Celexa and sexual s-e - Depression Message Board

writerboybc · 08-11-2003, 11:11 AM

If you've read my message on this board, you'd know that I'm happier than I've been in a while. Life is good and I'm feeling great, except I have no sex drive. I didn't have much of one on 20mgs, and I barely have one on 40mgs. I've had sex lately with only a passing interest, and I have lots of difficulty maintaining an erection.

From what I've been going through for the past years, I'm willing to accept this side-effect if I can stay happy, but I'd still like to know what others might suggest to help. Oh, and since Celexa is the only drug I've been on that has helped like this, I'm not willing to switch.

Suthern Redd · 08-11-2003, 10:13 PM

Hi,
From my experience with Paxil I understand completely the feelings you are experiencing. I too had the same effect with Paxil. It was mentioned to me on another Web Forum that - Wellbutrin - is something that can be prescribed to help enhance the sexual side effect of the SSRI medications. I have read numerous instances where this happens to people...WE are not alone =)
Most don't like to talk about it - seeing as no one had responded to your post I wanted to try to say - (1) it is on and normal to be feeling this way while on a SSRI medication (2) there is help available...

Try asking your Dr the next call or trip in about Wellbutrin and see if he or she knows of the generated interest in people taking it along side of the SSRI med's - as in celexa, paxil, zoloft etc...See if there is a possibility you can also give it a try...

Feeling good inside is GREAT but losing part of ones idenity in their sexual being is horrid too when you feel so much better in - LIFE - in general...

~Hope this helps =)

VeryConcernedMom · 08-11-2003, 10:57 PM

Suthern,
Your response to writerboy's query helped me too. I have been very distressed over my husband's total lack of interest in sex and at my wit's end as to how to help him. He was taking Paxil and Adderall also, but he stopped both suddenly about 2 years ago. As a result of those medications, he lost his sex drive altogether. He has been to a doctor and urologist and had all medical problems ruled out, so the only thing left is the paxil. Wellbutrin sounds like it is worth a shot...I will have him look into it.
thanks.

writerboybc · 08-12-2003, 12:38 PM

Thanks for the advice, but I have another problem...

I tried Welbutrin once as a drug that a doctor gave me to help with my depression.

Well...my face blow up like a balloon, my arms turned red and itched like crazy and I needed an epiphredrine shot to breathe normally again. Thus, I guess Welbutrin is out.

Ironically, I guess my ex-girlfriend got her wish when she said that I could stand to have my sex drive curtailed...

But in all seriousness, I guess its my cross to bear. I mean, I do have a bit of a sex drive. I had sex last night, but I lasted for over an hour and, when I finally had an orgasm, it was more like a gentle sigh than an explosion.

Maybe I'll find something eventually. For now, though, I'll have to be content to have little or no sex drive, if it means that I can keep up feeling content.

thickman · 08-12-2003, 12:43 PM

Hello!

I am as new as they get on the board.

I have been taking Celexa for 3 years. The first 1.5 years my sex drive was okay.

I found over the last three years by depression has gotten MUCH WORSE and my SEX DRIVE decreased with it.

When I was happier my sex drive was too..

I am 30 years old and I started Celexa when I was 26... Wow, almost 4 years ;-(

Just talk to your doctor about it...