kirkwuk
it could be the depression that is causing sexual side effects or it might be the meds. Usually most side effects don't last too long. Just treat it as a short term side effect and try not to worry about it.

Eileen

fire,

Thanks. I will make an appointment with the doctor this week and see what he says. I was able to reach orgasm fine the day before I took Effexor. My anxiety is just out of control at the moment because of all these problems, and I am off work too and will probably be for some time.

This post has been edited by kirkwuk: Nov 27 2007, 09:25 AM

Hi Kirk,

Errrr, I hope this particular SE abates for you. It is seemingly a common SE to any serotinergic med. All the SSRIs have a bad reputation in regards to this SE. There are some estimates as much as 50%!!! Effexor is an SNRI, but still has strong serotinergic effects, I know it pushed me into a 'Serotonin Syndrome' like response. Keep us posted in how you do, and I hope this is just a temporary SE, but I do know what you mean.

Peace and Love..... wayne

I know that while I am on Effexor, my sex drive has declined, but not gone completely. But..I am unable to orgasm.

i haven't had any problems with this on effexor.

i did try buspar before finding effexor and THAT gave me no sex drive.

I share your experience. I have been on a variety of meds over the years and every one destroyed my sex life. It wasn't always the llibido or the erection - it was the O. But, when I *********, (almost) no problem. This led me to think maybe it was all in my head. On these boards people suggest other forms of sex rather than simply penetration and O. But you know? At the end of the day it's really all bout the O I believe. That's where it all leads. So even if I tried to relax my mind ad simply love and feel and be close to my partner and relax, I still couldn't O. They gave me Viagra, which worked for an erection, but still could not O. It's a hopeless condition I guess. Good luck.

I came off efexor in february because it had stopped working for me.
In the first few months I was on efexor I became manic and was very, very horny. But I havent wanted to have sex in over 3 years.
Its driving me nuts, and my boyfriend is losing his mind too. He has his own issues, and me not wanting to have sex isnt helping-the fact that I dont want to have sex with ANYONE makes no difference, its still something he kinda takes personally.
So 6 months on and nothings come back. When I said to my doc that I had no sex drive he asked how often I have sex-my answer was between 1 per week or 1 per month-he didnt seem to be too interested that I was only doing it for my boyfriends benefit-not because of any arousal.
He also said that the sex thing only applied to 2% of patients-guess goin on the figures mentioned here thats not exactly right. He told me that the amount I was doin it was normal-he never asked whether I wanted it or not.

I dunno, Im starting to build up a massive resentment to my doctors, Im finding out recently that the 7 years worth of "treatment" I have had has all been a joke, and considering Ive been really aggressive and moody since before coming off the efexor this is not good..

This doctor's response about how it only happens to x% of people is totally irrelevant. If YOU are presenting with it, and it's bothersome enough to mention, then obviously you fall into that x%, no matter how small it may be!

But I do hear you on this doctors' lack of interest and concern. I'm currently seeing a psychiatrist with a similar lack of interest and I feel as if I am having to research and "drive" my own treatment. At one appointment he said to me "perhaps this is the best you are going to get?" But there ARE good doctors out there, who will persist looking for options for you. It's just to FIND them...!

Same old story here. My sex drive has not been affected by Effexor, nor was it by Cipralex. The only difference with the meds is that it can take me ages to 'finish' sometimes, if I can even manage at all. I think this is a well reported symptom with this kind of medication.

I was of Venlafaxine and I had a girlfriend at the time and I couldn't get errections at times and couldn't finish others. This and the fact that I found it wearing off made me quit. The doctor at the clinic gave me a different perscription but that was 2 months ago and I still havn't tried it. I have a new family doctor and am going to work something out with him very soon.

My experience:
44 year old male.
First of all i have really been concerned about my performance and potential ED since taking 225mg Effexor.
Because of this thinking, it keeps my libido active and my mate is supportive. i have had minor difficulties with erections 2x but for the past couple of weeks no problem. I also want to mention that i am experimenting with Cialis.
In the past i have tried Cialis and experienced the noticable side effects of stuffy nose. Now i dont feel anything but in my head but the little head is flying its flag nicely.

So i recommend speaking to your DR. About ED pills. Dont let the sexual dysfunctions let you down. Try all the ED drugs until you find what is good for you.

E

I am on effexor xr 75mg a day and have been since january this year. Initially the sexual side effects were bad..unable to reach orgasm at all, sex drive almost non existant...these dissipated along with the other side effects over the first couple of weeks. I can now reach orgasm although it does take a little longer and there are times when it just aint gonna happen no matter what! I have always been able to have multiple orgasms before, but nowhere near as often these days. My sex drive is still probably better than most women's, although lower than it has been prior to taking effexor.

I have noticed that the intensity of my arousal has waned a bit, along with lubrication....not enough to need replacing with products though. I often wonder if these aren't side effects of the medications but perhaps just side effects of the depression....

Cheers,
Kelly

A few times back, I was suffering some problems in maintaining erections. I realize that this can be caused by stress. I was very disturbed. My friend told me that you need not be upset because it’s a common situation. Drugs can also help for improve sexual health. He suggest me that try once Levitra. It’s really good. I have tried and I am satisfied.

This post has been edited by chtbtkhnh: Jul 14 2009, 12:10 AM