Anti-Depressants and Sexual Function

[kiwichyck]

I've seen a brief conversation about this on another thread - can't find it again, and would like to discuss.
DH using Fluoxetine 20mg for about the last month. Needs a new script, so will discuss with doctor next week.

We have noticed some very out-of-the-ordinary sexual function issues. Any thoughts?

It is quite interesting because although he is being treated for depression, up until the last week or so, he had no ill-effects sexually speaking. I'd done the research and seen that depression often affects the sex drive, but he'd been all good in that department.

On another note, how to be a supportive wife through this? Suggestions gratefully received. Tricky situation, I want to help him feel better about it.

 

[vanelane]

Sexual side effects are common with SSRIs, the class of drug he's on. Tell the doctor and try alternatives. People are all slightly different, there are several drugs in that class, all slightly different; find the one that works for him without the problems.

Additionally, there are many older antidepressants, (trazodone comes to mind) which work very well and don't cause sexual side effects.

As much fun as the two of you have been having exploring your sexuality lately, I really hope he can find the right drug.

 

[covariant]

Fluoxetine is the generic form of Prozac, right? I took Prozac for about 5 weeks and lost all sexual function until I stopped taking it. It took about 4 days to get back to normal when I discontinued using it. I couldn't cum, I couldn't even get hard. It was awful.

Consider Wellbutrin (bupropion) if you doctor agrees. It usually has fewer sexual side effects. That was the case for me.

 

[kiwichyck]

Thanks guys

I'm actually kinda pissed about this. I did the right thing before he even started taking it (yup generic prozac), I looked up the side effects and found NOTHING about sexual side effects. Turns out you have to actually put SEX in the keyword when you search for any of that to come up!

He tells me it's like a lack of communication between his brain and nether regions. He can have the mental want with no physical results, or he can have physical results but the brain doesn't register unless he touches himself. Also one particular incident where he was.....erm....attending to me (hehe) and was dripping like a faucet, which he has never experienced before.

Obviously we've talked about this, and we're dealing with it, but it is just a real downer. It's put a bit of a negative spin on sex. We know it's normal and ok, but he feels bad and I feel bad for him. Any tips for dealing with the general awkwardness?

Will definately discuss with the doctor, got an appointment next week. Just like to do my research first! I did some reading about wellbutrin, but sounds like mixed results from what I see.

The depression was largely situational. Circumstances have improved greatly now. Our professional who we see for talk therapy has scheduled one more appointment and suggested a dosage reduction toward discontinuing the meds, hence the doctors appointment. Thoughts?

 

[vanelane]

If the depression was situational and the situation has improved, my thoughts would be to definitely work towards d/c ing the meds.

 

[kiwichyck]

If the depression was situational and the situation has improved, my thoughts would be to definitely work towards d/c ing the meds.

Yeah I agree. However, life is good right now. The problem comes if we have any dramas come up. I tend to think that it would be a good idea to proceed with caution.
DH is already reducing the dosage of his own accord, he's currently only taking them every second day.
I daresay the good doctor will point us in the right direction.

 

[scbigdog65]

Yeah I agree. However, life is good right now. The problem comes if we have any dramas come up. I tend to think that it would be a good idea to proceed with caution.
DH is already reducing the dosage of his own accord, he's currently only taking them every second day.
I daresay the good doctor will point us in the right direction.

He should be careful about reducing the dosage on his own. I never took Prozac, but had similar problems with Effexor. Wellbutrin has worked out fine.

 

[covariant]

Thanks guys

I'm actually kinda pissed about this. I did the right thing before he even started taking it (yup generic prozac), I looked up the side effects and found NOTHING about sexual side effects. Turns out you have to actually put SEX in the keyword when you search for any of that to come up!

He tells me it's like a lack of communication between his brain and nether regions. He can have the mental want with no physical results, or he can have physical results but the brain doesn't register unless he touches himself. Also one particular incident where he was.....erm....attending to me (hehe) and was dripping like a faucet, which he has never experienced before.

Obviously we've talked about this, and we're dealing with it, but it is just a real downer. It's put a bit of a negative spin on sex. We know it's normal and ok, but he feels bad and I feel bad for him. Any tips for dealing with the general awkwardness?

Will definately discuss with the doctor, got an appointment next week. Just like to do my research first! I did some reading about wellbutrin, but sounds like mixed results from what I see.

The depression was largely situational. Circumstances have improved greatly now. Our professional who we see for talk therapy has scheduled one more appointment and suggested a dosage reduction toward discontinuing the meds, hence the doctors appointment. Thoughts?

When I was on Prozac, I couldn't have sex, but presumably because of the drug, I didn't care, or at least it didn't bother me so much.

As for dealing with the awkwardness, just give him your love and support, and realize it's not forever.

Remember also that everyone responds differently to these drugs. They are blunt instruments, not precision tools.

 

[daisey69]

MY 2 Cents:


DH + Prozac...... NO SEX

Me on Prozac = Hot flashes..No desire for sex


Me on Zoloft = Nice wife and back 2 wanting sex all the time

insurance changed===========

Me now on Celexa = Still want sex....not AS often, but not bad like Prozac.......But after taking a month..It doesn't seem to be working anymore.

I told the Dr straight up.. I want a pill comparible to the effects of Zoploft..beacuse I will not take it if it effects my sex drive

I think I scared him LOL