sex and medication

[Janeway]

Hi all,

I am on anti depressants and doing really well on them so I want to keep taking them. They are really good I only have 1 side effect: I have trouble cumming. It can be really frustrating because it feels like I am on the threshold but can't quite get there.

It's hard on my hubby too, he want's to make me come but it doesn't always happen. I was wondering if there are any others out here that are having the same problem. How do you deal with it? Any tips?

Thanks,

--janeway

[Radies]

I was on a medication that had the same side effects...what i did was switch to a medicine that didn't have those effects...there are other options out there....it's all in what you need

[xanne]

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) of which Prozac is the most famous, are reported to be associated with sexual side effects. Most commonly, delayed ejaculation, absent or delayed orgasm, sexual desire (libido) and arousal difficulties.

But these problems can also be related to depression.

Suggest you talk to your doctor. He can change the dose or the drug, that may help.

[Wicked Wanda]

Hi hon,
Xanne explained it better than I could, but I am just a RN... *smile*
I know that the doctors I work for often have their patients try several types of meds to find one that still helps them, but doesn't cause problems with their sex life. There are like 6 or 7 of these meds. I also know there are different type of meds that help depression, but I don't know the class, but one of them is called Effexor. I just know that they are different from meds like prozac. Be patient, talk to your doctor, If he/she won't help go to a diffent doctor.

WW

[Phoenix16]

I have a friend who's on/or was on effexor. Effexor from what I've read is for patients who have depression *and* suffer from anxiety.

I agree with Wanda..you should talk to your doctor and see what else is available. There are many types. Here is a website that's really helpful www.mayoclinic.com You can look up drug information and disease/conditions.

We're twins wicked_wanda, but you live in my favorite city.

[Grumble]

As people may have read in previous posts, I was a victim of male rape at the age of 16 (I am now 49).

It had profound effects on me especially as I was physically & emotinally abused as a child (not sexually but I was seriously introverted as a result)

I have had trouble with depression most of my life and more recently anxiety attacks. I have recently had my anti depressant medication changed to effexor. For me it is much better as it has a much less effect on my libido as well as leaving me more clearheaded.

Talk to your doctor as there are many other meds available. It is hard in the adjustment period though, coming off one med onto the other makes you prone to weird dreams, nausea and trembly hands.

[Janeway]

Thanks for all of your replies....I am actually on effexor and it works great. I have tried all kinds of meds and this works the best so I don't want to tinker with the med or dose.....

I don't have any trouble getting aroused ;) but only trouble orgasming. Ah well...guess hubby and I will just have to keep trying!

kiss,

janeway:D

[joys]

Hi,
I guess I was pretty late to respond to this. I am a 37 year old male and had abused alchohol previously. I have tried several anti-depressants, most recent being Seroxat which had almost the same side effects as Janeway, only as a masculine way. There was no problem with erection, but I just couldn't come. Some time later, I took this as a benefit too as I was always ready for my wife. However, I cut Seroxat now and am only on Laroxyl 10mg just for my headaches.

Being a son of a psychiatrist, I've not heard about Effexor (I live in Turkey). If it is really so great as you describe it, I would as Doc and try.

[kiwi15]

It seems from your message that you do manage to have orgasms, so it's not an insoluble problem. Is there a pattern to when you can release and when you can't? Sometimes tiredness, timing of sex in relation to taking medication and simply being frustrated about not cumming can be significant factors. But I think there's a another factor that's not yet been fully explored scientifically. It seems to me that people (particularly women) who are depressed/stressed generally have a higher libido than those who aren't. My theory is that if the anti-depressants are doing their job, they will have a negative short-term effect. I know most people feel that depression/stress reduces interest in sex but I'm absolutely unconvinced about that unless it also affects self-worth.

I've counselled a number of women who share your experience, some of them quite desperate to resolve the issue. Almost all of them have said that their major concern was for their partner. In most cases, I believe that was true to a point. I think the real issue though, is concern for upsetting the partner and perhaps even losing him. My very best advice is for both of you to join a Tantric class and, if you don't do it already, learn to meditate. You might even end up with permanent whole body orgasms and becoming very relaxed