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Wednesday, July 23, 2008 S. Ranoia asks

Q: sexual side effects for women using anti-depressants...HELP!!!

Please help me!!! i have been having sexual side effects from using anti-depressants for years now...i never can reach orgasm very easily, if ever... and i'm so sick of feeling less of a woman for it!!! I would love to know what sexual gratification is anymore...my husband is so giving and patient with me .I know it is frustrating for him too...I feel so lost...can anyone please tell me what might help??? I have even tried to go without my meds trying to feel something again,but I couldn't get past the withdrawn effects of the meds... although curiously I did start having sexual dreams when i tried to back off of them...Is there anything out there for women, and if not-why not????

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Answers (3)
7/23/08 10:07pm

Hi S:

I hear this problem from patients frequently -- both men and women complain of decreased libido with medications. While I'm not a physician, I have asked two friends who are psychiatrists which antidepressants have the best side effect profile and have been told that Wellbutrin would be the most widely prescribed medication for depression had it appeared on the market before Prozac. They maintain that sexual side effects are fewer with this medication.

 

When my patients have switched to some form of Wellbutrin (since there is Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR), they typically report satisfaction with the change and experience a return in their libido.

 

However, remember, all medications carry side effects and you should learn what you can, and ask your physician about the risks involved.

 

I hope this helps,

Dr. Diana Walcutt

The Stress Masters

 

*Dr. Walcutt is a Psychologist, not a Psychiatrist. Psychiatrists prescribe medications. Psychologists study them, but the majority of Psychologists are not authorized to prescribe meds or give you specific advice about them. Dr. Walcutt's answers are not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or mental disorder. Any information given in a post about medication is for educational purposes only, and primarily to aid you in having an informed discussion with your own Psychiatrist/Physician.

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8/ 8/08 7:37pm

My Doctor had me take xanex instead of taking meds daily. I had the same problem. I am not willing to give up my sex life to take these medications. The xanex helps a little but I think my dose is to low. I to could not have an orgasm with the anti-depressent medications. The prozac was not as bad. I still had to fight to have an orgasm though. Now I love it because it happens like clock work now!!Embarassed Not to be vulgar but with the meds my cli**rous was not evening getting erected so I new something was wrong. I cannot even spell thatEmbarassed!!! So talk to your Dr about xanex or prozac. I would try the xanex though.

Lakeka

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12/ 6/08 2:38am

just keep tryin different ones until you find one that works for you, each one works different on different people

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