Bobo32: Paxil use the cause PSSD?

[Bobo32]

Hello everyone,

 

Former paxil user here between 2005 and 2009 male 33yo

I would like to know how you would describe pssd? it only becomes a problem when i'm with a partner. I find it really hard to connect with someone, not enough connection and arousal to keep erection for intercourse. i need to have played out in my mind my favorite porn sene without any connection with my partner.

In life in general i feel i cannot connect with people like i used to and i'm starting to wonder whether it is my AD use a few years back thats causing all this.

Thank you

Edited July 10, 2017 by scallywag
tags, somewhat graphic descriptions of PSSD symptoms

[ChessieCat]

This is SA's discussion of PSSD:  post-ssri-sexual-dysfunction

[Futurerecovery]

Actually PSSD always affects masturbation, but it could be possible that you only have some kind of emotional side effects.

[raven530]

Don't agree with futurerecovery, PSSD is a spectrum, it may just be that yours is mild enough that it doesn't have a noticeable impact when you are significantly aroused. Hopefully this means you will recover quickly. 

[Bobo32]

Hello everyone,

Former Paxil, zyprexa user currently tapering off Lexapro.

I am convinced of the long term negative outcome of taking those drugs.

I would like to ask you guys especially those of you who had successful withdrawals; now that our nervous system is worn out because of years of drug use, how can we deal without medication when we are faced with anxiety, panic attacks and even depersonalization?

Is it possible to live without medication and free of those awful symptoms ?

Thanks for listening

[ChessieCat]

We have many existing topics on SA.  I have found that searching using google is helpful:   type in survivingantidepressants.org + topic.

 

1. Acceptance
2. Acceptance and Mindfulness
3. Acupuncture - Posts #6 & #8 (not detox or stimulation)
4. Claire Weekes' Method of Recovering from a Sensitized Nervous System
5. "Change the channel" -- dealing with cognitive symptoms
6. Change cognitive framing - Redirect - Another Way
7. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for anxiety, depression
8. Cognitive Behavior Therapy lessons
9. Guided Meditations, Calming Videos, Sleep Hypnosis
10. Journalling - Therapeutic Writing & Health Benefits
11. Light boxes for depression and sleep disorders
12. Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms
13. Non-drug techniques for dealing with physical pain
14. Yoga for calming (very simple poses can help greatly)

[Altostrata]

Welcome, Bobo.

 

That does not sound like PSSD. If I were you, I'd find a therapist to discuss your anxiety while having sex.

[Bobo32]

Hey Alto,

I used lexapro since then for 3 months and I think I have soft glans syndrome now and loss of libido

Anyone have experienced that? Did they recover ?

Thanks

[Tootsieroll]

From personal experience, my sexual function was always connected to SSRIs and nervous system. When I was still On Celexa I found it difficult to climax without imagining a scene. Once I tapered off SSRIs, i hit a snag with benzo withdrawal. During the worst of that I became hyper-sexual, where I felt i needed to have sex every second, yet any sexual act would throw me into a wave and fear for weeks. It was pure torture. Because the sexual feelings were transient and morphed with time, I knew it was all healing related. If it was me, I would stop trying to alter brain chemistry and try to let it heal. If it's tolerable, i found multivitamin/mineral to be invaluable once I was further out in the healing process. Good luck!

[brassmonkey]

" I do have morning etections, can masturbate and have orgasm while watching my favorite porn. it only becomes a problem when i'm with a partner. I find it really hard to connect with someone, not enough connection and arousal to keep erection for intercourse."

 

These are classic symptoms of PISD (Porn Induced Sexual Dysfunction) not PSSD (Post SSRI Sexual Dysfunction).  It might be a good idea to research along those lines.

[Bobo32]

Welcome, Bobo.

 

That does not sound like PSSD. If I were you, I'd find a therapist to discuss your anxiety while having sex.

 

What about soft gland syndrome?

What I do get now is mostly cognitive issues. I find myself lacking spontaneousness especially around people. Usually takes me a few seconds to answer people or think about what to do next in social settings. Is that what s called brain fog ? Please direct me alto I'm really afraid that I've done permanent damage with all those drugs I'm not my smart witty self anymore. Please let me know if you're familiar with that and whether it does get better

 

Thanks

Edited March 23, 2017 by ChessieCat
Extracted post from quote

[Bobo32]

Hello, nicolantana.

 

I merged your recent posts into this topic, as they seem to be a continuation of your ruminations here.

 

Clearly your condition is not permanent, as you know you have improved a bit already -- and it's been less than 3 months that you've been off psychiatric drugs.

 

I suggest you read other Introduction topics. Recovery from drug adverse effects can be very slow, with waves of worse symptoms and windows of feeling better than can be very frustrating and confusing. Read The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

Emotional anesthesia is a very common side effect of psychiatric drugs -- you might say that's how they work. It can also follow withdrawal from the drugs. Like other withdrawal symptoms, which indicate a distressed nervous system, it will very gradually go away.

Alto I've been off zyprexa for 6 months and off lexapro 3 weeks I took both drugs 3 months each

My main concern is anhedonia. Does one recover from that ?

Thank you

[ChessieCat]

Hi Bobo,

 

I've moved your post from nicolantana's topic to your own, because it is about your own situation and it is better to ask questions here so your history is in one place.

[Bobo32]

Hi Bobo,

 

I've moved your post from nicolantana's topic to your own, because it is about your own situation and it is better to ask questions here so your history is in one place.

Chassie you think we can beat anhedonia ? Are you familiar with this symptom? I'm really desperate

[ChessieCat]

From the posts you have made on this site I think you may be a person who is suffering from anxiety.

 

There are some questions which cannot be answered.  Learning to accept that is part of reducing our worry and stress.  I believe that being anxious and stressful diverts the brain from healing because it is too busy dealing the the stress.  It goes into fight/flight.

 

It is important to learn non-drug techniques.  I've already given you a list of links.  Claire Weekes was a doctor who suffered from anxiety.  In her day anxiety was called nervous illness or nervous suffering.  She learned and taught ways of coping with it.  Member nz11 posted an extract here:  Claire Weekes on recovery from nervous illness taken from 'Essential help for your nerves'

[Bobo32]

Thanks

[Bobo32]

From the posts you have made on this site I think you may be a person who is suffering from anxiety.

 

There are some questions which cannot be answered. Learning to accept that is part of reducing our worry and stress. I believe that being anxious and stressful diverts the brain from healing because it is too busy dealing the the stress. It goes into fight/flight.

 

It is important to learn non-drug techniques. I've already given you a list of links. Claire Weekes was a doctor who suffered from anxiety. In her day anxiety was called nervous illness or nervous suffering. She learned and taught ways of coping with it. Member nz11 posted an extract here: Claire Weekes on recovery from nervous illness taken from 'Essential help for your nerves'

Hey chassie,

I've been off zyprexa for 6 months and lexapro 3 weeks. I'm experiencing dreadful brain fog and memory loss right now. Are those withdrawal symptoms as well? I'm afraid the zyprexa has done permanent damage to my brain. Do you think that's possible ?

Please help I've taken those 2 medications for 3 months each

[ChessieCat]

Yes they are both withdrawal symptoms:  brain-fog-blank-mind-comprehension-cognitive-and-memory-problems

 

When I dropped my Pristiq from 100mg to 50mg, after 3 weeks of very bad cog fog I got to the point where I couldn't type.  I am a professional typist so I knew that something was definitely wrong.  I updosed and within 4 hours the fog was clearing and I was able to type.  Because I had a benchmark, I knew it wasn't placebo.

 

 

Please create a drug signature Create Your Signature.  Please include details for the last 12-18 months of  all drugs, dates, doses and discontinuations & reinstatements.  If you can't remember dates, please write it as "early March" or "mid-August".  Please provide a summary of any drugs prior to that which can just be listed with start and stop years. Please include all prescription, non-prescription drugs and supplements you are currently taking. Phone Instructions:  Withdrawal History Signature.

 

Dr Joseph Glenmullen's WD Symptoms Checklist

 

About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms

 

Brain Remodelling

 

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

[Bobo32]

Did those symptoms go away for you chassie?

Do we heal completely after this?

[Bobo32]

Hello everyone,

Here is my drug history:

2004-2007 Paxil 20 mg

 

2016 Zoloft 20mg 2 months Jan and feb

Zyprexa 3 moths 5mg June July august

Lexaoro 5mg nov dec Jan feb 2017

Xanax .5 mg nov dec 16

[Bobo32]

Yes they are both withdrawal symptoms: brain-fog-blank-mind-comprehension-cognitive-and-memory-problems

 

When I dropped my Pristiq from 100mg to 50mg, after 3 weeks of very bad cog fog I got to the point where I couldn't type. I am a professional typist so I knew that something was definitely wrong. I updosed and within 4 hours the fog was clearing and I was able to type. Because I had a benchmark, I knew it wasn't placebo.

 

Please create a drug signature Create Your Signature. Please include details for the last 12-18 months of all drugs, dates, doses and discontinuations & reinstatements. If you can't remember dates, please write it as "early March" or "mid-August". Please provide a summary of any drugs prior to that which can just be listed with start and stop years. Please include all prescription, non-prescription drugs and supplements you are currently taking. Phone Instructions: Withdrawal History Signature.

 

 

Dr Joseph Glenmullen's WD Symptoms Checklist

About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms

Brain Remodelling

Video: Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

Hey chassie,

I just added my signature

As you can see I used Paxil for 3 years over a decade ago and only used drugs again in 2016

I was okay during those over 8 years off drugs except for the sexual component where I had issues with arousal and maintaing erection but only when I'm with a partner not while watching porn. So the arousal issue could be porn induced.

I had a few panic attacs in between as well.

All those years off medications I did not think about withdrawal at all.

Today since I reused drugs again because I thought mistakenly it would help me in bed by curing my anxiety I find myself completely dis-stablysed by the drugs with d/r issues, worse sexual symptoms brain fog, anhedonia... I wish I never reused drugs again.

Now I'm 1 month into withdrawal and starting to feel better

I want to ask you a question about neuro plasticity and our brain capabilities.

Today i feel I'm a person completely different from my old self. I used to be a smart and happy guy with a lot going on for me.

Do you think the drugs have damaged us for good and we can never be our old self again?

Have we lost parts of our brains due to drugs that we can never recover no matter how much we heal?

Thank you

[ChessieCat]

Your drug signature is not showing

[ChessieCat]

Your drug signature is not showing below your posts.  When you click on the Create Your Signature link you will see 2 boxes.  Please type your signature in the bottom box and ensure that you click Save at the bottom.

 

I suggest you read posts in this area of the forum: Success stories: Recovery from withdrawal

 

It is important to realise that what you find on the internet is mainly people who are in the midst of issues with going off their psychiatric drugs.  The reason why there are limited success stories is because once people are recovered they no longer need, and I imagine want, to be posting about their situation.  They are most likely off living their lives.

[Bobo32]

And now?

[ChessieCat]

No signature showing.  If you are using a phone please see:  Phone Instructions:  Withdrawal History Signature.

 

You may need to click on Full View at the bottom of the page.

[Bobo32]

No signature showing. If you are using a phone please see: Phone Instructions: Withdrawal History Signature.

 

You may need to click on Full View at the bottom of the page.

Hey chessie

Have you heard of any pssd success stories involving recovering from soft gland syndrome?

I used lexapro and I'm left with this sexual issue now 2 months off the drug. Will it go away ?

Thanks

[Bobo32]

No signature showing.  If you are using a phone please see:  Phone Instructions:  Withdrawal History Signature.

 

You may need to click on Full View at the bottom of the page.

hey just updated signature using laptop

[Bobo32]

Hello everyone,

 

After a year on different drugs, I finally tapered and stopped all of them

 

now 2 months off what bothers me is a feeling very low mood and and depressed most of the time continious sighs during the day

 

a feeling on anxiety in some cases panicking expecially when i m not careful as to what i eat 

 

tinnitus

 

very exhausted after exercise

 

are those withdrawal symptoms or will they last forever? anyone know?

 

thanks for help

Edited May 25, 2017 by scallywag
merged topic "Is it withdrawal? Anxiety symptoms."

[Bobo32]

I also have a sense of inner restlessness. Could it be akathisia caused by all the drugs I used ?

Edited May 25, 2017 by scallywag
merged topic "Is it withdrawal? Anxiety symptoms."

[Bobo32]

hello everyone,

 

I experienced soft glans syndrome during my time on lexapro; this condition has not reversed since i stopped all medication for about 3 moths now.

 

Anyone experienced soft glans after they quit ADs? did it resolve? what can help?

 

Thanks everyone

Edited May 5, 2017 by scallywag
merged topics

[raven530]

Still have it 14 months later. Many people recover but it usually takes some time

[Bobo32]

i like to ask the moderators and experienced members here what could help to alleviate residual withdrawal symptoms? Maybe reinstatement would help?

I'm 3 months off now and most of my symptoms resolved except the PSSD and irritability and exhastion/ brain fog?

thanks everyone in advance

[Bobo32]

" I do have morning etections, can masturbate and have orgasm while watching my favorite porn. it only becomes a problem when i'm with a partner. I find it really hard to connect with someone, not enough connection and arousal to keep erection for intercourse."

 

These are classic symptoms of PISD (Porn Induced Sexual Dysfunction) not PSSD (Post SSRI Sexual Dysfunction).  It might be a good idea to research along those lines.

hey brassmonkey,

 

I would like to ask you a question about SSRIs and sexual dysfunctions. Since I reinitiated ADs after an 8 year withdrawal and do in it with Lexapro rather than Seroxat, I experienced Soft glans which seems to persist now 3 months post withdrawal even though I only used Lexapro for a couple of months. Do you think that will go away?

I also experience Tinnitus following Lexapro used which subsided a bit but it's still there.

 

Thank you

[brassmonkey]

Hey Bobo-- I sorry to hear that you're still having these problems, it's been going on for a while now.  From everything I've read and observed PSSD will eventually clear up on its own.  I suspect that the soft glands is a symptom of the PSSD.  But there are so many other factors that could be involved it makes it hard to say for sure.  It really is a subject better suited for the PSSD/PISD/ED forums.  Sorry I can't be of more help, it's a very frustrating problem and I truly hope it resolves for you.

 

Brass

[Bobo32]

Hey Bobo-- I sorry to hear that you're still having these problems, it's been going on for a while now. From everything I've read and observed PSSD will eventually clear up on its own. I suspect that the soft glands is a symptom of the PSSD. But there are so many other factors that could be involved it makes it hard to say for sure. It really is a subject better suited for the PSSD/PISD/ED forums. Sorry I can't be of more help, it's a very frustrating problem and I truly hope it resolves for you.

 

Brass

Thanks brass, I hope it does. Can you link me to any of those forums ? Ty

[Bobo32]

Hello all,

If what we are experiencing is autonomic nervous system dysregilation following a bad withdrawal from antidepressants then is the solution restarting the medication and withdrawing from it the right way?

I have persistent tinnitus, persistent soft glans syndrome and anxiety which all remain 3 months now after complete withdrawal. I cut off the lexapro pills into bits for a month then i stopped it all together.

I also feel dizziness and brain fog

I would love to hear what the senior moderetaors have to say about all this

Thanks all in advance

Bobo