![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by MplsMan on August 1, 2005, at 13:45:33
Hello,
I am on the following meds:
Depakote, Lexapro, and buspirone (buspar).I have been seeing this very special woman and we are starting to get intimate. I am finding out that I am having some "sexual problems".
Is there anyone on these meds listed above that might be able to provide some light on how I can narrow it down and get rid of the problem (talk to doc about THE specific drug, change drugs, etc)?
Thank you kindly,
Posted by blueberry on August 1, 2005, at 14:04:26
In reply to Libido/Sexual problem need help please!, posted by MplsMan on August 1, 2005, at 13:45:33
Lexapro is the most likely one to be the cause of your problems. Prozac is the least offensive sexually, mainly in men. A switch might be helpful.
Depakote would be the next likely one, though it is my personal opinion that the serotonin meds like lexapro are the worst for sex.
Buspar is the least likely one. It is sometimes used as an antidote for med induced sexual problems.
Any of them could be the cause, but I think lexapro is the most likely one and a switch to prozac would put the odds a little more in your favor.
Prozac is the only one out of them all that doesn't significantly interfere with my sexual life.
Posted by PianoPlayer131 on August 1, 2005, at 22:56:22
In reply to Re: Libido/Sexual problem need help please!, posted by blueberry on August 1, 2005, at 14:04:26
Prozac hasn't given me sexual side effects too badly. I've been taking Damiana Leaf (GNC) once daily, and Tribulus Fuel (Twinlab) twice daily. These two have REALLY made a difference. I think the Tribulus much moreso, becuause I noticed a distinct improvement after taking it. Gingko Bilobo and Panax Ginseng didn't really help me, even after months of use. I think you should definitely try Tribulus Terrestris, just make sure you get it from a reputable brand, because so many herbal products are utter crap in terms of quality. I know Twinlab's Trib Fuel works, and would highly recommend it.
Posted by MplsMan on August 1, 2005, at 23:00:04
In reply to Re: Libido/Sexual problem need help please!, posted by PianoPlayer131 on August 1, 2005, at 22:56:22
Piano Player,
A couple questions....
1) Why herbal remedies and not prescribed meds?
2) How did you find out about these names?
3) Do you see a Psych at all?
Thank you,
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on August 2, 2005, at 8:21:40
In reply to Re: Libido/Sexual problem need help please!, posted by MplsMan on August 1, 2005, at 23:00:04
Adding a little wellbutrin to the combo helps some people. Have you ever tried that?
EE
Posted by Bill LL on August 2, 2005, at 10:39:10
In reply to Libido/Sexual problem need help please!, posted by MplsMan on August 1, 2005, at 13:45:33
Some degree of sexual side effects are encountered by about 80% to 90% of people who use SSRI's such as Lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac, Celexa, Paxil, and Zoloft. Effexor is not an SSRI, but most people have sexual side effets on it as well. Same with duloxetine (Cymbalta).
If I were you, I would take either Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra. That's by far your best way to solve the problem in the short term.
Long term solutions are not guaranteed even if you switch drugs or augment with other drugs or herbs. Sexual side effects are the biggest problem with antidepressants. Drug companies are trying to come out with new ones that are effective, but don't have this type of side effect.
> Hello,
>
> I am on the following meds:
> Depakote, Lexapro, and buspirone (buspar).
>
> I have been seeing this very special woman and we are starting to get intimate. I am finding out that I am having some "sexual problems".
>
> Is there anyone on these meds listed above that might be able to provide some light on how I can narrow it down and get rid of the problem (talk to doc about THE specific drug, change drugs, etc)?
>
> Thank you kindly,
Posted by PianoPlayer131 on August 2, 2005, at 12:31:01
In reply to Re: Libido/Sexual problem need help please!, posted by MplsMan on August 1, 2005, at 23:00:04
> Piano Player,
>
> A couple questions....
>
> 1) Why herbal remedies and not prescribed meds?
>
> 2) How did you find out about these names?
>
> 3) Do you see a Psych at all?
>
>
>
> Thank you,I suppose i need to clarify:
1) Why herbal remedies and not prescribed meds?
I find these herbal remedies to be very helpful, although a lot of times herbal products are a big waste of time and money. Prescribed meds can help, but its not a sure thing. I tried Bupropion IR and SR in the past, but it was too anxiogenic for me to take any more than 150 mg/day. At this dose, it did not seem to help the sexual side effects of SSRIs at all. Furthermore, my depression didn't benefit from it at all. I have tried Remeron, and was completely wiped out from that, and to my dismay, it still had sexual sides. Buspar didn't help the negative sexual effects of Celexa, but did help with anxiety a bit.
I've also tried Viagra and Cialis, and still take them from time to time. I used to rely on them. When I started Tribulus, I thought I would still have to take Viagra, but one time I forgot my Viagra dose, and the Trib was enough to have great sex! It was very suprising. Since then, I've kept taking it, and it seems to be enough on its own to reverse the Prozac side effects (weakened erection and orgasm delay). The deIayed ejaculation is still a bit of a problem, but the erections have gotten way better. I still take Viagra or Cialis from time to time (I have samples of both), but its not a necessity like it used to be.2) How did you find out about these names?
From the internet, primarily. Searching for sexual dysfunction, ssri, herbal, etc. and looking through the Alternative forum here will get you some good information. I also have a decent reference book called "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine". There is an abundance of information all of the internet about this topic. A google search is a place to start if you're interested.3) Do you see a Psych at all?
Yes, I do, and after 4 less-than-helpful pdocs, I've finally found one who knows his stuff and is truly helpful. I've been seeing him for about 4 months. I'm also prescribed Adderall XR 10mg, but I rarely take this since it is summertime (I am a student btw).Here are some links that might help you:
Entrez PubMed (Research Abstract database)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgiSSRI Sexual Side Effects Yahoo Group
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ssrisex/A placebo-controlled trial of bupropion SR as an antidote for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-induced sexual dysfunction.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=14744170&query_hl=13Vardenafil reverses erectile dysfunction induced by paroxetine in rats
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12789386&query_hl=24Effects of SSRIs on sexual function: a critical review
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=9934946&query_hl=24Bodybuilding Forum Thread about Sexual Supplements
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=245558
Posted by jerrympls on August 5, 2005, at 1:36:19
In reply to Libido/Sexual problem need help please!, posted by MplsMan on August 1, 2005, at 13:45:33
> Hello,
>
> I am on the following meds:
> Depakote, Lexapro, and buspirone (buspar).
>
> I have been seeing this very special woman and we are starting to get intimate. I am finding out that I am having some "sexual problems".
>
> Is there anyone on these meds listed above that might be able to provide some light on how I can narrow it down and get rid of the problem (talk to doc about THE specific drug, change drugs, etc)?
>
> Thank you kindly,Hey Mpls Man - I'm in Mpls too!
Sounds like the Lexapro is causing your sexual problems. It certainly wipes out everything down below for me. I would ask your doc about adding Wellbutrin or even adding a small amount of a stimulant like Ritalin or Dexedrine. This has worked for me. SSRI's are sex killers - sexual desire, impotence, etc. If you are having a hard time (pun intended) sustaining an erection - perhaps a trial on Viagra might clear things up? I'm 33 and when I was on Nardil - it totally killed "Mr. Happy." But I soon found that Viagra isn't just for older men. It worked very well for me.
Whatever you do - BE VOCAL about your sexual side effects to your doctor. Men and some women are less likely to bring the sex stuff up because it's embarrassing or they think the doctor will laugh -NO NO NO - doctor's are aware of sexual problems caused by certain meds - but they can't treat you if you don't mention it - and make a BIG deal about it too -because sexual intimacy is a big part of a committed relationship - as you already know.
Good luck!! Keep us posted!
Jerry (Mpls)
Posted by MplsMan on August 5, 2005, at 19:05:29
In reply to Libido/Sexual problem need help please!, posted by MplsMan on August 1, 2005, at 13:45:33
Hi,
So I called my Doctor and he said it was most likely the Lexapro, and that it was probably not the Depakote or for sure not the Busaparone.
He told me to reduce Lexapro not too fast because it would cause side effects, but to get off of it. He put me on Wellbutrin and said that this has no affect for sexual problems at all.
Posted by MplsMan on August 5, 2005, at 20:55:59
In reply to Re: Libido/Sexual problem need help please!, posted by MplsMan on August 5, 2005, at 19:05:29
> Hi,
>
> So I called my Doctor and he said it was most likely the Lexapro, and that it was probably not the Depakote or for sure not the Busaparone.
>
> He told me to reduce Lexapro not too fast because it would cause side effects, but to get off of it. He put me on Wellbutrin and said that this has no affect for sexual problems at all.
>
>Mr Piano Man,
I was curious as to what the strengh is for the herbal remedies you are taking? Why is it that they work so well? I was looking online and there seems to be a "testosterone aisle" at GNC and others, are they the same, or what is the deal with that?
thank you for your time,
Posted by Dr. Bob on August 8, 2005, at 9:35:18
In reply to Re: Libido/Sexual problem TO PIANO MAN, posted by MplsMan on August 5, 2005, at 20:55:59
> I was curious as to what the strengh is for the herbal remedies you are taking?
Sorry if it's confusing here, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding herbal remedies to Psycho-Babble Alternative. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20050713/msgs/539089.html
Thanks,
Bob
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.