Effexor and libido...

**luggaguy** · December 3rd, 2005, 06:23 PM

I didn't know whether to put this here or in the meds forum so I put it here. Ok, so my gf has been on effexor for her depression and it has most definately helped. But, it has also made it a bitch to get her horny. A common side effect is decreased libido. With that said, when we do have sex she can still orgasim and all that good stuff, but the frequency of the sex has been well below what it was before the effexor. Has anyone had any experience with this problem, anything you can do or take (pills, pills pills!) to help me get that more frequently? BTW, before taking this med she was hornier than myself which is saying quite a bit. Thanks for the help everyone.

jeevesthe8th · December 4th, 2005, 01:33 AM

i was on effexor for over a year, and i did not experiance any differences in the way of sex drive. mind you, i am a man, so take that as you may. are there any other side effects she is experiancing?

**luggaguy** · December 4th, 2005, 01:16 PM

no, no other side effects that i am aware of.

**Hercalees!Hercalees!** · December 4th, 2005, 02:58 PM

There's a couple of things she can do. First have her talk to her doctor. The doc may suggest lowering the dose or switching to another like med with less sexual dysfunction like Welbutrin or Lexapro. If you don't want to go that route try a natural sexual stimulant like Yohimbine- although if you do this you still have to let the doctor know because many of these can interact with prescription meds. Whatever happens has to come from her, if only you perceive there to be a problem, she won't be motivated to do anything about it.

inconsiderado · December 22nd, 2005, 12:40 AM

i was on it for a week, and my sex drive drove away. her mental well-being should be more important to you than getting laid, so this is a real gut-check for you.

**Manfred_Man** · December 22nd, 2005, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpcarroll

i was on it for a week, and my sex drive drove away. her mental well-being should be more important to you than getting laid, so this is a real gut-check for you.

great comment, jp!

i agree with you, along with Hercalees...

hey, luggaguy! if she had a more active libido before, then she's probably going to feel like she's failing you and disappointing herself. this change for her will definitely need your support, affection & affirmation through this time. have her talk with her doctor about these side-effects.

SpawnsAlien · January 31st, 2006, 12:47 PM

I've been on it for 3/4 year and unfortunately, I cannot orgasim. There have been 6 hour long sessions, but to no avail.
I am male

**biscuitman357** · January 31st, 2006, 01:33 PM

Cheat.

If shes in a place where shes functioning normally again, changing her medication or the dosage might throw her off. Some people need the medication to survive everyday and function normally. Even though depression is a mental health issue, it helps to try to see the problem as something else but without the stigma. For example, it might help to see her condition as like diabetes. People with diabetes sometimes have physical side effects from the insulin. But you can't take the insulin from them.

If shes in a good place and shes found a good rhythm with her medication, then you might have to consider just taking what you can get with her when its avaliable or find something safe on the side simply to take care of your own needs off the radar.

I'd rarely tell anyone to cheat on someone they care about, but if the sex issue is that big, then its your only real option with deference to your gfs health.

No easy answers man, good luck.