Personal experiences with anti-depressants and side effects...

[Thinkalot]

Hi all.

 

I've posted similar questions before, when I first started taking anti-depressants approx. 6 weeks ago.

But I thought perhaps there may be a few new souls on here now, and perhaps some more feedback...

 

Have you ever taken anti-depressants? What side effects did you notice? Did they effect your libido, or ability to reach orgasm? Perhaps you have even known someone taking them.

 

I ask because I am taking Lovan, and the tablets are helping me quite a bit, so I am reluctant to stop taking them, or switch meds. I had some initial nausea but that passed quickly.

 

But since taking them, I have found that it difficult (so far impossible) to reach orgasm during sex ( I used to not have any problem with this at all). I have posted about this problem, and discovered it is quite a common side effect in both men and women. I have not had an orgasm since I began taking the tablets.

 

Now, I am finding that my interest in sex in general has waned a bit (I am usually a very sexual person). It could simply be because I have not been able to reach orgasm, and am therefore frustrated. Or it could be a direct result of the meds.

 

I am checking in with my doc regularly, and he said to see how things go for a while longer.

 

My partner is being patient and understanding, but it is nevertheless frustrating for us both.

 

I suppose I am just fishing for other people's personal experiences, to see what you have experienced, and try and determine how much is due to the meds themselves. Maybe I just need to try and start thinking more about sex again, and putting the orgasm thing out of my mind.

[Tony T]

All the problems you are having a very ordinary and common side effects of anti-depressants in general, although some people have them to a greater degree. I'm not sure just how productive it will be for you to hear a lot of stories. If you read the side effects of Lovan on the Internet, those are gathered from testing thousands of individuals and would be highly representative of the drug's effects on a large population.

 

You might want to review this link, which was given to you last month: http://www.depressionet.com.au/treatments/medicns/lovan.html I don't think hearing from a lot of people would be nearly as much of a comfort to you as seeing the results of very wide testing of the Lovan.

 

Please follow your doctor's advice and continue on the medication for a while longer. However, if these side effects don't lessen, either have the doctor suggest alternatives or find a way to elevate your moods using other means, such as natural substances, or watching the Comedy Channel a lot. I think long term reduction of sex drive will do more to depress you than anything...that's just my opinion. Not wanting to interfere with your doctor's treatment of the condition.

[Thinkalot]

Thanks Tony. I printed the link info out then actually, so I am in posession of the data. I guess I just somehow find it comforting to actually hear from others about their experiences. I do understand these side effects are normal.

[longlegzs80]

So you say there are some changes. You only mentioned about the sexual side effect of not having an orgasum. Would you say the pill has helped you out with being a happier person, or don't antidepressants help that? What are some other changes, the good changes and the bad?

[Clancy]

I've been on a variety of anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications (Paxil, Effexor, Rivotril, Risperidal, etc.)

 

All of them pretty well nuked my desire to have sex although I still am interested by the idea of sex and I still get turned on when I see a sexy woman. It's just that when it comes right down to it I find I can't be bothered. And this is a major change for me as I was so into love-making before.

 

Now I'm on Dyserel and Celexa and the good effect is that I have far less, to almost no anxiety. Short term still depression comes in monthly cycles and I manage that but it's not fun.

 

I was an alcoholic up to three years ago and I know now I was using alcohol to medicate my troubles away. It worked for many years but alcohol is actually a pretty poor drug and I basically imploded emotionally.

 

So now I'm on these pills and all in all, I'd say I am genuinely happier and more at ease with myself and with other people. The side effects suck but the good days are good and the bad days are not as bad as a bad day with hangover guilt, depression, and anxiety.

[Thinkalot]

They have made me calmer, less obsessive, more able to overcome any obsessive thoughts, less anxious,more rational. The effect of all that is, I am happier, more enthusiastic about life in general and my self esteem is better and my life is more balanced.

 

I would recommend you try them. I was worried about them too, but now I would recommend you talk to your doc about them.

 

Like Carla, I still am interested in sex, but I just don't feel as horny, or have the same heightened level of feeling during sex. But I am hopeful I will be able to come off the meds after another 4 months or so( I am told to stay on them for 6 months), and quite honestly Longlegsz, the side effect is far outweighed by the benefits so far. But I DO miss orgasms!!

[ladyangel]

Antidepressants have helped me a lot and have not affected my sexuality at all. I feel much more calm and able to deal with things.