Posted by Sad Panda on August 2, 2004, at 3:00:46
In reply to Sexual Side effects - overthecounter cures etc, posted by robot on August 2, 2004, at 1:34:55
SSRI's raise serotonin(5-HT) levels causing extra agonism at all 5-HT receptors, these currently number from 5-HT1 to 5-HT7. Agonism of some of these produce side effects. 5-HT2A agonism produces insomnia, vivid dreams, loss of stage IV sleep & inability to achieve orgasm.
Adding a 5-HT2A antagonist does a very good job at reversing these side effects, but you have to take them daily so you can build tolerance to their sedative effect as most of these are also antihistamine(H1 antagonists). Good candidates to add to an effective SSRI are low dose doxepin, amitriptyline, trimipramine, mirtazapine, trazodone or medium to high dose nortriptyline. I was using mirtazapine but have recently switched to nortriptyline combined with my Effexor.
For libido problems, Wellbutrin & Ritalin are probably the best choices. Also, check your testosterone level, mine was low & I am getting depot injections of it which has returned my libido to normal. We aren't real sure if it was caused by Effexor because I am pretty sure it was normal before I started taking it.
Cheers,
Panda.
Cheers,
Panda.
poster:Sad Panda
thread:373048
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040730/msgs/373053.html