Posted by karaS on September 18, 2004, at 23:23:14
In reply to Re: sexual side effects cymbalta and other ADs, posted by yznhymer on September 18, 2004, at 11:56:24
> I'm following this discussion closely as well. AD induced sexual dysfunction is a definite deal killer as far as I'm concerned. If sexual side effects are a possibility, I'm likely to experience them.
>
> I'm at another crossroads med wise. I expect I'll be prescribed something new at my next pdoc appt. I've phased out moclobemide. In fact, I feel about the same off the meds as I did on. I expect we'll be looking at Cymbalta, and possibly Parnate or Selegeline.
>
> Honestly, I'm not hopeful any of them will leave me unscathed sexually speaking. I did have a robust response to Nardil a few years ago but the weight gain and sexual side effects were not tolerable. I also seemed to do OK (not great)with Wellbutrin till I developed a rash on the SR formulation. At a later time when I tried the old formulation again, I didn't get the AD response but my anxiety and agitation went through the roof. SSRIs that I've tried seemed to deal out anxiety and sexual side effects with no appreciable improvement in depressive symptoms. Remeron worked great briefly (one week)then turned me into a zombie. Effexor, and tricyclates were also problematic in terms of side effects and limited response.
>
> Nowadays, I vaccilate between wanting to give a new med another shot and just not wanting to go through another failed trial and all the potential side effects again.
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> Any insights would be appreciated,
>
> Mark
I think Racer had good advice about treating the sexual side effects rather than trying to avoid them. It would be a great loss to give up on a medication that could potentially help you without trying to mitigate that particular side effect.I've also recently narrowed my choices to Cymbalta, Parnate and Selegiline with phenylalanine. (Also maybe Marplan) Given my symptoms and based on the failed trials in the past, these are the ones that make the most sense for me right now. I dread going through another drug trial as well. I've only had about one month's worth of relief from depression in many, many years of trying and that was from Prozac before it pooped-out. Maybe if I had experienced more relief in the past and could remember how different and wonderful it felt, I'd be less hesistant to deal with further drug trials.
At any rate, I know what you're going through. Intellectually I know that we could both be so much better off if we force ourselves to try again. It has helped me to read the posts of those who have found success with a medication or treatment after many unsuccessful years and trials. They are so inspiring and you do get a sense that it's worth the effort to try again. Maybe we need to print those posts and read them and reread them to keep us going...
Kara
poster:karaS
thread:391738
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040915/msgs/392489.html