I don’t usually post here, especially on such personal topics, but feel I should. I’ve been on SSRIs and SNRIs for some time now (Pristiq, and now Zolof), and can definitely attest to the some of the changes described in the article. I clearly remember reading the documentation in full that came with both drugs before starting each, and the mentioned side effects were only mentioned in passing, along with possibly every other side effect imaginable, so it was very easy to dismiss - especially when you are in a place you know you need help out of. There was also no real warning of long term side effects from both doctors that have prescribed me.
I guess I don’t have any real point, other than if you are considering anti-depressants do more research than I did before taking what you’ve been prescribed - and if in doubt get answers from your doctor, and failing that find a better doctor (if you can).
Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction
11–20 of 282 posts
Re: Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction
#12Ugh. Yes. Not meaning to be crude here and I’m incredibly sympathetic to the men I date, but as a woman in her late 30s it’s hard to find a man my age who doesn’t have problems getting / keeping it up. Most of them link back to antidepressant use. What about modern society drives the need for such widespread use of antidepressants? Is that something we should be willing to give up? It hasn’t always been this way, has…
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Re: Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction
#13I don’t usually post here, especially on such personal topics, but feel I should. I’ve been on SSRIs and SNRIs for some time now (Pristiq, and now Zolof), and can definitely attest to the some of the changes described in the article. I clearly remember reading the documentation in full that came with both drugs before starting each, and the mentioned side effects were only mentioned in passing, along with possibly ev…
In my case (Pristiq), it was a net positive. My libido decreased (but never desapeared) and I've never had erectile disfuncion so far. Totally worth it for me, with my specific metabolism.
Re: Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction
#14A different anecdotal experience from my own use (10mg Lexapro) - I've always had a problem with premature ejaculation. Was trying all kinds of tricks like doing math problems in my head during sex or trying different breathing techniques - all of that was useless, once I started taking Lexapro it's like it flipped some switch in my head and I can basically go as long as I like now, and finish almost on command. Absolute game changer, it's a fantastic improvement to my quality of life. I also take 5mg of Cialis daily, which definitely helps with erections.
Re: Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction
#15This is interesting. I'm a founder of an app[1] that deals with this ballpark of issue, by providing (among other things) couples with sensate focus therapy, which is a form of sex therapy that has an extremely strong evidence base, and is a pretty standard go-to for libido issues.
We definitely have users that have experienced PSSD and have found our app helpful, and the underlying therapy techniques are proven.
Re: Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction
#16I took SSRIs for a year in my late twenties. They had no effect on my depression, but resulted in permanent sexual dysfunction. My own fault for not properly researching the potential long-term side effects, I suppose, but it certainly wasn't raised as an issue by the prescribing doctor either. I hope someday there will be cure of some kind.
Re: Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction
#17Ugh. Yes. Not meaning to be crude here and I’m incredibly sympathetic to the men I date, but as a woman in her late 30s it’s hard to find a man my age who doesn’t have problems getting / keeping it up. Most of them link back to antidepressant use. What about modern society drives the need for such widespread use of antidepressants? Is that something we should be willing to give up? It hasn’t always been this way, has…
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Re: Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction
#18Ugh. Yes. Not meaning to be crude here and I’m incredibly sympathetic to the men I date, but as a woman in her late 30s it’s hard to find a man my age who doesn’t have problems getting / keeping it up. Most of them link back to antidepressant use. What about modern society drives the need for such widespread use of antidepressants? Is that something we should be willing to give up? It hasn’t always been this way, has…
Trouble in that department is also heavily impacted by men just generally being more sedentary, having poorer diets, and due to those reasons and more, having lower testosterone. Also, consuming pornography in much greater amounts than previously available to people is known to cause serious problems here.
Re: Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction
#19I’ve had significant problems with my anti-psychotic before my psychiatrist and I found a proper mix. Given I frequently deal with hypersexuality, there was no way I’d stay on medication long term if that wasn’t fixed.
For the curious, Wellbrutin is the medication we added. It helps me with depression, ADHD, sexual issues, and some anxiety.
Re: Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction
#20I took SSRIs for a year in my late twenties. They had no effect on my depression, but resulted in permanent sexual dysfunction. My own fault for not properly researching the potential long-term side effects, I suppose, but it certainly wasn't raised as an issue by the prescribing doctor either. I hope someday there will be cure of some kind.
Have you tested your hormone profile (blood test)? Testosterone, Free T, Estradiol, Prolactin, Progesterone, SHBG - you could check if all of those are in range because that might be the root cause of your issue. There were studies done where use of SSRIs was causing elevated levels of serum prolactin.