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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Too much libido
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
Too much libido
by Bret H., Sep 22, 1999 12:00AM
Is there a way to decrease my libido? My wife is currently on anti-depresants which has completely knocked out her already low sex drive. Unfortunatly, I have the same libido I had since I was 17 years old and find my current situation too fustrating. Also, her situation cannot be altered. I am 36, excellent health, have no medical/surgical histories, and the only medication I take is Claritin D for allergies. Thank you for your consideration of this question.
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS.MD-AJ, Sep 29, 1999 12:00AM
Bret,
I apologise for the delay in replying your question. Response to our forum has been great and we have to research some questions. It is unfortunate that your wife is experiencing sexual side effects from antidepressants. You also mention that she had a low libido prior to treatment with antidepressants. I am not aware of any medication that is approved for decreasing people's libido. However, your wife may benefit from changing her antidepressant medication to one with little or no sexual side effect, such as Serzone or Remeron. If the particular antidepressant she is on is helpful, the dose can be decreased, or another antidepressant such as Wellbutrin can be added to it, which may enhance sexual interest. She may also benefit from evaluation of her pre-treatment low libido by a trained sex therapist. I urge you to encourage her to discuss these options with her physician/psychiatrist. She will also benefit from your continued support.
I apologise for the delay in replying your question. Response to our forum has been great and we have to research some questions. It is unfortunate that your wife is experiencing sexual side effects from antidepressants. You also mention that she had a low libido prior to treatment with antidepressants. I am not aware of any medication that is approved for decreasing people's libido. However, your wife may benefit from changing her antidepressant medication to one with little or no sexual side effect, such as Serzone or Remeron. If the particular antidepressant she is on is helpful, the dose can be decreased, or another antidepressant such as Wellbutrin can be added to it, which may enhance sexual interest. She may also benefit from evaluation of her pre-treatment low libido by a trained sex therapist. I urge you to encourage her to discuss these options with her physician/psychiatrist. She will also benefit from your continued support.
I just want to commend you on being so supportive of your wife. Good luck!