[StartingFreshNow]

Hello!

I've been on meds for years. Most recently I was on Celexa and Abilify and then decided I wanted to be off all meds. When I went off them cold turkey for about 2 months I suddenly realized that when I was on them I was having sexual side effects I didn't even realize - I know it's TMI but basically it was hindering my ability to orgasm. Not completely, but significantly.

Jump ahead and now I've realized I really do need to be on meds so I've started on Prozac. The first week I was just on 10mg. I noticed an improvement within days and did not have the sexual side effect. Then after that first week I went up to 20mg. It's been about 2-3 weeks on that dosage and I am now having the same sexual side effect.

My question is this...I know that it takes at least 6 weeks for your body to adjust to these types of meds....has anyone here experienced negative sexual side effects from them that then improved after the initial adjustment period? Or is this something that's more likely to be a permanent side effect (like it was when I was on the Celexa/Abilify)? Is there any way to combat this side effect? I know Wellbutrin is supposed to have less side effects but I've tried that before and it wasn't right for me so I'm not too keen on switching over to it. However.......I'm contemplating it because it's been a couple years since I was on it so maybe things are slightly different now and it would be effective and allow me my sexual normalcy......

I know this seems like a silly side effect to be so worried about, but it's a big deal to me....

Thank you!

[CopperStar]

It is not a silly thing to be worried about. Sexual release is a major, instinctively-wired part of life for the vast majority of people, and often a very reliable and strong source of stress-relief and the release of feel-good chemicals. It makes perfect sense for someone who loses that part of their life to be very unhappy/concerned about it.

My experience with Lexapro was that initially I felt too drugged to be interested in much of anything, let alone masturbating. However after about 3 weeks, I was able to have orgasms again, albeit they took more effort than previously in life. So I do think there is a chance that after adjusting, your ability might return.

However if it doesn't, and it concerns you, it is absolutely acceptable and encouraged to bring it up to your pdoc and insist on trying medications until you find one that works for you and doesn't cause the side effect.

[StartingFreshNow]

Thank you - I talked to my doc today as well and we decided to back my dosage down to 10mg even though it's not at the therapeutic dosage at that point. If it helps me, that's all that matters. If it turns out that dosage is too low or that the side effects don't go away, we'll consider another med. Again...

[Lauliza]

I've had similar experiences with SSRIs. Lexapro and Paxil being awful in terms of sexual side effects. I take Prozac now, 10-20 mg and it's not as severe, although the desire is dulled. My pdoc said I can take a couple of days off if I want to have sex and then start up again. You can't do that with Paxil and Lexapro, but it is not an issue with Prozac, at least not in my experience.

[StartingFreshNow]

That's interesting you mention taking a couple days off on the Prozac - that's one of the reasons my doc recommended I take it. I haven't been the best about taking my meds all the time like I should. I get sick of them and quit them here and there and she said on Prozac my body would handle it better if I missed a day or two versus some of the other meds...I'll have to pay attention and see if I notice a difference on the occasions I do skip a dose or two.....