[knowswatcher]

What have other people experienced as side effect for lithium/bipolar?
My husband and I have not had sex in ages. Like months. He said he still loves me. He does say he loves me. He kisses me good bye. He says he’s attracted to me. But we don’t have sex. We fight about it. We talk about it. But nothing changes. I know some people have times when they are overly sexual and promiscuous. But I don’t hear about people giving up sex. Not having any desire. He’s not having an affair. I’m not having an affair. He tells other people sweet things and expresses affection. I don’t know what to do. Any ideas?

[hamster-bamster]

Lithium is not a common cause of sexual side effects, but all psychiatric meds can do a number on you. See a discussion here.

[hamster-bamster]

It is not clear from your post which one of you takes Lithium.

[cocoabeans]

It isn't always the medication. Sometimes moods make sex quite unappealing and often the medication does not work so, being on lithium may mean nothing. Depression can kill my sex drive but sometimes I get so "high" that every sensation just overloads my brain and instead of feeling good, I get anxious and feel like the world is closing in on me. Every sight, sound, touch is invading my space. When I'm like that, I'm not having sex.

[Clinte89]

If your husband is on meds it could defiantly cause that. I for example don't really have the desire to have sex and haven't in a long while before meds that's all I wanted to do. So dot be surprised if he's on meds.

[Victoria'smom]

There are a lot of times that I am to irritated to get in the mood or I "take care of myself" because sex would take to long. I would decide a day 1 x a week just to try.

[Anika.]

Testosterone levels can also be another reason as well.

[shlump]

I've been on and off of the sex drive highway all throughout my life. I think for me it has a lot to do with moods, more so than meds. I don't think I've had a med that tsakes away my drive. Thank God!!!!! But I do go through months of not taking care of myself(single) and sometimes I don't want to beause it can leave me wanting even more. I hate to settle. I'm also at sexual peak....for the last few YEARS!!!!!!

So there are many factors outside of meds. Mood, fear of the intimacy, touch. Everything in this thread is a possibility.

You do "take care of yourself" That is AWESOME. Oh, and it's a good sign as well.

Maybe try a change of pace? Watch some "movies", role play, costumes, maybe a night in a hotel?

Good luck!

[knowswatcher]

Sorry for not replying to you all sooner. It has been a bad few days for computer time. Some answers to your questions. It is my husband on lithium. He’s also on abilify.

Hamster – thanks for the link to other discussions. I will have to read that . See what else I can learn.
Seems like a lot of reasons could cause his lack of interest. You have given me more to think about. Depression, moods, meds, testorstrone

Some other good suggestions that I will ask if he’s interested in trying those (costumes, movies, games)