Posted by Laura!!!! on March 30, 2000, at 18:22:55
In reply to Re: Sexual side effects?? Re: Celexa and side effects?, posted by Cindy W on December 29, 1999, at 10:46:24
Hello:
In my search for finding a solution for sexual disfunction due to anti-depressants, I came across a few articles and thought you might like to read them. I have also included a few website locations... I hope this helps!
Laura
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In a somewhat novel application of ginkgo, researchers have studied its benefits in assisting patients suffering from anti-depression-induced sexual dysfunction, caused predominantly by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (Cohen and Bartlik, 1998). The study was conducted in response to a case of a geriatric patient using Ginkgo biloba for memory enhancement who reported improved erections. The open study on 63 subjects found that women (33) were more responsive to the sexually enhancing effects than men (30), with relative success rates of 91% compared to 76% for the men. The ginkgo (product brand not noted) was given at a dosage range of 60 to 120 mg twice daily, within the normal range for the usual applications of ginkgo. The ginkgo reportedly had a positive effect on all four phases of the sexual response cycle: desire, excitement (erection and lubrication), orgasm, and resolution (afterglow). The authors note that the mechanism of action for this application is not yet clear. Postulated mechanisms include enhanced circulation to genitals by inhibition of PAF, direct effect on prostaglandins, known to enhance erectile function, and yet-to-be described norepinephrine receptor-induced effects on the brain.
HealthNews from the publishers of the New England Journal of Medicine
One of the most popular types of antidepressant—the class that includes Prozac—has a troubling downside: As many as 25 percent of people taking these drugs, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, experience sexual problems, ranging from decreased sex drive to impotence and the inability to achieve orgasm. Some patients find the side-effects so distressing that they quit taking their medication.
A report in the October American Journal of Psychiatry shows that giving people a short break from treatment—known as a drug holiday—may improve their sex lives without sacrificing control of their depression.
Anthony Rothschild, MD, clinical director of the Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program at McLean Hospital near Boston, studied 30 people being treated for depression with Prozac, Zoloft, or Paxil. Each group of ten patients had taken one of the three drugs for an average of 15 months and had suffered sexual dysfunction for about a year. Over a four-week period, participants stopped their medication from Thursday morning until Sunday at noon. Half of those taking Zoloft or Paxil reported an improvement in sex drive, satisfaction, and ability to achieve orgasm during the weekend drug holiday without a significant increase in depression. The sexual problems returned shortly after patients restarted medication. The time-out wasn't as effective for the Prozac group, perhaps because this drug's effects take longer to wear off, Dr. Rothschild speculates.
While drug holidays show promise as a simple way to treat a notoriously difficult problem, Dr. Rothschild cautions that anyone having sexual difficulties while on these drugs should not interrupt treatment without a doctor's supervision. Further research with a larger group of patients will be needed to confirm that intermittent treatment keeps depression under control over the long term.http://panicdisorder.about.com/health/panicdisorder/msubmeds10.htm?iam=dp&terms=antidepressive+drugs
poster:Laura!!!!
thread:2790
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000321/msgs/28510.html