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PSSD Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction


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Greenwell, my theory is that my a lot of my neurological functioning-- particularly autonomic, but also in the prefrontal cortex-- was severely impaired by an episode a year ago when I used the antibiotic Flagyl with alcohol.  There are known CNS consequences of this combination, and the fact that I failed to abstain from alcohol while taking the antibiotic indicated to me that I probably had a problem with drinking.  At that point, physical response was good, but emotional bonding was severely impaired-- there was something wrong with everything and everyone, I was suspicious and paranoid in all my personal relationships.  Not with clients, oddly.  I asked my personal therapist if I should continue practicing, and he said that I should.  My clients did well during this period, and I was able to help them even when my own life was falling apart.  Several of them said I had changed their lives in a really positive way, which was terribly ironic because I felt like I'd had a stroke or something.

 

Quitting alcohol and recreational drugs-- marijuana, mostly-- provided a complete shock to the way that my brain functioned.  It is common in early sobriety to be outrageously, insanely horny all the time, among other things.  I also skied and bodyboarded at a level I had never reached before; I felt confident and incredibly strong.  (I did wind up in the ER with severe altitude sickness in May-- had a CAT scan of my brain, which was normal.)

 

Now, I agree with bdtd that the single use of Trazodone, even at the lowest possible dose, was a factor that set me back a bit.  Also, I think there's a natural rebound from the exhuberance of early sobriety.  So I've experienced a modest slump-- just not quite at the level I'd like to be physically in terms of sex.  Not incapable of it, and I do enjoy it a great deal, the stamina just is not there.

 

I do think that men in their mid 50s naturally experience fluctuation in their sex drive.  At this point, I think the factors mentioned above, as well as my long-standing history of PSSD from Paxil, do have a tendency to make the dips lower and the peaks a bit higher.  My sex drive would at this age would probably be a bit erratic anyway without the drugs and without sobriety, there's just an edge to the highs and lows that feels like I've been through a series of neurological shocks.

 

Again, I've decided not to worry about it.  It's within an acceptable range.  I'm not back in the full arousal disorder, where women I would normally be attracted to just seemed like.... sculpture, or something. 

 

Great observation about the antihistamines, btdt.  SSRIs are very similar to antihistamines, Prozac was developed from diphenydramine.  When I showed the molecular structure to a friend of mine-- a mad but brilliant organic chemist-- his comment was, "These drugs are match sticks."  In other words, relatively simple compounds, structurally unsophisticated.

Since you don't have a history posted I was not aware of the booze issue it is often caused by ssri drugs lot of people turn to booze and other drugs when on an ssir some were apparently recovered alcoholics but once they took paxil all bets were off and the could not contain the craving.  There is a long article about how the drugs affect the pancreas making the craving for sugar high ...booze is sugar actually.  something like that... don't recall exactly. 

 

the anithistamine made from antihistamines originally was a trycylic but I am sure they are affecting the body in the same way... as we all seem to have allergic reactions and inflammation when we quit.  Lots to learn still it is hard to learn when you brains has been messed with ... even thing I learn I forget to difficult to build on what you knew when it is forgotten... sad but true for me at least. 

 

I think when our bodies are trying to heal and we throw in more drugs it just slows down the process as the body has to work that much harder to over come the next drug... poor bodies we have no wonder they give in and give up. Like working for an insane boss. 

WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG
Had a car accident in 85
Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89
Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year
Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above.
One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking.

As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/

There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in :)

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[Dear Admin or Mods; sorry if I am posting in the wrong forum section. Feel free to move it to the appropriate one.]

 

I have been here before but posted only for a very short duration of time, so let's consider my return as a new one.

 

I am 33 years old male, suffering from sexual dysfunction since before & after taking prozac. I had psychological ED & prozac made it worse. Anyway, its been over 2 years & not much of a success. My case is worse in a sense that not even the PDE5 Inhibtors like Viagra & Cialis respond well, or at all, to me. I tried everything to not much avail. As of recently I tried taking Trazodon HCL 50mg (occassionaly 100mg) a day. On one or two occassions it actualy gave me weak erections, which otherwise don't take place, & also boosted my libido a little. Knowing its alpha blocker & can cause peprism I discontinued Trazodone a day before taking Cialis, & what do you know? Cialis worked pretty well & for almost full duration of promised 36 hours. Same thing with Viagra - pretty good 4 to 5 hours.

 

Now the down side effects: It once gave me retrograde ejaculation (so did Welbutrin) & its potency to boost PDE5 inhibtors effects is short lived (usually a day or two) once after discontinued.

 

My question for people who have taken Trazodone is that is it ok to continue it in lower dose (50 to 100mg) a day. & is it safe to take 50mg Trazodone with 50-100mg viagra or 20mg cialis on the same day as Trazodone (albiet with hours apart)?

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  • 4 weeks later...
  • Administrator

Very good to hear, Furiated.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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can i expect it's getting better one day ?

 

ps : i just took one pill 10mg lexapro which destroys completely my libido and makes me severely impotent

 

ps 2 : i never had windows or waves, my symptoms are the same for almost 3 years

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  • 3 weeks later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

Several similar topics merged.

 

Forexworld12, I moved your post here where it will get more traffic in searches.

I'm not a doctor.  My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one.

My Introduction Thread

Full Drug and Withdrawal History

Brief Summary

Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects

2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010

Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal

DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms

Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal)

May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins.

Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes

Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine

Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D

June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens.

Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered

Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days.

April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close.

VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from?



VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made?



VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes?



VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects?

VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes

 

 

 

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I'm hoping that you guys can reassure me here. One of the reasons that I started tapering about a year ago was the sexual side-effects of my medication. I'm currently down from 100mg of Zoloft to 25mg, and from .5mg of Haldol to .25mg. Sex drive has been a little on the low side for awhile, with occasional problems getting an erection.

 

I'm in a new relationship that's only a few weeks old right now. First time in a relationship in about 6 months. I'm finding that although I'm interested in "romance", I have very little in the way of libido. And I absolutely cannot get an erection. 

 

My new lady friend has been as supportive as she can, but with a relationship this new, I can't really expect too much from her. I like the girl, and I'm hoping that I can salvage this, but I'm not holding my breath

 

Privately, I feel absolutely humiliated and emasculated.

 

I feel like I'm almost dead down there. I have somewhat of a sex drive. I enjoy messing around and pleasuring her. But my penis might as well be my goddamned elbow for all of the feeling and reaction I'm getting out of it.

 

I had thought that as I tapered, things would get better - not worse. 

 

Has this happened to anyone else? Will this get better once I'm completely off the meds? I'm only 34 years old, and I just cannot believe that this is happening to me. Granted, my lifestyle isn't that healthy at the moment either. I'm probably drinking too much and smoking too many cigarettes, although I've been healthy and physically active at various points in my life in the past.

 

I've tried Cialis and Viagra, but they make me feel like **** the next day.

 

I feel like some kind of freak. Help me out here, guys. Feeling pretty low at the moment. 

-SSRIs starting at age 16 - around 1996. Tried just about every one available for a period of a few years. Stabilized on Zoloft. Have been on it since about 2003.
-Added .5mg Haldol for Tourette's and OCD in 2005
-Tapered in fall/winter of 2012, got off of Zoloft completely. Think I went too fast. Long term withdrawal symptoms persisted for months, to the point that I went back to a 100mg dose.
-Found this site, tapered using the 10% plan in 2015. It was really rough. Went back on Zoloft at 100mg.
-Found a great therapist in 2017, learned new self care skills. Started tapering again. Got down to 50mg Zoloft, .4mg Haldol by late 2017 (? - memories a little fuzzy these days)
- Taper got rough again. Held dose at 50mg Zoloft, .4mg Haldol through early 2018. Wife had a baby. Was putting in a lot of hours at work. Had a "poop out". Brain fog, debilitating fatigue, and the works.
- Consulted with a health coach who specializes in mental health and psychiatric drug withdrawal. Developed a plan that involved hormones and supplements. Did a fairly rapid taper on Zoloft and Haldol over the course of 1 year. Felt awful, but it was manageable with the help of the hormones/supplements and frequent visits to my therapist. Psychiatric drug free as of 4/2020. I have about 10 months off of Haldol now, and 6 months off of Zoloft. Battling long term, protracted withdrawal symptoms, and going through h*ll, but so far I've managed to (just barely) keep my high paying job and maintain my relationship with my wife. (Updated 10/2020)
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I'm hoping that you guys can reassure me here. One of the reasons that I started tapering about a year ago was the sexual side-effects of my medication. I'm currently down from 100mg of Zoloft to 25mg, and from .5mg of Haldol to .25mg. Sex drive has been a little on the low side for awhile, with occasional problems getting an erection.

 

I'm in a new relationship that's only a few weeks old right now. First time in a relationship in about 6 months. I'm finding that although I'm interested in "romance", I have very little in the way of libido. And I absolutely cannot get an erection. 

 

My new lady friend has been as supportive as she can, but with a relationship this new, I can't really expect too much from her. I like the girl, and I'm hoping that I can salvage this, but I'm not holding my breath

 

Privately, I feel absolutely humiliated and emasculated.

 

I feel like I'm almost dead down there. I have somewhat of a sex drive. I enjoy messing around and pleasuring her. But my penis might as well be my goddamned elbow for all of the feeling and reaction I'm getting out of it.

 

I had thought that as I tapered, things would get better - not worse. 

 

Has this happened to anyone else? Will this get better once I'm completely off the meds? I'm only 34 years old, and I just cannot believe that this is happening to me. Granted, my lifestyle isn't that healthy at the moment either. I'm probably drinking too much and smoking too many cigarettes, although I've been healthy and physically active at various points in my life in the past.

 

I've tried Cialis and Viagra, but they make me feel like **** the next day.

 

I feel like some kind of freak. Help me out here, guys. Feeling pretty low at the moment. 

 

 

 

I've had PSSD for over 17 years.  I was one of the first people to discuss it with doctors and post about it online.  Nobody believed it existed.  Nothing really came to the forefront until the scientist "Vornan" made that Yahoo group about PSSD.  Only a small number of people have healed completely and a few have healed somewhat.  My main issue right now is zero libido but I am also on other meds now so I do not know how much I can heal until I can get off of them.  Have you had sexual side effects since taking your first SSRI like I did?

I've been on dozens of psychiatric medications starting with being forced to take Prozac back as a minor in the mid 1990s.  All doctors would cold turkey me from medications.  I did not learn about withdrawal until the mid 2000's by reading Dr. Breggin's books and finding sites similar to this one.  I had one successful full cleansing from medication in 2007 and began to recover from some of the iatrogenic damages.  I started to drink alcohol in 2008 to try and recover from PSSD and then about 6 months later, I lost my ability to sleep and was put into an inpatient psychiatric facility and redrugged.  The only med combination that has allowed me to sleep was 1250 mg of Depakote ER and 3 mg Klonopin.  However, my quality of life is terrible on these meds.  I want to try to get off everything now once again.  I have failed a couple of times trying to come off these meds recently but will try again once I can find a psychiatrist who understands withdrawal and can support me.

 

UPDATE:

 

I have not consumed any alcohol in over 10 years.  May 2019 - I started to reduce Anafranil very slowly so I can see a PSSD specialist.  I also plan on trying stem cell therapy to repair my iatrogenic brain damage.

 

Current meds:  1125 mg Depakote Sprinkles, 3 mg Klonopin

 

Current side effects:  PSSD, insomnia, odd sleep schedule, anhedonia, lack of motivation, cognitive issues, memory loss, hair loss, weight gain, dry mouth

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Sorry to hear about what you've been through, brother. No, for the 15 years or so that I was on SSRI's, I had occasional bumps in the road, but nothing REMOTELY like this. I've been fairly sexually active the entire time I've been on the meds. This has only been the last few months, as I've really gotten deep into my taper and gotten my dose down quite a way. Hoping to hear from others that maybe started experiencing issues only after they began to taper. I can only hope it's some type of withdrawal reaction. 

-SSRIs starting at age 16 - around 1996. Tried just about every one available for a period of a few years. Stabilized on Zoloft. Have been on it since about 2003.
-Added .5mg Haldol for Tourette's and OCD in 2005
-Tapered in fall/winter of 2012, got off of Zoloft completely. Think I went too fast. Long term withdrawal symptoms persisted for months, to the point that I went back to a 100mg dose.
-Found this site, tapered using the 10% plan in 2015. It was really rough. Went back on Zoloft at 100mg.
-Found a great therapist in 2017, learned new self care skills. Started tapering again. Got down to 50mg Zoloft, .4mg Haldol by late 2017 (? - memories a little fuzzy these days)
- Taper got rough again. Held dose at 50mg Zoloft, .4mg Haldol through early 2018. Wife had a baby. Was putting in a lot of hours at work. Had a "poop out". Brain fog, debilitating fatigue, and the works.
- Consulted with a health coach who specializes in mental health and psychiatric drug withdrawal. Developed a plan that involved hormones and supplements. Did a fairly rapid taper on Zoloft and Haldol over the course of 1 year. Felt awful, but it was manageable with the help of the hormones/supplements and frequent visits to my therapist. Psychiatric drug free as of 4/2020. I have about 10 months off of Haldol now, and 6 months off of Zoloft. Battling long term, protracted withdrawal symptoms, and going through h*ll, but so far I've managed to (just barely) keep my high paying job and maintain my relationship with my wife. (Updated 10/2020)
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Think I may have stumbled onto something that may help others here. I've been having a lot of anxiety lately, which is unusual. It dawned on me that perhaps I've been tapering too quickly. Went back to a higher dose today. Within an hour, I'm not feeling quite so dead down there. I dare say that within an hour, I've gained back 20% functioning. #Boom. Fingers crossed that if I slow my taper down it'll fix this nonsense. I'll keep you all posted.

-SSRIs starting at age 16 - around 1996. Tried just about every one available for a period of a few years. Stabilized on Zoloft. Have been on it since about 2003.
-Added .5mg Haldol for Tourette's and OCD in 2005
-Tapered in fall/winter of 2012, got off of Zoloft completely. Think I went too fast. Long term withdrawal symptoms persisted for months, to the point that I went back to a 100mg dose.
-Found this site, tapered using the 10% plan in 2015. It was really rough. Went back on Zoloft at 100mg.
-Found a great therapist in 2017, learned new self care skills. Started tapering again. Got down to 50mg Zoloft, .4mg Haldol by late 2017 (? - memories a little fuzzy these days)
- Taper got rough again. Held dose at 50mg Zoloft, .4mg Haldol through early 2018. Wife had a baby. Was putting in a lot of hours at work. Had a "poop out". Brain fog, debilitating fatigue, and the works.
- Consulted with a health coach who specializes in mental health and psychiatric drug withdrawal. Developed a plan that involved hormones and supplements. Did a fairly rapid taper on Zoloft and Haldol over the course of 1 year. Felt awful, but it was manageable with the help of the hormones/supplements and frequent visits to my therapist. Psychiatric drug free as of 4/2020. I have about 10 months off of Haldol now, and 6 months off of Zoloft. Battling long term, protracted withdrawal symptoms, and going through h*ll, but so far I've managed to (just barely) keep my high paying job and maintain my relationship with my wife. (Updated 10/2020)
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Sorry to hear about what you've been through, brother. No, for the 15 years or so that I was on SSRI's, I had occasional bumps in the road, but nothing REMOTELY like this. I've been fairly sexually active the entire time I've been on the meds. This has only been the last few months, as I've really gotten deep into my taper and gotten my dose down quite a way. Hoping to hear from others that maybe started experiencing issues only after they began to taper. I can only hope it's some type of withdrawal reaction. 

Sorry to hear what you are going through. I am currently suffering from PSSD and other symptoms. You can recover, it will take time and you have to be patient and taper slowly. There are recovery success stories on here as well of men who sucessfully recovered from PSSD. It just takes time I hope, because I still haven't recovered from PSSD myself.

 

I think only in rare cases do people not recover from PSSD, or I find sometimes the reason they haven't recovered is because they are still taking medication. Or the people who have convinced themselves in their head that this is "permanent". That doesn't help.

 

I hope this helps. I am sure other members can chime in on this topic for you.

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  • 3 weeks later...

 

I'm hoping that you guys can reassure me here. One of the reasons that I started tapering about a year ago was the sexual side-effects of my medication. I'm currently down from 100mg of Zoloft to 25mg, and from .5mg of Haldol to .25mg. Sex drive has been a little on the low side for awhile, with occasional problems getting an erection.

 

I'm in a new relationship that's only a few weeks old right now. First time in a relationship in about 6 months. I'm finding that although I'm interested in "romance", I have very little in the way of libido. And I absolutely cannot get an erection. 

 

My new lady friend has been as supportive as she can, but with a relationship this new, I can't really expect too much from her. I like the girl, and I'm hoping that I can salvage this, but I'm not holding my breath

 

Privately, I feel absolutely humiliated and emasculated.

 

I feel like I'm almost dead down there. I have somewhat of a sex drive. I enjoy messing around and pleasuring her. But my penis might as well be my goddamned elbow for all of the feeling and reaction I'm getting out of it.

 

I had thought that as I tapered, things would get better - not worse. 

 

Has this happened to anyone else? Will this get better once I'm completely off the meds? I'm only 34 years old, and I just cannot believe that this is happening to me. Granted, my lifestyle isn't that healthy at the moment either. I'm probably drinking too much and smoking too many cigarettes, although I've been healthy and physically active at various points in my life in the past.

 

I've tried Cialis and Viagra, but they make me feel like **** the next day.

 

I feel like some kind of freak. Help me out here, guys. Feeling pretty low at the moment.

 

 

I've had PSSD for over 17 years.  I was one of the first people to discuss it with doctors and post about it online.  Nobody believed it existed.  Nothing really came to the forefront until the scientist "Vornan" made that Yahoo group about PSSD.  Only a small number of people have healed completely and a few have healed somewhat.  My main issue right now is zero libido but I am also on other meds now so I do not know how much I can heal until I can get off of them.  Have you had sexual side effects since taking your first SSRI like I did?

Sorry to hear about what you've been through, brother. No, for the 15 years or so that I was on SSRI's, I had occasional bumps in the road, but nothing REMOTELY like this. I've been fairly sexually active the entire time I've been on the meds. This has only been the last few months, as I've really gotten deep into my taper and gotten my dose down quite a way. Hoping to hear from others that maybe started experiencing issues only after they began to taper. I can only hope it's some type of withdrawal reaction.

 

Michigan, I think I have experienced something similar to what you describe. A year ago I quit 10 mg paroxetine (a low dose) and had similar symptoms, starting after approx five days. Never experienced it before during ssri use and neither when I quit three times before (last time in 2008, I think). Was quite scared and after 10 days resumed 10mg paroxetine. Symptoms then went away after appr five days. A couple of weeks ago, I tapered from 10 to 5 mg (1/4 pill) to see if this would work, but the sspd now has returned and I'm now quite worried.

 

I'm now fearing that this state will persist. My Dr (which didn't sem to know much about this condition) and I agreed to wait a couple of weeks and then if symptoms persist go back to 10 mg again. Not sure whether this is a smart move as I want to quit the ADs. Moreover, I have read some research that suggest that sperm quality is significantly worsened by ADs and that makes me all the more want to quit. I haven't experienced pssd when I have been tapering before, just now the last year. I have been on 10 mg for about, let's say, four years so tapering haven't really been an issue.

1998-2002 - 20-40 mg paxil

2002-2003 - off

2003-2008- 10-20 mg paxil

2008-2009- off

2009-2011 20 mg paxil

2011-2014- 10 mg paxil,

Dec 2013 - 0 mg paxil, experienced PSSD, resumed 10 mg paxil

2014-2015- 10 mg paxil

Dec 2015- 5 mg paxil, experienced PSSD

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Welcome to SA, Osloensis.

 

Please start a topic for yourself in out Introductions and Updates forum so we can get to know you and your story better. Instructions are in the sticky post at the top of that forum.

What happened and how I arrived here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4243-cymbaltawithdrawal5600-introduction/#entry50878

 

July 2016 I have decided to leave my story here at SA unfinished. I have left my contact information in my profile for anyone who wishes to talk to me. I have a posting history spanning nearly 4 years and 3000+ posts all over the site.

 

Thank you to all who participated in my recovery. I'll miss talking to you but know that I'll be cheering you on from the sidelines, suffering and rejoicing with you in spirit, as you go on in your journey.

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My opinion is that permanent PSSD is rare. When I jumped off paroxetine CT I didn't feel anything down there for like 9 months.. and slowly I started regaining it all back. 18 months later and I'm basically back to normal functioning. I can get hard as a rock and blast off like a madman. Granted I'm in my early 20's but I don't think that has much to do with it. I thought I was gonna' be stuck like that.. but all it took was patience. 

 

There is HOPE;)

Paxil from 2005 to July 2013. 30mg. 

Very short taper. 

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That is good to hear Mostly Water!  I've been off 40 MG of Celexa for almost 12 months and still nothing.  

I fear it is for good but worrying and despair will get me no where.

Mid 2006-Early 2013  Celexa 40 MG, Xanax .50, Trazadone 50 MG - No problems with side effects

Very fast-few weeks taper in Early 2013 off all medication.

Crashed summer 2013 Went back on all meds same dosage (different brand of Celexa) Sept 2013. 

 

Sexual Side Effects (which I never had before) begun December 2013.  Off Celexa February 2014.  Xanax remained while Trazadone done in August 2014.

Continue to experience complete PSSD to this day with sadly no signs of improvement yet.

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  • 4 weeks later...

 

a friend an ex-pssd/ahnedonia sufferer has opened this new forum to  help people reverse PSSD and/or ahnedonia . please check it out and join in

 

http://area-1255.forumotion.info/f4-post-ssri-sexual-dysfunction-pssd-researchtheories-conclusions

 

Any new forum on this subject needs to have the information in this thread imho

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/8045-love-romance-attachment-serotonin-enhancing-drugs/

The link above it to an article by Helen Fisher the lady in the video it is more detailed than this short video. 

 

new as of today but not new to the people who research this Helen Fisher 2007

WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG
Had a car accident in 85
Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89
Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year
Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above.
One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking.

As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/

There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in :)

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pssd from antisychotics is different from SRRI Alostrata,  those meds are the worst ones, they really affect dopamine

most fellows on them dont recovered I read those testimonies on line, as permanent dysfuctions  How true is that

Please note - I am not a medical practitioner and I do not give medical advice. I offer an opinion based on my own experiences, reading and discussion with others.

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 I really dont know what to do I am in despair

Please note - I am not a medical practitioner and I do not give medical advice. I offer an opinion based on my own experiences, reading and discussion with others.

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 I really dont know what to do I am in despair

Please see the section on self help there are many ideas there to help yourself 

peace

WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG
Had a car accident in 85
Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89
Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year
Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above.
One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking.

As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/

There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in :)

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  • Administrator

We generally see gradual recovery, LionofJuda. This can take months or years. It is the same for antipsychotics.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • Administrator

Read this -- this man posted for years very hopeless about his recovery. And then he recovered.

 

Success: Recovery From Protracted Zoloft Withdrawal and PSSD

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • Administrator

Yes, that man was saying very similar things!

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Thank you so much for posting the success story. I really needed to read that today. I am a little over a year with PSSD (and had very, very bad SD while still on Lexapro) and constantly say the same things to myself as lionofJuda - which can't help. I spend enormous amounts of energy being mad, sad, and scared. I've been considering homeopathy to see if that will help. I'm grateful for this site.

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Is there healing from zyprexa and other neuroleptics

the pragnosis is pretty grim

 

 

Please note - I am not a medical practitioner and I do not give medical advice. I offer an opinion based on my own experiences, reading and discussion with others.

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Hi

 

I received a PM asking me how I'm doing concerning PSSD, genital anaesthesia and anorgasmia. I was happy to respond with the following:

 

"Actually things are now fine - physically. Erections are fine, no numbness and ejaculation is pleasurable. Sometimes it feels less pleasurable, and sometimes more so, but I think this is natural variation.

 

I don't have a sex life yet because of sexual inexperience -taking antidepressants for so many years made me demotivated about sex and sexuality etc. I also had social anxiety issues with women even before I started SSRIs.

 

For me, the problem appears to have been caused by online porn. Anyone who thinks they may have PSSD and watches porn needs to stop.

 

Check out: yourbrainonporn.com. The symptoms of porn induced erectile dysfunction are very similar to PSSD - erectile dysfunction, genital numbness, and - in some cases - pleasureless orgasms. It seems to be down to a numbed pleasure response.

 

Of course, genuine PSSD does exist, but for some people, the problem is porn.

 

Of course, it's possible I did have some form of PSSD and just healed naturally. However, the progress I made since stopping porn makes me believe it was mainly the porn causing the symptoms."

 

I'd like to re-iterate, I'm not doubting the existence of PSSD or that some people have it, and that it can be persistent - but rule out porn before you consign yourself to a life without sex. I took sertraline for 8.5 years and lost hope for a long time before I worked it out.

February 2004 - mid 2005 - 50 mg zoloft.

 

Mid 2005 - lexapro 20mg (3 months) Discontinued SSRIs for a few months - withdrawal.

 

20mg paxil towards end of 2005 for few weeks - borderline psychosis - lasted until Nay 2006.

 

Restarted sertraline in early 2006, ending up on 200mg. Down to 100mg in 2009 - stabilised at that dose for a couple of years.

 

Updosed to 150mg for a few weeks in 2012, before a psychiatrist put me back down to 100mg (no taper!)

 

Too fast taper off zoloft 100mg between May/June 2012 and September/October. Withdrawal started end of December 2012.

 

Tried to reinstate zoloft March 2012 50 mg - worsened.

 

Stemetil 5mg during an acute phase of labyrinthitis/vertigo in early 2011. Haven't taken since mid 2012.

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Hi

 

I received a PM asking me how I'm doing concerning PSSD, genital anaesthesia and anorgasmia. I was happy to respond with the following:

 

"Actually things are now fine - physically. Erections are fine, no numbness and ejaculation is pleasurable. Sometimes it feels less pleasurable, and sometimes more so, but I think this is natural variation.

 

I don't have a sex life yet because of sexual inexperience -taking antidepressants for so many years made me demotivated about sex and sexuality etc. I also had social anxiety issues with women even before I started SSRIs.

 

For me, the problem appears to have been caused by online porn. Anyone who thinks they may have PSSD and watches porn needs to stop.

 

Check out: yourbrainonporn.com. The symptoms of porn induced erectile dysfunction are very similar to PSSD - erectile dysfunction, genital numbness, and - in some cases - pleasureless orgasms. It seems to be down to a numbed pleasure response.

 

Of course, genuine PSSD does exist, but for some people, the problem is porn.

 

Of course, it's possible I did have some form of PSSD and just healed naturally. However, the progress I made since stopping porn makes me believe it was mainly the porn causing the symptoms."

 

I'd like to re-iterate, I'm not doubting the existence of PSSD or that some people have it, and that it can be persistent - but rule out porn before you consign yourself to a life without sex. I took sertraline for 8.5 years and lost hope for a long time before I worked it out.

I can assure you porn had nothing to do with my PSSD... not a user never was.

WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG
Had a car accident in 85
Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89
Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year
Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above.
One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking.

As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/

There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in :)

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I also want to point out that although the members of SSRIsex have tried for years to find medical treatment for their PSSD, no one has come up with anything that works, and many have further injured themselves by taking various hormones and medications. Most of them also have withdrawal symptoms, although they may not recognize their situation as prolonged withdrawal syndrome. However, members do report resolution of PSSD given time -- like other withdrawal symptoms.

 

I thought I had asked this question previously, but can't find the post. Altostrata, you mention that many have further injured themselves by taking various hormones. I know you were postmenopausal when withdrawing and started the estrogen patch, which seemed to help your PSSD a little bit, as noted in another post. So do you believe that hormone replacement may only injure those who are not post-menopausal? I believe that antidepressants and benzos may have pushed me into early menopause by disrupting my hormones. I'm only 44. My periods stopped for 5-6 months during the acute phase of benzo withdrawal, but I had been having perimenopausal symptoms since my late 30s (while on the ADs and benzos). All of my hormones (estrogens, progesterones, FSH) tested at postmenopausal levels, but my testosterone was normal. I was also having severe hot flashes and insomnia, so I started the estrogen patch and progesterone. In addition to alleviating the hot flashes and insomnia, it seemed to help my PSSD (genital anesthesia) by about 5-10% after 6 months or so, but I got no further improvement. I stopped the hormones and my PSSD went back to 0% after being off for several months, so I reinstated the hormone supplements. I have gained back the 5-10%, but as before, have no further improvement. The 5-10% is still nowhere near functional enough to achieve orgasms, but it's better than nothing. My integrative medicine doc said that we might try a local testosterone cream to see if it would help my PSSD. Of course I don't want to mess up my chances of PSSD recovery by taking the hormone supplements. What is your opinion about that possibility, given your knowledge and experience? Thank you.

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Hi

 

I received a PM asking me how I'm doing concerning PSSD, genital anaesthesia and anorgasmia. I was happy to respond with the following:

 

"Actually things are now fine - physically. Erections are fine, no numbness and ejaculation is pleasurable. Sometimes it feels less pleasurable, and sometimes more so, but I think this is natural variation.

 

I don't have a sex life yet because of sexual inexperience -taking antidepressants for so many years made me demotivated about sex and sexuality etc. I also had social anxiety issues with women even before I started SSRIs.

 

For me, the problem appears to have been caused by online porn. Anyone who thinks they may have PSSD and watches porn needs to stop.

 

Check out: yourbrainonporn.com. The symptoms of porn induced erectile dysfunction are very similar to PSSD - erectile dysfunction, genital numbness, and - in some cases - pleasureless orgasms. It seems to be down to a numbed pleasure response.

 

Of course, genuine PSSD does exist, but for some people, the problem is porn.

 

Of course, it's possible I did have some form of PSSD and just healed naturally. However, the progress I made since stopping porn makes me believe it was mainly the porn causing the symptoms."

 

I'd like to re-iterate, I'm not doubting the existence of PSSD or that some people have it, and that it can be persistent - but rule out porn before you consign yourself to a life without sex. I took sertraline for 8.5 years and lost hope for a long time before I worked it out.

I can assure you porn had nothing to do with my PSSD... not a user never was.

 

 

 

Hi

 

I received a PM asking me how I'm doing concerning PSSD, genital anaesthesia and anorgasmia. I was happy to respond with the following:

 

"Actually things are now fine - physically. Erections are fine, no numbness and ejaculation is pleasurable. Sometimes it feels less pleasurable, and sometimes more so, but I think this is natural variation.

 

I don't have a sex life yet because of sexual inexperience -taking antidepressants for so many years made me demotivated about sex and sexuality etc. I also had social anxiety issues with women even before I started SSRIs.

 

For me, the problem appears to have been caused by online porn. Anyone who thinks they may have PSSD and watches porn needs to stop.

 

Check out: yourbrainonporn.com. The symptoms of porn induced erectile dysfunction are very similar to PSSD - erectile dysfunction, genital numbness, and - in some cases - pleasureless orgasms. It seems to be down to a numbed pleasure response.

 

Of course, genuine PSSD does exist, but for some people, the problem is porn.

 

Of course, it's possible I did have some form of PSSD and just healed naturally. However, the progress I made since stopping porn makes me believe it was mainly the porn causing the symptoms."

 

I'd like to re-iterate, I'm not doubting the existence of PSSD or that some people have it, and that it can be persistent - but rule out porn before you consign yourself to a life without sex. I took sertraline for 8.5 years and lost hope for a long time before I worked it out.

I can assure you porn had nothing to do with my PSSD... not a user never was.

 

People like yourself who have never used porn; who have taken anti-depressants and have PSSD symptoms clearly do have PSSD. For me it was never really cut and dried because I did have sexual side effects when taking zoloft and I was using porn on and off throughout those years. I removed the zoloft; sexual side effects got better, but I got hornier, so I started using more porn. Then it seemed like the old symptoms came back and I convinced myself I had PSSD. I felt at times like I was still taking an SSRI, at least in relation to sexual side effects.

 

There may be PSSD sufferers who have never used porn offended by me even mentioning this - but the reality is the majority of men nowadays do view porn; many to excess. Those who have never taken SSRIs report very similar symptoms to PSSD sufferers.

February 2004 - mid 2005 - 50 mg zoloft.

 

Mid 2005 - lexapro 20mg (3 months) Discontinued SSRIs for a few months - withdrawal.

 

20mg paxil towards end of 2005 for few weeks - borderline psychosis - lasted until Nay 2006.

 

Restarted sertraline in early 2006, ending up on 200mg. Down to 100mg in 2009 - stabilised at that dose for a couple of years.

 

Updosed to 150mg for a few weeks in 2012, before a psychiatrist put me back down to 100mg (no taper!)

 

Too fast taper off zoloft 100mg between May/June 2012 and September/October. Withdrawal started end of December 2012.

 

Tried to reinstate zoloft March 2012 50 mg - worsened.

 

Stemetil 5mg during an acute phase of labyrinthitis/vertigo in early 2011. Haven't taken since mid 2012.

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Hi

 

I received a PM asking me how I'm doing concerning PSSD, genital anaesthesia and anorgasmia. I was happy to respond with the following:

 

"Actually things are now fine - physically. Erections are fine, no numbness and ejaculation is pleasurable. Sometimes it feels less pleasurable, and sometimes more so, but I think this is natural variation.

 

I don't have a sex life yet because of sexual inexperience -taking antidepressants for so many years made me demotivated about sex and sexuality etc. I also had social anxiety issues with women even before I started SSRIs.

 

For me, the problem appears to have been caused by online porn. Anyone who thinks they may have PSSD and watches porn needs to stop.

 

Check out: yourbrainonporn.com. The symptoms of porn induced erectile dysfunction are very similar to PSSD - erectile dysfunction, genital numbness, and - in some cases - pleasureless orgasms. It seems to be down to a numbed pleasure response.

 

Of course, genuine PSSD does exist, but for some people, the problem is porn.

 

Of course, it's possible I did have some form of PSSD and just healed naturally. However, the progress I made since stopping porn makes me believe it was mainly the porn causing the symptoms."

 

I'd like to re-iterate, I'm not doubting the existence of PSSD or that some people have it, and that it can be persistent - but rule out porn before you consign yourself to a life without sex. I took sertraline for 8.5 years and lost hope for a long time before I worked it out.

I can assure you porn had nothing to do with my PSSD... not a user never was.

 

 

 

Hi

 

I received a PM asking me how I'm doing concerning PSSD, genital anaesthesia and anorgasmia. I was happy to respond with the following:

 

"Actually things are now fine - physically. Erections are fine, no numbness and ejaculation is pleasurable. Sometimes it feels less pleasurable, and sometimes more so, but I think this is natural variation.

 

I don't have a sex life yet because of sexual inexperience -taking antidepressants for so many years made me demotivated about sex and sexuality etc. I also had social anxiety issues with women even before I started SSRIs.

 

For me, the problem appears to have been caused by online porn. Anyone who thinks they may have PSSD and watches porn needs to stop.

 

Check out: yourbrainonporn.com. The symptoms of porn induced erectile dysfunction are very similar to PSSD - erectile dysfunction, genital numbness, and - in some cases - pleasureless orgasms. It seems to be down to a numbed pleasure response.

 

Of course, genuine PSSD does exist, but for some people, the problem is porn.

 

Of course, it's possible I did have some form of PSSD and just healed naturally. However, the progress I made since stopping porn makes me believe it was mainly the porn causing the symptoms."

 

I'd like to re-iterate, I'm not doubting the existence of PSSD or that some people have it, and that it can be persistent - but rule out porn before you consign yourself to a life without sex. I took sertraline for 8.5 years and lost hope for a long time before I worked it out.

I can assure you porn had nothing to do with my PSSD... not a user never was.

 

People like yourself who have never used porn; who have taken anti-depressants and have PSSD symptoms clearly do have PSSD. For me it was never really cut and dried because I did have sexual side effects when taking zoloft and I was using porn on and off throughout those years. I removed the zoloft; sexual side effects got better, but I got hornier, so I started using more porn. Then it seemed like the old symptoms came back and I convinced myself I had PSSD. I felt at times like I was still taking an SSRI, at least in relation to sexual side effects.

 

There may be PSSD sufferers who have never used porn offended by me even mentioning this - but the reality is the majority of men nowadays do view porn; many to excess. Those who have never taken SSRIs report very similar symptoms to PSSD sufferers.

 

 

Are you saying porn causes PSSD.  I have very serious doubts about that one I am going to look it up... and guess what your completely right sorry for the doubts. I just watched a video that says hitting those dopamine receptors too much can desensitize them.  Here is a video of Dr Oz talking to top specialized doctors about this subject... I was very surprised. 

 

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/can-porn-cause-erectile-dysfunction-pt-1

WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG
Had a car accident in 85
Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89
Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year
Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above.
One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking.

As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/

There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in :)

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Part 2 brain penis mismatch...

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/can-porn-cause-erectile-dysfunction-pt-2

 

Part 3 how do you know your Erectile dysfunction is from porn... if the pills and other fixes for this don't work .. that is what the doc says

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/can-porn-cause-erectile-dysfunction-pt-3

easy solutions can be fixed in a little as 4wks no medication needed

... that part is not sounding at all like what I have.......

 

 

Part 4 how to fix it take four wks off from sex lol going on 8 years now... 

blah blah blah all about men....

4wks is a good time to rebuild those neurotransmitters... so they say

 

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/can-porn-cause-erectile-dysfunction-pt-4

 

It is not sounding like PSSD to me at all. 

WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG
Had a car accident in 85
Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89
Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year
Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above.
One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking.

As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/

There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in :)

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  • 2 weeks later...

I dont watch much porn but i guess I will stop all together, no need to potentially make matters worse. 

2010 - citalopram 10mg 
2011 - 20-40mg, 1 month taper, PSSD & Anhedonia - Elavil 10mg during taper.
Clonazepam when needed after a month of daily use. 
2012 - Off Elavil - Zoloft (sertraline) 25mg - 50 mgs for 6 months + Buspar for a while. Pssd & anhedonia improved on zoloft, now has gotten a lot worse since a year off. 

 

Off all drugs since October 2012.

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I don't watch any porn and I don't think porn has anything to do with what most of us here are dealing with. 

WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG
Had a car accident in 85
Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89
Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year
Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above.
One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking.

As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/

There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in :)

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  • Administrator

elbillingo, I believe it's highly unlikely PSSD -- which can occur during and after psychiatric drug use -- is due to too much porn.

 

In my case, there was no porn. I'm glad eschewing porn helped you.

 

 

I also want to point out that although the members of SSRIsex have tried for years to find medical treatment for their PSSD, no one has come up with anything that works, and many have further injured themselves by taking various hormones and medications. Most of them also have withdrawal symptoms, although they may not recognize their situation as prolonged withdrawal syndrome. However, members do report resolution of PSSD given time -- like other withdrawal symptoms.

 

I thought I had asked this question previously, but can't find the post. Altostrata, you mention that many have further injured themselves by taking various hormones. I know you were postmenopausal when withdrawing and started the estrogen patch, which seemed to help your PSSD a little bit, as noted in another post. So do you believe that hormone replacement may only injure those who are not post-menopausal? I believe that antidepressants and benzos may have pushed me into early menopause by disrupting my hormones. I'm only 44. My periods stopped for 5-6 months during the acute phase of benzo withdrawal, but I had been having perimenopausal symptoms since my late 30s (while on the ADs and benzos). All of my hormones (estrogens, progesterones, FSH) tested at postmenopausal levels, but my testosterone was normal. I was also having severe hot flashes and insomnia, so I started the estrogen patch and progesterone. In addition to alleviating the hot flashes and insomnia, it seemed to help my PSSD (genital anesthesia) by about 5-10% after 6 months or so, but I got no further improvement. I stopped the hormones and my PSSD went back to 0% after being off for several months, so I reinstated the hormone supplements. I have gained back the 5-10%, but as before, have no further improvement. The 5-10% is still nowhere near functional enough to achieve orgasms, but it's better than nothing. My integrative medicine doc said that we might try a local testosterone cream to see if it would help my PSSD. Of course I don't want to mess up my chances of PSSD recovery by taking the hormone supplements. What is your opinion about that possibility, given your knowledge and experience? Thank you.

 

 

rainy, I believe the large doses of steroids (estrogen and testosterone are steroids) people are tempted to try to correct PSSD can be harmful. PSSD seems to make people desperate. Pushing the envelope on hormonal balance is highly risky. Even endocrinologists don't know how to do it.

 

Experimentation with hormone replacement for menopausal women has been going on for many years, with no definite conclusions yet.

 

Basically, a tiny bit of hormonal replacement can help a little, too much can cause other problems.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

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Thank you, Altostrata. I agree that PSSD makes people desperate. Severe sexual dysfunction is a pathology of your very life force and affects your most intimate relationships. In my case it has widespread effects on all my social functioning because I'm resentful about my situation and envy people without this problem. Even hearing sexual innuendos and seeing portrayals of romance and passion on tv flares my resentment and feeling sorry for myself. I'll stick with the .05 estrogen patch but hold off any testosterone cream.

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Thank you, Altostrata. I agree that PSSD makes people desperate. Severe sexual dysfunction is a pathology of your very life force and affects your most intimate relationships. In my case it has widespread effects on all my social functioning because I'm resentful about my situation and envy people without this problem. Even hearing sexual innuendos and seeing portrayals of romance and passion on tv flares my resentment and feeling sorry for myself. I'll stick with the .05 estrogen patch but hold off any testosterone cream.v

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  • 1 month later...

Came to this link today in an unexpected way... seems to be the way lately

http://www.life-enhancement.com/magazine/article/1702-carnitines-better-than-testosterone-for-impotence

 

It started innocently enough trying to heal mitochondria damage here..

http://spacedoc.com/stephen_sinatra_3 

 

Learned about a couple other things and a search of two type of acetyl-L-carnitine and  propionyl-L-carnitine brought up the site above about using them to fix sexual issues. I did a bit more looking... 

 

ar.jpghttp://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/par50.htm

 

I would be very careful with this as I would want to know what effects these have on neurotransmitters first and foremost as what good is a sex life if you crazy... I had that already and if I had to choose would take not crazy over sex any day. 

 

peace

WARNING THIS WILL BE LONG
Had a car accident in 85
Codeine was the pain med when I was release from hosp continuous use till 89
Given PROZAC by a specialist to help with nerve pain in my leg 89-90 not sure which year
Was not told a thing about it being a psych med thought it was a pain killer no info about psych side effects I went nuts had hallucinations. As I had a head injury and was diagnosed with a concussion in 85 I was sent to a head injury clinic in 1990 five years after the accident. I don't think they knew I had been on prozac I did not think it a big deal and never did finish the bottle of pills. I had tests of course lots of them. Was put into a pain clinic and given amitriptyline which stopped the withdrawal but had many side effects. But I could sleep something I had not done in a very long time the pain lessened. My mother got cancer in 94 they switched my meds to Zoloft to help deal with this pressure as I was her main care giver she died in 96. I stopped zoloft in 96 had withdrawal was put on paxil went nutty quit it ct put on resperidol quit it ct had withdrawal was put on Effexor... 2years later celexa was added 20mg then increased to 40mg huge personality change went wild. Did too fast taper off Celexa 05 as I felt unwell for a long time prior... quit Effexor 150mg ct 07 found ****** 8 months into withdrawal learned some things was banned from there in 08 have kept learning since. there is really not enough room here to put my history but I have a lot of opinions about a lot of things especially any of the drugs mentioned above.
One thing I would like to add here is this tidbit ALL OPIATES INCREASE SEROTONIN it is not a huge jump to being in chronic pain to being put on an ssri/snri and opiates will affect your antidepressants and your thinking.

As I do not update much I will put my quit date Nov. 17 2007 I quit Effexor cold turkey. 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1096-introducing-myself-btdt/

There is a crack in everything ..That's how the light gets in :)

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