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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by MLG on June 4, 2000, at 2:40:00
Hey everyone. I have read much. We, all of us with depression and other stuff are so brave. Anyway, I had taken Celexa for about four months with Wellbutrin. I felt great!! I added the wellbutrin after about two months. Then I got tired of the sexual side effects (i.e., inability to have an orgasm [i'm a female])and I was experiencing some significant anxiety at different times so I discontinued the Celexa and added Buspar. I was soooo dizzy!!! Couldn't stand it. Plus, I had like zero energy. As for real world interactions, I functioned optimally with Wellburtrin and Celexa. I've tried other medication before and always discontinued it. Still, though, after four months or so, I could not have an orgasm to save my life. I hate being depressed, irritable, and suicidal though and I am not exactly "with" anyone, so I am going off the buspar and back on the celexa. I am in the midst of a relationship "thing" which could go either way. But for now, sexual side effedts are not really an issue, . . . I guess. Still, I feel abnormal not having a sex drive with an actual achieveable goal (i.e., orgasm). For now I guess it doesn't matter. I hate being depressed with no motivation to do anything or even go on. This medication has been the best combination I have ever been in. I think that I will be creative enough to find a way to compensate for the sexual side effects if/when necessary. Meanwhile, I thank God that I am not as depressed as I was before this medication intervention. I was crying so uncontrollably, my best friend got so frustrated that she started yellin at me to stop cuz I was not even coherent. But, if anyone knows how to counteract the sexual sideeffects of Celexa, PLEASE, let me know.
MLG.
Posted by Gordon on June 4, 2000, at 12:52:41
In reply to sexual side effects, posted by MLG on June 4, 2000, at 2:40:00
> Hey everyone. I have read much. We, all of us with depression and other stuff are so brave. Anyway, I had taken Celexa for about four months with Wellbutrin. I felt great!! I added the wellbutrin after about two months. Then I got tired of the sexual side effects (i.e., inability to have an orgasm [i'm a female])and I was experiencing some significant anxiety at different times so I discontinued the Celexa and added Buspar. I was soooo dizzy!!! Couldn't stand it. Plus, I had like zero energy. As for real world interactions, I functioned optimally with Wellburtrin and Celexa. I've tried other medication before and always discontinued it. Still, though, after four months or so, I could not have an orgasm to save my life. I hate being depressed, irritable, and suicidal though and I am not exactly "with" anyone, so I am going off the buspar and back on the celexa. I am in the midst of a relationship "thing" which could go either way. But for now, sexual side effedts are not really an issue, . . . I guess. Still, I feel abnormal not having a sex drive with an actual achieveable goal (i.e., orgasm). For now I guess it doesn't matter. I hate being depressed with no motivation to do anything or even go on. This medication has been the best combination I have ever been in. I think that I will be creative enough to find a way to compensate for the sexual side effects if/when necessary. Meanwhile, I thank God that I am not as depressed as I was before this medication intervention. I was crying so uncontrollably, my best friend got so frustrated that she started yellin at me to stop cuz I was not even coherent. But, if anyone knows how to counteract the sexual sideeffects of Celexa, PLEASE, let me know.
> MLG.
Take a look at the URL below for some ideas that might help.http://panicdisorder.about.com/health/panicdisorder/msubmeds10.htm
Posted by harry b. on June 4, 2000, at 22:10:29
In reply to sexual side effects, posted by MLG on June 4, 2000, at 2:40:00
MLG- I take Celexa. I too am one of those unfortunates
who seem to experience sexual dysfunction even
when the 'risk' is low.I haven't found anything that helps, and I've tried
the herbals. Ritalin does not help. The only method
that works for me is to not take Celexa for a minimum
of 2 days.Wellbutrin is supposed to help but my pdoc is reluctant
to give it to me for some reason.Check out the site Greg referred you to.
Good Luck
Posted by JohnL on June 5, 2000, at 4:51:33
In reply to sexual side effects, posted by MLG on June 4, 2000, at 2:40:00
MLG,
Sorry to hear about that pesky sex thing. I can sure relate. Happens to both sexes, and gosh isn't it frustrating?!
Since you respond to a serotonin med, I think it might be worth your time to make sure you are on the best one in its class for you. Just because Celexa works doesn't mean you should stop exploring, in my opinion. That's because you are having a bothersome side effect. Further exploration is warranted I believe. We are looking for equal or better efficacy without the sexual side effect. While Celexa is pretty good for you, there might be one even better. But personal comparison trials are needed to find out.
I wouldn't even bother with Paxil or Zoloft since these two are the most notorious for sexual problems. It's almost guaranteed. But the one in literature--and often in the real world--that has the fewest sexual side effects is good ole Prozac. And about 25% of the time enhanced sex is experienced with Prozac. Prozac didn't work that well on my anhedonic type depression, but I have to admit I had the best sex of my life with Prozac. Of course, with others it's just the opposite. But it just goes to show that the possibility does exist. It's a realistic possibility. You might want to try Prozac for 2 to 4 weeks. If it is going to work on your depression and improve sex, you will know in that short time. For me the enhanced sex became obvious after one week, despite an initial dropoff in sex at the start. It's worth a try I think.
Another possibility is to take Ritalin on an as-needed basis an from one to three hours before anticipated sex. Even without a partner, you could experiment with Ritalin just to see if your desire and ability is helped. If it helps, it should be noticeable quickly. No long trials to find out. Since it has a very short halflife, you could use it just when you need it. This is the first thing my psychiatrist gives his patients for sexual dysfunction.
In the herbal arena, Yohimbe can certainly work with both men and women. I can personally attest to its powerful aphrodisiac effects, and its pleasure enhancing effects. I mean, like, oh my gosh. Wow! But it comes with some side effects of feeling pepped up, feeling warm or hot, somewhat agitated, and then difficulty falling asleep. Though sex is incredible, the overall feeling outside of the bedroom is a bit uncomfortable. Therefore it is best used as-needed an hour to three before sex. It wears off after about 3 hours. At Rite-Aid or GNC you can get the GNC brand of Yohimbe for about $9.99, and it's worth a try.
It could be a complete substitute for Celexa might work too. Something that works better on your depression and leaves your sexlife in good shape. From International Antiaging Systems you can mailorder a box of Adrafinil for about $30. Takes 2 to 4 weeks for delivery. Try it at 300mg or 600mg for a couple weeks with your Celexa and see if you improve. If so, you may be able to stop the Celexa completely and say goodbye to the sex problems at the same time.
Just some ideas. Hopefully they help.
JohnL
Posted by Cindy W on June 5, 2000, at 7:56:46
In reply to Re: sexual side effects, posted by JohnL on June 5, 2000, at 4:51:33
> MLG,
>
> Sorry to hear about that pesky sex thing. I can sure relate. Happens to both sexes, and gosh isn't it frustrating?!
>
> Since you respond to a serotonin med, I think it might be worth your time to make sure you are on the best one in its class for you. Just because Celexa works doesn't mean you should stop exploring, in my opinion. That's because you are having a bothersome side effect. Further exploration is warranted I believe. We are looking for equal or better efficacy without the sexual side effect. While Celexa is pretty good for you, there might be one even better. But personal comparison trials are needed to find out.
>
> I wouldn't even bother with Paxil or Zoloft since these two are the most notorious for sexual problems. It's almost guaranteed. But the one in literature--and often in the real world--that has the fewest sexual side effects is good ole Prozac. And about 25% of the time enhanced sex is experienced with Prozac. Prozac didn't work that well on my anhedonic type depression, but I have to admit I had the best sex of my life with Prozac. Of course, with others it's just the opposite. But it just goes to show that the possibility does exist. It's a realistic possibility. You might want to try Prozac for 2 to 4 weeks. If it is going to work on your depression and improve sex, you will know in that short time. For me the enhanced sex became obvious after one week, despite an initial dropoff in sex at the start. It's worth a try I think.
>
> Another possibility is to take Ritalin on an as-needed basis an from one to three hours before anticipated sex. Even without a partner, you could experiment with Ritalin just to see if your desire and ability is helped. If it helps, it should be noticeable quickly. No long trials to find out. Since it has a very short halflife, you could use it just when you need it. This is the first thing my psychiatrist gives his patients for sexual dysfunction.
>
> In the herbal arena, Yohimbe can certainly work with both men and women. I can personally attest to its powerful aphrodisiac effects, and its pleasure enhancing effects. I mean, like, oh my gosh. Wow! But it comes with some side effects of feeling pepped up, feeling warm or hot, somewhat agitated, and then difficulty falling asleep. Though sex is incredible, the overall feeling outside of the bedroom is a bit uncomfortable. Therefore it is best used as-needed an hour to three before sex. It wears off after about 3 hours. At Rite-Aid or GNC you can get the GNC brand of Yohimbe for about $9.99, and it's worth a try.
>
> It could be a complete substitute for Celexa might work too. Something that works better on your depression and leaves your sexlife in good shape. From International Antiaging Systems you can mailorder a box of Adrafinil for about $30. Takes 2 to 4 weeks for delivery. Try it at 300mg or 600mg for a couple weeks with your Celexa and see if you improve. If so, you may be able to stop the Celexa completely and say goodbye to the sex problems at the same time.
>
> Just some ideas. Hopefully they help.
> JohnL
John L, how much Yohimbe did you take? I tried taking some but it just made me feel lousy. Thanks!--Cindy W
Posted by ChrisK on June 5, 2000, at 8:46:20
In reply to sexual side effects, posted by MLG on June 4, 2000, at 2:40:00
In addition to JohnL's sugestions you may want to try Ginko Biloba. It helped me a little (not a lot) but others have reacted to it.
Posted by NikkiT on June 6, 2000, at 6:21:17
In reply to sexual side effects, posted by MLG on June 4, 2000, at 2:40:00
Hi,
I've been on Serzone for about 4 weeks now... after months on Paxil, effexor etc etc. I was pretty fed up with some of the sexual side affects - not so much the lack of sex drive, as you don't miss something you don't want!! But, the lack of ability to orgasm was really getting me down.
Anyway, for the past week, the exact opposite seems to be happening.. I can suddenly orgasm within seconds of stimulation - and they don't stop at just one... And my sex drive has returned with a bang (as it were!!)
Not quite sure whats going on, but I aint complaining about this side affect right now!!
Nikki
Posted by Cindy W on June 6, 2000, at 9:05:58
In reply to Interesting on Serzone!!!, posted by NikkiT on June 6, 2000, at 6:21:17
> Hi,
>
> I've been on Serzone for about 4 weeks now... after months on Paxil, effexor etc etc. I was pretty fed up with some of the sexual side affects - not so much the lack of sex drive, as you don't miss something you don't want!! But, the lack of ability to orgasm was really getting me down.
>
> Anyway, for the past week, the exact opposite seems to be happening.. I can suddenly orgasm within seconds of stimulation - and they don't stop at just one... And my sex drive has returned with a bang (as it were!!)
>
> Not quite sure whats going on, but I aint complaining about this side affect right now!!
>
> Nikki
Nikki, your post makes me really miss the Serzone, now that I'm taking Effexor-XR and only a tiny dose of Serzone! Serzone sounds like a winner for you!--Cindy W
Posted by NikkiT on June 6, 2000, at 10:36:46
In reply to Re: sexual side effects, posted by Gordon on June 4, 2000, at 12:52:41
I wasn't sure how to write that message without a) seeming like I was bragging (!!!), or b) it still being polite!!!
It is rather nice after so many months of no interest and no reaction... think my poor hubby had a bit of a shock sunday morning though! ;o)
Effexor had an even worse effect on me than the Paxil... and it had literally been 4 or 5 months since my husband and I had had sex (considering we've only been married 7 months!!)...
Sorry the Effexor has had that effect on you though.. :o(
Posted by Heather R. on June 6, 2000, at 11:53:03
In reply to Re: Interesting on Serzone!!!, posted by Cindy W on June 6, 2000, at 9:05:58
I was taking effexor to start out with...and in less than a week *poof* no more coming for me! Boo! I switched to Serzone, and everything is back to normal. The arousal period is great, and the intensity as the waves of my orgasm rush thru are really great! So glad I switched! I also tried paxil and no matter how long or hard I tried, and I mean even masturbating for over 20 minutes, there was not a single climax to be had! Just FYI...yummy:)
Posted by dove on June 7, 2000, at 9:47:24
In reply to Re: Interesting on Serzone!!!, posted by Heather R. on June 6, 2000, at 11:53:03
I just wanted to second, or is that third or fourth, the Serzone experience. I've taken Amitriptyline, Wellbutrin, Prozac, Adderall; but the only one to ever have a positive effect on the sexual sphere of things has been the Serzone. And when I say positive, I mean truly beneficial, truly noticeable.
Now if it could just make a good dent in my anxiety and depression I'd be set.
Dove
This is the end of the thread.
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