Ejaculation without orgasm

I am a 30 year old man with anxiety problems and have to take Paxil 20mg once a day for anxiety.  Ever since I started taking this medicine, I have had troubles with starting to ejaculate before orgasm.  Now, it's gotten worse.  I have a great deal of trouble having an orgasm at all.  I can have an erection and ejaculation fine but when ejaculation happens, no orgasm happens a majority of the time whether with sex or masturbation.  I'm pretty sure it's from the medicine but my question is, "Is there anything I can do to remedy this problem?" or "Do I just need to look into possibly switching to or trying a different medication for my anxiety?"

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Paxil as well as the other SSRI medications all have sexual side effects.  The presentation of these effects vary from person to person.  It is certainly possible that the Paxil is affecting the sexual function.

You may want to discuss whether changing the medication is warranted.  A medication like Wellbutrin has less sexual side effects and you may want to discuss this option with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.