my boyfriend suffers from depression that, if left untreated, can get so severe it;s frightening. he recently started taking medication for it, which makes it difficult for him to get it up. lately, penetration has become almost impossible. is there an anti-depressant that has no sexual side-effects? is it right for me to ask him to switch? what should i do?
2007-03-21 12:41:06 · 14 answers · asked by red line 3 in Health ➔ Men's Health
There are sexual side effects to most of the antidepressants on the market right now. Some have less than others. It is just a matter of getting the right one for you. He is obviously aware that this is a problem. One of the things patients do is take the pill at bedtime so that the dose is not fresh in the system till after you have been intimate. Have him try that first to see if it helps. These drugs also make it hard to achieve orgasm. If you are comfortable talking about it you can work together to find a good balance and have him not be frustrated. Men are very embarrassed by that kind of "failure" and may not want to discuss it, but if you are understanding and he knows you are not judging him by it you can work it out. If adjusting dosage times doesn't work, try another brand. It may take a few tries but it is well worth it. Good luck.
2007-03-21 12:51:06 · answer #1 · answered by Yo C 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lexapro and Effexor have little sexual side affects.. but it is still possible. Zoloft is horrid for sexual side effects. I've been on all three. the only trouble I had with lexapro is that it does delay.. "gratification", but did not keep me from becoming fully aroused, or fully enjoying sex. I also did not experience the complete apathy that many who take Zoloft or prozac feel. it is important that he maintain taking an anti-depressant, and many side-effects do go away after a few weeks and the body becomes acclimated to the drug.it is VERY important that you do notgive him a rought time over this.he is already depressed. being unable to perform because of a drug will make it worse. be patient. It can turn into a vicious cycle.. HE is dpersesed so he cant get it up.. the drug makes him not be able to get it up.. so he worries.. and because he worries he cant get it up.. so he gets more depressed.. etc.. etc.. etc.. He might also ask his doc for some type of E.D. drug like viagra, or cialis or livitra. these are not aphrodisiacs tho.. if he doesn't have desire, they wont work.
2007-03-21 20:15:11 · answer #2 · answered by Jim F 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your boyfriend is being affected by his anti-depressant, dear. If he has just started taking it, it will take at least 3 to 6 weeks for it to really start doing him any good with his depression. I do not know of one that does not have any sexual side-effects...however there may be one. The only suggestion I have for you, is patience. I know you are most likely young, but as he becomes adjusted to it, things will begin to change for the two of you. If not, then I would only say, try a male enhancement formula, or a sex toy for the two of you to enjoy. If you have not been together very long, then it really is not your place to ask him about changing or reducing his dosage. I would wait and see what happens. If you truly love each other, then you will find your own answers.But, please check with his doctor first.
2007-03-21 20:01:23 · answer #3 · answered by Meme 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey girl I was experiencing the same problem as your boyfriend when I was on Zoloft. It totally stripped me of my sex drive or any desire to have sex for that matter. Just give him some time. Maybe now is the best time to show him what a caring girlfriend you can be. But if it really matters that much I heard that Effexor is a treatment that has minimal sexual side effects. Good luck!
2007-03-21 19:46:23 · answer #4 · answered by Where's Wally 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately most if not all antidepressants will affect libido / sex life to some extent . Get your bf to ask the doctor who prescribed them about other possibilities if any. I know the last thing a depressed person wants is another reason to be depressed i.e. not being able to get it up.
2007-03-21 19:52:52 · answer #5 · answered by skip22h 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Doctor needs to prescribe an e.d. drug , Levitra or Viagra, it will not interfere with the antidepressants effects. Sex has to be planned for, however; Levitra takes about 45 minutes to an hour to kick in (and it's good for 4 hours) and Viagra you need about a halfhour (and it's good for 1 hour). Your boyfriend shouldn't worry about the erection, sex with antidepressants is a pain, but the two drugs will help. He shouldn't feel annoyed to have to take them, either, it will help with his orgasm (which is next to impossible without them).
2007-03-21 20:19:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's fairly common with antidepressants...an unfortunate side effect. Your boyfriend needs to talk to his doctor and tell him what he is experiencing. Maybe there is another medication that can effectively treat his depression without interferring with his libido.
2007-03-21 19:45:07 · answer #7 · answered by emt_me911 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have him see his doctor & ask for an antidepressant called "Wellbutrin". The ads on tv claim no sexual side effects.
2007-03-21 20:27:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes this is an issue for sure. He needs to talk to his doctor and explain the sexual problems. Only his doctor can give him the best replacement.
2007-03-21 20:29:18 · answer #9 · answered by FarOut 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
See if the doctor will change him to wellbutrin or Leaxpro; they seem to have the least sexual side effects.
2007-03-21 20:57:28 · answer #10 · answered by JD, MAPSY 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋