ED1997: Try reinstatement for cure ED?

[ED1997]

6.4 - 4.11. 2017
Cipralex 10mg 
no problems 
18.5 - 1.10 2018
Fluzak 20mg?? 
No problem 
23.6 2021 - 24.7 2023
Cipralex 5mg 
Slow tapering- no problem 
1.4 - 16.7 2024
Faster taper- first time what i feel brain zaps after a week after dpiscontuination for 1-2weeks
Also have ED from that time, (on ssri no problem with erection) i never have problems with erection, now is hard to get errction, low libido when i look at porn…

 

Ssri reistatement ED dysfunction

Hello everyone,

I’ll try reinstating SSRIs and will share updates here.
My problem started after a faster tapering process; I experienced brain zaps and erectile dysfunction about a week after discontinuation.
During the tapering, I had no issues.

In the past, I used SSRIs three times and never had any problems during or after, as I tapered off more slowly and never experienced brain zaps.
During my last time on SSRIs, I was also microdosing psilocybin, even after discontinuation. I stopped it once I learned about its potential negative effects on PSSD.

After stopping SSRIs, I began using 5-HTP, which might have also contributed to the erectile dysfunction.

Two days ago, I tried around 1.5 mg of Elicea (Escitalopram) and noticed a positive effect.

Here’s my context:
    •    I used Cipralex 5 mg for 4 months (including the tapering period).
    •    It’s now been about 4 months since I discontinued, and there’s been no improvement in ED.

I’ll edit this post later; I made it quickly at work and copied some text from another forum. I just want your opinion on whether I should try it. I think there is more experts than in Reddit ? … Tonight, I’d like to take another dose of Cipralex, what you think? 

 

[Emonda]

Welcome @ED1997

 

On 11/18/2024 at 5:40 PM, ED1997 said:

I’ll try reinstating SSRIs

 

Have you read these two links:

About Reinstating and Stabilizing to Reduce Withdrawal Symptoms

Kindling

On 11/18/2024 at 5:40 PM, ED1997 said:

My problem started after a faster tapering process; I experienced brain zaps and erectile dysfunction about a week after discontinuation.

Those that taper too quickly often develop very unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. This Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) is a helpful summary of what many experience.

On 11/18/2024 at 5:40 PM, ED1997 said:

In the past, I used SSRIs three times and never had any problems during or after

I've read people say things like this. Everything is fine until eventually the brains says, "I've had enough".

On 11/18/2024 at 5:40 PM, ED1997 said:

I stopped it once I learned about its potential negative effects

Sounds like a wise decision.

On 11/18/2024 at 5:40 PM, ED1997 said:

I began using 5-HTP,

Constant change is very unhelpful in terms of recovery.

On 11/18/2024 at 5:40 PM, ED1997 said:

Two days ago, I tried around 1.5 mg of Elicea (Escitalopram) and noticed a positive effect.

More unhelpful change. You're no longer taking this, right?

You should put 5-HTP and Escitalopram into the Drug Interaction Checker and see what it tells you.

On 11/18/2024 at 5:40 PM, ED1997 said:

Tonight, I’d like to take another dose of Cipralex, what you think? 

Please read the links above about reinstatement and kindling.

You stopped 4 months ago, right? Reinstating works best in the first 3 months. Beyond that it becomes unpredictable and could cause you some significant issues.

Recovery from ADs and tapering is not linear. There are good days and not-so-good days/weeks/months. This is referred to as the Windows and waves pattern of stabilization.

We don't suggest many supplements, but two that many of us find helpful are magnesium and omega-3 fish oil. Here are the links for info about those. Add one at a time and start with a low dose to see how it affects you. 

Magnesium

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)

Avoid alcohol.

Once again, welcome to S.A.

Emonda

[LukeUK]

If ED is your only symptom, at just a few months off, I strongly recommend you do not keep taking more drugs.

 

Things can get FAR, FAR worse than just ED.

 

You're not even really a few months off, as in recent times you have repeatedly experimented with further substances.

 

Just stop, and see if you improve with time.

[Altostrata]

Hello. @ED1997, how are you doing?