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does anxiety/depression=loss of libido?

Discussion in 'Physical & Sexual Health' started by greg, Apr 11, 2007.

  1. greg

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    First up it may pay to read my previous post "why do i feel this way" then you maybe able to answer some questions. Last year when i was prescribed anti depressants one of the side effects was an inability to orgasm. Also last year i made 2 attempts on my life the first attempt was CO poisoning the second was OD on the anti depressants. In the last 2-3 months i have found it hard to sustain an erection, Question is this possibly a result of having OD on antidepressants or is this a symptom of depression that i maybe experiencing at the moment. My nipples, foreskin, clans etc. are not as sensitive as they once were, touching is not as stimulating as it once was (if at all at the moment). greg
     
  2. Jim1454

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    Hi Greg. Me again... :slight_smile:

    With the state that you're currently in, I would have to say that it is a function of your depression and mood and outlook on life that is the issue here. I think it was Jayhew that commented somewhere else here that your biggest sex organ is your brain... and I think that is true.

    For the longest time I've had trouble reaching orgasm, and I think it is primarily a function of not really being happy with what i was doing or comfortable with myself. I'm giving myself some time to figure out who I am (seems odd to me at 35 - and I'm sure it feels odd to you at 48) and see what really interests me and turns me on.

    At the same time, I'm not a medical expert and don't know whether there may indeed be a side effect from your medication. I would think you could look up the drug you're taking to see what the typical side effects are.

    Again - hope you are well. I'm glad you've taken an interest in figuring this out - also an indication that there are aspects of your life that you're interested and concerned about.

    Take care. Jim
     
  3. Paul_UK

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    That's exactly what I was going to say.
     
  4. Jim1454

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    Thanks Paul! I have my moments. :slight_smile:
     
  5. JayHew

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    Hello again Greg,

    Yes. And that answer covers all. The depression decreases the body's ability to enjoy the things we have before. It is a means of withdrawal and blunting stimuli because of hurts from the world at this time and not wanting to engage in it so much. With the mind being engaged so much with the depression, you don't have much left over for other things. Without the more fully engaged brain everything becomes less sensitive.

    Along with the above, antidepressants generally can cause ED (erectile dysfunction) with certain types being more noted for doing so than others. If you are experiencing this with what you are taking, it would be good to talk to your doc about changing to another and see if it continues. If so, then it may require addition of Viagra or Calais to help out.

    Finally for other things that may happen, antidepressants can cause delayed ejaculation or inability to ejaculate. Most often it is delayed. More time spent with stimulation seems to help. If it doesn't, time again to try a different antidepressant.

    Not all is lost but there are somethings that can be done.

    Hope this will ease some of the concern.
     
  6. greg

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    Every one thanks for your replies they do help, i should have stated earlier that i am no longer taking anti depressants i took myself off them in november last year, and i should say and i know that you will probably tell me that i am being an idiot but i ve started smoking cannabis again (after 20 years) once or twice a week because it does help.
     
  7. Blamblazer

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    That's certainly the case. I can't think of an antidepressant that doesn't have at least some affect on sexual performance for most people. As mentioned by others, there is certainly a contribution by your brain just not being into it right now -- but that will change as your situation changes. As far as drugs go, you should talk with your physician about changing antidepressants. Citalopram (Celexa(R) in the U.S.) has a fairly low incidence of ED as does bupropion (Wellbutrin(R) in the U.S.). Fluoxetine (Prozac(R)) and paroxetine (Paxil(R)) tend to be some of the worst for ED in my experience. Also, any one of the Tri-cyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline) or ones like trazodone are far worse than the prozac-like (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) ones. In short -- maybe we just need to find you a different antidepressant.

    ~Derek J. Quinn, Pharm.D., R.Ph.
    Pharmacist (Michigan, U.S.)
     
  8. Miaplacidus

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    For me it's exactly the opposite. When I'm depressed I jack off a lot (and I mean up to 7 times a day instead of my regular one or two). I do it to forget everything... like others who drink. I write, too.