libido booster and Paxil

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2004
libido booster and Paxil
2
Fri, 10-01-2004 - 11:58am
I have depression and anxiety diagnoses. My anxiety was much worse than my depression. I have been on medication for over four years and I feel terrific. I am happy, motivated, energetic, enjoying my life, family, friends, calm, etc., really back to my old self. Except for my sex drive which used to be very strong. My husband is terrific and we have tried and continue to try everything. The only thing, to date, that keeps my anxiety under control is Paxil (Paxil CR 37.5). My doctor is aware of my issue with sex and has tried Lexapro, Wellbutrin, Buspar but my anxiety comes back.

I know each person is different. I'm just looking for ideas. My gynecologist suggested Effexor. I am also perimenopause which doesn't help matters. I am hearing a lot about the bioidentical hormones (I read Suzanne Somers book, The Sexy Years) and have hear her speak on HSN. My gynecologist does not support this. My insurance is an HMO and the expense of testing and find an endicrinologist is not in the budget right now. I think most over the counter "libido" boosters are hooey but maybe some of you have had luck with something, anything. My doctor recently prescribed Viagra for me (insurance did not cover it since it has not been FDA approved for women). I've tried it three times and did not sense a difference.

My husband and I still experience intimacy but what I miss most is the anticipation, the urges, for lack of a better word....the "horniness," I can deal with the inability to climax, I just miss the sex drive.

Sorry for all this personal info but I find that getting feedback from those who are dealing with the problem is sometimes better than dealing with medical professionals.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-04-2004
Mon, 10-04-2004 - 11:08pm
I can relate - my libido kicks in around the time of my period, but I have anorgasmia and end up feeling frustrated. Of course, that may bother me more than it bothers you because I don't have a loving partner to share the time with - I'm on my own!

But my psychiatrist at one point suggested Ginko Biloba - something like 60-120 mg twice a day. I tried it for awhile, but it was some time ago, and I was already on so many meds that I probably didn't give it a decent chance.

Just a thought!

peace and love,

just_a_big_kid

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-07-2004
Wed, 10-06-2004 - 10:15pm
I have struggled with depression for years and recently anxiety,

due to a family situation with my spouse. Prior to that I was on

Prozac for years, which really wasn't fully solving my depression,

but kept me able to function and work & somewhat at home.

I have been on Cymbalta for the last month. It is a new drug that's

primarily for depression, but also helps with anxiety. My depression

is MUCH better and have only had one anxiety attack since starting

it. Best of all, my sex drive is back again. And it doesn't take

forever to get into it, like it used to. Guess this also may be

TMI for some folks! ha-ha. But since my husband is kind enough to

make sure I am satisfied too, we did not start anything unless there

was plenty of time. With a mother-in-law & 13 yr old boy in the

house, plenty of time isn't available very often!

Anyway, just wanted to share my experiences with you. Hope you find

something soon that works out for you soon.