His and Her Health

A choice, my serenity or my libido...what kind of choice is that? I have no doubt that my meds are killing my sex life, along with menopause, but what to do? I take Xanax .5 mg, and a beta blocker and 20 mg of Celexa, all to lower my adrenaline level, chill me out and control my Type A personality. I have never felt better...except...<P>Anybody else take Celexa? I am getting so numb towards my husband and sex. I love him with all my heart, but have lately been avoiding sex. Any sex we have is great for him but nothing for me, and I am tired of pretending. Three years ago, a kiss from him went like a lightening bolt straight to my loins. I have sex with him to keep him happy and because he deserves it...that is horrible.<P>I have always been slow to arouse and had difficulty acheiving orgasm, but it could be done, and it was great. I wish those days were back. <P>Any suggestions? Thanks for reading and sharing.<P>Symmy

Seditives, anti-anexiety medications and SSRI anti-antidepressants can certianly have the effect you describe.<P>Celexa *is* an SSRI antidepressant, and some of the effects listed in the PDR do cover experiences of decreased libido, though most of the information in the PDR covers male subjects. There is information about reduced libido in women, but no through conclusive studies have been done in this area - at least according to the PDR.<P>I'm not aware of any good seditives in terms of effects on Libido - though others here might be aware of something better...<P>You might see about taking Welbutin (sp) instead of some of the SSRI anti-antidepressants, as it reputedly has fewer effects on libido and orgasm, though it can also have negative effects. <P>(Some seem to believe that Welbutin itself might improve libido, and this is highly unlikely - it might increase libido as a secondary effect - it reduces depression and thus helps improve libido. But if you're not depressed, then don't expect a libido boost from it. I know your situation is different, but this is an explaination for others who might be reading this...)<P>If possible, you might work with your provider to cut you back to Welbutin only, or possibly find some other way to control your anexity/panic attacks and depression.<P>I'm not sure, but I don't think Xanax is really indicated for long time-frame use; 4-6 months, possibly a bit longer. If you've been on it for longer than this, perhaps a re-evaluation would be in order. It's important that you not stop taking Xanax without consulting with your doctor/provider however.<P>I'd work to control the anexity and depression without drugs if possible. If not, reducing the use and doseages to the minimum possible would probably be beneficial.<P>I don't want to overload you, but feel free to ask more questions if you want more information. <P>(I'm not giving medical advice, and I'm not a doctor. I'm just trying to help educate you and give you the best information I can to help you decide how to deal with the issues you face.)<P>Best wishes,<BR>Greg<BR>

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Symmy:<BR><B>Anybody else take Celexa? </B></font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Hi Symmy,<P>I tried a sample of Celexa and I discontinued it because of a negative impact on my libido. <P>Best wishes,<BR>Pilgrim<BR>

Thank you for your replies. Pilgrim, I recently read a paper on the effects of Celexa on libido, and it is a definate side effect. Hope you found something else to help.<P>Greg, I have tried two other antidepresants to aid my type A and fibromyalgia, and they were intolerable because of dry, dry mouth and constipation which didn't respond to anything that I did. Celexa was a life saver. As long as Xanax works for me at the dose I am taking or less, then there is no worry about the length of time I take it. If I start requiring more and more, then a problem is looming. I am taking less than I did a year ago. <P>I mostly want to try something to recreate desire and response. Viagra is looking promising in this area, and I have tried it once, but nadda. Will try again and let you know. Read about an instant spray for libido..may order it. <P>My husband and I are discussing this, and he assures me that he isn't looking for a hot to trot young thing to take my place. I feel better knowing that. <P>Will consult with my doc about HRT which may help some symptoms, but would be stepping into a quagimire there, too. <P>Thanks again for all your help.<P>Symmy

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Symmy:<BR><B>Read about an instant spray for libido..may order it.</B></font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Do you know what is in the spray and how to order it? Thanks!<BR>

I don't think you'll find any change in libido with Viagra. It may help overcome some of the orgasm problems that SSRI's cause though.<P>I'm no expert, but I don't think Viagra will help much with the effects of the anti-anexity medications - perhaps someone with more information on this can jump in...<P>If your problems are mainly desire oriented, I think you have to look at several issues. <P><B> Primary Depression and Anexity: </B> If your depression and anexity are primary factors, and not caused by some other issue, then deal with them first. (I say this, because I believe that some people who have sexual dysfunction are depressed because of the dysfunction. In these cases, it may make more sense to deal with the dysfunction first, or at least in tandem.)<P><B> Relationship issues. </B> Trust, power, meeting each other's needs etc.<P><B> Hormonal issues. </B> Low testosterone levels (Post menopause/post hyst?)<P>There's lots more to consider too, but we need more information from you first...<P>We don't know a whole lot about you. Perhaps you might consider this information...and answer what you can... (Following, is a "canned" set of questions to consider and answer - they may not apply specifically to you.)<P>---<BR>If you're asking about FSD issues, we need to know as much of the following as possible.<P><BR>Age? <BR>Pre/Peri/Post Menapause?<BR>Birth Control (Type, length of time you've been taking it etc.)<BR>Any Sexual Abuse?<BR>Children<BR>Medications (Birth-control, Anti-depressants etc)<BR>Spouse/Partner Relationship Health?<BR>History of the FSD issue, pre and post FSD if possible.<BR>What things you've tried.<BR>What you *think* might be the problem.<BR>Blood hormone levels done? Give us the results and norm ranges from the tests. (Make sure you get a full copy of all results and norm ranges.) <P><BR>Also, the first three or four books on this list would be really helpful to you. You should really consider getting them.<P>These first two books are probably the best in terms of learning about hormonal and physical problems. Both are good.<P>I'm Not in the Mood: What Every Woman Should Know about Improving Her Libido, by Judith Reichman - Score, 9/10 <BR>For Women Only: A Revolutionary Guide to Overcoming Sexual Dysfunction and Reclaiming Your Sex Life, by Jennifer Berman - Score 8/10 <BR>Hot Monogamy: Essential Steps to More Passionate, Intimate Lovemaking, by Patricia Love - Score 7/10 <BR>Passionate Marriage: Love, Sex, and Intimacy in Emotionally Committed Relationships, by David Schnarch - Score 8/10 <BR>Natural Hormone Balance for Women: Look Younger, Feel Stronger, and Live Life with Exuberance by Uzzi Reiss - Score N/A <BR>The Hormone of Desire :the truth about sexuality, menopause, and testosterone by Susan Rako - Score N/A (Older book, Copyright 1996) <BR>The Big O: Orgasms: How to Have Them, Give Them, and Keep Them Coming by Lou Paget - Score N/A <BR>Becoming Orgasmic by Julia Heiman Score 8/10 (One reader says: "A practical and sensitive step-by-step guide. This one is right up there with I'm Not in The Mood. My wife considers this one of her most helpful books.") <P>You might do some browsing first, as you may find an an answer to your question without using the time of the members of the board. We've got limited time, and are happy to answer questions, but often the same questions are asked over and over. Probably there's a thread we've already answered that will be very similar to yours. <P>There's more information about these books and blood-work that you might consider at the website in my profile.<P>We also have a forum where we are able to discuss finding a provider to help you with your issues.<P>To find my profile, click on the icon/link at the top of this post that looks like a head with a question-mark. Then click on the link for my homepage.<P>Thanks,<BR>Greg<P><BR>[Note: This message has been edited by NEWSHE Moderator]<BR><p>[This message has been edited by distressed_12345 (edited 16 January 2003).]

Viagra will not, in any way, help with desire isues. It will increase lubrication, and may help with some sexual feeling. That's it. You should also definitely check for drug interactions with some of your current meds, and with your fibro. I am not sure there are any, but Viagra does have dangerous side effects when mixed with certain other drugs.

Thank you all for your help. I will follow up on all the suggestions.<P>Symmy

Dona is correct--Viagra will not help with desire issues

I was on Celexa, and it made me numb in all my sensitive areas. I also had a hormone test done and found out my testosterone was way below normal (This can also contribute to numbness.) <P>I began using natural testosterone topical creme prepared by a compounding phcy. This helped a lot with desire and some with sensitivity. Then I changed from Celexa to Lexapro, and my sensitivity is back to normal!! I am still using the testosterone creme as well.<P>I also feel that the testosterone creme has helped my depression, and I'm able to take a lower dose of anti-depressants than before. <p>[This message has been edited by sept (edited 20 January 2003).]