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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by jtc on December 9, 2002, at 21:31:13
In reply to Re: Effexor XR: Any advice would be appreciated... » jtc, posted by leslieg on December 9, 2002, at 17:25:38
> My son was on Zoloft (and ritalin) from about 7 years old until he was about 11 years old. He's still on adderall for his ADHD. We used Zoloft because it had worked so very well for me; there was a definite assumption that genetically he had a greater chance of reacting well to the same med I had reacted well to. I am very afraid of Effexor, and based on my own reactions and withdrawal from it I would *never* let my kids take it. But perhaps you are doing very well on it. I weaned my son off of Zoloft as he entered his teenage years because Zoloft made me inorgasmic and I did not want my son to go through his "high-hormone teen years" with no sex drive! Sure, it may have made me worry less, but it isn't normal! Our home life had changed enough that his depression still hasn't come back. (Yea!)
>
> As for meds being approved for use on children, most are not (psychiactric or otherwise). You need to have a doctor who has used the drugs with enough children clients to have a feel for what works and what doesn't.
>
> > Hi, I am new to this message board. Any advice about Effexor XR and it's use in children would be greatly appreciated. My 8 1/2 year old daughter has severe anxiety, so much so that it is interfering with her school work. She has been tested for ADD but psychologist said she does not have it. He said she has more anxiety than most kids her age. So he referred us to a psychiatrist and she started my child on Effexor XR about 3 weeks ago. She is taking 37.5 mg daily. I don't really notice a difference but her afternoon teacher at school says she notices a difference. I take Effexor XR, 75 mg daily. I have read a lot of things about Effexor and don't know if I want my child to take it or if I should be taking it. It has helped me but I still have some side effects from it. I am just really worried about my daughter. She is so young to be taking mood altering drugs. Is there any other medications anyone knows of that she can try that have been approved by the FDA. I read that Effexor XR has not really been approved by the RDA for use in children. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
> > Thanks, jtc
Hi leslieg,
Thanks for your response. I am curious as to what problems you had while on Effexor and what were your withdrawal symptoms? I have thought about trying to go off of Effexor because I have been researching it on the internet and it sounds a little scary. That is why I am a little scared for my daughter to take it. For the most part it has helped me except for the weight gain and I also notice that if I miss a dose I start to feel lightheaded and really strange. I am on 75 mg and my daughter is on 37.5 mg. I don't need to gain any more weight though. I find myself eating all the time even when not hungry. My daughter lost 1 1/2 pounds since starting the Effexor three weeks ago and she is already thin enough. It seems like she is doing a little better since starting the Effexor. I will have to speak to her psychiatrist and get her advice about any other medications my child could try. Thanks so much for responding to my post.
jtc
>
>
Posted by AnneL on December 9, 2002, at 23:37:32
In reply to Re: Effexor XR: Any advice would be appreciated..., posted by jtc on December 9, 2002, at 21:31:13
When my daughter was 13 she developed severe anxiety and depression. She was started on Zoloft but could not tolerate the GI upset. She ended up in the hospital and was started on Effexor XR and went from 37.5 to 150 mg. within one week. She has been stable on 225 mg. for about 18 months and doing beautifully. She has just turned 15 years old, is an A and B student,has stopped worrying about her health, has given up a lot of her OCD habits (hand washing, fear of "germs")and has good friendships. Effexor, therapy, limit setting, routine, and the natural process of maturation have all helped my daughter to become confident and well. As long as your child is tolerating the medication with no undue side effects, I say go for it. My daughter adjusted to Effexor extremely well. (I take it also). Good Luck to you and your child. :) Anne
Posted by me so tiny on December 10, 2002, at 3:04:43
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin, posted by ANXIETY ANN on December 7, 2002, at 18:31:08
> Hi,
> I was wondering what the purpose of
> taking both Lexapro and Wellbutrin is?Wellbutrin works well as a complement to a lot of the SSRIs, prozac, paxil, celexa and lexapro. They boost Serotonin; WB boosts Norepinephrine and Dopamine. As others have posted:
- sex: the ssri's tend to sabotage sexual drive. Wellbutrin tends to boost it back.
- the ssri's tend to sedate you. WB tends to wake you up.As always, your milage WILL vary. The SEs you get will be a crapshoot.
I got put on WB mainly for sexual; under Paxil, orgasms were virtually impossible. When it kicked in, I have to say I liked it - the AD effect was just different. Mostly I'd notice myself in a good mood despite the fact that I was totally angry just a little bit ago.
On paxil alone, I'd end up taking like two naps a day, otherwise i'd get cranky. My insomnia, ugh, don't get me started. But, we experimented with taking various drugs in morning or evening. I now take them all in the morning. Maybe one light nap mid-day.
I've also been sweating. Not sure if it's the paxil or WB.
I too am being eased off of Paxil onto Lexapro. The paxil pooped out on me. Too early to tell, but I'm not encouraged by the anxiety that people are complaining about.
Posted by mills on December 10, 2002, at 10:12:17
In reply to Re: Effexor XR: Any advice would be appreciated... » jtc, posted by AnneL on December 9, 2002, at 23:37:32
wow, nice success story; i needed that; hey anne, would you write one for me?
> When my daughter was 13 she developed severe anxiety and depression. She was started on Zoloft but could not tolerate the GI upset. She ended up in the hospital and was started on Effexor XR and went from 37.5 to 150 mg. within one week. She has been stable on 225 mg. for about 18 months and doing beautifully. She has just turned 15 years old, is an A and B student,has stopped worrying about her health, has given up a lot of her OCD habits (hand washing, fear of "germs")and has good friendships. Effexor, therapy, limit setting, routine, and the natural process of maturation have all helped my daughter to become confident and well. As long as your child is tolerating the medication with no undue side effects, I say go for it. My daughter adjusted to Effexor extremely well. (I take it also). Good Luck to you and your child. :) Anne
Posted by leslieg on December 10, 2002, at 13:09:17
In reply to Re: Effexor XR: Any advice would be appreciated..., posted by jtc on December 9, 2002, at 21:31:13
> > My son was on Zoloft (and ritalin) from about 7 years old until he was about 11 years old. He's still on adderall for his ADHD. We used Zoloft because it had worked so very well for me; there was a definite assumption that genetically he had a greater chance of reacting well to the same med I had reacted well to. I am very afraid of Effexor, and based on my own reactions and withdrawal from it I would *never* let my kids take it. But perhaps you are doing very well on it. I weaned my son off of Zoloft as he entered his teenage years because Zoloft made me inorgasmic and I did not want my son to go through his "high-hormone teen years" with no sex drive! Sure, it may have made me worry less, but it isn't normal! Our home life had changed enough that his depression still hasn't come back. (Yea!)
> >
> > As for meds being approved for use on children, most are not (psychiactric or otherwise). You need to have a doctor who has used the drugs with enough children clients to have a feel for what works and what doesn't.
> >
> Hi leslieg,
> Thanks for your response. I am curious as to what problems you had while on Effexor and what were your withdrawal symptoms? I have thought about trying to go off of Effexor because I have been researching it on the internet and it sounds a little scary. That is why I am a little scared for my daughter to take it. For the most part it has helped me except for the weight gain and I also notice that if I miss a dose I start to feel lightheaded and really strange. I am on 75 mg and my daughter is on 37.5 mg. I don't need to gain any more weight though. I find myself eating all the time even when not hungry. My daughter lost 1 1/2 pounds since starting the Effexor three weeks ago and she is already thin enough. It seems like she is doing a little better since starting the Effexor. I will have to speak to her psychiatrist and get her advice about any other medications my child could try. Thanks so much for responding to my post.
> jtc
> >While I was on Effexor, I was taking it "once a day". Since I was very sleepy all the time, I would take it when I was up and about, which was definitely not the same time every day. But because Effexor has such a short half-life, it needs to be taken at the same time every day, or your body starts to go through withdrawal (I was not told this until too late!). I didn't realize that was what was causing my periodic dizziness and general feeling of un-wellness. I gained weight, but I had also stopped exercising and my eating had gone out of control. Although I weaned off over a 3-week period, when I finally stopped I had electrical sensations (I heard a buzz every time I moved my eyes), twitches, anxiety, weepiness, generally felt bad ... I can't remember all the symptoms. The twitches (I call them voluntary spasms), a funny non-physically-based limp and slurring words when I am tired are three things that started when I got off the Effexor which, 2.5 years later, I still have.
-- Leslie
Posted by looking for a life on December 10, 2002, at 17:14:40
In reply to Wellbutrin as a side dish » ANXIETY ANN, posted by me so tiny on December 10, 2002, at 3:04:43
> > Hi,
> > I was wondering what the purpose of
> > taking both Lexapro and Wellbutrin is?
>
> Wellbutrin works well as a complement to a lot of the SSRIs, prozac, paxil, celexa and lexapro. They boost Serotonin; WB boosts Norepinephrine and Dopamine. As others have posted:
>
> - sex: the ssri's tend to sabotage sexual drive. Wellbutrin tends to boost it back.
> - the ssri's tend to sedate you. WB tends to wake you up.
>
> As always, your milage WILL vary. The SEs you get will be a crapshoot.
>
> I got put on WB mainly for sexual; under Paxil, orgasms were virtually impossible. When it kicked in, I have to say I liked it - the AD effect was just different. Mostly I'd notice myself in a good mood despite the fact that I was totally angry just a little bit ago.
>
> On paxil alone, I'd end up taking like two naps a day, otherwise i'd get cranky. My insomnia, ugh, don't get me started. But, we experimented with taking various drugs in morning or evening. I now take them all in the morning. Maybe one light nap mid-day.
>
> I've also been sweating. Not sure if it's the paxil or WB.
>
> I too am being eased off of Paxil onto Lexapro. The paxil pooped out on me. Too early to tell, but I'm not encouraged by the anxiety that people are complaining about.
>I am on wellbutrin and it has been a consitant med for me for about 3 yrs. I sweat horribly and It is the Wellbutrin that causes it for me.
It does not get better either:O(
Posted by wharfrat on December 12, 2002, at 10:18:52
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
The sexual side effects are unbearable, I can't take it anymore. Not interested in taking other meds to counteract this. It's Bull***t. Someone let me know when the pharm companies pull their heads out and come up with something that does'nt have this side effect. They can send a man to the moon but blah blah blah, rant rant rant, rave rave rave!!!!!!!!!! AAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHH!
Quite obviously not having a decent sex session in I don't know when is making me extremely IRRITABLE!!!!!!!!!
Sorry, I had to vent
Bye Ya'll
Wharf
Posted by Denise528 on December 12, 2002, at 10:52:41
In reply to Re: 15 weeks I've had it!!!, posted by wharfrat on December 12, 2002, at 10:18:52
Hi,
I don't mean to belittle the side effects that you are experiencing but I can't understand why if you were that depressed before taking the Antidepressant, do the sexual side effects of ADs bother you so much. I'd be satisfied with just feeling better regardless of sexual side effects or is it just a man thing?
Denise
Posted by newuser2 on December 12, 2002, at 11:06:39
In reply to Re: 15 weeks I've had it!!!, posted by wharfrat on December 12, 2002, at 10:18:52
Did the sexual side effects worsen with prolonged use or were the side effects immediately noticable? I have been on Lexapro for 3 weeks and have noticed mild sexual side effects, just wondering what's in store.
Thank you
Posted by wharfrat on December 12, 2002, at 11:19:35
In reply to Re: 15 weeks I've had it!!!, posted by Denise528 on December 12, 2002, at 10:52:41
Yeah, it's just a man thing. Always horny, can't think of anything else, that's the only thing we want. I'm not just some oversexed frat boy, I'm 41.
Sex with my wife of 17 years just so happens to be something very intimate and enjoyable for both of us (or it was). Now it's nothing, a emotionally detached existence, a monotone, mundane feeling. Don't get me wrong, lexapro has made me more bearable to be around (general anxiety disorder not necessarily depression). The early side effects have long since faded, but this one lingers on. I know there's more to life than sex, but love suffers without it that's all.
Can you understand?
Posted by wharfrat on December 12, 2002, at 11:32:46
In reply to Re: 15 weeks I've had it!!!, posted by newuser2 on December 12, 2002, at 11:06:39
> Did the sexual side effects worsen with prolonged use or were the side effects immediately noticable? I have been on Lexapro for 3 weeks and have noticed mild sexual side effects, just wondering what's in store.
> Thank youThe side effects started out mild (difficulty obtaining orgasm). Sex drive has not been effected at all. That's what's so frustrating about it. Can't finish the job, that's all. I don't know if your a male or female but I have read post in the past that it CAN be a problem for both sexes. Will it ever go away? I don't know. Will this happen to you? I hope not. I've never been on any other antidepressants and when doc decided to put me on one he suggested lexapro saying "the sexual side effects are supposed to be less with lexapro, than zoloft, paxil etc.)
I just don't know what to do.
Have you had any experience with any other antid's?
Thanks,
Wharf
Posted by TerryW on December 12, 2002, at 14:12:13
In reply to Re: 15 weeks I've had it!!! » newuser2, posted by wharfrat on December 12, 2002, at 11:32:46
I have been on Lexapro for almost 3 weeks and have experienced the same sexual side effects as Wharf - increased work to get to orgasm, but no diminishment of desire or erection. I was on Paxil 1-1/2 years ago and the sexual side effects of Paxil were a lot worse - no desire whatsoever (I felt like I had been neutered.), inability to maintain an erection and even more difficulty reaching orgasm. Triple bummer.
Anxiety Help - http://www.anxietyhelp.org/treatment/medication/cipralex.html - lists the sexual side effect of "ejaculation problems" under the category of "May not Subside Until Discontinuation." Bummer. Luckily, my fiancée is supportive and understanding.
When I was on Paxil, my psychiatrist prescribed Wellbutrin to help counteract Paxil's triple whammy sexual side effect. I recall that it helped some but did not return things to 100%. I am going to see how it goes on Lexapro for a bit longer. If the sexual side effect continues (which it seems like it will from Wharf's longer experience) I may try to get back on Wellbutrin or see what else my shrink recommends.
I have heard of people taking "holidays" from their medication as a way of temporarily getting past the sexual side effects. I have not tried this. A discussion with one's doctor would be prudent before trying this.
Good luck, everyone. Hopefully understanding wives/partners will help alleviate some of the frustrations.
Posted by deadbolt on December 12, 2002, at 21:23:57
In reply to Re: 15 weeks I've had it!!! » newuser2, posted by wharfrat on December 12, 2002, at 11:32:46
Ive been on lexapro for about 2 1/2 weeks. So far having trouble sleeping. sex wise seem pretty good, not as "frisky" but its still there. it seems it may have helped my anxiety but the depression still lingers.
Posted by ayuda on December 12, 2002, at 21:37:44
In reply to Re: 15 weeks I've had it!!!, posted by wharfrat on December 12, 2002, at 10:18:52
To tell you the truth, I've had a marked increase in my sex drive on Lexapro, the first in years. So I feel bad for anyone who is having problems -- I wish I had a man in my life now that I have a desire for one!
> The sexual side effects are unbearable, I can't take it anymore. Not interested in taking other meds to counteract this. It's Bull***t. Someone let me know when the pharm companies pull their heads out and come up with something that does'nt have this side effect. They can send a man to the moon but blah blah blah, rant rant rant, rave rave rave!!!!!!!!!! AAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHH!
> Quite obviously not having a decent sex session in I don't know when is making me extremely IRRITABLE!!!!!!!!!
> Sorry, I had to vent
> Bye Ya'll
> Wharf
Posted by Stella1 on December 13, 2002, at 8:44:10
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I've noticed that w/ Lexapro and Celexa I have a lot of breast soreness. Is this normal, is anyone else experiencing it?
Posted by newuser2 on December 13, 2002, at 8:47:39
In reply to Has anyone experience breast pain?, posted by Stella1 on December 13, 2002, at 8:44:10
NO, I have been on Lexapro for 19 days and have not had that experience. I haven't heard of that side-effect. You may want to check with your Doctor or Pharmacist.
Good Luck!
Posted by leslieg on December 13, 2002, at 10:10:17
In reply to Has anyone experience breast pain?, posted by Stella1 on December 13, 2002, at 8:44:10
> I've noticed that w/ Lexapro and Celexa I have a lot of breast soreness. Is this normal, is anyone else experiencing it?
Got on Lexapro 3 weeks after weaning my 16-month old baby. Been on Lexapro for 6-7 weeks now. Nothing at all unusual or unexpected happening "up top." I suppose it is possible that you are experiencing tenseness in your pec muscles (as many do get the side effect of tense shoulders, upper back, neck and / or jaw)?
Posted by kara lynne on December 13, 2002, at 12:18:29
In reply to Has anyone experience breast pain?, posted by Stella1 on December 13, 2002, at 8:44:10
Interesting, because I just noticed increased breast pain last night. I usually get it anyway mid-cycle, but it does seem more than usual. I really had it bad with Pamelor (tricyclic)--in fact it was one of the worst side effects. But I didn't think Lexapro affected the hormones in the same way. Of course you may want to see your doctor in any case, but I did want to let you know I was having a similar problem (don't know if it's the Lexapro or not).
Posted by me so tiny on December 13, 2002, at 12:32:47
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin as a side dish, posted by looking for a life on December 10, 2002, at 17:14:40
> The sexual side effects are unbearable, I can't take it anymore.
> Not interested in taking other meds to counteract this.I can only speak for paxil, but as the paxil was ramping up (because it was pooping out in the process), the SSE's got worse and worse until there was like nothing. Desire was way down, erection was down, but orgasm just didn't happen. Viagra was recommended but only works for symptom #2. Visialize a piece of wood. Sleep on your side.
Then I was given Wellbrutrin to fix it. Desire back to normal, erection maybe just a notch lower than normal, orgasm still down but at least it happens. Cutting back on the paxil helped, too, which you can sortof do maybe for depression.
But WB made me sweat. On a first date, she mentioned it, it was that bad. I was wearing shorts. So he gave me Terazosin for that. It's documented as a bloodpressure lowering drug but my pdoc insists it's ok to use for this.
> It's Bull***t.
yeah. But i guess a generation ago we'd be taking MAOI's and we couldn't eat cheese or red wine, otherwise the REAL side effects would kick in.
>The side effects started out mild (difficulty obtaining orgasm).
>Sex drive has not been effected at all. That's what's so
>frustrating about it. Can't finish the job, that's all. I don't
>know if your a male or female but I have read post in the past
>that it CAN be a problem for both sexes.yeah, that's on lexapro, right? The WB does help with that, sure.
I first read about this in Playboy Mag. (that's my 'girlfriend' these days.) It seems to be common to the SSRI's. I've also heard that WB alone just boosts sex. So if WB sooths your depression as is, maybe WB alone is the solution. I don't think it works for anxiety - it just wires you more.
>I have been on Lexapro for almost 3 weeks and have experienced
>the same sexual side effects as Wharf - increased work to get to
>orgasm, but no diminishment of desire or erection. I was on
>Paxil 1-1/2 years ago and the sexual side effects of Paxil were
>a lot worse - no desire whatsoever (I felt like I had been
>neutered.), inability to maintain an erection and even more
>difficulty reaching orgasm. Triple bummer.THAT is exactly what I had. I was spreading out the porn magazines by my bed, like a homophobic father trying to get his homosexual son interested in women again. C'mon, guy, she's cute. Or how about her? There must be somebody here who can do it.
OK, I'm switching over to Lex, ten days so far.
>I have heard of people taking "holidays" from their medication
>as a way of temporarily getting past the sexual side effects. I
>have not tried this. A discussion with one's doctor would be
>prudent before trying this.yes. I've heard people screaming as they were discontinuing AD's, like the wicked witch of the west as she was melting. I think you can loose your momentum pretty easy.
Posted by mills on December 13, 2002, at 13:32:48
In reply to Re: 15 weeks I've had it!!! » wharfrat, posted by ayuda on December 12, 2002, at 21:37:44
i switched to lexapro from paxil because of the sexual side effects on paxil (yes, i am a man); the lexapro so far is not AS debilitating on the orgasmic ability, but it's also not as effective on my ocd as paxil, so for me it's 'what can i live with?' and for me it's 'try to live with a little more obsessiveness than i like, and a little bit of sex (hey, it's not like they're lining up out there for me anyway, you know? so who am i kidding?)
Posted by MarathonMom on December 13, 2002, at 14:52:21
In reply to Has anyone experience breast pain?, posted by Stella1 on December 13, 2002, at 8:44:10
> I've noticed that w/ Lexapro and Celexa I have a lot of breast soreness. Is this normal, is anyone else experiencing it?
Yes, I experienced breast tenderness when I first started taking Celexa, and that side effect could carry over to Lexapro too. It only lasted about a week and a half, but was quite painful, almost like that plugged duct feeling I remember from nursing my girls.
Hope you're doing better and that the soreness is short-lived. Take care.
Posted by ayuda on December 13, 2002, at 16:34:11
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin as a side dish, posted by me so tiny on December 13, 2002, at 12:32:47
I feel so bad for you guys -- but your stories are so funny! Maybe I shouldn't laugh at someone else's misfortunes, but then again, I'm just glad to have gotten a sex drive back after years without it.
And for us girls, I don't think that the orgasm problems exist -- but the thread about breast pain, that's the kind of "sse" we get (you don't want anyone touching them when they ache). I was wondering if Viagra helped -- guess it doesn't get you to the finish line, though. I wonder if there is something about seratonin that makes it important to the male orgasm?
Not to pry (though you all started the topic), but can you ejaculate, or is it ejaculation and orgasm that are suppressed? I'm just curious -- the female response to these meds just being so different.
> > The sexual side effects are unbearable, I can't take it anymore.
> > Not interested in taking other meds to counteract this.
>
> I can only speak for paxil, but as the paxil was ramping up (because it was pooping out in the process), the SSE's got worse and worse until there was like nothing. Desire was way down, erection was down, but orgasm just didn't happen. Viagra was recommended but only works for symptom #2. Visialize a piece of wood. Sleep on your side.
>
> Then I was given Wellbrutrin to fix it. Desire back to normal, erection maybe just a notch lower than normal, orgasm still down but at least it happens. Cutting back on the paxil helped, too, which you can sortof do maybe for depression.
>
> But WB made me sweat. On a first date, she mentioned it, it was that bad. I was wearing shorts. So he gave me Terazosin for that. It's documented as a bloodpressure lowering drug but my pdoc insists it's ok to use for this.
>
> > It's Bull***t.
>
> yeah. But i guess a generation ago we'd be taking MAOI's and we couldn't eat cheese or red wine, otherwise the REAL side effects would kick in.
>
>
> >The side effects started out mild (difficulty obtaining orgasm).
> >Sex drive has not been effected at all. That's what's so
> >frustrating about it. Can't finish the job, that's all. I don't
> >know if your a male or female but I have read post in the past
> >that it CAN be a problem for both sexes.
>
> yeah, that's on lexapro, right? The WB does help with that, sure.
>
> I first read about this in Playboy Mag. (that's my 'girlfriend' these days.) It seems to be common to the SSRI's. I've also heard that WB alone just boosts sex. So if WB sooths your depression as is, maybe WB alone is the solution. I don't think it works for anxiety - it just wires you more.
>
> >I have been on Lexapro for almost 3 weeks and have experienced
> >the same sexual side effects as Wharf - increased work to get to
> >orgasm, but no diminishment of desire or erection. I was on
> >Paxil 1-1/2 years ago and the sexual side effects of Paxil were
> >a lot worse - no desire whatsoever (I felt like I had been
> >neutered.), inability to maintain an erection and even more
> >difficulty reaching orgasm. Triple bummer.
>
> THAT is exactly what I had. I was spreading out the porn magazines by my bed, like a homophobic father trying to get his homosexual son interested in women again. C'mon, guy, she's cute. Or how about her? There must be somebody here who can do it.
>
>
> OK, I'm switching over to Lex, ten days so far.
>
>
> >I have heard of people taking "holidays" from their medication
> >as a way of temporarily getting past the sexual side effects. I
> >have not tried this. A discussion with one's doctor would be
> >prudent before trying this.
>
> yes. I've heard people screaming as they were discontinuing AD's, like the wicked witch of the west as she was melting. I think you can loose your momentum pretty easy.
>
>
Posted by mills on December 13, 2002, at 16:54:56
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin as a side dish » me so tiny, posted by ayuda on December 13, 2002, at 16:34:11
well, i can only speak for myself, but if i am persistent enough, and my partner is willing to undergo a lengthy sexual encounter (usually NOT the problem), then eventually there is, drum roll, ejaculation, but, man, it is hard work; just not as much feeling 'down there;' the sex drive is there and the desire is there, though both are stunted from normal, the result requires great effort, but is possible; in fact, much more possible than with paxil, which made my girlfriend want to marry me and made want to die
> I feel so bad for you guys -- but your stories are so funny! Maybe I shouldn't laugh at someone else's misfortunes, but then again, I'm just glad to have gotten a sex drive back after years without it.
>
> And for us girls, I don't think that the orgasm problems exist -- but the thread about breast pain, that's the kind of "sse" we get (you don't want anyone touching them when they ache). I was wondering if Viagra helped -- guess it doesn't get you to the finish line, though. I wonder if there is something about seratonin that makes it important to the male orgasm?
>
> Not to pry (though you all started the topic), but can you ejaculate, or is it ejaculation and orgasm that are suppressed? I'm just curious -- the female response to these meds just being so different.
>
> > > The sexual side effects are unbearable, I can't take it anymore.
> > > Not interested in taking other meds to counteract this.
> >
> > I can only speak for paxil, but as the paxil was ramping up (because it was pooping out in the process), the SSE's got worse and worse until there was like nothing. Desire was way down, erection was down, but orgasm just didn't happen. Viagra was recommended but only works for symptom #2. Visialize a piece of wood. Sleep on your side.
> >
> > Then I was given Wellbrutrin to fix it. Desire back to normal, erection maybe just a notch lower than normal, orgasm still down but at least it happens. Cutting back on the paxil helped, too, which you can sortof do maybe for depression.
> >
> > But WB made me sweat. On a first date, she mentioned it, it was that bad. I was wearing shorts. So he gave me Terazosin for that. It's documented as a bloodpressure lowering drug but my pdoc insists it's ok to use for this.
> >
> > > It's Bull***t.
> >
> > yeah. But i guess a generation ago we'd be taking MAOI's and we couldn't eat cheese or red wine, otherwise the REAL side effects would kick in.
> >
> >
> > >The side effects started out mild (difficulty obtaining orgasm).
> > >Sex drive has not been effected at all. That's what's so
> > >frustrating about it. Can't finish the job, that's all. I don't
> > >know if your a male or female but I have read post in the past
> > >that it CAN be a problem for both sexes.
> >
> > yeah, that's on lexapro, right? The WB does help with that, sure.
> >
> > I first read about this in Playboy Mag. (that's my 'girlfriend' these days.) It seems to be common to the SSRI's. I've also heard that WB alone just boosts sex. So if WB sooths your depression as is, maybe WB alone is the solution. I don't think it works for anxiety - it just wires you more.
> >
> > >I have been on Lexapro for almost 3 weeks and have experienced
> > >the same sexual side effects as Wharf - increased work to get to
> > >orgasm, but no diminishment of desire or erection. I was on
> > >Paxil 1-1/2 years ago and the sexual side effects of Paxil were
> > >a lot worse - no desire whatsoever (I felt like I had been
> > >neutered.), inability to maintain an erection and even more
> > >difficulty reaching orgasm. Triple bummer.
> >
> > THAT is exactly what I had. I was spreading out the porn magazines by my bed, like a homophobic father trying to get his homosexual son interested in women again. C'mon, guy, she's cute. Or how about her? There must be somebody here who can do it.
> >
> >
> > OK, I'm switching over to Lex, ten days so far.
> >
> >
> > >I have heard of people taking "holidays" from their medication
> > >as a way of temporarily getting past the sexual side effects. I
> > >have not tried this. A discussion with one's doctor would be
> > >prudent before trying this.
> >
> > yes. I've heard people screaming as they were discontinuing AD's, like the wicked witch of the west as she was melting. I think you can loose your momentum pretty easy.
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by leslieg on December 13, 2002, at 17:33:25
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin as a side dish » me so tiny, posted by ayuda on December 13, 2002, at 16:34:11
> I feel so bad for you guys -- but your stories are so funny! Maybe I shouldn't laugh at someone else's misfortunes, but then again, I'm just glad to have gotten a sex drive back after years without it.
>
> And for us girls, I don't think that the orgasm problems exist -- but the thread about breast pain, that's the kind of "sse" we get (you don't want anyone touching them when they ache). I was wondering if Viagra helped -- guess it doesn't get you to the finish line, though. I wonder if there is something about seratonin that makes it important to the male orgasm?
>
> Not to pry (though you all started the topic), but can you ejaculate, or is it ejaculation and orgasm that are suppressed? I'm just curious -- the female response to these meds just being so different.
>I'm female. When I was on Zoloft I could not reach orgasim. I wanted to (although my sex drive was diminished). The problem seemed to be that my mind could not stay focused on the task. I almost always got too tired and gave up. When I started on Lexapro, one of the first things I did was pull out my old vibrator, and think about shopping for a new one. Fortunately, Lexapro hasn't affected me as badly as Zoloft did!
Posted by Ritchie on December 13, 2002, at 18:35:29
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Taking lexapro and i have high blood pressure. has anyone heard of your pressure increasing on lexapro, mine is going up.
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