Posted by ben on September 27, 2002, at 4:43:52
In reply to Re: sex probs coming from Effexor - please help !!, posted by jrbecker on September 23, 2002, at 16:02:23
Did you tried apomorphine as well as viagra ? That could be an option for you ?!
> Had the same problem. Was completely anorgasmic, even at 37.5 mg. Ironically, Effexor increased my libido, so this was even more frustrating. I just didn't have as much sensitivity down there on the drug.
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> I also tried yohimbe, buspar, viagra, l-arginine (a supplement), ritalin as well as wellbutrin. Mostly, they helped with erection (which was not my problem) but only had a small to moderate effect on anorgasmia. The best out of them all was Wellbutrin or a stimulant (i.e., ritalin). I think a component for me was also a sense of distraction I got during sex so whatever helped me focus as well as reducing SSRI-induced anorgasmia was the best treatment for me.
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> If this is still a major problem after trying these options, you might want to decrease or even stop the dosage a few days around a planned day of sexual activity. Many older couples do this (for instance, only take it Mon-Thursday, then try sex on Sat/Sunday). For some people this has worked, with usually no problems from drug withdrawl in that short interim. I'd discuss with your pdoc if this is a viable option when other strategies fail.
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> For me, despite all these tactics, the problem still persisted and I just learned to live with it, knowing that I was greatly benefiting from the med depsite this dabilitating side effect. I was also being open with my partners and working through it. And remember, a lot of the problem remains psychological, e.g., performance anxiety in the wake of knowing you already have a problem. So you gotta try not to hyper-focus on it as well.
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> In the end, you might just have to switch meds. It all depends on priorities and what you can live with. I myself end up switching to Celexa, more for other reasons than just the sexual dysfunction. It has less of a sexual side effect but it was still apparent. Another potential option for the near future is Gepirone (brand name: Ariza). Gepirone is very much like Buspar but with more of an AD effect, and it's close to getting approved for early '03 release. It is supposed to be good for improving sexual dysfunction in depressive sufferers NOT taking a med to begin with. (http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/217266.htm). So, I guess it would be a win-win situation if a medication had good antidepressant qualities as well increasing sexual functioning. Can't wait to see if this is true.
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> Good luck.
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poster:ben
thread:120793
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020922/msgs/121196.html