sexual side-effects

[Mr. Pink]

Does anyone know what the side-effects are when taking anti-depressants, sexually speaking?
My ex-boss & friend, whom I introduced to MP's and SC's a few years back, just recently started taking medication for manic-depression, and he tells me that one side effect is that although he still gets woodies, he doesn't come, and stays hard for a longer time than usual. There are other not-so-pleasant side-effects also, so I'm wondering if he's pulling my leg and putting a positive spin on an unfortunate situation.
Has anyone else heard of this particular side-effect to anti-depressants?

 

[rr_bill]

It's a fact!

Many anti-depressants do depress the ability to come to orgasm. He's not kidding you, believe me.

 

[Dianna Douglas]

Yes, a certain class of anti-depressant medications known as SSRI's (including prozac, paxil, celexa, and serzone) can commonly cause sexual side effects. Other side effects for this class of drugs can include headache, nausea, insomnia, etc. Remember, not everyone will experience these side effects, but they are rather common.

At first, only male sex problems were recognised: Difficulty achieving or maintaning an erection, inability to orgasm, etc. Now Dr.'s realise that women can have trouble to. . . . . It's harder to become aroused, and then orgasm can be difficult or impossible. Trust me, this happened 5 yrs ago when I took Paxil -- I was horny and "bouncing off the ceiling" with desire, but I couldn't cum no matter what I tried. Yes, I tried lots of different things;-)

There are other types of anti-depressents, like TCA's or MAO inhibitors, which might not cause sexual side effects, but have other unpleasant side effects of their own.

If patients have trouble with sexual side effects, there are some options:

1. Switch to Wellbutrin, an anti-depressant that doesn't seem to affect your sex life

2. Take a "medication holiday" for short periods of time when you plan to have sex. ie, stop your meds for a couple days before you plan on a big night of passion, then resume your normal med schedule the next day. This should be done ONLY if your depression is well-controlled, and only under a doctor's supervision.

Many patients need to remain on anti-depressant meds for 3 to 6 months, if not more. Obviously, doctors should be aware of the sexual dysfunction that occurs and address it more often!

 

[citydude]

known side effect

Many such drugs have this as one of he side effects. Any primary health care provider should be advising his/her patients of these before prescribing it

 

[JohnDoe]

Serzone is another drug with NO sexual side effects. Although there have been cases of liver failure in some patients. I've been on it and haven't had any problems.

Remeron is another that won't affect the functioning of the little guy. However, you might get tired easily before, during or after since it is sedating. Also you might put on a little weight with this drug.

 

[mige]

Hey Guys!

The nice thing about side-effects is: Not everybody has them....

Buit if....

The "drug-holiday" might be very unpleasant if not supervised and monitored and can be dangerous for manic-depressiv patients, so DON'T FOOL AROUND WITH ANTIDEPRESSANTS!!!

Tell your Doc about the disability to shot off, hell take care of the problem together with you and will switch you probably on another drug! Don't try anything on your own!