Gavalar09: PSSD after only a week use

[Gavalar09]

Hi all, 

 

After only using Citalopram for a week I ended up with the inability to get an erection. I went into sertraline for a week after coming of Citalopram and symptoms continued.

 

i decided to come off SSRI’s after this as I wanted my sex life back. Unfortunately I am still suffering side effects today and I took these meds 3 years ago! 

 

I did see see some improvement early on, but as times gone on this has only got worse, to the point not even Cialis works for me! 

 

Im only 25 years old, was given the meds at 22. I don’t want to live my life like this! 

 

From researching I’ve only come across SSRI use and porn use as the only two possible reasons behind my impotence! 

 

Seeing other stories across the web I’ve seen several like my case who only took SSRI’s for a very short period and endured very long term effects! 

 

Many feedback on this would be very much appreciated! 

 

[ChessieCat]

Hi Gavalar09 and welcome to SA,

 

We ask all members to create a drug signature.  Please update it whenever you make a change.  Please keep it nice and simple.  We only need details for the last 2 years.  Date, drug and dose only, no symptoms or diagnoses.  The other years can just be an overview.  

 

This is the preferred format which is helpful for the mods.  Thank you.

 

A request: Would you summarize your history in a signature - ALL drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements, in the last 2 years particularly?

• Please leave out symptoms and diagnoses.
• A list is easier to understand than one or multiple paragraphs. 

• Any drugs prior to 2 years ago can just be listed with start and stop years.
• Please use actual dates or approximate dates (mid-June, Late October) rather than relative time frames (last week, 3 months ago)
• Spell out months, e.g. "October" or "Oct."; 9/1/2016 can be interpreted as Jan. 9, 2016 or Sept. 1, 2016.
• Link to Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.Before you begin tapering what you need to know

 

Links to some SA topics which you might find helpful:

 

pssd-post-ssri-sexual-dysfunction

 

immediate-adverse-reactions-to-ssris-how-long-for-recovery

 

Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

Keep it Simple, Slow and Stable

 

Non-drug techniques to cope

 

Acceptance

Acceptance and Mindfulness

 

Brain Remodelling

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

The only supplements which SA recommends are Magnesium and Omega-3 Fish Oil.  Try a small amount one at a time to see how you react.  It is best to make only 1 change at a time.  It is also better not to start taking a complex vitamin because if you experience issues you will not know what exactly is causing it.  B vitamins can be stimulating especially B6.  hypersensitive-to-b-vitamin-or-b-vitamin-complex  If trying anything new, start with a small amount to see how you react and build up to the recommended amount.  

 

There are many existing topics and discussions on this site.  You can use the site search function on the main page of the site at the top right, or use a search engine and include survivingantidepressants.org in your search string.

 

This is your own Intro topic where you can ask questions and journal your progress.  We suggest that members visit each others Intro topics so that can support and encourage each other.

 

[Altostrata]

Welcome, Gavalar.

 

What is your daily symptom pattern now?

[Gavalar09]

Hi Altostrata, 

 

My daily symptoms include -

 

No libido

No morning, nocturnal or spontaneous erections 

emotional blunting 

Genital numbness

 

Things have only progressively gotten worse over the 3 years, it cost me a great job and a great relationship. 

 

Only one week on SSRIs has completely ruined my life.

[Altostrata]

Your symptoms are only related to PSSD?  What do you mean by "gotten worse"?

[Gavalar09]

As far as I am aware yes.

The symptoms started the week in which I took the SSRI and haven’t subsided, which tells me it’s PSSD. 

 

Of course ill never know as it’s not a condition doctors diagnose.

 

And things got better for a while, I was able to have sex and get slightly aroused but then things went back to how they were whilst I were again.

 

I can no longer have sex or even get morning wood. 

 

Ive had all blood tests done, doctors are relectant to test anything else as I am 25 years old and otherwise healthy. 

[Gavalar09]

Hi all, 

 

Feel like I’ve been suffering the same issue in regards to this. 

 

Ive suffered from impotence for the last 3 years due to only 2 weeks of being on SSRIs. 

 

There have been small small occasions where I have been able to have intercourse this is completely out of my control as these episodes are few and far between. 

I can do nothing by myself and no longer get morning erections, or very weak ones at best. 

 

Surely this must be permanent as 3 years is far too long to be seeing no recovery from this. 

[ChessieCat]

I've moved the above post from Windows and Waves to your Intro topic.

 

SA understands that sexual dysfunction can be distressing and also understands that this issue is related to psychiatric drug use/tapering etc.  However, it is only 1 part of the drug/withdrawal issue.

 

Please keep explicit details to a minimum when posting in non-PSSD topics.  Thank you.

[Clatterbust]

Hey gavalar,

 

how are you doing?