Well, when I was on Zoloft it did not decrease my sex drive, however, in decreased my ability to climax. ( I hate saying that word! LOL) I could go on and on and on and would take me like 45 min to an hour to finally..... you know what. (which may be great when you are a male but is annoying as heck when you are a female.)

Hi,

I've had no sexual side effects from Zoloft and I've been taking it for several years now. My level of sexual desire is not great, but I don't think that is because of the Zoloft because it wasn't great before either (probably more to do with my depression). And when I do have sex with my husband, the Zoloft does not make it hard for me to have - as Leesaw puts it - a you-know-what . When I was on Paxil though I became incapable of having you-know-whats almost immediately, so different medications definitely effect people differently in this respect.

I like that you are actually looking for an anti-depressant to give you a sexual side effect!! Not meaning to make light of any of this at all, just that it is quite novel to have someone saying they actually wouldn't mind some sexual side effects.

Really wish you well c222c and hope the Zoloft works for you.

Take care.

Joanna

Hey c222c

I was Zoloft for about 6 months and I had so many side effects from it. I am no longer on it now. But I lost feeling altogether in that region, I had no sensation at all, it was horrible. I think I was 150mg but I am not sure, cant really remember, its been a while since I have been on it.

Isabeau

LOL! Too funny!

Sexual SE's are the worst SE's of SSRI's for me. But since I'm single, in a way it is a blessing in disguise, I suppose. A very good disguise.

And yes, different meds have affected my sexual functioning differently, as well. Zoloft doesn't seem to be as bad for me as some meds I've been on, but of course, everyone's different!

Take care,
Dewayne

c222c:

I started to notice a decrease in sexual appetite around the 3rd or 4th week on Zoloft. My sex drive didn't right itself till I quit the med. Then I started taking other meds and my libido dipped even lower.

To answer your question, everyone reacts differently to meds, but I will say that, generally speaking, if after a couple of weeks you haven't noticed a decrease, you may not suffer this SE at all.

-Bean

I would just like to thank everyone how has taken the time to read and reply to my post. It is great to belong to a community where such an honest exchange about such a sensitive issue can happen. I wish you all the very best of luck with whatever has brought you to this community.

c222c:

No need to thank us. That's what we're here for.

The very best of luck to you as well.

Please keep us posted on everything.



-Bean

I've read other threads on people trying to find a way to deal with the sexual side effects of SSRI's, so I feel kind of bad about stating that this was one side effect that I was actually hoping for. I am so sorry if this has upset anyone or reminded them of their problem. For me it was as simple as this: I am dealing with way more than I can handle emotionally right now, I'm trying for the first time in my life to improve my situation, and having a healthy libido while living a prolonged celibate lifestyle adds to the stress, so decreased sexual desires would actually help the situation for me. No one has said anything negative about my post, but after reading what others have said I realize that my stating my situation may have been a little insensitive. I apologize if this has caused anyone to dwell on what they may be going through.
Stephen

(((((c222c)))))

No need to apologize, you came here seeking answers and I think everyone understood that. You have not been insensitive at all, and I don't think anyone took it that way. As a matter of fact, I personally can relate to your situation all too well. The stress of a healthy libido and a celibate lifestyle is NOT easy to deal with even without depression knocking at your door.

I'm just sorry that you didn't get the "benefit" of that particular SE yet. It has honestly helped me, but for me when the meds started really kicking in I noticed that particular SE, and though it did fade, my libido is still not what it was. For me, the meds started kicking in at about four weeks, so two weeks is still a little early.

Gee, I feel funny telling someone not to worry, a SE will come along..... And I thought I was the only one who viewed this particular SE as a benefit. I do hope the Z helps you, so keep us posted on how you're doing!

Take care,
Dewayne

c222c:

No reason to apologize. This forum is all about different people sharing different experiences and thoughts. I don't want you to ever feel that you must apologize for the way you feel, or for what you hope to achieve through meds.

Unfortunately, I have no answer for you. I don't know of any way to increase the odds of meds causing sexual SEs. I am sorry that you're not getting "help" you hoped for. Have you discussed this situation with your doc?

How is Zoloft working in regards to your MH?

-Bean

I was on it for 3 years, the off for 3 years. It didn't affect my sex drive then, but this past year I got back on zoloft and it affected my sex drive (it also didnt seem to work as well for depression). It wasn't horrible, but it was noticeable. I take a tribulus supplement once in a while which increases testosterone naturally and helps with the sex drive - "Link removed by the Administration, per our TOS. Please PM 'RockingHard' for the link to the site."

This post has been edited by lambvet: Sep 13 2007, 02:34 AM

That's a great description of how it is for me! It was worse when the meds first started kicking in, at about 4-8 weeks, and it did get better, but my libido has never recovered completely.

Take care,
Dewayne

Thanks for all the replies! I haven't noticed a change in my sex drive, but EVERY other aspect of my life has improved dramatically. In addition to Zoloft, I've been striving to make positive life changes, and the combination of everything has done wonders. I feel like I've wasted half of my life by not treating my depression, but that's okay...I have the second half of my life to look forward to. I can't believe that these words are flowing from such a jaded, miserable excuse for a human being as myself, but I'm a new man. I just wish that everyone knew that there are options available. Never again will depression dictate my life and deprive me of living that life!!!

((((c222c)))))

I know exactly how you feel - it's as if you're waking up to life for the first time. It's wonderful, isn't it!

I also still find myself "getting to know myself" better from time to time, because I haven't been the "real me" for most of my life!

May you continue to improve! Thanks for sharing with us!

Take care,
Dewayne