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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by David on September 30, 1998, at 19:31:13
I suffer from chronic depression; and have been working
with my physician on finding a anti-depressant that
works. He first put me on zoloft. It worked, but had a
couple of side effects--a high state of nervousness and
sexual dysfunction. Next, we tried Paxil. It didn't work
and still had the same side effects. Now I'm on
Effexor XR. Again I have the same side effects, only the
sexual dysfunction is not as severe as with the other two
medications, it is still cause for concern.The nervousness I can live with; the sexual dysfunction I
can live with for a little while (short term I'd rather
not be depressed than be sexually active; long term I'd
rather not be depressed and be able to have sexual relations)Is there any antidepressant out there that might not have
these side effects?David
Posted by Toby on October 1, 1998, at 15:49:48
In reply to Side effects of Zoloft, Paxil, and Effexor XR, posted by David on September 30, 1998, at 19:31:13
Wellbutrin, Serzone and Remeron have no sexual side effects. Serzone and Remeron are really more for anxious depression but can do well for plain old depression as long as you aren't already very lethargic due to the depression. Wellbutrin does very well for lethargic depressions. Since Wellbutrin came out with the sustained release form it isn't associated with agitation as much as the old immediate form was, but still sometimes it may cause a little agitation at first.
I haven't used Celexa yet, but it is supposed to be very effective for depression without hardly any of the side effects the other SSRI's have such as agitation and sexual dysfunction.
Posted by steve on January 10, 1999, at 2:31:21
In reply to Side effects of Zoloft, Paxil, and Effexor XR, posted by David on September 30, 1998, at 19:31:13
my experience is that there are no antidepressants that do not affect sexual functioning. This, of course, is why so many companies aere spending so such money to discover an anti-depress that does not affect sex.
Posted by Jef* on January 11, 1999, at 17:52:49
In reply to Side effects of Zoloft, Paxil, and Effexor XR, posted by David on September 30, 1998, at 19:31:13
I use Effexor and do not have any sexual dysfunction problems. For the nervousness my Doc has put me on Pindolol which works great. However I don't know yet how it will affect me sexually.
Posted by Erika on January 23, 1999, at 1:17:04
In reply to Side effects of Zoloft, Paxil, and Effexor XR, posted by David on September 30, 1998, at 19:31:13
My daughter was recomended by her doctor with Mellaril for her depression and OCD.
Please contact with me if you have OCD
and take Zolft,> I suffer from chronic depression; and have been working
> with my physician on finding a anti-depressant that
> works. He first put me on zoloft. It worked, but had a
> couple of side effects--a high state of nervousness and
> sexual dysfunction. Next, we tried Paxil. It didn't work
> and still had the same side effects. Now I'm on
> Effexor XR. Again I have the same side effects, only the
> sexual dysfunction is not as severe as with the other two
> medications, it is still cause for concern.> The nervousness I can live with; the sexual dysfunction I
> can live with for a little while (short term I'd rather
> not be depressed than be sexually active; long term I'd
> rather not be depressed and be able to have sexual relations)> Is there any antidepressant out there that might not have
> these side effects?> David
Posted by Susan R. on April 30, 1999, at 7:28:54
In reply to Re: Side effects of Zoloft, Paxil, and Effexor XR, posted by Jef* on January 11, 1999, at 17:52:49
>I was taking effexor XR for depression and doing wonderfully. However, I am pregnant and my psychiatrist has refused to prescribe it. He says that the medicine is too new for any studies to have been done regarding effexor and possible birth defects. Now I am taking prozac 10 mg and this is not working at all. Does anyone have any information regarding effexor xr during pregancy?
>
Posted by Betty on June 6, 2000, at 8:08:52
In reply to Re: Side effects of Zoloft, Paxil, and Effexor XR, posted by Susan R. on April 30, 1999, at 7:28:54
Does anyone have any experience with taking Effexor XR and Zoloft at the same time. My doctor started me on Effexor a few weeks ago, along with the Zoloft, which I had been taking for quite some time with good results, until the depression resurfaced. I am having trouble getting a good night's sleep and I feel tense most of the day, especially around the shoulders. I take Zoloft (200 mg) in the AM and the Effexor (112.5 mg) at noon. Progress is SLOW. I noticed that I feel much better just prior and during my period though. My Dr. does not feel this has anything to do with menopause (I'm 40) and blood test indicated my hormone levels are OK. This is sooooo frustrating. Any similar cases out there?
Posted by Cindy W on June 6, 2000, at 8:49:17
In reply to Re: Side effects of Zoloft, Paxil, and Effexor XR, posted by Betty on June 6, 2000, at 8:08:52
> Does anyone have any experience with taking Effexor XR and Zoloft at the same time. My doctor started me on Effexor a few weeks ago, along with the Zoloft, which I had been taking for quite some time with good results, until the depression resurfaced. I am having trouble getting a good night's sleep and I feel tense most of the day, especially around the shoulders. I take Zoloft (200 mg) in the AM and the Effexor (112.5 mg) at noon. Progress is SLOW. I noticed that I feel much better just prior and during my period though. My Dr. does not feel this has anything to do with menopause (I'm 40) and blood test indicated my hormone levels are OK. This is sooooo frustrating. Any similar cases out there?
Betty, I've never taken Effexor-XR and Paxil or Zoloft together, but I am taking Effexor-XR and note the same difficulty sleeping you've mentioned. I take it very early in the morning, so by night time, I'm not as keyed up. Also, I take a small amount of Serzone at night to help me sleep. You might want to ask your pdoc about changing the time you take the Effexor-XR and the Zoloft.
BTW, I'm 48 years old, and haven't reached menopause yet. I've noticed though that any pain I have (from arthritis, sore throats, whatever) diminishes when I start my period every month. The depression and OCD are pretty constant--Cindy W
Posted by BillyJr on June 6, 2000, at 9:25:38
In reply to Re: Side effects of Zoloft, Paxil, and Effexor XR, posted by Betty on June 6, 2000, at 8:08:52
I had almost the opposite reaction. I was on Effexor XR for treatment of PTSD/OCD for almost 2 years but in the last few months I began to grow aggitated for no reason. My Dr. switched me to Zoloft and I became very depressed and confused. I am now on Paxil and it seems to be working well. Keep trying and talk to your Dr.
Also, I am still not totally happy with the paxil results and am on 40 mg. I am giving it some time but dont think it is total answer. What are peoples opionion on going to 60 mg. paxil or adding 50 mg of luvox to the paxil 40 mg. I had good luck a long time ago with luvox but as we increased dosage i go terrible headaches but it really helped the ocd. I have started my own thread below for this question.
Posted by Vic on June 7, 2000, at 16:01:57
In reply to Re: Side effects of Zoloft, Paxil, and Effexor XR, posted by BillyJr on June 6, 2000, at 9:25:38
> I had almost the opposite reaction. I was on Effexor XR for treatment of PTSD/OCD for almost 2 years but in the last few months I began to grow aggitated for no reason. My Dr. switched me to Zoloft and I became very depressed and confused. I am now on Paxil and it seems to be working well. Keep trying and talk to your Dr.
>
> Also, I am still not totally happy with the paxil results and am on 40 mg. I am giving it some time but dont think it is total answer. What are peoples opionion on going to 60 mg. paxil or adding 50 mg of luvox to the paxil 40 mg. I had good luck a long time ago with luvox but as we increased dosage i go terrible headaches but it really helped the ocd. I have started my own thread below for this question.
I was on Paxil at 80 mg and noticed change at first. After about a month, it seemed not to do anything for me. I became very agitated and annoyed easily. My doctor just switched me to effexor. I'm waiting to see those results.Good luck to you.
Posted by Cari on June 7, 2000, at 17:39:59
In reply to Re: Side effects of Zoloft, Paxil, and Effexor XR » BillyJr, posted by Vic on June 7, 2000, at 16:01:57
If you're not getting any results at 40 mg of Paxil, I would seriously question whether this is the right medication for you, before you raise the dose to a megadose like that. 40 is already a rather high dose. Also, since you had such negative results on Zoloft, I'm surprised your doctor would even be so focused on Paxil since they're so closely related... For some unknown reason, Paxil quit working for me after I was on it for 4 years straight. My doctor upped my dose from 20 to 40 to 60 to 80, and while I didn't experience any adverse effects other than the typical loss of sex drive, it did nothing to help at the higher doses either. You may want to ask your doc about Remeron. I've had amazingly good results taking that in conjunction with a smaller dose of Paxil. Good luck to you and don't give up. It took them 7 yrs to get the right meds combo for me but now I'm finally alright.
Posted by BillyJr on June 9, 2000, at 7:17:34
In reply to Re: Side effects of Zoloft, Paxil, and Effexor XR, posted by Cari on June 7, 2000, at 17:39:59
Cari thanks for the reply but i wanted to answer some of your statements for the benefit of others. I have been on atleast a dozen meds or combinations there of. I have learned that these meds (SSRI's) have the possibility of working differantly on each person. I can take it, have great results and you take it and have a terrible time. No matter what the label or Dr. says it is a role of the dice. Thats the most frustrating part for me. Also people with severe OCD usually need to go off label and be placed on mega doses. I say usually because there are people helped with micro doses. within 10 years most meds will be calibrated for each individual and we all may be takeing a completely different dose but now its one big experiment and thats why we ask questions on this thread.
Posted by JenniferK on August 11, 2000, at 10:12:03
In reply to Re: Side effects of Zoloft, Paxil, and Effexor XR » Cari, posted by BillyJr on June 9, 2000, at 7:17:34
I agree with Billy that every med effects every person differently. Don't give up keep trying until you find the right one. It's definitely worth it. My doc tried me on Paxil, prozak, remeron and effexor xr. Paxil and prozak didn't help. Effexor XR seemed to help great but caused insomnia. So we switched to Remeron and that caused me to gain 10 lbs in one week. Of course I went back to the doc after that one week and he switched me back to Effexor XR 150mg. To help with the insomnia my doc prescribed me Ambien 10mg. I take my Effexor XR first thing every morning and rely on Ambien to sleep at night. This works great, but I still had problems with anxiety. Now I have Xanax to use in conjunction with Effexor and I only take the xanax when absolutely necessary and I am doing much better. My point is everyone is different and it may take some time to find the right meds, but don't give up. It's worth it in the long run. Also, Effexor does cause me sexual disfunction ( difficulty reaching orgasm) but I figure I can deal with that to feel better in life.
Posted by BW on August 12, 2000, at 0:31:28
In reply to Side effects of Zoloft, Paxil, and Effexor XR, posted by David on September 30, 1998, at 19:31:13
> I suffer from chronic depression; and have been working
> with my physician on finding a anti-depressant that
> works. He first put me on zoloft. It worked, but had a
> couple of side effects--a high state of nervousness and
> sexual dysfunction. Next, we tried Paxil. It didn't work
> and still had the same side effects. Now I'm on
> Effexor XR. Again I have the same side effects, only the
> sexual dysfunction is not as severe as with the other two
> medications, it is still cause for concern.> The nervousness I can live with; the sexual dysfunction I
> can live with for a little while (short term I'd rather
> not be depressed than be sexually active; long term I'd
> rather not be depressed and be able to have sexual relations)> Is there any antidepressant out there that might not have
> these side effects?> David
David, I've been having the same problem. I've been on meds for about eight years for depression . I've tried zoloft,zoloft with wellbutrin,wellbutrin alone, celexa, luvox, and serzone. Presently I'm on remeron with zoloft. I've been on it for two weeks now.I started off at 100mg of zoloft and 30mg of remeron.After the first week I decreased the zoloft to 50mg. My plan is to go to 45mg without any zoloft. So far I have been doing pretty well. My experience with the ssri's is that they all cause sexual dysfunction to a certain degree and the zerzone was much too sedating. Felt like i was in a fog all the time. My pdoc told me the remeron was called the upside down medication because any side effects are less at higher doses. So far I'm incouraged with the results I'm getting and the remeron has no or little sexual side effects.Ask your pdoc if remeron might be for you. Just a thought. Good Luck
Posted by Debi on August 26, 2000, at 3:09:11
In reply to Side effects of Zoloft, Paxil, and Effexor XR, posted by David on September 30, 1998, at 19:31:13
> I suffer from chronic depression; and have been working
> with my physician on finding a anti-depressant that
> works. He first put me on zoloft. It worked, but had a
> couple of side effects--a high state of nervousness and
> sexual dysfunction. Next, we tried Paxil. It didn't work
> and still had the same side effects. Now I'm on
> Effexor XR. Again I have the same side effects, only the
> sexual dysfunction is not as severe as with the other two
> medications, it is still cause for concern.> The nervousness I can live with; the sexual dysfunction I
> can live with for a little while (short term I'd rather
> not be depressed than be sexually active; long term I'd
> rather not be depressed and be able to have sexual relations)> Is there any antidepressant out there that might not have
> these side effects?> David
David, there aren't to many anti-depressants that will leave you with a sex drive. I have been on zoloft since 1986 and it killed mine. I have talked to my shrink and he just shrugs his shoulders and laughs.
Debi
Posted by tedhhmeyer on October 10, 2000, at 23:18:31
In reply to Side effects of Zoloft, Paxil, and Effexor XR, posted by David on September 30, 1998, at 19:31:13
: I have been dating a girl who has been on Paxil for the past 6 years and is having many side effects. She is having trouble finding a Dr. in the
LA area who will work with her to decrease her dosage. If anyone knows of a good Dr. in the Los Angeles area please let me know.
Posted by tuffys mommy on July 27, 2003, at 11:12:10
In reply to Re: Side effects of Zoloft, Paxil, and Effexor XR, posted by Cari on June 7, 2000, at 17:39:59
HELLO EVERYONE. I'M PRETTY NEW TO POSTING,BUT VERY SEASONED TO TAKING MEDS. HERE GOES: I'VE BEEN TAKING EFFEXOR XR FOR 3 YEARS NOW, 3OO MG. PER DAY, AND FIND MYSELF (I'M A 40 YR. OLD FEMALE)GETTING A BIT MORE DEPRESSED AS THE MONTHS GO BY. I ALSO TAKE 150 MG. OF WELLBUTRIN AND 25MCG.OF CYTOMEL TO AUGMENT THE ANTIDEPRESSANTS. I SEEM TO HAVE PLATEAUED SOMEWHERE ALONG THE LINE. I'VE COMLPLETELY LOST MY SEX DRIVE, SO I GUESS IT'S A BLESSING THAT I'M NOT IN ANY SERIOUS RELATIONSHIP AT THIS TIME. LATELY EVERYDAY I ENTERTAIN THE THOUGHT OF GOING OFF OF MY MEDS TO SEE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF I WERE IN MY TOTALLY NATURAL STATE AND TO SEE IF MY SEX DRIVE WOULD RETURN TO NORMAL. THEN I WAKE UP FROM THE DAYDREAM AND COMMON SENSE FILLS MY HEAD AND I FIND MMYSELF POPPING MY EFFEXOR XR AND WELLBUTRIN AGAIN. ALL KIDDING ASIDE, I NEED THE MEDICATION TO COPE. IT'S A SMALL PRICE TO PAY, BUT I WAS JUST WONDERING WHY THESE MEDICATIONS DO THESE THINGS TO US.ARE THE SCIENTISTS WORKING ON MEDS THAT WILL TRY TO HELP DEPRESSION AND KEEP SEX DRIVE IN TACT? THAT WOULD BE NICE. SO YOU SEE, BEING ON ANTI DEPRESSANTS IS VERY DEPRESSING ITSELF. THE SEX DRIVE IS A GOD GIVEN GIFT THAT IS A COMPONENT TO A RELATIONSHIP WITH A SPECIAL PERSON. TO GIVE OF YOURSELF TO ANOTHER. I FEEL THAT I DON'T EVEN HAVE THE SLIGHTEST INTEREST IN MEETING A MAN RIGHT NOW BECAUSE OF THIS MEDICINE THAT I'M TAKING. I NEED THE MEDICINE THOUGH.I'M STUCK. THEY SHOULD HAVE A CLUB FOR US PEOPLE. I KNOW WE WOULD SURELY UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER. THE SAD PART IS, I KNOW I MUST STAY ON THIS MEDICINE ALONG WITH THE WELLBUTRIN AND CYTOMEL AND I ALSO TAKE TOPAMAX 250MG.FOR CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN, BUT IT ALSO ACTS AS A MOOD STABILIZER. THE TOPAMAX RECENTLY REPLACED NEURONTIN 3600MG. THAT I WAS ON FOR 5 YEARS. OH WELL, I'M SURE IT COULD BE MUCH, MUCH WORSE. I JUST NEEDED TO GRIPE A BIT THATS ALL. THANK YOU ALL.
Posted by River1924 on July 27, 2003, at 14:10:57
In reply to Re: Side effects of Zoloft, Paxil, and Effexor XR, posted by tuffys mommy on July 27, 2003, at 11:12:10
Gripe all you want. That's what I do and what we all are here for...My therapist and I have a theory that one way antidepressants work is that, although we call it a side-effect, the sex drive is a potent feeling that, like many potent feelings, depressed people just don't want to deal with or can't deal with. Every read "Undoing Depression: What Therapy Doesn't Teach You And Medication Can't Give You" by Richard O'Connor, Ph.D? I'm still working on it but it seems good.
Posted by KimberlyDi on July 28, 2003, at 16:46:44
In reply to Re: Side effects of Zoloft, Paxil, and Effexor XR, posted by tuffys mommy on July 27, 2003, at 11:12:10
tuffys mom,
you hit my biggest frustration with taking Effexor right on the nail. to save myself, i must take Effexor. however, taking Effexor hurts my marriage. i can't force my body to respond. You are already taking Wellbutrin which I've heard some doc's recommend to counter the lowered sex drive side effect. Also, Effexor may have *pooped* out on you. [Such a clinical (not!) term used here frequently!!] Many folks switched successfully to Lexapro, which is reported to have fewer sexual side effects. talk to your doc.
Good Luck!
KDi in TX
Posted by KimberlyDi on July 28, 2003, at 16:59:26
In reply to Re: Side effects/Sex Drive/Griping » tuffys mommy, posted by River1924 on July 27, 2003, at 14:10:57
Interesting, my first reply almost included something too true to say. I don't work HARD at trying to fix my sexual SE problem because I am SO DARN GRATEFUL for surviving through the past year that I don't want to give up my emotional insulation. I'm safe. I don't want anyone to invade my space. The thought of intimacy is too threatening to me. Also hiding under the Effexor insulation is my anger at my husband for joining an online dating service, and being emotionally abusive and physically threatening. I have to deal with that too before being able to have a physically healthy relationship with him.
KDi in TX
Posted by tuffys mommy on July 28, 2003, at 19:55:40
In reply to Re: Side effects/Sex Drive/Griping » River1924, posted by KimberlyDi on July 28, 2003, at 16:59:26
THANK YOU RIVER AND THANK YOU KIMBERLY FOR THE ADVICE ON THE LEXAPRO. I FIRST FOUND OUT ABOUT IT ON THIS WEBSITE. DOES IT CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN? I CANNOT AFFORD WEIGHT GAIN, HOWEVER I WOULD DEFINATELY WELCOME BACK MY SEX DRIVE LIKE THOSE KIDS IN THE BRONX WELCOMED BACK KOTTER! LIKE I SAID I'M FAIRLY NEW TO THIS WHOLE PSYCHO-BABBLE THING AND I LOVE IT BECAUSE AT LEAST NOW I FEEL I HAVE A PLACE TO GO TO AIR MY SOUL IF I HAVE TO,WITH PEOPLE WHOM I HAVE A GREAT DEAL IN COMMON WITH. I SEE MY DR. ON 08/11 AND I'M GOING TO LET HER KNOW HOW UNHAPPY I'VE BEEN AND ASK HER TO CHANGE MY MEDS. AS LONG AS LEXAPRO DOES NOT PUT ON THE POUNDS. THANK YOU AGAIN KIMBERLY DI.
Posted by KimberlyDi on July 29, 2003, at 8:38:58
In reply to Re: Side effects/Sex Drive/Griping kimberly Di, posted by tuffys mommy on July 28, 2003, at 19:55:40
in general, ALL CAPS, is used to emphasize something. a whole post in "ALL CAPS" is considered "YELLING". beyond that, it seems everything else we learning in English Grammar class is thrown out the window. <grin> nothing capitalized, misspelled words, strange abbreviations, etc. all considered *the norm* (normal) here.
OK, Lexapro. I tried switching from Effexor to Lexapro a few weeks ago. I stopped the switch when I realized how many benefits from Effexor I was losing. the way Effexor works for me. in a few years, effexor may *poop out* for me. then, i'll consider switching again. There are many threads concerning Lexapro below. You might have more luck posting in those threads to get Lexapro information...
GOOD LUCK!!!
KDi in Texas
>
> THANK YOU RIVER AND THANK YOU KIMBERLY FOR THE ADVICE ON THE LEXAPRO. I FIRST FOUND OUT ABOUT IT ON THIS WEBSITE. DOES IT CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN? I CANNOT AFFORD WEIGHT GAIN, HOWEVER I WOULD DEFINATELY WELCOME BACK MY SEX DRIVE LIKE THOSE KIDS IN THE BRONX WELCOMED BACK KOTTER! LIKE I SAID I'M FAIRLY NEW TO THIS WHOLE PSYCHO-BABBLE THING AND I LOVE IT BECAUSE AT LEAST NOW I FEEL I HAVE A PLACE TO GO TO AIR MY SOUL IF I HAVE TO,WITH PEOPLE WHOM I HAVE A GREAT DEAL IN COMMON WITH. I SEE MY DR. ON 08/11 AND I'M GOING TO LET HER KNOW HOW UNHAPPY I'VE BEEN AND ASK HER TO CHANGE MY MEDS. AS LONG AS LEXAPRO DOES NOT PUT ON THE POUNDS. THANK YOU AGAIN KIMBERLY DI.
Posted by tuffys mommy on July 29, 2003, at 15:48:01
In reply to a note about online manners, not a reprimand! » tuffys mommy, posted by KimberlyDi on July 29, 2003, at 8:38:58
thanks for the online manners tips kimberly and for the advice on lexapro. i may give it a try. i could always go back to effexor xr if i feel totally dissatisfied. i will also read the other links about lexapro.does lexapro cause weight gain though?
This is the end of the thread.
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