Posted by john on November 17, 1999, at 8:12:17
In reply to Re: sex enhancing drugs?, posted by JohnL on November 17, 1999, at 3:07:46
Hi, Bobbi. I've been particularly sensitive to the sexual side effects of SSRI's, SNRI's,and MAOI's. It seems that there is always at least some sexual side effect. To make matters worse, there is frequently weight gain. The sexual side effect is quite complicated and multi-dimensional: interest, arousal, erectile (males, of course), stimulation, orgasm, intensity of orgasm, etc. It's still not particularly well understood, and there seem to be few closed label placebo controlled studies among alternative therapies. My personal experience is that signifiant sexual dysfunction is difficult to reverse or minimize while staying on the existing drug, in spite of various augmentation strategies. Switching classes of drugs frequently makes more sense, such as switching from sertraline (zoloft), an SSRI, to venlafaxine or nefazodone (SNRI's). Gabapentin (Neurontin) and Buspar are supposed to be devoid of sexual side effects. In fact, Buspar is frequently prescribed to counteract SSRI induced sexual dysfunction.
By the way, I did try high dose selegiline (60 mg/day). At this dose, this MAOI loses its selectivity for MAO-B and becomes non-selective nd non-reversible for MAO-B and MAO-A. So, you need to keep in mind the dietary restrictions. I've never had any problem drinking regular beer, eating pizza, and drinknig white wine. I do stay away from red wine and very aged cheeses. That's about it for me. Oh,there are also some cold medications you need to stay away from. But, on the whole, the dietary concern seems to be somewhat overblown, and most experienced psychopharmacologists feel very comfortable prescribing MAOI's, even as first line medication.
Back to the selegiline . . . It was a very sexually enhancing drug for me. From a male perspective, firmer erections, less stimulation required for orgasm, increased intensity of orgasms, and increased ability to have multiple orgasms within a relatively short time frame. Lastly, my sexual appetite increased dramatically, sometimes to the point of absolute distraction. But, again, I didn't achieve this until reaching 60 mg/day of selegiline.
Please be sure to consult with your pscyhopharmacologist and discuss what other drugs you make currently be taking, including herbal supplements. He or she will be in the best position to determine if selegiline monotherapy is appropriate for you.
Good luck, Bobbi. John :)
poster:john
thread:15323
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991108/msgs/15362.html