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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by robot on August 2, 2004, at 1:34:55
I have been on Lexapro for almost 5 months, and there has been one constant--that of a nearly zero libido and the virtual impossibility of achieving orgasm.
Here's what I have tried:VIAGRA
I dont think viagra tweaks the problem of SSRI induced sexual dysfunction. The free sample given to me didnt do a thing. I think it just helps with the mechanical problem of having an erection (not desire or orgasm), and I didnt even notice it helping with that.
HERBS - part 1
Ginkgo Biloba - Nope.
"Steel Libido" by Irwin Naturals
This cocktail of aphrodisiac herbs d/n do a thing for me.SUPPLEMENTS
Amino acid Arginine- Nothing, but I didnt try it long term.
HERBS - part 2
The one thing that has worked for me--every time--is smoking marijuana. I was able to get excited and orgasm--brilliantly. Even if I didnt have sexual problems, Im glad Ive done this just so Ive experienced orgasm after smoking pot.FOODS
Cod Liver Oil
A couple of tablespoons daily off and on. I think this is definitely helping. I take Carlson Norwegian Cod Liver Oil (With Lemon, so it doesnt taste bad at all!). The body needs the essential fatty acids to make stuff like semen. Also is essential for yr brain.
*HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Is any one else trying this?Spirulina
This mega-food is pretty cheap (I get it from a dispenser at my health food store) and I think its helped too. The problem ive encountered is its makes me feel mentally fuzzy-I cant remember things, cant follow chains of thought, etc. i have these problems anyway, but this stuff seems to make it worse. It could be the Phenylalanine content, which Ive heard bad things about (though some recommend it as an antidepressant and, of course, as a sexual stimulant).
has anyone else tried this?
WELLBUTRINIve been on XL 150mg for a couple weeks. It seems like its made some difference. We'll see.
WAITING...
One last piece of advice to myself and others who have this most frustrating problem: dont try everyday. Try to wait a few days between trying to have sex. That little desire that you still have will build up and it just might be enough. There is no point in trying alot and just getting more frustrated. Avoid the stress of it, which certainly wont help you with impotence problems, and just be patient...
Posted by Sad Panda on August 2, 2004, at 3:00:46
In reply to Sexual Side effects - overthecounter cures etc, posted by robot on August 2, 2004, at 1:34:55
SSRI's raise serotonin(5-HT) levels causing extra agonism at all 5-HT receptors, these currently number from 5-HT1 to 5-HT7. Agonism of some of these produce side effects. 5-HT2A agonism produces insomnia, vivid dreams, loss of stage IV sleep & inability to achieve orgasm.
Adding a 5-HT2A antagonist does a very good job at reversing these side effects, but you have to take them daily so you can build tolerance to their sedative effect as most of these are also antihistamine(H1 antagonists). Good candidates to add to an effective SSRI are low dose doxepin, amitriptyline, trimipramine, mirtazapine, trazodone or medium to high dose nortriptyline. I was using mirtazapine but have recently switched to nortriptyline combined with my Effexor.
For libido problems, Wellbutrin & Ritalin are probably the best choices. Also, check your testosterone level, mine was low & I am getting depot injections of it which has returned my libido to normal. We aren't real sure if it was caused by Effexor because I am pretty sure it was normal before I started taking it.
Cheers,
Panda.
Cheers,
Panda.
Posted by Mariposa on August 2, 2004, at 7:19:36
In reply to SSRI induced Sexual Side effects » robot, posted by Sad Panda on August 2, 2004, at 3:00:46
Several people have also suggested a Lex *holiday*.....skip your dose the day you want to have sex. I have used this myself and it does help.~~~8|8
Posted by banga on August 2, 2004, at 7:42:39
In reply to Re: SSRI induced Sexual Side effects, posted by Mariposa on August 2, 2004, at 7:19:36
I have a question...according to a handy chart at http://www.geodon.com/MOA.asp Geodon (ziprasidone) the atypical antipsychotic is an angagonist at 5HT2a and 5HT2c....anyone ever hear of that helping or is it still not hitting the appropriate receptor sites to reduce sexual side effects?
Any thoughts?
Banga
Posted by J. Backer on August 2, 2004, at 9:40:42
In reply to Sexual Side effects - overthecounter cures etc, posted by robot on August 2, 2004, at 1:34:55
thats why i switched from Lexapro to Effexor. it shut my sex-drive compoletely off.
Posted by Sad Panda on August 2, 2004, at 10:09:54
In reply to Re:Sexual Side effects question, posted by banga on August 2, 2004, at 7:42:39
> I have a question...according to a handy chart at http://www.geodon.com/MOA.asp Geodon (ziprasidone) the atypical antipsychotic is an angagonist at 5HT2a and 5HT2c....anyone ever hear of that helping or is it still not hitting the appropriate receptor sites to reduce sexual side effects?
> Any thoughts?
> Banga
>
>It would help anorgasmia caused by an SSRI.
Cheers,
Panda.
Posted by robot on August 2, 2004, at 21:48:16
In reply to Re: SSRI induced Sexual Side effects, posted by Mariposa on August 2, 2004, at 7:19:36
Thanks for the tip! Ill try it.
> Several people have also suggested a Lex *holiday*.....skip your dose the day you want to have sex. I have used this myself and it does help.~~~8|8
This is the end of the thread.
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