Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 9499

Shown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Reaching Out...Looking for support

Posted by Roo (ruth) on August 2, 1999, at 14:16:16

Hi,

I just went to the pharmacologist about AD's and
sexual side effects. She said since I've already
tried 2 of the SSRI's and had sexual side effects,
and two of the newer AD's, Wellbutrin and Serzone didn't
work for my depression, that our first course of action
could be A) Try Remeron or B) try a TCA
I asked her about adding something on to prozac (since
it works for me so well otherwise) and she said most
of those options are very iffy and cut back on
spontaneity.
Because I'm really scared of people's reports on Remeron
adding on lots of weight really quickly, I opted for
the disipramine. I also took it for a month about
8 years ago--can't remember much about whether it affected
me sexually, but I don't remember gaining weight on
disipramine.
I don't know....
What's my point here....
This may sound stupid, but a part of me feels selfish
for pursuing this Ad that dosent' have sexual side effects
thing so agressively. I feel
like I should just be happy that my drug works for
my depression and shut up about it. I feel like it's
"bad" that I want everything. But I do. Is that wrong?

I feel scared to be on the road of experimentation again
after just getting stable and content with the prozac.

Maybe that's my point. Feeling kind of scared and unsure.
I know I have to just keep trying until something works,
it's just such a scarey process, never knowing what's
going to happen, how a drug is going to effect me. I'm
mostly spooked b/c wellbutrin and serzone made me feel
so BAD, just awful...

Can anyone relate?

 

Re: Reaching Out...Looking for support

Posted by glenn on August 2, 1999, at 16:43:15

In reply to Reaching Out...Looking for support, posted by Roo (ruth) on August 2, 1999, at 14:16:16

> Hi,
>
> I just went to the pharmacologist about AD's and
> sexual side effects. She said since I've already
> tried 2 of the SSRI's and had sexual side effects,
> and two of the newer AD's, Wellbutrin and Serzone didn't
> work for my depression, that our first course of action
> could be A) Try Remeron or B) try a TCA
> I asked her about adding something on to prozac (since
> it works for me so well otherwise) and she said most
> of those options are very iffy and cut back on
> spontaneity.
> Because I'm really scared of people's reports on Remeron
> adding on lots of weight really quickly, I opted for
> the disipramine. I also took it for a month about
> 8 years ago--can't remember much about whether it affected
> me sexually, but I don't remember gaining weight on
> disipramine.
> I don't know....
> What's my point here....
> This may sound stupid, but a part of me feels selfish
> for pursuing this Ad that dosent' have sexual side effects
> thing so agressively. I feel
> like I should just be happy that my drug works for
> my depression and shut up about it. I feel like it's
> "bad" that I want everything. But I do. Is that wrong?
>
> I feel scared to be on the road of experimentation again
> after just getting stable and content with the prozac.
>
> Maybe that's my point. Feeling kind of scared and unsure.
> I know I have to just keep trying until something works,
> it's just such a scarey process, never knowing what's
> going to happen, how a drug is going to effect me. I'm
> mostly spooked b/c wellbutrin and serzone made me feel
> so BAD, just awful...
>
> Can anyone relate?
i guess a lot of people will relate, i can tell you about remeron as i took it for 6 months, no side effects which for me was great as paxil and zoloft made me fell very much worse after only one pill, it wasnt great for my depression but at least it enabled me to beleive that not all meds are awful
i have heard that buspar can negate prozacs sexual problems, check out beyond prozac by robert norden for details, if youve found an ad that works for you id be tempted to try nordens suggestions before giving it up, the search is often hell in itself as you probably know
all the best
glenn

 

Support!!!

Posted by Judy on August 2, 1999, at 18:03:34

In reply to Reaching Out...Looking for support, posted by Roo (ruth) on August 2, 1999, at 14:16:16

Hi Roo,

Don't ever think or let anyone tell you that it's wrong to want to be as 'normal' as you can be. You shouldn't have to make big trade-off's in your life in order to get some benefit from an AD. I once actually asked my doctor if he would choose castration if that were the only way he could have mental health. He looked at me strangely and I reminded him that he was basically offering me the same choice in the form of a libido-killing AD!

The first AD I ever took was the TCA Imipramine (brand name Tofranil, I think). It worked relatively well for my depression and caused me to gain about ten pounds during the year I took it BUT it had no effect on my libido and may have even enhanced my sexual response. (The worst thing I remember about it was sweating profusely all the time.) I've never taken Disipramine so I can't comment on that, but at least I'm in the same class.

My experiences with Serzone and Wellbutrin were as bad as yours. I can almost promise you that a TCA won't be like that. I too have heard that Rememon causes out-of-control weight gain - maybe someone here can refute that.

I'm behind you all the way Ruth. Demand everything you want! Don't accept less. Right now I too am experimenting with a new AD in the hopes of finding one that works best for me (in every possible).

My very best wishes, Judy


> Hi,
>
> I just went to the pharmacologist about AD's and
> sexual side effects. She said since I've already
> tried 2 of the SSRI's and had sexual side effects,
> and two of the newer AD's, Wellbutrin and Serzone didn't
> work for my depression, that our first course of action
> could be A) Try Remeron or B) try a TCA
> I asked her about adding something on to prozac (since
> it works for me so well otherwise) and she said most
> of those options are very iffy and cut back on
> spontaneity.
> Because I'm really scared of people's reports on Remeron
> adding on lots of weight really quickly, I opted for
> the disipramine. I also took it for a month about
> 8 years ago--can't remember much about whether it affected
> me sexually, but I don't remember gaining weight on
> disipramine.
> I don't know....
> What's my point here....
> This may sound stupid, but a part of me feels selfish
> for pursuing this Ad that dosent' have sexual side effects
> thing so agressively. I feel
> like I should just be happy that my drug works for
> my depression and shut up about it. I feel like it's
> "bad" that I want everything. But I do. Is that wrong?
>
> I feel scared to be on the road of experimentation again
> after just getting stable and content with the prozac.
>
> Maybe that's my point. Feeling kind of scared and unsure.
> I know I have to just keep trying until something works,
> it's just such a scarey process, never knowing what's
> going to happen, how a drug is going to effect me. I'm
> mostly spooked b/c wellbutrin and serzone made me feel
> so BAD, just awful...
>
> Can anyone relate?

 

Re: Support!!!

Posted by Cynthia on August 2, 1999, at 22:37:57

In reply to Support!!!, posted by Judy on August 2, 1999, at 18:03:34

> Hi Roo,
>
I've used Desipramine and had a GREAT sex life on it, even a slightly better sex drive and ability to orgasm than not being depressed and not taking any ADs. Anafranil was even better for me sexually, but increased my OCD and my appetite to an uncontrollable degree. I didn't gain any weight on Desipramine. My appetite did 'come alive' on Desipramine but I was able to control it without much effort.


You are not crazy for experimenting. It's a good sign! If you couldn't get out of bed or were suicidal, I don't think you'd be worried about your sex life. You're willing to take chances to make your life better.

Good luck,

Cynthia

 

Re: Support-thanks Judy and Cynthia

Posted by ruth (roo) on August 3, 1999, at 7:32:34

In reply to Re: Support!!!, posted by Cynthia on August 2, 1999, at 22:37:57


Thank you so much Judy and Cynthia. I found your
posts so very encouraging. I really appreciate
you taking the time to support me. I'm feeling
better about it all now...I have the feeling everything
will work out fine.

Thanks again, my hearts got that warm fuzzy feeling :-)

Ruth (Roo)

 

Re: Reaching Out.--to Glenn

Posted by Roo on August 3, 1999, at 7:33:53

In reply to Re: Reaching Out...Looking for support, posted by glenn on August 2, 1999, at 16:43:15

Thanks so much Glenn, for your suggestions--I'm
wondering where I can find Norden's information?

Again, thanks so much for your response :-)

Ruth

 

Sounds a little familiar...

Posted by Racer on August 3, 1999, at 12:10:46

In reply to Reaching Out...Looking for support, posted by Roo (ruth) on August 2, 1999, at 14:16:16

>
> Can anyone relate?

You betcha! I am picking up a prescription for cyproheptadine today, to see if that can help my anorgasmia. There's not a darn thing wrong with wanting it all, and there's nothing wrong with wanting to experience the pleasure and release of orgasm. It's natural, and it's healthy. And it's natural and healthy to want it, too.

For me, spontaneity is not an issue, since I'm single all the way around. My vibrator isn't going to object. Since I've had such lousy experience lately, I was unwilling to change my ADs, and unwilling to take anything I'd have to take daily. The idea of taking a drug that has been around long enough to be known pretty thoroughly, only when I want/need it, and having it help with my sleep problems as well as my orgasm problems, well, I couldn't resist.

My libido is not a problem, but it really is a problem to lose out on orgasm. It's taking 20 to 40 minutes with my appliance, rather than 5 to 6. Sorry, that's not to my taste. By the time I get there, I'm so bored I wonder why I started in the first place...

Good luck to you, and let us know how it goes.

 

Re: Sounds a little familiar...

Posted by ruth (roo) on August 3, 1999, at 12:45:41

In reply to Sounds a little familiar..., posted by Racer on August 3, 1999, at 12:10:46

Thanks Racer :-)

Good luck with the cyproheptadine! I don't blame
you for not wanting to switch meds at the moment--
I've been following your posts and you've had a hell
of a year, a really hard row to hoe. You sound
really positive lately, and I'm really happy for
you.
I will certainly keep everyone up to date (can't
seem to help it!). I was sharing some of the
responses to my post with my boyfriend and he said
"man, you sure are lucky to have that group as a
resource" and I agreed and said that the people
that post seem like what I like to call "quality
people"--smart, funny, depth, integrity...
Let us know how the cyproheptadine works for you :-)

Thanks for your response--Ruth (Roo)

 

Re: Reaching Out.--to Glenn

Posted by glenn on August 3, 1999, at 12:56:36

In reply to Re: Reaching Out.--to Glenn, posted by Roo on August 3, 1999, at 7:33:53

> Thanks so much Glenn, for your suggestions--I'm
> wondering where I can find Norden's information?
>
> Again, thanks so much for your response :-)
>
> Ruth

you can get them from his book- "beyond prozac"
isbn 0-06-098707-3, -page 151 is entitled "reducing sexual side effects
he says 70% of his patients were greatly helped with this problem by buspar
tried it myself- without the prozac, no great effect on me but no side effects either
hope this helps
glenn
ps i didnt gain a pound on remeron i found it very mild , no great help but very mild indeed, but maybe thats just me!

 

Re: Reaching Out...Looking for support

Posted by Sean on August 3, 1999, at 16:32:51

In reply to Reaching Out...Looking for support, posted by Roo (ruth) on August 2, 1999, at 14:16:16

> Hi,
>
> I just went to the pharmacologist about AD's and
> sexual side effects. She said since I've already
> tried 2 of the SSRI's and had sexual side effects,
> and two of the newer AD's, Wellbutrin and Serzone didn't
> work for my depression, that our first course of action
> could be A) Try Remeron or B) try a TCA
> I asked her about adding something on to prozac (since
> it works for me so well otherwise) and she said most
> of those options are very iffy and cut back on
> spontaneity.
> Because I'm really scared of people's reports on Remeron
> adding on lots of weight really quickly, I opted for
> the disipramine. I also took it for a month about
> 8 years ago--can't remember much about whether it affected
> me sexually, but I don't remember gaining weight on
> disipramine.
> I don't know....
> What's my point here....
> This may sound stupid, but a part of me feels selfish
> for pursuing this Ad that dosent' have sexual side effects
> thing so agressively. I feel
> like I should just be happy that my drug works for
> my depression and shut up about it. I feel like it's
> "bad" that I want everything. But I do. Is that wrong?
>
> I feel scared to be on the road of experimentation again
> after just getting stable and content with the prozac.
>
> Maybe that's my point. Feeling kind of scared and unsure.
> I know I have to just keep trying until something works,
> it's just such a scarey process, never knowing what's
> going to happen, how a drug is going to effect me. I'm
> mostly spooked b/c wellbutrin and serzone made me feel
> so BAD, just awful...
>
> Can anyone relate?

Roo-

Sorry you're feeling so bad. I don't think it is
asking too much to have a sex life. Being a pharmacological
ping-pong ball is no fun at all! I'm with you and
hope things resolve somehow. Best wishes,

Sean.

 

Re desipramine from male view

Posted by Morc on August 3, 1999, at 16:49:25

In reply to Re: Sounds a little familiar..., posted by ruth (roo) on August 3, 1999, at 12:45:41


FYI: I was on desipramine about 10 years ago and had retrograde ejaculation!

 

Re: Reaching Out...Looking for support

Posted by Ruth (the other one) on August 3, 1999, at 20:08:03

In reply to Reaching Out...Looking for support, posted by Roo (ruth) on August 2, 1999, at 14:16:16

I can only echo what others have said. You can't question your right to want it all. Maybe when we're at our most depressed we are content to just have the depression lift a little. But when we feel better we want our lives back, and that includes sexually.
As for the medication trials, I know of no good way of making peace with having to deal with them. I try to tell myself that it is just part of the reality of treating this awful illness. But I too get both frustrated and scared at the prospect.
I guess all I can really offer is support as you try these paths. I hope you will feel it and that it will help


> Hi,
>
> I just went to the pharmacologist about AD's and
> sexual side effects. She said since I've already
> tried 2 of the SSRI's and had sexual side effects,
> and two of the newer AD's, Wellbutrin and Serzone didn't
> work for my depression, that our first course of action
> could be A) Try Remeron or B) try a TCA
> I asked her about adding something on to prozac (since
> it works for me so well otherwise) and she said most
> of those options are very iffy and cut back on
> spontaneity.
> Because I'm really scared of people's reports on Remeron
> adding on lots of weight really quickly, I opted for
> the disipramine. I also took it for a month about
> 8 years ago--can't remember much about whether it affected
> me sexually, but I don't remember gaining weight on
> disipramine.
> I don't know....
> What's my point here....
> This may sound stupid, but a part of me feels selfish
> for pursuing this Ad that dosent' have sexual side effects
> thing so agressively. I feel
> like I should just be happy that my drug works for
> my depression and shut up about it. I feel like it's
> "bad" that I want everything. But I do. Is that wrong?
>
> I feel scared to be on the road of experimentation again
> after just getting stable and content with the prozac.
>
> Maybe that's my point. Feeling kind of scared and unsure.
> I know I have to just keep trying until something works,
> it's just such a scarey process, never knowing what's
> going to happen, how a drug is going to effect me. I'm
> mostly spooked b/c wellbutrin and serzone made me feel
> so BAD, just awful...
>
> Can anyone relate?

 

Re: Reaching Out...Looking for support

Posted by ruth/roo on August 4, 1999, at 7:20:09

In reply to Re: Reaching Out...Looking for support, posted by Ruth (the other one) on August 3, 1999, at 20:08:03

Ruth,

Thanks a lot for your response--I do feel it, and
it does really help just to know that others know
how scarey it can be experimenting with finding
the right med--as Sean said, feeling like a
pharmaceutical ping pong ball--that about sums it
up!

 

Re: Reaching Out...Looking for support

Posted by brenn on August 4, 1999, at 19:51:20

In reply to Re: Reaching Out...Looking for support, posted by ruth/roo on August 4, 1999, at 7:20:09

I've just started wellbutrin this week because of the sexual side effects I got from effexor. And I know how you feel roo. When I was feeling so rotten from the effexor withdrawal I thought I was really being dumb about changing meds. I still have flashes of fear about being without the effexor which did work well for me.

On the other hand I can see no reason anyone should have to either have no sex life or work so hard at having a decent one in exchange for not being depressed.

I say no it isn't wrong to try a new med in hopes that it will help the depression and have no sexual side effects. Hope it works out for you.

brenn

 

Re: Thanks Brenn

Posted by roo on August 5, 1999, at 7:28:10

In reply to Re: Reaching Out...Looking for support, posted by brenn on August 4, 1999, at 19:51:20

Thanks Brenn, It just helps when people who've
experienced this stuff know how scarey it is.
I think I've already noticed a difference (depressions
wise) from moving down to 10 mg's of prozac. Could
be my imagination. We're gonna taper the prozac
slowly for week and then slowly add disipramine.
Luckily I probably won't have withdrawal like you
did with Effexor (I've heard effexor w/d is hell).
I'm extra nervous about all this b/c I have a vacation
coming up soon with my boyfriend and his parents
(a week in the grand canyon, which should be fun,
but not if you're going thru med hell)...I'm just
scared I'm going to burst into tears in front of
everyone or be really socially withdrawn or awkward...

But you are right, why should I make that trade off?
I will if I have to, but I'm certainly going to
explore all my options first....

 

Re: Thanks Brenn

Posted by JohnL on August 9, 1999, at 19:10:00

In reply to Re: Thanks Brenn, posted by roo on August 5, 1999, at 7:28:10


Hi Roo. I was sent out of town on an annual company meeting. Otherwise I would have responded a lot quicker. Late as it may be, I sure feel for you and offer you all my support.

Been there, done that, SSOOOO many times. And likely will again. Yeah, it is scarey. But I think you are doing the right thing. The right drug to relieve the depression AND allow important parts of you to function is available. We just don't know which one. My sex is fine with Prozac right now. ???? Not sure what went wrong. Prozac isn't known for good sex. But I can't complain. At least not yet (6 weeks). The point is we just never know till we try. I applaud and admire your strength and courage in rejecting mediocracy. You deserve the best, and I'm wishing it for you. JohnL.

 

Re: Thanks JohnL

Posted by Roo on August 10, 1999, at 7:02:38

In reply to Re: Thanks Brenn, posted by JohnL on August 9, 1999, at 19:10:00

Thanks JohnL, it's good to see your posts again.
I always read them even if I'm not interested in
the subject, b/c your insights are so good.

I'm SO glad that prozac is working so well for
you. It's been the best ever for my depression, I
hardly ever even felt like I was on a drug, except
for the bedroom. I'm very glad it's around and if
nothing else works, I will go back to it.

We'll see about the disipramine. I took my first
very low dose last night and slept like shit!
I'm sure it'll be an adjustment.

 

Your desipramine experience

Posted by PhoenixGirl on December 1, 2000, at 14:22:29

In reply to Re: Thanks JohnL, posted by Roo on August 10, 1999, at 7:02:38

Dear Roo,

I did a search on babble for desipramine, and I found your posts from a 1999. How did you do, or are you doing, on desipramine? I'm in the process of going off of remeron and onto desipramine because of the sexual side effects of remeron.


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