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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by thomas on April 9, 2000, at 4:48:04
Hi everyone! 1. wonder if anybody has tried ginko biloba against sexual disturbance? 2.Is it safe for my depression and anxiety(taking effexor xr 150)? Thanks for this site!
Posted by Cam W. on April 9, 2000, at 10:22:56
In reply to GINKO, posted by thomas on April 9, 2000, at 4:48:04
> Hi everyone! 1. wonder if anybody has tried ginko biloba against sexual disturbance? 2.Is it safe for my depression and anxiety(taking effexor xr 150)? Thanks for this site!
Thomas - Gingko biloba is a vasodilator. It may work in cases where you cannot function (get an erection - men; increase blood flow to area to enable lubrication - women; *only my theory*). As in Alzheimer's, Gingko may work 'if' you have decreased blood flow to appropriate areas. As for increasing libido, I think that needs to be done in the brain (amygdala?, hypothalamus?, locus cereuleus?).
With most serotonergic antidepressants, the problem is thought to lie in increased serotonin stimulating certain receptors (5HT-2A?) or the increased serotonin affecting norepinephrine concentrations at other receptors (alpha-1-adrenergic?) or both or neither.
As for safety with Effexor, I cannot say for sure. I have not seen that combination used. Ask your doctor before trying it, maybe he has heard of it or maybe someone in Babbleland has tried it.
Again, I dunno fer sure. - Cam W.
Posted by Fred Potter on April 9, 2000, at 17:06:39
In reply to Re: GINKO, posted by Cam W. on April 9, 2000, at 10:22:56
I think the main problem with Ginkgo is that it
is an anti-clotting agent and will make your blood perhaps too runny if you're already taking one. For searches please spell it GINKGO
Posted by Herb on April 10, 2000, at 1:31:59
In reply to Re: GINKO, posted by Fred Potter on April 9, 2000, at 17:06:39
I think it is probably safe, probably safer than caffeine because it isn't changing neurotransmitter levels much, it is just increasing O2 getting to the brain. I use it with my meds at a low dose. I haven't noticed any sexual effects. If you do use it start with a low dose and work your way up. I thought at one time I experienced unpleasant stimulation but can't say for sure the ginkgo caused it. This is my opinion only and I am not a Doctor, but I doubt if many Doctors would know what to tell you if you asked them about it. Some might tell you not to use it because they are unfamiliar with it and any possible interactions with your medications.
This is the end of the thread.
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