Help me get rid of the rain on my parade.
October 25, 2010 2:25 PM Subscribe
Do the sexual side effects for Paxil ever go away?
I started taking generic Paxil (20 mg per day) about two and a half weeks ago, and I'm having a heck of a time with orgasms. I can get erections all right, but that's it. While my wife is enjoying this immensely, I am not.
Anecdotally speaking, has anyone had this problem with Paxil and has had it go away? YANMD, etc.
I started taking generic Paxil (20 mg per day) about two and a half weeks ago, and I'm having a heck of a time with orgasms. I can get erections all right, but that's it. While my wife is enjoying this immensely, I am not.
Anecdotally speaking, has anyone had this problem with Paxil and has had it go away? YANMD, etc.
I was on Paxil during a bad time about a decade ago. I got off it as soon as I found level again because of the side effects.
I've heard that the newer drugs have fewer or milder sexual side effects.
posted by dw at 3:01 PM on October 25, 2010
I've heard that the newer drugs have fewer or milder sexual side effects.
posted by dw at 3:01 PM on October 25, 2010
When my husband was on various SSRIs and mood stabilizers, what you report became the new normal with us (along with a generally reduced libido); this worsened slightly over time rather than improving. Luckily, the effects wore off almost as soon as he stopped taking them.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 3:30 PM on October 25, 2010
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 3:30 PM on October 25, 2010
This effect of SSRIs doesn't wear off. I wouldn't bother trying a different SSRI; they all seem to do it.
You don't say why you're taking paroxetine. Ask you doctor about other options such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) or a TCA. Effexor (venlafaxine) is as likely to cause sexual dysfunction as an SSRI.
I always tell my patients that when starting an antidepressant (or switching to a new one) it takes 3 weeks for it to start working.
posted by neuron at 3:40 PM on October 25, 2010
You don't say why you're taking paroxetine. Ask you doctor about other options such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) or a TCA. Effexor (venlafaxine) is as likely to cause sexual dysfunction as an SSRI.
I always tell my patients that when starting an antidepressant (or switching to a new one) it takes 3 weeks for it to start working.
posted by neuron at 3:40 PM on October 25, 2010
Seconding that if your doctor thinks you might be a good candidate for either, switching to Wellbutrin or or Pristiq would take care of this problem.
posted by misha at 3:49 PM on October 25, 2010
posted by misha at 3:49 PM on October 25, 2010
I was on Paxil for 11 months, couldn't orgasm, and my dr. said she could dose me with Wellbutrin on weekends instead for sex - I declined and weaned myself off Paxil with her help over 6 weeks.
It's been years, but my sex drive and ability to orgasm are back in raging force; I believe it wore off in less than 3 months after stopping Paxil.
Mine actually worsened over the course of using the drug; at first, I could orgasm with difficulty, then never, no matter what I tried. I also gained 30 lbs.
YMMV.
posted by Unicorn on the cob at 4:17 PM on October 25, 2010
It's been years, but my sex drive and ability to orgasm are back in raging force; I believe it wore off in less than 3 months after stopping Paxil.
Mine actually worsened over the course of using the drug; at first, I could orgasm with difficulty, then never, no matter what I tried. I also gained 30 lbs.
YMMV.
posted by Unicorn on the cob at 4:17 PM on October 25, 2010
If you haven't already, you could try some of the other generally effective treatments for depression, and if they work you could talk with your doctor about reducing medication. To "fish oil" I would add that I've heard some talk of fats in general, including saturated, helping with mood.
posted by Earl the Polliwog at 4:19 PM on October 25, 2010
posted by Earl the Polliwog at 4:19 PM on October 25, 2010
SSRIs promote feelings of wellbeing and sort of dull the senses from outside stimulus. This is great for someone whose depression is of the "I can't fucking take it anymore" variety (or stems from that).
But sex (as it relates to the orgasm) is kind of about "the chase", of being anxious and seeking a feeling of wellbeing through sexy stimulation. Which the drugs are kind of working against.
So, that said, "I've heard" that part of the solution is to work a little harder getting yourself juiced up before hand. Build up some of that "I can't wait to tear your clothes off when we get home" urgency. As well as get right into the moment with your partner- shut your mind off of anything that isn't the two of you in that room at that moment.
posted by gjc at 5:00 PM on October 25, 2010
But sex (as it relates to the orgasm) is kind of about "the chase", of being anxious and seeking a feeling of wellbeing through sexy stimulation. Which the drugs are kind of working against.
So, that said, "I've heard" that part of the solution is to work a little harder getting yourself juiced up before hand. Build up some of that "I can't wait to tear your clothes off when we get home" urgency. As well as get right into the moment with your partner- shut your mind off of anything that isn't the two of you in that room at that moment.
posted by gjc at 5:00 PM on October 25, 2010
I have a friend for whom Paxil caused this problem and it didn't go away until he switched. Other SSRIs were fine for him, though. Psychopharm is tough stuff, if you can talk to your prescriber to see what your options are, I'd do so sooner rather than later.
posted by ldthomps at 5:53 PM on October 25, 2010
posted by ldthomps at 5:53 PM on October 25, 2010
Been there, done that. First on Lexapro a few years ago, then on Zoloft starting in '07.
Talked about it with my doc, as I was in my first relationship after my wife's death and it was a bit frustrating. She added Wellbutrin on top of the Zoloft, and that helped. I don't have a problem with actual intercourse, but anything else can still occasionally take way too long.
Thank goodness for significant others who have been on SSRIs as well and understand.
posted by mrbill at 6:15 PM on October 25, 2010
Talked about it with my doc, as I was in my first relationship after my wife's death and it was a bit frustrating. She added Wellbutrin on top of the Zoloft, and that helped. I don't have a problem with actual intercourse, but anything else can still occasionally take way too long.
Thank goodness for significant others who have been on SSRIs as well and understand.
posted by mrbill at 6:15 PM on October 25, 2010
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posted by ClarissaWAM at 2:57 PM on October 25, 2010