Suggest Treatment For Sexual Dysfunction Caused After Taking Anti Depressants

Posted on Wed, 24 Dec 2014

Question: I recently stopped taking an anti depressant . My mind is now clear again, I feel like a new man, however, I am still waiting on my penis to return to normal.
how long could it take to get my body back to normal ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please specify exact time period,medicines and detail of penis problem

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.

It is good that you have stopped antidepressant. All the best for new clear feelings and have a healthy life ahead.

I am ready to help you but for specific answer I need to know some details.

Which antidepressant were you taking, which dose ,since when and when it was stopped?

What type of penis problem do you have?

Waiting for your reply.

Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (1 hour later)

Which antidepressant were you taking, lexapro
which dose ,20 mg
since when 4 years
and when it was stopped? one month ago

What type of penis problem do you have?
before I started Lexapro, I had a healthy penis.
I had spontaneous erections, I woke in the morning with an erection, I could penetrate a vagina without concern of going flaccid. I masturbated frequently with a hard penis and achieved powerful orgasm.

On Lexapro, I lost my healthy penis. No spontaneous erections, no morning wood, lost the desire for intercourse, when I did masturbate, I was not always erect.

I want to feel like a man again.
I need the confidence I had before.
I have started masturbating again and My penis is semi hard

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Within 15-20 days from now you should be absolutely fine

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for info.

Sexual dysfunction is very common side effect of SSRI -Lexapro. However it is completely reversible. You have taken 4 years.So reversible doapminergic and serotonergic changes will take place in 4-6 weeks. You are feeling semi hard right now is indicating that recovery is there.

Sometime in depression sexual dysfunction is due to either depressive feelings or medicines or due to both. And improvement in depression it self improves the dysfunction. You are better in depression that is also good part in your case.

You can take cyproheptadine 2-4 mg before 2 hours of sex if you feel for fasten the improvement.It may be available over the counter but better to consult your doctor and take prescription.However it can cause some sedation.

In my opinion just relax and enjoy masturbation/sexual activity without thinking that you have any dysfunction.If you do not feel satisfactory improvement in 2-3 weeks, you can ask your treating doctor to evaluate and treat your problem.

Hope I have answered your query.If still any query, I will be happy to help further.

All the best & regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (1 hour later)

I understand that I need to seek an in person doctor visit to truly understand my possible erectile situation.

yet, an OTC like zyrtec could help me achieve an erection

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Wait for now, it is not zyrtec

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing back.

You can wait for two weeks. I guess you will be fine soon. If not well then only go to doctor.

And you misunderstood the medicine.It is not zyrtec(cetrizine) but it is cyproheptadine(brand name:Periactin,peritol).

Hope I have answered your query.

Dr.Chintan Solanki.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T