SSRIs and sexual problems

[tulilp]

Hi, just wondering if anyone has any advice re the above? I'm on prozac and mirtazapine (for anxiety rather than depression) and finding the prozac causes major problems with orgasm. Don't think there is a real alternative to SSRIs (the mirtazapine alone was not doing enough for the anxiety, and apparently venlafaxine, which was the other one suggested by psychiatrist, has similar effects on sexual function). Have tried doing some research online but drawing a bit of a blank. Have been on and off ADs for most of adult life and have reluctantly conceded that i will probably need to be on them permanently - can't face the thought of having these sexual problems forever though! Has anyone been through this and found a solution?

TIA

I had the same problem..puts me off going back on any tablets

St. John's wort is worth a shot if yr not on the pill

Thanks - have learned from bitter experience that I need to be on ads of some kind, and SSRIs seem to be the best bet in terms of dealing with the anxiety. Has anyone had any success in dealing with the sexual issues?

bump

Have you ever tried Tricyclic antidepressants? They don't generally prescribe them anymore as they are old fashioned and not as well tolerated but do if you ask for them and say you are having problems with the SSRIs. I've gone through 6 SSRIs and finally got so fed up with the nonexistent sex drive, suicidal thoughts, random outbursts of tears and hallucinations that I asked for Amitriptyline. I'd had it before for nerve pain and tolerated it well so asked to try it at a higher dose for depression and it's a game changer. I can sleep for 15 hours at a time if left unchecked but as pretty much the only side effect, I can live with that.

It's working better than any of the others I tried. Perhaps talk to the doctor and see if they will try you on that or one of the others like Nortriptyline or Imipramine? See what they think? Worth Google and a conversation.

I take Prozac (40mg) and cant orgasm on it either. Sex Drive is usually low too. My doctor said it's normal

Thanks - have been on tricyclics before - no problems with orgasm but they did affect libido - seems to be swings and roundabouts! Very difficult to get advice as GPs a bit clueless and seems to be well nigh impossible to see psychiatrist on NHS - I had one private consultation but can't possibly afford another so feel very much on my own with it. In desperation have ordered something called 'lady prelox' off the internet which is supposed to help with orgasm - now feel a bit stupid as it was expensive and I'm sure probably just a con. Has anyone tried this?

Thanks for responses, good to know I'm not the only one!

Yep no orgasms on citalopram. It’s horrible :(

I've had sertraline, Prozac, citalopram and mirtazapine and had the same issue on them all :(

Currently med free apart from propranolol and all is "ahem" back to normal however the anxiety is starting to get very bad again soon think I may need to go back on mirtazapine.

I'd be interested in a report back about your lady pills though!

Yep was on citolpram and had this issue.

It seems we can only have our mental health or sexual satisfaction... was incredibly frustrating.

This has just opened my eyes!! I've been on ADs since 18 & orgasms are extremely rare, this now makes sense! Thank you