I have been taking the anti depressant drug, Paxil?

Question

I have taken it for a while then stopped while I was pregnant and Breastfeeding. I am now back on the Paxil at 8 weeks postpartum and it is making me have side effects that I never had before such as no sexual desire and I cannot have an orgasm. This really bothers me and my husband. Is there any other anti depressant or SSRI's that don't cause these symptoms? I am looking for personal experiences with people who have actually taken an SSRI for depression. I plan on going to the doctor to change my medicine after I do some research and get opinions from real people on which drug works best. thanks

Answer 1

Wellbutrin advertises as being less likely to cause sexual side effects, whether or not that's true, I don't know. Of course, another SSRI might not cause sexual side effects for you. I know when I was taking Prozac my sex drive increased and it was very easy for me to orgasm.

I'd also like to note that during the first few weeks or longer after having a baby many women lose their sex drive. It's very common and your experiences may not be related to Paxil at all. It's definitely something you'll want to talk to your doctor about. Good luck!

Answer 2

Wellbutrin is known for having little to no sexual side effects, but I had a bad experience with it. It is worth a try to get your sex life back, but if your depression worsens or you have other mood disturbances, let your doctor know right away so that you can try something else. Your doctor may wish for you to stay on the Paxil if it has worked well for you in the past because it is entirely possible that the side effects you are currently experiencing are not just the Paxil alone, but the drug in combination with the normal hormonal changes you experience during the postpartum period.

Answer 3

I don't know how long you have taken it this time, but you might want to stay on Paxil for a few months--it's very likely the sexual side effects will go away.

I have taken Paxil on and off for about ten years. I used to have delayed ejaculation but that stopped after a couple of months. If I get off Paxil and start taking it again, I have that side effect for a month or so and then I'm okay.

Answer 4

Hi there *Trinity's Momma*,

Yes there are several other SSRI's, Paxil is highly recommended as you know. Other's are Prozac, & Zoloft. These are brand name medications. The generic versions however are just as good as you may know. Other classes of meds include Amytriptaline, Cipramil/Cipram/Citalopram, Survector etc.

SSRI's claim to be the latest in technology and Pharmaceutical superiority but like everything else because of variation in any population of persons there is sometimes an exact fit in matching a particular medication to a specific individual and other times there is not. In other words trial and error is standard operating procedure for psychiatrists, even with specialist knowledge and experience in terms of drug regimen indications, contraindications, dosage requirements etc., they are not GOD.

Generally however psychiatrists are the best defence available against ugly mental illness symptoms and the best physicians available to treat it. So cheer up. I know it's distressing for you and probably more so for your spouse.
Continue to do your own research and questioning. If you suffer simply from a neuroses (eg. severe depression, postpartum depression or anxiety and depression) eventually coming off meds may be an option for you, even if you've been treated for several years. And everybody is prone to anxiety from time to time so it will be strictly your call although I always strongly recommend coming off under medical supervision.

It is my hypothesis that being free from meds given a complete remission of all depressive symtoms and significant side-effects will restore an optimum sex drive for you. Again please consult with your physician(s) given the possibility that he/she/they believes that this is more of a long-term option in your case.

Best of luck and regards.

Barry H

Answer 5

I was on Paxil for depression and anxiety when a friend recommended that I get a colonic every week for 2 months.

I have not needed any medication since and I get a colonic about once every two months as a precaution.

You have poison in you that needs to be cleaned out regularly.

Answer 6

Wellbutrin is an excellent option. Sexual side effects are nil, and it is very effective in treating depression.

Best of luck to you in your treatment.

Answer 7

http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/ will be more helpful in your decision, since drugs can have different effects on different people.