is weight. Or is it apathy and drowsiness? Maybe it's akathisia. Oh, I dunno anymore.
Posted by Bill LL on November 6, 2003, at 8:46:24
In reply to Solving SSRIs sexual dysfunction, posted by BrunoF790 on November 6, 2003, at 1:15:12
I think that you should ask your doctor about adding Wellbutrin to the Zoloft.
Posted by BrunoF790 on November 6, 2003, at 10:07:36
In reply to Re: Solving SSRIs sexual dysfunction » BrunoF790, posted by Bob on November 6, 2003, at 1:41:57
Hi Bob!
It seems that you didn´t have good experiences with SSRIs. How are you doing?
I don´t have any side effect besides the sexual. It is terrible, but after trying many meds I prefer to live with this then not to take the med. As there is still a hope, I would like to know what I can try to help in this area.
What about causing adiction? I am some worried about this. I am sure I am some psychological addicted to it. I think I can not live my life without a medication.> Ah yes, my friend. You've discovered the bane of SSRIs - incurable sexual dysfunction! Oh, no, maybe their bane is weight. Or is it apathy and drowsiness? Maybe it's akathisia. Oh, I dunno anymore.
>
>
Posted by BrunoF790 on November 6, 2003, at 10:11:25
In reply to Re: Solving SSRIs sexual dysfunction, posted by Bill LL on November 6, 2003, at 8:46:24
> I think that you should ask your doctor about adding Wellbutrin to the Zoloft.
Hi Bill! Even if I had a bad time taking Wellbutrin alone?
Bruno
Posted by Bob on November 6, 2003, at 13:30:42
In reply to Re: Solving SSRIs sexual dysfunction » Bill LL, posted by BrunoF790 on November 6, 2003, at 10:11:25
> > I think that you should ask your doctor about adding Wellbutrin to the Zoloft.
>
> Hi Bill! Even if I had a bad time taking Wellbutrin alone?
> Bruno
>How do you define "bad time" in this particular case?
Posted by Bill LL on November 6, 2003, at 15:13:39
In reply to Re: Solving SSRIs sexual dysfunction » Bill LL, posted by BrunoF790 on November 6, 2003, at 10:11:25
It's possible that the Zolft will help to counteract the nervousness that you felt with Wellbutrin. I like Valerian to help with jitteriness.
> > I think that you should ask your doctor about adding Wellbutrin to the Zoloft.
>
> Hi Bill! Even if I had a bad time taking Wellbutrin alone?
> Bruno
>
Posted by edw on November 6, 2003, at 15:30:43
In reply to Re: Solving SSRIs sexual dysfunction, posted by Bill LL on November 6, 2003, at 15:13:39
hi. I have actually been posting in other threads about this very thing.
My doc added Welbutrin (now XL) to my Prozac and it helps quite a bit. I mean I can actually function.
I agree the Welbutrin by itself is overkill and was to the point of embarrassing at work with errections every time I stood up practically, in a building of 75% women.
And 50% of those don't take to that sort of thing here. Well wish you luck, joing the club. All I can say is the "finishes" are fantastic but short but at least some of the numbness goes away than without adding Welbutrin.
Posted by carolee on November 7, 2003, at 8:33:49
In reply to Solving SSRIs sexual dysfunction, posted by BrunoF790 on November 6, 2003, at 1:15:12
i started lexapro 5-6 wks ago, and along with the sex drive, went the orgasms...i cant even do it myself anymore! i have just decided to start cutting my lexapro in half, so instead of 10mg a day, i have a half.
hopefully that will give me half of an orgasm!!
best of luck
Posted by KXo on November 7, 2003, at 10:25:49
In reply to Re: Solving SSRIs sexual dysfunction, posted by edw on November 6, 2003, at 15:30:43
Why??? I thought it should work at least in half of the people.
KXoSustained-release bupropion for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-induced sexual dysfunction: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study.
Masand PS, Ashton AK, Gupta S, Frank B.
Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA. givenss@upstate.edu
OBJECTIVE: The authors compared low-dose sustained-release bupropion with placebo for sexual dysfunction induced by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). METHOD: Thirty adults who had received SSRIs for at least 6 weeks, who were euthymic, and who had sexual dysfunction as determined by a total score greater than 19 out of a possible 30 on the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale were randomly assigned to receive either 150 mg/day of sustained-release bupropion or placebo at 6:00 p.m. for 3 weeks. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the sustained-release bupropion and placebo groups as measured by change in Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale or Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores or side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Future studies should compare higher doses of bupropion for treating sexual dysfunction and should include a greater number of subjects.
Publication Types:
Clinical Trial
Randomized Controlled TrialPMID: 11329407 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Posted by KXo on November 7, 2003, at 10:57:57
In reply to Re: Solving SSRIs sexual dysfunction » BrunoF790, posted by Bob on November 6, 2003, at 13:30:42
> > > I think that you should ask your doctor about adding Wellbutrin to the Zoloft.
> >
> > Hi Bill! Even if I had a bad time taking Wellbutrin alone?
> > Bruno
> >
>
> How do you define "bad time" in this particular case?
>Being EXTREMELY anxious and nervous, even after 4 weeks on it. Would Zoloft counteract?
Posted by Bob on November 7, 2003, at 11:06:20
In reply to Re: Solving SSRIs sexual dysfunction, posted by carolee on November 7, 2003, at 8:33:49
Oddly enough, what you just described would be considered a successful treatment according to the the medical establishment. Someone who very well may never have another orgasm in their life has "responded".
Posted by Caleb96 on November 8, 2003, at 13:46:48
In reply to Re: Solving SSRIs sexual dysfunction » carolee, posted by Bob on November 7, 2003, at 11:06:20
Well Bruno, my friend, welcome to the legions of formerly depressed males who can no longer function sexually.
I've taken every antidepressant on the market, and except for Wellbutrin, none is without problems. Your idea about adding VIAGRA is interesting. I had the same idea, and asked a doctor friend of mine to write a small Rx just to experiment with. I take Effexor XR and I know what you're talking about--losing erections, no orgasm, and eventually no interest--chemical eunichs! The Viagra helped with the erection and that was encouraging. But it won't help with achieving an orgasm. I have to lay off the Effexor for about 3 days in order to get a normal feeling back in my genitals. But on the 2nd day--I get a killer splitting headache due to sudden withdrawal. Six ibuprofen helps me through the day until the head-hurt goes away. After that, I'm good to go--I turn into a sex-crazed fiend. I like to stay off the Effexor until I start to get the blues.
So that's my cycle: DEPRESSION > EFFEXOR > HELLATIOUS WITHDRAWAL > GOOD SEX > DEPRESSION > etc....
Such is life. But I've been married for 10 years, so "planning ahead" isn't a big problem for me. It also helps to have an understanding partner.
Good luck with your search for a healthy mind and sex life.
Posted by KXo on November 9, 2003, at 11:26:55
In reply to Re: Solving SSRIs sexual dysfunction, posted by Caleb96 on November 8, 2003, at 13:46:48
Hi Caleb!
After taken all this different antidepressants, why did you decide to stay with Effexor?
I chose Zoloft because I found it to cause less problem with desire and erection and I have no difficult withdrawal, so I can stop taking it sometimes without the headaches you mention. (but I still didn´t do it) For me, it also takes about 3 days to get the normal feeling back.
Taking Zoloft is really hard to have an orgasm. I have to do it alone. It may take about 45 minutes. I need to use my hands, stop sometimes to breath and I sweat as much as in a basketball match.
When I am with a woman I tell her to tell me when she doesn´t want more. In the begining of the act, sex is relatively good, but with time I loose interest, i think it is because i don´t fell much in my genital. It is very embarassing for me to do what I do alone to have an orgasm with somebody at my side.
The women want to see me orgasm too. So, in the end, noboby is much happy. I do think about sex as the whole thing (not just having an orgasm), but anyway, I don´t feel good.
I am not married and I don´t plan to do it soon.
Well, I needed to get this off my chest!!
Wish you luck!> Well Bruno, my friend, welcome to the legions of formerly depressed males who can no longer function sexually.
>
> I've taken every antidepressant on the market, and except for Wellbutrin, none is without problems. Your idea about adding VIAGRA is interesting. I had the same idea, and asked a doctor friend of mine to write a small Rx just to experiment with. I take Effexor XR and I know what you're talking about--losing erections, no orgasm, and eventually no interest--chemical eunichs! The Viagra helped with the erection and that was encouraging. But it won't help with achieving an orgasm. I have to lay off the Effexor for about 3 days in order to get a normal feeling back in my genitals. But on the 2nd day--I get a killer splitting headache due to sudden withdrawal. Six ibuprofen helps me through the day until the head-hurt goes away. After that, I'm good to go--I turn into a sex-crazed fiend. I like to stay off the Effexor until I start to get the blues.
>
> So that's my cycle: DEPRESSION > EFFEXOR > HELLATIOUS WITHDRAWAL > GOOD SEX > DEPRESSION > etc....
>
> Such is life. But I've been married for 10 years, so "planning ahead" isn't a big problem for me. It also helps to have an understanding partner.
>
> Good luck with your search for a healthy mind and sex life.
Posted by Caleb96 on November 9, 2003, at 13:04:49
In reply to Re: Solving SSRIs sexual dysfunction » Caleb96, posted by KXo on November 9, 2003, at 11:26:55
KXo:
I have the same sexual side effects on all SSRIs. Zoloft is no better than Effexor. Effexor has a relatively short half-life so it clears your body in a couple of days. Zoloft stopped working for me after about 5 years. Effexor did the trick and has kept me sane for over 2 1/2 years. It doesn't make me a zombie either--I really don't notice any side effects except for the sexual issue.
As far as women go, focus on satisfying her. I think it's good you tell her to let you know when she's had enough. Some women get really sore but won't say anything. Afterwards, if you feel you can be straightfoward with her, just tell her your taking a medication that sometimes makes it difficult for you to reach an orgasm. At least it won't leave her feeling guilty or inadequate. Why don't you let her give you the hand job? That's pleasurable too.
All I can say my friend is "I feel your pain." Maybe you should try taking a longer drug holiday if you're anticipating scoring.
Good luck.
Posted by Bob on November 9, 2003, at 18:39:49
In reply to Re: Solving SSRIs sexual dysfunction » Caleb96, posted by KXo on November 9, 2003, at 11:26:55
> Hi Caleb!
> After taken all this different antidepressants, why did you decide to stay with Effexor?
> I chose Zoloft because I found it to cause less problem with desire and erection and I have no difficult withdrawal, so I can stop taking it sometimes without the headaches you mention. (but I still didn´t do it) For me, it also takes about 3 days to get the normal feeling back.
> Taking Zoloft is really hard to have an orgasm. I have to do it alone. It may take about 45 minutes. I need to use my hands, stop sometimes to breath and I sweat as much as in a basketball match.
> When I am with a woman I tell her to tell me when she doesn´t want more. In the begining of the act, sex is relatively good, but with time I loose interest, i think it is because i don´t fell much in my genital. It is very embarassing for me to do what I do alone to have an orgasm with somebody at my side.
> The women want to see me orgasm too. So, in the end, noboby is much happy. I do think about sex as the whole thing (not just having an orgasm), but anyway, I don´t feel good.
> I am not married and I don´t plan to do it soon.
> Well, I needed to get this off my chest!!
> Wish you luck!
>
> > Well Bruno, my friend, welcome to the legions of formerly depressed males who can no longer function sexually.
> >
> > I've taken every antidepressant on the market, and except for Wellbutrin, none is without problems. Your idea about adding VIAGRA is interesting. I had the same idea, and asked a doctor friend of mine to write a small Rx just to experiment with. I take Effexor XR and I know what you're talking about--losing erections, no orgasm, and eventually no interest--chemical eunichs! The Viagra helped with the erection and that was encouraging. But it won't help with achieving an orgasm. I have to lay off the Effexor for about 3 days in order to get a normal feeling back in my genitals. But on the 2nd day--I get a killer splitting headache due to sudden withdrawal. Six ibuprofen helps me through the day until the head-hurt goes away. After that, I'm good to go--I turn into a sex-crazed fiend. I like to stay off the Effexor until I start to get the blues.
> >
> > So that's my cycle: DEPRESSION > EFFEXOR > HELLATIOUS WITHDRAWAL > GOOD SEX > DEPRESSION > etc....
> >
> > Such is life. But I've been married for 10 years, so "planning ahead" isn't a big problem for me. It also helps to have an understanding partner.
> >
> > Good luck with your search for a healthy mind and sex life.I know EXACTLY how you feel, Caleb. I can't think of many more ridiculous things to have to put up with than the sex problem (other than things that are life threatening). I get a kick out of how the media and drug companies put a spin on it, implying that most people don't have problems, and that there actually is some sort of magical way to get around anorgasmia. There's not.
This is the end of the thread.
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