Stress Center Peer Support

I hope this is not inappropriate to post. I need some advice here.

I am not taking paxil, my man is. He has been really depressed (he is not going through the program, I am for my anxiety). He had very little interest sexually before the meds...I assume bc of the depression?

He got on paxil and he has done pretty much a complete 180 with his mood...but has ZERO interest in sex now. (WEEKS can go by!!) Then he is worried about how it is going to effect us, but says he can't help it, he just has NO desire.

I know in my heart it isn't our relationship...we are bestfriends/very affectionate...but there is nothing there! This is worrying me!! I know I shouldn't take it personally, but I guess I am..just a little.

Has anyone else experienced this, and does it get better over time? He has been on the meds for a month, maybe a month and a half.

Again I hope this isn't inappropriate and doesn't offend anyone...really concerned about the health of our relationship.

If anyone has any insight, it would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Frances,

I have had the sexual side effects with Paxil as well. It is the medication, I have to put a lot more effort as well. I use to be more sexual, the paxil zaps it! I wonder if any other meds have less sexual side effects. Does anyone know?


Ivy

FrancesL,

I used to take Paxil and yes, I did get that same side effect. I mean, I could go on the rest of my life without any need for sex!! It was very frustrating because, like you, there was totally nothing wrong between me and my husband at all. We just made light of it because I was feeling better emotionally, but eventually, gaining weight and then not wanting sex started to make me depressed!!!! (I intitially took it for anxiety).

Its been over a year since I've been off of all meds and I feel normal again.

Thanks guys...I was really starting to take it a little personal!

Hey Frances -It did have side effects with me as well and I was starting to feel the lack of interest in sex but fought thru it. Being a guy it takes longer to climax while on meds. It's the meds don't worry.

My friend who is a male had the same problem with Paxil for the firsst few months, but it got better with time on it. Now he says his sex life is fine and he has more desire.

All those meds (zoloft too) do that, natural supplements help with anxiety with much less side effects (sexual especially). It's an unfortunate trade off............

Info from FDA.
Paxil side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

constipation or diarrhea
difficulty sleeping
drowsiness
dry mouth
headache
increased or decreased appetite
increased sweating
muscle pain or weakness
<span class="ev_code_RED">sexual difficulties (decreased sexual ability or desire) </span>
stomach gas, indigestion
tremor (shaking)
unusual taste
weight gain or loss

Chief Crazy Horse, what natural supplements are good for Anxiety? I don't like all of these meds.