Posted by ARR on March 28, 2001, at 15:21:26
In reply to Re: Sexual side effects? » JP, posted by Paulette on March 27, 2001, at 19:35:31
Sexual dysfunction is a well known effect of the SSRI's. There are numerous studies that document this. The estimates range between 35 and 60%. This is a little disconcerting given that the Sarafem Web site touts the medication as allowing you to be the woman that you are all month. Hmmm... I'm not sure that being anorgasmic falls into the category of being the woman that you are.
A woman that I know, who was taking Celexa, another SSRI, made major dietary changes and then went off of Celexa. Her ability to have orgasms returned and the dietary changes were enough enough to eliminate the "PMDD" symptoms.
The book Prozac Backlash documents the studies of sexual dysfunction and other side effects associated with Sarafem/Prozac. It is written by a psychiatrist, Dr. Glenmullen, and is a must read for anyone considering this medication. He stresses that the side effects are of much greater concern with long term usage. Since most women have their menstrual cycles for decades, and no one has suggested that Sarafem cures the condition, we are indeed talking about long term usage. Most of the studies done on this SSRIs were short term studies. The long term studies are very very limited. Do we really want millions of women to be guinea pigs?
ARR
> > Has anyone who is taking Sarefem had any decrease in
> > their ability to have orgasms? I was taking Prozac a few
> > years ago to treat severe PMS but was so frustrated
> > at my inability to climax. I stopped taking it because
> > my husband and I decided to start a family, but now
> > that I am menstruating again, this severe PMS (now called PMDD)
> > is horrendous. I don't want my child to grow up with
> > a mother who is a monster for two weeks out of every month.
> > I am interested to know of all side effects you have experienced,
> > including sexual side effects. Thank you.
>
> Yes, problems with that with me....almost ashamed of it...matter of fact brought me to tears tonight for the first time in 4 months...tears that is....havent had a crying spell since starting Sarafem 4 months ago, and very few orgasims....
poster:ARR
thread:3315
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010327/msgs/57813.html