Struggling with Antidepressant Side Effects

I’ve been on the antidepressant Effexor for around 6 months now and I’ve been taking antidepressants for less than a year. Since taking them I’ve experienced various sexual side effects including decreased libido, occasional discomfort, dryness, along with other side effects. I’m currently in the process of lowering my medicine down to the lowest dose which is 37.5mg (I’m lowering from 75mg) but I just can’t get past these side effects. 😞 My partner is incredibly supportive and understanding but I can’t help but think and obsess about it regardless of how much he reassures me. I need some advice or even to hear that someone has struggled with the same thing.

Your answer

Foxface

2y ago

@diana1999 I switched to duloxetine

Diana1999

2y ago

@Foxface if you don’t mind me asking what did you switch to? I took Citalopram for a while and it made my depression much worse I tried to take Zoloft also but was only able to take it for about a week because it made me feel like I was choking. Effexor is the only medicine I’ve taken that has worked and it’s so unfortunate because the only side effect I experience is sexual. It seems the longer I’m on it the worse it gets. Used to it was just difficulty orgasming but now I have little to no desire for sex at all. It’s so discouraging… 😞

Foxface

2y ago

I had the same problem and nothing helped it until i switched medications

brokenstardust

2y ago

I've had the same problem with prozac and when I brought it up to my psychiatrist he prescribed me buspar which is an anxiety med but it increases libido. my brother takes it without the prozac and he said it gets too much but with an antidepressant is evens out

eggnugget

2y ago

I rarely could orgasm when on one of my antidepressants (can’t remember which one, maybe lexapro?) and it did make me feel insecure. Talking to my partner at the time helped and focusing on things that we enjoyed that werent sex related helped! Sexual side effects are very common. I’m sorry you’re struggling right now, you’re not alone!

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Alike is a transformative platform that goes beyond just bringing together patients; it meticulously connects individuals based on multiple critical factors, such as age, gender, comorbidities, medications, diet, and more, fostering a community of knowledge, support and empathy.

About Alike Wisdom Blog FAQ Editorial Team All Conditions All Posts All Communities

Your Privacy Stories Community Guidelines Terms of Use Privacy Policy Helplines Contact Us Group Chats Guidelines