Do people get their sex lives back after stopping meds?

[patrizio]

I was just wondering if there was anyone here who has been off antidperesants for some time now and their libido (sex drive) has not returned or sex still doesn't feel the same?

[mr.lucky66]

yes it has returned but still having some problems with penetration. So far it's been worth it.

[patrizio]

I was just wondering what type of antidepressant you were on, for how long and how long ago did you stop? You are still having difficulty getting full erections? Is this due to the previous antidepressant you were taking or due to age or other causes? How long will this side effect take to wear off? I'm curious because I took effexor for three months a year ago and I find that my libido and "sensations" have never returned to normal. Maybe you can add your own expereince with these meds?

[mr.lucky66]

I was on many SSRI's for 12 years and the last was effexor for 5 years. I now have better sex but like you am still having problems with full errections. Maybe your situation has been impacted by other factors. check it out all the best

[Emmalillian]

Always, always comes back but it takes time - at least 3 to 4 months, depending on half life of the med you were on. If you are still having depression/anxiety, are older than 50  or have prostate issues then that could be affecting things, too.

By the way, other antidepressants will increase libido dramatically, like Wellbutrin which in fact, is typically used to treat and counteract libido problems for people. I found really good info on it on Wikipedia.

[mr.lucky66]

Thanks for that info. I do remember I was on weburin once and was quite horny. I have a script but am hesitant to start for that reason alone, but it's tempting. I'm tired of the brain salad surgery. How are other's experiences with it? do it make you jittery (welburtin) or has it helped anyone stop smoking?

[LLWB]

I took Wellbutrin, and I did stop smoking for 3 years. I then married a smoker....and yep, went backto smoking. Am going to try again to stop soon, I hope.

[jenny50]

I was taking Paxil, don't take it for a year now , in my case sex drive didn't restore. I don't know why... Maybe problem is still in my Anxiety.

[Hensley258]

I have heard that it will restore a few months after discontinuation.

Been on AD meds for 16 years without stopping them. I guess I must be lucky because they have never put a damper on my sex drive. Still strong like Bull.