suseverett@... asked this question on 4/19/2000:
I am a 56 yr old female who has been taking AD's for years and years--have pretty much tried them all. Zoloft made me feel most "well". But almost every single SSRI has resulted in diminished sexual interest/response--almost like I was injected with Novacaine. I am ready to consider Celexa--does THAT one knock out one's sex response also? I would be combining it with Wellbutrin. Am so discouraged about this that I am considering just being depressed without any AD's, just so I can feel something sexually!
Thanks for your answer.
CeeBee gave this response on 4/19/2000:
Hi --
I have had no experience with clients on either Celexa combined with Wellbutrin, or with Serzone (another new anti-depressant). I went to www.druginfonet.com and found the following exchange between a doctor and questioners:
"Question: I am taking Celexa for depression, the drug works well for me except I have no libido. Is there anything I can do to get back some interest in sex? Also achieving orgasim is very difficult. Thanks.
Answer: Some recommend a small dosage of amphetamines the day you wish to have sex. I have not had a patient try this, but it is published.
The Wellbutrin manufacturers have the following on their website: "Expect significantly less orgasm dysfunction compared to Zoloft, efficacy comparable to Zoloft, low incidence of weight gain and sedation."
Back to the druginfonet site:
Question: What is the drug Serzone and what are the side effects? My wife is currently on Paxil and has tried twice to wean herself unsuccessfully. I would appreciate any help you can give us.
Answer: Serzone is a completely different drug than Paxil. It seems to be less effective, but has much less effect on sleep and decreasing sex drive. Some patients have less weight gain as well. Common side effects include dry mouth, nausea, constipation, blurred vision, dizziness, confusion and sleepiness. Headache, decreased appetite, diarrhea, etc., also occur, but less frequently. My patients generally tolerate it well if started low and increased slowly. It does seem to affect sex drive less intensely than Paxil."
Be sure to read the AskMe depression question board's very recent "serzone" question and the answers under it. That will give you more information about Serzone.
Another source of information would be your pharmacist. He/She hears lots of comments from patients and would offer you an educated opinion. You also could visit your local public library and look up meds in the PDR (Physician's Desk Reference), a huge book about prescription drugs and their effects.
Best wishes! CeeBee
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