pssd2020: introduction

[pssd2020]

Hi everyone

 

I've suffered with post SSRI sexual dysfunction for the last 7 years. This is obviously a misleading term, as there are other side effects that aren't sexual, such as anhedonia and memory loss, poor cognitive functioning.

 

I suffered with ED while I was on citalopram, but after I tapered off it, lost all sexuality and all the other stuff. :0(

 

I wanted to join the forum to get some support from others sufferers, but also because I want to encourage participation in patient surveys which are forming the basis of scientific research into conditions such as PSSD, Post Accutane syndrome and Post Finasteride syndrome. I'm also trying to do my best to network to raise awareness of the condition amongst researchers.

 

I'll leave that for now, since I guess I'd better let members and moderators get accustomed to me first. :0)

 

I wish everyone well, especially in this increasingly difficult times, and hope we can work together to make some positive changes.

 

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, pssd2020.

 

I'm sorry you're suffering from these protracted withdrawal symptoms. Unfortunately, what you're experiencing is all too common even 7 years out. It has been our general experience that eventually these symptoms resolve, but we don't have any kind of timeline we can offer.  PSSD, anhedonia, memory loss and poor cognitive functioning are typical withdrawal symptoms.

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

Glenmullen’s withdrawal symptom list.

 

The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization

 

Here is some information on protracted withdrawal.

 

Protracted Withdrawal or PAWS (post-acute withdrawal ...

 

To give members the best information, we ask them to summarize their medication history in a signature -- drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements, in the last 12-24 months particularly.  Are you on any psychiatric drugs now?

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature

 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems.

 

This is your Introduction topic, where you can ask questions and connect with other members.  We're glad you found your way here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[pssd2020]

Hi Gridley,

 

alas, I don't think this is going to resolve by itself, although I appreciate that in some very minor cases it can do.

 

 The first time I took SSRI, I recovered after some months, so I assumed that was what happens.

 The last time, I wasn't so lucky.

 I've made the symptoms far worse recently by briefly taking a supplement called inositol to attempt to reverse the problem. I think I have nerve damage now.

 

If I had known this was even a slight possibility beforehand, I would never have taken this medication in a million years.

[Gridley]

12 minutes ago, pssd2020 said:

I think I have nerve damage now.

We have found in our experience that the damage is not permanent.  It would be better for you to think that the damage is not permanent and that you will heal.  Thinking in this way is not pollyanna thinking - thinking doomsday thought puts stress on your system, which you don't need now.  

 

I would stay away from those sites that say you won't heal.  In my opinion they are wrong and they are digging you a deeper hole.  

[Clatterbust]

Any proof that they are wrong and you are right? 

[Cocopuffz17]

@pssd2020 Interesting you mention accutane. I was on accutane for a year in grade 12 and then after that I was crushed with depression/anxiety which led to going on paroxetine. How long were you on accutane? 

[brassmonkey]

Claterbust -- Over ten thousand case studies on this site alone and as many on other sites are a very good indicator that we are correct. There are also a large number of studies on the internet that confirm this. No, I am not going to provide links, if you are seriously interested in the subject please do some research.

 

Because of the confrontational tone of your post I will ask you to please read: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/1598-what-will-get-you-warned-or-banned/?tab=comments#comment-5633  so we can avoid future problems.

 

 

Edited November 3, 2020 by ChessieCat
changed member name

[pssd2020]

On 4/12/2020 at 3:12 PM, Gridley said:

We have found in our experience that the damage is not permanent.  It would be better for you to think that the damage is not permanent and that you will heal.  Thinking in this way is not pollyanna thinking - thinking doomsday thought puts stress on your system, which you don't need now.  

 

I would stay away from those sites that say you won't heal.  In my opinion they are wrong and they are digging you a deeper hole.  

 

I didn't visit any of those sites for 7 years after getting PSSD because I wanted to focus on the positives and to live a healthy lifestyle to aid my recovery.
 I don't doubt that people naturally recover from withdrawal / PSSD etc. However, there are many people who have yet to recover over long periods of time, and their experiences are also valid. It's important to acknowledge this so as to encourage clinicians, researchers and policy makers to take the matter seriously.
  

I agree that it is not helpful to dwell on the negatives. I think it is important to increase awareness of the conditions generally, to encourage research so that they are better understood. 

[pssd2020]

I was on accutane for a short time, a couple of months, perhaps?

 I think it probably increases the likelihood of someone suffering from PSSD, as accutane itself can cause enduring sexual problems. These effects are currently being investigated bu UK pharma-covigilance and may result in further warnings. I don't think I noticed sexual affects from accutane at the time, though, only from antidepressants.