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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by badGenes on May 12, 2006, at 8:50:57
Anyone reporting sexual side-effects with EMSAM?
MAOIS, Nardil / Parnate, give me sexual side-effects.
Posted by RobertDavid on May 12, 2006, at 11:24:31
In reply to EMSAM sexual side-effects, posted by badGenes on May 12, 2006, at 8:50:57
If anything, I've noticed more interest in sex than before. No issues with me. Rob
Posted by badGenes on May 12, 2006, at 14:24:36
In reply to Re: EMSAM sexual side-effects, posted by RobertDavid on May 12, 2006, at 11:24:31
> If anything, I've noticed more interest in sex than before. No issues with me. Rob
Have you been diagnosed with social anxiety disorder or do you have problems in that area? If so, has EMSAM been effective?
Posted by RobertDavid on May 12, 2006, at 14:46:43
In reply to Re: EMSAM sexual side-effects, posted by badGenes on May 12, 2006, at 14:24:36
Yes, Social Anxiety Disorter is my primary issue. Secondarily it's Generalized Anxiety Disorter, lastly mild depression (which I suspect is a result of the anxiety disorters).
I'm having good luck with EMSAM, more energy, clear head, improved mood. That said, I've been on 2mgs of Klonopin for 12 years which has dramatically helped my SAD/GAD so I can't say how much improvement I'm getting from EMSAM for the anxiety part. At the very least it's the missing link as far as mood, mental clarity, etc.
I'm going down slowly on the klonopin and my doctor thinks EMSAM may ultimately be all I need. Even if not, I'm good with this med blend, but I'd like to take the samllest dose of klonopin necessary.
As far as libido issues, I don't have problems in that area other than during some of my failed SSRI trials where the meds killed my sex drive. If anything, it's better on EMSAM probably just because I'm feeling good and have the energy.
I hope that's of some help to you. Rob
Posted by Phillipa on May 12, 2006, at 22:43:08
In reply to Re: EMSAM sexual side-effects, posted by RobertDavid on May 12, 2006, at 14:46:43
Rob keep posting the positive. Love Phillipa
Posted by crabwalk on May 13, 2006, at 11:41:02
In reply to Re: EMSAM sexual side-effects, posted by RobertDavid on May 12, 2006, at 14:46:43
Robert,
Can you tell me what kind of sexual side effects you had on ssris? Was it just no sex drive or did you have genital anesthesia, ED, emotional flatness, etc.? Also did the effects persist for any period of time after quitting ssris? I'm wondering because I'm still hoping that emsam will help reverse the sexual side effects of ssris that never went away for me. So far not very much success at 3 weeks though. Thanks.
Posted by RobertDavid on May 13, 2006, at 12:19:13
In reply to Re: EMSAM sexual side-effects » RobertDavid, posted by crabwalk on May 13, 2006, at 11:41:02
> Robert,
>
> Can you tell me what kind of sexual side effects you had on ssris? Was it just no sex drive or did you have genital anesthesia, ED, emotional flatness, etc.? Also did the effects persist for any period of time after quitting ssris? I'm wondering because I'm still hoping that emsam will help reverse the sexual side effects of ssris that never went away for me. So far not very much success at 3 weeks though. Thanks.I gave up on my last SSRI trial a few years ago. I tried Zoloft, Prozac, Luvox, Paxil, Celexa, Luvox and Lexapro. Basically all of them.
Some were worse sexual side effect offenders than others. For me, Paxil was the worst. Not only did I lose most interest in having sex, I could not get a full errection under any circumstances (let alone get off the couch). I was useless. With Zoloft I just didn't have my normal sex drive and when I did, performance wasn't as good, never felt like I was getting a typical full errection, but not as bad as Paxil. Luvox probably had the lease sexual side effect for me, but all of them just took some of the fun/joy/burning desire for sex away. I think I'd describe my experince with most of the SSRI's as " feminizing".
After I got off all the SSRI's within weeks sexually I was back to normal. EMSAM hasn't had any negative sexual side effects so far. If anything I'm more "mentally" interested in it. Physically everything is working the way it's supposed to. I suspect that just by feeling more energy, feeling less depressed I'm just back to a normal "craving" for sex.
I'd think once your get improvement for the anxiety/depression you're dealing with (I'm not sure which is more of an issue for you) you'll get your sex drive back. Hopefully EMSAM will be the ticket for you.
Though I've had a quick response to it, I think you really need to give EMSAM 6 to 8 weeks before you can come to conclusions unless for some reason side effects became so bad that you just can't continue. If it turns out to work, lift you mood, help with anxiety I'd suspect your other issues will get resolved.
I'm not completly positive, but I don't think SSRI's would cause permanent damage to your sex life, at least I haven't hear of that before. I think when your feeling better everything will get better. Lastly, the one thing that always helps with my sex drive is when I get regular cardio exercise.
Just my take. Hope that's some help. Rob
Posted by crabwalk on May 14, 2006, at 12:04:03
In reply to Re: EMSAM sexual side-effects » crabwalk, posted by RobertDavid on May 13, 2006, at 12:19:13
Thanks Robert. The party line on ssris is that their side effects go away after stopping. But I'm on another support group of several hundred people for which the sexual side effects of ssris are either very long lasting or, essentially permanent, meaning normal sexuality probably will only return with treatment. Most people have been waiting at least a few years with no changes, and a small number have been without sexual feeling for around a decade. Doctors have no idea that this could happen and therefore chalk it up to anxiety and depression, which, while they could play a part, cannot explain things such as anorgasmia or genital anesthesia (I have the latter). Almost everyone had no sexual problems before beginning the drug, myself included. If anything this problem leads to secondary depression.
Sexual side effects are not the only side effects that can last after quitting a drug. Extrapyramidal side effects have persisted in some cases as well. I have this problem too, as buspar gave me a tremor in my hands which persists now 5 months later.
Posted by RobertDavid on May 14, 2006, at 22:06:29
In reply to Re: EMSAM sexual side-effects » RobertDavid, posted by crabwalk on May 14, 2006, at 12:04:03
> Thanks Robert. The party line on ssris is that their side effects go away after stopping. But I'm on another support group of several hundred people for which the sexual side effects of ssris are either very long lasting or, essentially permanent, meaning normal sexuality probably will only return with treatment. Most people have been waiting at least a few years with no changes, and a small number have been without sexual feeling for around a decade. Doctors have no idea that this could happen and therefore chalk it up to anxiety and depression, which, while they could play a part, cannot explain things such as anorgasmia or genital anesthesia (I have the latter). Almost everyone had no sexual problems before beginning the drug, myself included. If anything this problem leads to secondary depression.
>
> Sexual side effects are not the only side effects that can last after quitting a drug. Extrapyramidal side effects have persisted in some cases as well. I have this problem too, as buspar gave me a tremor in my hands which persists now 5 months later.That stinks! I've never heard that you can have permanent sexual issues by taking those meds. I hope it gets better for you!
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