Posted by JohnL on October 31, 2000, at 5:24:54
In reply to ANAFRANIL -- QUESTIONS (cam?), posted by Lin on October 30, 2000, at 18:53:35
> I am thinking about switching from Effexor to Anafranil because I am having sexual side effects on the Effexor. What does anyone know about Anafranil? What are the side effects? Does it cause weight gain? Are there negative cardiac effects? I am a little scared of it because it is a tricyclic. Any information anyone can give me is very much appreciated. Thanks! Lin
Anafranil is notorious for causing sexual side effects, perhaps even more so than Effexor. In addition, you'll likely experience other harsher side effects than you did with Effexor. You mileage may vary though. There are scattered reports, though very rare, of increased sexual desire with Anafranil. But that's the exception, not the norm.
If you want to look at tricyclics, Nortriptyline might be your best bet.
In the SSRI arena, Prozac is generally regarded as having the fewest sexual side effects. Paxil and Zoloft are usually the worst sexual offenders. But of course, it varies dramatically in individual cases. Though Prozac is generally the most sex friendly of the SSRIs, there are plenty of people who have had sexual side effects with it. I personally experienced serious sexual side effects with all of the SSRIs...I mean ALL...except Prozac. I fully expected Prozac to be like all the others, and was suprised to find my sexual desire actually increased. The sexual experience takes a little longer to finish, but there is none of the genital numbing I experienced with other SSRIs. Sex for me is better on Prozac than it is when I'm not taking anything.
Probably the most pro-sexual antidepressant, generally, is Wellbutrin. But it has its own set of side effects than can be rough to start with. Serzone is sex friendly too, though it has kind of a spotty record and can be a bit too sedating. Remeron is another choice, though I personally think it is best as an add-on for insomnia rather than stand-alone treatment.
I guess the only way to find out what is best for you is to try different things and find what you like. I personally would not put Anafranil high on the list though.
John
poster:JohnL
thread:47770
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001022/msgs/47803.html