Managing libido loss whilst on SSRIs

[Emphyrio]

Hello,

I'm currently taking a low dose (5mg) fluoxetine for intrusive thoughts, anxiety and depression. I have been on fluoxetine this time around since around late June - up until early September I was on 20mg/day but experienced bad side effects. I cut down to 6.6666mg a day from early September and for the last 2 weeks I've been on 5mg. I've managed quite well on the lower doses but my libido is still variable and definitely worse than when I was not on any meds (though better than it was on 20mg - my libido was non existent then!)

My question is - has anyone found ways to manage the libido loss on SSRIs either through augmentation with another prescription drug or through natural methods? I know that in the US bupropion (Wellbutrin) is often prescribed for this very reason, but not in the UK, and I'm sure if I was to ask my GP for it I probably wouldn't get it...

Thanks

Emp

[soulsearcher]

hello Emphyrio i have been on many SSRIs and I have not yet found away around this as you take such a low does that's all you can do maybe you could try multi vitamins not sure if that would work or not

[Dazzlar13]

Are you male? I used tribulus, Long Jack and Maca with some success when I was on Citalopram

[Tessar]

I find this an interesting subject as one reason for trying desperately not to go back on fluoxetine was loss of libido.
I felt i was letting my partner down by not engaging in sexual activity. Even when not on an SSRI, I was really not that intersted. I know I'm dealing with difficult things with my counsellor & that really doesnt help but in terms of having hope of a renewed interest in sex, I really didnt want to take the drugs again.
In the end tho my depresssion/anger etc go so bad i had no alternative. I wish there was something that could be done to restore this interest but i guess it lies deeper than just the SSRI's affecting my libido

[Dazzlar13]

Have a look at a supplement called blue up and Swanson DHEA for intimacy.
I also tried horny goat weed as well worked quite well YMMV.
Probably better to check with your doctor before you take them just in case

[Emphyrio]

Thanks for the replies Will consider some of the supplements mentioned.

Its funny because I was on 20mg of fluoxetine just 17 months ago and had absolutely no issues with libido/erection strength. Since I went back on fluoxetine I tried citalopram (twice) and clomipramine (this made me feel like death), both at low doses, and I'm guessing my brain is still readjusting to all these changes.

I came off fluoxetine and my libido has since been highly variable. A week after stopping it improved substantially, then pretty much vanished again. I've had to reinstate around 5 days ago after experiencing some brain zaps/feelings of despair, but I just hope that the libido returns eventually! Will be seeing the doc on the Monday so may ask if he can give me something to take on an as-needed basis...gawd I feel like an old man!

[hanshan]

How is your blood pressure? At least one study has reported that the anti-hypertensive losartan also helped improve erectile dysfunction in males (not exactly loss of libido, I know, but may be related).