His and Her Health

I have been to my normal doc & gynecologist for the past several months now. My doc diagnosed me with bipolar & put me on Effexor. Now, I am off Effexor & on Wellbutrin (I am not bipolar anymore, go figure!) <P>Well, my situation is that I would like to talk to someone who can identify what I am experiencing sexually, LACK OF IT!!! I really have no motivation, but I like sex so what is wrong with me??? I will be in the mood around 7pm, but come 10pm, I am out. I am starting to feel like an old maid, but I am only 26!!! My doctor is very good, but she does not take the time to listen to my problems. She was surprised to find out my libido did not increase once I was on Effexor. How could it?? I was a zombie!!! Who knows. I am seeing a therapist, but I would like a sex doc to talk to as well. I live in Dallas, Texas and any suggestions would be appreciated. If I could get to California, I would go to the Berman clinic, but no can do. <P>Also, I have been reading their book & I am soooo inexperienced it is unreal. The testing these women go through to identify problems would make me sooo embarassed. I cannot even look at a vibrator without feeling uncomfortable, but a part of me wants one to try out. Does anyone have suggestions for modesty?? I would like to experiment with my bf, but I am too embarassed to bring it up. What gives.<BR>Thanks for any advice??

Hon, all I can tell you about the bipolar disorder is that it is not something that can just go away!!! I highly suggest that you find another doctor to deal with that! The symptoms can ease and subside as you take the med for it but it NEVER goes away! My best friend has a sister who is bipolar and has been through all sorts of treatment for this and the only thing that works for her is the med. My friend was told by her doctor that her sister (who we think may also be skitso(*SP) will do anything to have to not take the pills anymore. I have to commend you for knowing that you need help.<P> On the other half, wanting to try more things with your boyfriend. Honey he is probibly trying to figure out a way to bring it up to you with out hurting your feelings. Be honest with eachother!!!! It leads to WONDERFUL orgasm filled sex! Hope this helps! Angela<P><BR>

Just to clarify a bit, I do not have "full blown bipolar." I have what you call Cyclothymia: mildest form of bipolar. I can switch from happy to mad in a moments notice, but I do not have the mania & depression that define the disorder But, besides this, I believe the Effexor was too strong for me. I did not care about anything once it really went into effect.<P>So, I am off the Effexor & still detoxing, but now on Wellbutrin. So, I am hoping my desire increases, but any advice would help as well. <P>Thanks for the feedback though. I am having a hard time getting people to give me their honest views. Yes, my bf probably feels like he does not know what to say, so saying nothing is the best bet. Well, it is time for me to take the bull by the horns & confront this problem head on!<P>

Just wanted to let you know that you are not alone...in fact we are very similar. I am 28 and very modest and also am cylothimic. I have never known anyone else with this....I am on Effexor XR and Wellbutrin. So you can see we have a lot in common. I would like to speak with you...Please email me and we can talk...Hornaday_KM@msn.com Hope to hear from you soon because I am also dead from the waist down. Thanks!!!<P>------------------<BR>Kristy, aka Sparklyeyes

Well, Effexor can cause sexual dysfunction, for one thing, including lack of desire. So can Welbutrin! It is less likely with Welbutrin but it can still happen. Also, it could be low testosterone, so tell me, when did this start? Did it start before or after you started taking these meds? <P>I used to think I had Cyclothymia myself. I never was tested for it, but thought I had it in high school. I was on Prozac for 10 years, and I think the side-effects were just really getting to me back then.<P>As the Effexor leaves your body, your side effects may subside. They may not. You'll just have to wait and see. I know it took a couple months to get all the Prozac out of my system.<P>My mom and sister are on Effexor. They seem quite pleased with it, and aren't zombies, so maybe it WAS too strong for you!<P>Also, I think I've heard of a Dallas, Texas doctor. <P>Sorry, it wasn't Dallas...are either of these close to you?<P>Dr. Selina Lin in Katy, TX has been reported to me as being very open and caring and willing to work with you and try to "get things right". She has a busy ob/gyn practice, doesn't specifically list FSD as part of her practice but is is helpful and listens to your concerns and what research you may have done and will work with you. She uses a compounding pharmacy for some prescriptions. Someone who posted on my guestbook (on my FSD site) suggested her but I myself know nothing more about her. <P>Dr. Trish Shimer in the Austin area treats Vulvar Vestibulitis. She was trained under the Chapel Hill, NC doctors, who are very good with this issue. I don't know if she works with other FSD issues, but might at least be able to refer you.<P>Hope this helps!

Ok, just to update you, I have been off Effexor entirely for 2 weeks & my old "self" has returned to the land of the living! <BR>In fact, I finally had an orgasm for the first time in months once I got off! WHAT A FEELING! Is that a coincidence or what?!?<BR>I started up on wellbutrin, 150 mg a day. I am also taking Sam-E to see if that can help with more of a natural approach.<BR>I am convinced the Effexor was too strong for me. If I am not full blown Bipolar, the Effexor turns off my "pleasure zone," and I cannot seem to experience happiness.<BR>I am laughing again for the first time in months and feel really good. Now, I am getting my old feeling of "impatientness" & "irritability" back, but stress management may help to control these instead of drugs. The worst is when I drive. I get really pissed at incompetent drivers!! <BR>The doctors that you mentioned are not clopse to me, but I may contact them for a referral. Thank you though. And Kristy, I will email, I have just been swamped with work. My email is brittany@sbcsystemsinc.com .<BR>Thank you and God bless!<P>chihuahua_mom<BR>

I'm glad you are feeling better. Just a caution, you should discuss taking the SAM-e along with the Welbutrin with your doc because they could interact. Good luck!