Setraline

[Whambulance]

I've been prescribed Setraline after depression and anxiety made a reappearance. It's the first time I've been on an antidepressant that hasn't left me feeling ten times worse. I've been on several before and just gave up because they made me feel so awful.

I'm delighted to have found something that takes the edge off but now I'm finding that I can't "finish" when we have sex or even from doing other things. Before I started taking it this was never a problem and our sex life was healthy.

I dont want to come off them because they work for me but this is incredibly frustrating and is starting to upset me because I dont want our relationship to suffer. DP is supportive and not putting any pressure on me but Im unhappy about the long term prospect of not being fulfilled.

Anyone else had this problem and manage to overcome it without changing or stopping meds?

I took a low dose short-term and couldn't orgasm at the time or a few months after. It's fine again now. Sorry that doesn't help, but I think it's common with ADs.

This is a mega mega common side effect.

I have some experience of this. Research suggested either switching to Wellbutrin or adding a low dosage with the sertraline together. My DP went to the doctor and asked about this and was told that they are extremely reluctant to prescribe Wellbutrin in the uk except under very extenuating circumstances. Not sure why.

Doctor told DP to halve his dose and go back in a month to discuss it again to see if there was any difference.

Sorry should have said, apparently a side effect of Wellbutrin is seizures. Rare but still.

Thanks Reow. I was actually hoping to up my dose of Setraline when I go as its working for me but only just taking the edge off iyswim. I dont want to make the problem worse though and I dont find these things easy to talk about so was hoping for some views before I see GP next week.

Got the same problem with venlafaxine at 37.5mg years ago. Sorted once I stopped. Is as above a very common side effect

It's a bastard of a side effect. Is your partner understanding?

Yes I couldn't orgasm for a few months. It came back though. It's fine now. I've been on them just
over two years now.

I'm on 50mg and can't say I've noticed a difference in orgasm as mines hit and miss anyway. I'd suggest sticking with it for a bit longer to see if it improves.

How long have you been taking sertraline? I found that after a month or two I could orgasm, though it takes longer to get there and it doesn't happen every time. For me just knowing that I can makes it easier to enjoy myself even when I don't orgasm, and when I do it's usually intense.

I had that side effect as well. It took a few months, but eventually it wore off. I remember getting very frustrated at my vibrator for a while!
Hope it wears off soon for you. You can always talk to your gp about any medicinal side effects.

I'm on 50mg and it has helped a bit with getting me up and functioning but I think I need to up the dose for it to help me feel "normal". I have a GP appointment this week to discuss my dose.

DP isn't really aware this is a problem- I'm not faking it with him but things are still enjoyable so I haven't brought it up and he isn't putting pressure on me to cheer up or to get in the mood if I'm feeling low. He is very supportive and I know I should speak to him but I want to get my head around how much of an issue its likely to be first.