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Re: Sexual Side Effects

Posted by BLKVETTES on October 22, 2003, at 12:48:42

In reply to Re: Sexual Side Effects » nonsexual Jeff, posted by The Brain on October 21, 2003, at 23:05:29

> Hey Jeff.
>
> I feel your pain man. It doesn't seem as though there are as many posts about this issue as it affects men.
>
> Been on lexapro for about 2 weeks or so. I had been switched from Zoloft (50 mgs/day - over the past 3 years) because it started to mess around with one of my extraocular muscles, which gave me a bizarre "oscillopia."
>
> I initially started off at 10 mgs of Lexapro in the morning. At this dosage schedule I got super sleepy during the day and felt like I was living life in slow motion, so I began taking it at night. This was unacceptable as well, as I had the most difficult time sleeping - when I woke the next morning I felt good and wired (not sleepy) but right around 2:00 pm - forget about it. I could be in the middle of a city intersection and fall asleep.
>
> The sexual side effects during the first week, whether I was on the 10 mgs day or night, were really pronounced. No libido. Soft erections. Super delaaaaaaaaayed ejaculation. (strange though, sometimes I would wake up with the best morning missles, but at any other times, they were non existent) At times I would forget that I even had a penis. This really sucked, big time - I never really had this problem before so I got real scared.
>
> Thus, I did two things in response:
> 1) I cut back the dose to 5 mg, hoping that the therapeutic threshold is below the threshold for sexual side-effects
>
> 2) I took it in the morning as soon as I woke up.
>
> Since then I have been sleeping well and have had great energy levels. I do not feel depressed, but then again, my depression was usually treated well with low dosages of Zoloft.
>
> My sex drive has improved a bit (not nearly enough!), but I am not "on the prowl" as I once was. Today (beginning of week three) was great though, because I was speaking to this woman whom I am interested in and simply observing her mannerisms started to rev up the engine (it used to be that way all the time) - you know...Go Go Gadget thingamajig. I am hoping that this is a good sign of things to come.
>
> Given that I have noticed that some of the other side effects have decreased in severity for me (no more hot flashes, or excess sweating, no more difficulties sleeping) I am willing to tough it out for about another week or so before I go back to the doc to see what we can do about the libido issue.
>
> I have been reading on this board and others like it that Wellbutrin, when added in small doses may alleviate some of the sexual dysfunction associated with these SSRIs. I know that you said you stopped taking Wellbutrin for your given reasons, but perhaps a small dose in addition to the Lexapro might work? This is what my doc said may be the next course of action. Initially I was against taking another med on top of the lexapro, but hey, I really need my sex life (read "penis") back.
>
> I am happy for you that you have a woman who is willing to work with you on this. That will make things much better. My advice it to find a good doctor/psychiatrist and work closely with him/her - Not all Dr.'s are equally competent or compassionate, so you need to shop around. Me - well I am attempting to initiate this relationship with this really fantastic gal, and we have a date this weekend upcoming. I am hoping that all goes well and that my Go Go gadget machinery will be fully operational.
>
>
> I would also like to hear from others guys who might have had this issue with one SSRI or another and how they resolved it. Any posts would be really appreciated.
>
> How about Lexapro and Wellbutrin? Anyone had any luck? What dosage of each are you taking?
>
> Cheers to all,
>
> The Brain
>
>
>
>
>
> > I've recently switched from taking Welbutrin (twice a day) to Lexapro (20 mg once a day) about a month ago because of increased anxiety. I took the Welbutrin mainly to treat my depression. Within the past five months I've gotten involved in a serious relationship, lost my job, moved to PR, and am looking for another job in a world where the preferred language is different than my first language. Therefore, you can understand why I am anxious most of the time.
> >
> > Although the Lexapro has really helped me a great deal with the anxiety, I am experiencing major sexual side effects. First, my sexual libido is just about gone and when I do get the urge to fool around with my partner, I get distracted, lose interest (including my erection) and have problems ejaculating - currently I've stopped trying. And if I do ejaculate, it's definitely not the same, it's as though my mind and body aren't connected when I have my orgasm. My partner is extremely patient and understanding, knowing that sexual side effects are a result from the meds. Is this going to continue or will I eventallly adapt to the medication and my sexual dysfunction will diminish?
>
>

I have been taking lexapro for about 8 months I guess. I never had trouble getting it up, just getting it out. I take 7.5mg. Ive noticed lately things are really starting to improve. I could never figure out if it was the lexapro or the reading of all the sexual dysfunction. Because even during sex I notice Im thinking about this. Ive always been able to get there but its way to much work. But lately it has not been a problem. I also found that early in the morning is best after some good sleep. I think thats partly to do with me not being fully awake and I dont think as much. There are all kinds of herbs and things that may help. Ive never tried any so couldnt say. I have no idea if this goes away for anyone else that posts. No one can say for sure. But I suffered with panic disorder and depression. I was suicidal!!!!!! Lexapro got rid of all of this!!!!! Sex has not been a priority of mine in the last year. But the drive is returning I believe. I have no real advice I guess!!!!!! But the sex part does return for many. NO GUARANTEES THOUGH!!!!!!!
WAYNE


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Psycho-Babble Medication | Framed

poster:BLKVETTES thread:109458
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031021/msgs/271895.html