FabSwingers.com forum: Anti depressants libido loss

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I've got a close friend who is married and suffers from depression. The anti depressants she has been prescribed (sertraline I believe it's spelt) have totally robbed her of her ability to cum. This has put a strain on her relationship (he's also a good friend and very supportive of her. All this has made her depression worse, and the doc increased her dose, making the symptoms worse...

She's asked to be put on alternative meds, but the doc has refused saying she'll have to put up with the symptoms. Even saying that sex "isn't that important". Cos of the lack of empathy by the doc she tried to come off then by herself, but the withdrawal was sending her loopy.

Does anyone have any suggestions of ways to counteract the symptoms of anti D's, or even a way to get a private prescription to get an alternative. Any advice from people who have gone though this is really appreciated x

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By *wisted999Man
over a year ago

North Bucks

I was on those for ptsd gave me all the penile feeling of a fencepost.

Switched up to Gabapentin (Early days for this drug)

Much better now.

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By *lenderfoxMan
over a year ago

Leeds

There was a similar thread recently which may help: https://www.fabswingers.com/forum/lounge/813598

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Is there only one GP in the practice ? If not, book in with another GP.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Thanks! Is that prescribed as an anti depressant? Not heard ok for it if I'm honest!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

You usually get over it after a few months.

If it's that bad, she can tell her GP to switch, and start the process again.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Is there only one GP in the practice ? If not, book in with another GP."

It's the only one in the area, and from what she's heard it's almost impossible to switch to the other doctor. And probably he'll not prescribe anything against the other Doc's wishes. So she feels trapped...

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"You usually get over it after a few months.

If it's that bad, she can tell her GP to switch, and start the process again."

He's point blank refused to change it. Possibly as it's one of the cheaper ones... Not that I'm cynical! And she's been on them for a year now

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"You usually get over it after a few months.

If it's that bad, she can tell her GP to switch, and start the process again.

He's point blank refused to change it. Possibly as it's one of the cheaper ones... Not that I'm cynical! And she's been on them for a year now"

Different GP for sure. She shouldn't accept that, and it's bad for the GP to refuse if it's ruining a relationship - there are so many of them these days that cost really shouldn't be an issue.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"You usually get over it after a few months.

If it's that bad, she can tell her GP to switch, and start the process again.

He's point blank refused to change it. Possibly as it's one of the cheaper ones... Not that I'm cynical! And she's been on them for a year now

Different GP for sure. She shouldn't accept that, and it's bad for the GP to refuse if it's ruining a relationship - there are so many of them these days that cost really shouldn't be an issue."

I agree! Looking on another website,, there's a drug with almost zero sexual side effects, but it costs a lot more... Changing GP would be difficult as it's the only one she can get to easily.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Her practise only has one GP? She can see others there.

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By *irtySekretsCouple
over a year ago

Filthy Desires Upon Trent

Sertraline had the same effect on me (Mr)

Symptoms Lasted about a month and now ok. Was devastated and frustrated when it first happened. X

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Is there only one GP in the practice ? If not, book in with another GP.

Another doctor within the same practice. Not many GP's will be reluctant to change one tablet because he might upset a colleague in my experience.

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By *rMrsMorningstarCouple
over a year ago

near bridgend

Sadly most if not all depressants rob you of your libido. Wifey has been on most tabs now. Fluoxetine is what shes on at the moment but has taken her self down to 20mg instead of 60mg, which really killed her sex drive.

Sorry to hear the trouble your friend has and wish her all the best...!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

That medication is also used to treat premature ejaculation on men so it does have that effect.

It's always worth checking a reputable source for side effects and seeing what else the medication is used to treat.

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By *rMrsMorningstarCouple
over a year ago

near bridgend

I forgot to say that instead of stopping and going cold turkey she should slowly over time reduce her intake. Sertraline (which in our opinion) is the worst meds. It sent wifey hillbilly go nuts after one week...

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By *ariahCouple
over a year ago

Whitchurch

"I've got a close friend who is married and suffers from depression. The anti depressants she has been prescribed (sertraline I believe it's spelt) have totally robbed her of her ability to cum. This has put a strain on her relationship (he's also a good friend and very supportive of her. All this has made her depression worse, and the doc increased her dose, making the symptoms worse...

It sounds they are not working, I was ask to be referred to a specialist as the gp treatment is not effective.

Pills aren't the answer

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I've tried a few over the years that ruined orgasms for me. I gave many medications up. But one im now on doesnt make u gain weight and it hasnt stopped orgasms. Its more for epilespy but its being trialled for Bipolar. Its called Lamotrigine. Hope this helps xx

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By *wisted999Man
over a year ago

North Bucks

"I forgot to say that instead of stopping and going cold turkey she should slowly over time reduce her intake. Sertraline (which in our opinion) is the worst meds. It sent wifey hillbilly go nuts after one week...

This. I went cold turkey. Wow it was bad.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I've tried a few over the years that ruined orgasms for me. I gave many medications up. But one im now on doesnt make u gain weight and it hasnt stopped orgasms. Its more for epilespy but its being trialled for Bipolar. Its called Lamotrigine. Hope this helps xx"

Thank you xx

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Sounds exactly the same! No idea why these are prescribed in preferance to others. Bar cost and pharmaceutical companies pushing them lol

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By *xMFM3sumsxxWoman
over a year ago

SouthWest Lancashire

I'm on 100mg of sertraline, at first it did calm down my sex drive but it was back within 2 weeks and i can cum pretty easy still. Got to say it's still working on my obsession with sex though in that it's calmed that down and i don't have panic attacks any more, even held a tarantula at the weekend. Although i did pee my pants going round the scarefest when the creepy clown from it was following me and whispering at me in a creepy way.

No idea why it hasn't got rid of my sex drive or ability to cum though?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

They completely messed me up the ones I was on

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I'm on 100mg of sertraline, at first it did calm down my sex drive but it was back within 2 weeks and i can cum pretty easy still. Got to say it's still working on my obsession with sex though in that it's calmed that down and i don't have panic attacks any more, even held a tarantula at the weekend. Although i did pee my pants going round the scarefest when the creepy clown from it was following me and whispering at me in a creepy way.

No idea why it hasn't got rid of my sex drive or ability to cum though?"

I've had a read of the studies, and 40% of people who take it have no sexual side effects. The lucky 40's! X

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"You usually get over it after a few months.

If it's that bad, she can tell her GP to switch, and start the process again.

He's point blank refused to change it. Possibly as it's one of the cheaper ones... Not that I'm cynical! And she's been on them for a year now"

Don't knock the drug, pretty much saved my life, and didn't have much effect in my libido. What dose is she on, I was only having half a tablet a day after the first month or two. Found IT VERY hard to come off, but finally managed it a few months ago.

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By *xMFM3sumsxxWoman
over a year ago

SouthWest Lancashire

No idea why it hasn't got rid of my sex drive or ability to cum though?

I've had a read of the studies, and 40% of people who take it have no sexual side effects. The lucky 40's! X"

Oh that's good that i'm on of them then.

I know depression can get rid of your sex drive, never did with me either coz i was using sex as a coping mechanism.

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By *ugs and JunkCouple
over a year ago

Bellshill

Having been on medication for over 20 years I had a doctor explain the prescribing process.

They have a list of three nhs sanctioned anti depressants that they MUST prescribe first before they can try anything else. In that respect you need to be subject to trial and error.

If the side effects are causing your friend emotional and psychological hardship then her doctor is obliged to change them. I’d suggest making a complaint to him or the health board directly.

If she doesn’t want to do that. Read up on the side effects and pick the worst clinical one listed for e.g racing heart etc and tell the doctor she has this. He cannot ignore a physical side effect.

Tell her under no circumstances to stop cold turkey. I am now off sertraline completely but it took 4 months to do so and the withdrawal was horrendous.

If you want any other info just mail

Mrs

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By *olly_chromaticTV/TS
over a year ago

Stockport

Just starting on sertraline, been on it about two weeks. So far doing a lot of sleeping. Libido not high, but then there's not been a lot of opportunity for quite some time

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'm on Sertraline 150mg each morning. Have been for years. Yes it has many nasty side effects but they go within the first month. As for my sex drive. When i first started taking them i had no interest in sex at all. None. Couldnt get an erection for several weeks but that passed and things went back to normal. Just my brain getting use to drug.

Now years later the only sexual side effect is i last longer and can controll ejactulation much better. That is normal effect of Sertraline.

Sertaline works for me but not for everyone.

Can i just add that anybody who thinks they may have a mental health issue see your gp. Get help. It gets better with help.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I’ve had the same issue in the past, now thankfully on different meds that suit me a lot better and if anything have increased my libido.

Firstly maybe she needs to concentrate on enjoying sex without it being all about chasing that climax, have a look into tantric sex, enjoy massaging and exploring each other’s bodies, try edging her partner so neither of them are achieving that release.

Secondly I think she needs a different gp, it may pay for her to stick with the sertraline and see if the side effects subside but she needs someone who understands that if the effect it has on her sex life and relationship matter to her then it is very important.

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By *orny PTMan
over a year ago

Peterborough

I'm in a similar predicament. Luckily I have a very, very kind and understanding FWB

Sertraline 50mg a day for nearly two years now: best of a bad lot!

Pros:

No excessive mood swings either way

No brain fog

No short term memory loss, other than my normal absent mindedness

Better sleep, only my cold feet stop me dropping off ASAP

And best of all NO hangovers, no one saw that one coming

More stamina in bed

Less sense of general urgency and anticipation

Less sensitivity

Cons:

Bad guts (antacid tablets help a great)

Coming of them gives my the brain throb (just a slight sensation, not painful)

I can't ejaculate as quick as I used to. His and her arm ache

Climaxing feels close, but always over the proverbial horizon

Less sensitivity

I'm keen to find a solution to this too.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

She needs to learn that sexual pleasure does not have to culminate in an orgasm. Also get a wand

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Thanks! Is that prescribed as an anti depressant? Not heard ok for it if I'm honest! "

Gabapentin is an anti convulsive medication. Designed for epilepsy. It's also used for neuropathic pain.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"You usually get over it after a few months.

If it's that bad, she can tell her GP to switch, and start the process again.

He's point blank refused to change it. Possibly as it's one of the cheaper ones... Not that I'm cynical! And she's been on them for a year now

Different GP for sure. She shouldn't accept that, and it's bad for the GP to refuse if it's ruining a relationship - there are so many of them these days that cost really shouldn't be an issue."

Cost can depend on dosage.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"You usually get over it after a few months.

If it's that bad, she can tell her GP to switch, and start the process again.

He's point blank refused to change it. Possibly as it's one of the cheaper ones... Not that I'm cynical! And she's been on them for a year now

Different GP for sure. She shouldn't accept that, and it's bad for the GP to refuse if it's ruining a relationship - there are so many of them these days that cost really shouldn't be an issue.

I agree! Looking on another website,, there's a drug with almost zero sexual side effects, but it costs a lot more... Changing GP would be difficult as it's the only one she can get to easily. "

Each Trust has its own formulary - medications they prescribed backed by clinical effectiveness and evidenced based.

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By *alcon43Woman
over a year ago

Paisley

Has she tried going for CBT or counselling? Going for a daily walk or doing exercise may help.

There are other ways to improve depression. Tablets will take some time to work. Focussing less on sex and trying to improve her depression may also take some of the pressure off.

It’s a viscious cycle and there’s no quick fix.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Sertraline is one of a very tiny list of selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). They have many side effects such as loss of libido and in men errection problems.

If your friend is seriously depressed she should insist upon an appointment with a psychiatrist, who will help her find medication that suits her needs and has fewer side effects.

Unfortunately it is difficult to get a GP referral to a psychiatrist, but good luck.

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By *wingin CatMan
over a year ago

London

I've been on Fluoxetine (ex-Prozac) for a few years. When you first start taking them, you'll experience low sex libido, insomnia, nausea, but that all passes off after about two weeks. I would recommend to anyone taking SSRIs and have any of these as a prolonged problem, that you chat to your GP and ask them if it's possible for you to change your meds to Fluoxetine.

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By *xMFM3sumsxxWoman
over a year ago

SouthWest Lancashire

I found out (by chance) that some SSRIs cause permanent problems, even after you stop taking them. It's called PSSD (permanent sexual disfuntion disorder).

I'm on 150mg of sertraline now and not lost mine but i also don't really feel an urgent need for sex any more either, like i cba to masturbate when horny or meet anyone.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It’s so refreshing to read others in the same position as me (I mean on antidepressants) I’m currently on 60mg fluoxetine and have been for about 6 years, sleepy in the afternoon, I can’t remember stuff as well as I could (brain fog) and i did try coming off them. 2 things happened 1) harming and suicidal thoughts returned 2) over sensitive cock. Come to the conclusion I’m better off staying on them

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Hubby was on sertraline ...it’s in the blurb that it’s also used to treat prem ejac...he’s very unselfish and loved that he could go for hours..(never had a problem with prem anyway). I always ended up very sore....look at the positives ...embrace it..

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By *otBunsHunWoman
over a year ago

Yorkshire

Setraline and citalopram both ruined my sex life.....was switched onto mirtrazipine and no side effects...also helped me sleep a hell of a lot better...none of the meds I have taken have ever helped my mental health though

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Cannabis may be an option

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By *heislanderMan
over a year ago

cheshunt

"Cannabis may be an option "

An option for what ?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Cannabis may be an option

An option for what ?"

Many strains are recommended for depression and won't block orgasm and often make sex more sensual.

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By *heislanderMan
over a year ago

cheshunt

"Cannabis may be an option

An option for what ?

Many strains are recommended for depression and won't block orgasm and often make sex more sensual. "

Yeah but who recommends it ? I’m not saying it doesn’t work, if it works for people good for them

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Cannabis may be an option

An option for what ?

Many strains are recommended for depression and won't block orgasm and often make sex more sensual.

Yeah but who recommends it ? I’m not saying it doesn’t work, if it works for people good for them "

A bit of Google maybe, revolutionary for some people by all accounts.

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By *heislanderMan
over a year ago

cheshunt

"Cannabis may be an option

An option for what ?

Many strains are recommended for depression and won't block orgasm and often make sex more sensual.

Yeah but who recommends it ? I’m not saying it doesn’t work, if it works for people good for them

A bit of Google maybe, revolutionary for some people by all accounts. "

I did google it, does that make me a revolutionist ? it’s just that I question these “ experts” who recommend it. My partner suffers depression, she liked a smoke but since she’s stopped there’s been a massive improvement in her mental health. Everybody’s different what works for one person won’t necessarily work for another.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I was in the same position gabapentin,diazipam,amatriptaline,morphine,and matrazapine, sorry for the spellings for ptsd and pain,

The loss of libido isn't permenant I talked to my cpn and phychiatrist and it improved over time, good luck op.

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By *lackDaveMan
over a year ago

DERBY

The location of a gp doesn't actually matter unless you are in poor health so switch could be best and asking for a second opinion within your practice is your right, as well as asking for a drug that has less side effects. The doctor shouldn't actually restrict the patient from these grounds without good reason. Cost not being one of them.

If you wish to switch a gp further away, other then possibly writing a letter saying you don't mind that they won't do house calls the catchment area no long is valid as of 2010 or so. Long as they have spaces they can take you. But there is no guarantee the will prescribe you differently. Some prescriptions are based on your current age blood pressure size and diet so make sure you know why they won't change first.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Cannabis may be an option

An option for what ?

Many strains are recommended for depression and won't block orgasm and often make sex more sensual.

Yeah but who recommends it ? I’m not saying it doesn’t work, if it works for people good for them

A bit of Google maybe, revolutionary for some people by all accounts.

Standard commercial is bad for your health while medical grade is exactly that.

Some strains can cause anxiety and others reduce it. It's a complex matter depending on ratios on cannabinoids. That's where legalisation, education and choice would be massively helpful.

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