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Sex and antidepressants?

Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
Hey, I couldn't see a thread on this but correct me if I'm wrong.

I've been on fluxetine for a couple of months and it's working wonders for depression. However, while it hasn't killed my sex drive it's killed my ability to orgasm. Any advice on ways to help make sex a litttle easier. I have a very understanding boyfriend and he doesn't pressure me or anything of the sort but I'd like to actually be able to enjoy sex with him.

Comments

  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    hiya have u tried any creams etc?
    u can get diff creams n stuff that you put on your clit that are supposed to help orgasm
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    I had a similar experience with fluoxetine. I was on it for a few years and it was fine when I was single but when I got together with my boyfriend it became an issue. For me the solution was changing anti-depressant although I think that the fluoxetine was better in terms of helping my depression. There are lots of anti-depressants, most that can have sexual side effects. The one that is thought to have the least is mirtazapine but personally I didn't get on with it at all. I'm now on citalopram which is better.

    Good luck to you.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    If Fluoxetine is working for you in terms of depression, don't change it immediately. Its much harder to find a new anti-depressant which works for you that to overcome the orgasm issues. This is one of the most reported side effects, but it could also be because of the depression, rather than the drugs. Its worth trying other things first rather than messing with your medication.

    I would try all manner of different positions (because it might just be G-spot or clitoral orgasms which aren't happening, rather than both), toys (something like a vibrating cock ring might be a good place to start), tribadism (rubbing up against him, legs, hips, back, pelvis, it might sound strange, but it seems to get it when nothing else will) and focusing on foreplay.

    Its really important to relax, and focus more on the experience as a whole rather than the orgasm. If you're enjoying sex even though your not coming, thats a good place to start. Take your time, don't rush it, and remember to breathe, and use lube if needed (remember if using condoms, its best to use water-based lube, but silicone-based is ok, never use oil based EVER, because it can break down condoms, toys, and clog the delicate pores of the vagina and lead to block bathelines glands and all sorts!).

    Hope that helps!
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Thanks for the advice everyone :) I can't go on a new drug as the only one prescribed to under 18s in the UK in fluoxetine. Miss_Riot that all sounds like excellent advice!
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Holand1945 wrote: »
    Thanks for the advice everyone :) I can't go on a new drug as the only one prescribed to under 18s in the UK in fluoxetine. Miss_Riot that all sounds like excellent advice!

    FALSE.

    Seriously, absolutely false. I am 100% certain I was on Citalopram before I hit 18.

    Tell them it's not working and they'll change it. Argue with them, if necessary.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    FALSE.

    Seriously, absolutely false. I am 100% certain I was on Citalopram before I hit 18.

    Tell them it's not working and they'll change it. Argue with them, if necessary.

    The rules keep changing, I was also given citalopram but it's no longer recommended for under 18s.

    If you think the problems you're having with sex are really negating the positive effects of the drug, you might need to try and have another chat with your GP or mental health worker.

    Mostly I agree with Miss Riot, however, that if it's doing your mental health some good and you can cope with the sexual problems, you shouldn't rush to change. I found that fluoxetine was really good for me (until I developed an allergy to it) and the other SSRIs never had the same effect.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Exactly, I'm definately not going to rush into changing my drugs; they're doing wonders. I just wondered if there were any other drugs to counter the affects or if anyone had any other advice.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Look up tips on achieving orgasm and see if you can find something that works despite the prozac. Unfortunately I have heard that it prevents orgasm in a lot of people (I wasn't getting any when I was taking it so I dunno!) so it might be a long-term side effect.

    Do you think you could bear to ask your doctor for a referral to a sexual dysfunction specialist? There must be some sort of advice available since it's so common.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Yeah I may do that in September when i see my psychiatrist again. Thanks guys! <3
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    FALSE.

    Seriously, absolutely false. I am 100% certain I was on Citalopram before I hit 18.

    Tell them it's not working and they'll change it. Argue with them, if necessary.

    When i was 16/17 I was given about 4 different ADs, one of them being Seroxat. I think the rules have changed now and they've realised the dangers.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Standard problem with Fluoxetine, stopped taking it a few months ago - it's mental how it goes back to normal.
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