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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by hiba on November 4, 2002, at 2:04:43
Hello Everyone,
I have seen several posts in this board, indicative of SSRI induced apathy. Apathy itself is one of the symptoms of depression. So if an antidepressant should be called a "real antidepressant" it should definitely alleviate apathy usually seen in depressive individuals.
Much of this form of apathy is a result of SSRI related sexual dysfunction. SSRIs primarily dampens sexual desire and loss of sexual desire results in general apathy. If the desire is restored, the apathy will usually resolve. But what can restore the normal desire once SSRIs begin to take dominance over sexual desire ? There are many antidotes discussed in clinical practice. Yohimbine, dopaminergics, Ginkgo Biloba... But none of them worked for me. I am still looking for a remedy.
HIBA
Posted by Dinah on November 4, 2002, at 3:08:50
In reply to SSRI Sexual dysfunction = Consequent Apathy, posted by hiba on November 4, 2002, at 2:04:43
I wouldn't be too quick to blame all the apathy (or even most of the apathy) from SSRI's on the sexual dysfunction. In my experience they were two separate side effects. There is a definite blunting of affect (along in my case with sedation) and a sort of who cares thinking that goes along with SSRI's. I always thought that that (along with SSRI induced memory loss) was what accounted for the success of SSRI's in treating my OCD.
Posted by Thrud on November 4, 2002, at 4:29:27
In reply to SSRI Sexual dysfunction = Consequent Apathy, posted by hiba on November 4, 2002, at 2:04:43
I agree with your post. Even some of the "antidotes," such as Ginko, give me sexual dysfunction. I have no suggestions for you, but you are not alone (probably that doesn't make you feel much better but its all I can say).
Thrud
Posted by ST on November 5, 2002, at 3:12:27
In reply to Re: SSRI Sexual dysfunction = Consequent Apathy » hiba, posted by Thrud on November 4, 2002, at 4:29:27
I hear 'ya! I'd love to boost my sex drive again...I used to be an animal. My poor boyfriend of 5 years. Right before we started going out I got on an SSRI and have been on one SSRI or another ever since.
Isn't there anything we can take?
(As far as ADs go, Wellbutrin, which I'm also on, did not hamper my sex drive at all)
Sarah
Posted by Bill L on November 5, 2002, at 9:39:23
In reply to SSRI Sexual dysfunction = Consequent Apathy, posted by hiba on November 4, 2002, at 2:04:43
I have tried both Ginkgo and Yohimbine to counteract the SSRI sexual effect. I have the best results with Yohimbine. A couple of medical sites suggested that if SSRI users try Yohimbine, to take it either of 2 ways: 5 mg three times a day every day; or 5-10 mg taken as needed about an hour before having sex.
I take it the second way: 10 mg an hour before sex. It works very well for me. The only problem is that it makes me feel hyper for a few hours.
Posted by hiba on November 6, 2002, at 1:07:15
In reply to Re: SSRI Sexual dysfunction = Consequent Apathy, posted by Bill L on November 5, 2002, at 9:39:23
Hello Bill,
Glad, you are having best results with an antidote. How long have you been taking Yohimbine ? Does it help with the loss of desire ? Or is it simply having an effect on orgasm ? It is my desire phase which is being devastated, and when I tried yohimbine in the past, it didn't help at all. I was taking 5 mg three times a day. I followed the schedule for a week and gave it up because of non-compliance.
HIBA
This is the end of the thread.
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