SSRIs and Sexual Behavior
| 
Anonymous
Dear Dr. Richards,
I am 54 and I have a BSc in Biochemistry and so I am able to ingest most of what is written within these explanations of various sexual problems.
I am on SSRIs and have been for years now and of course, I suffer somewhat from a depressed libido as expected but what I have read here about this process and the indicated permanent damage to the brain’s pathways which can result, I now find myself somewhat concerned. I have over the years tried to wean off of SSRIs but found I simply cannot, which is depressing in itself. Is there any reassurance for someone in my condition..??? Also, I might add that I have always been very sexually active from an early age and wonder now if this conduct has by itself, caused additional problems, as in possibly being linked to the depression and anxiety issues I now suffer from in these later years..???
Your thoughts on these matters would be most appreciated.
Sincerely,
Ron Hicks.
Tags:
Reply
Hello.
Ron,
It is unfortunate that the "healing" properties SSRIs and high remission rates are frequantly as result of a newly developed neuroplasticity for abnormal neurostransmitter neuronal interconnections and functioning. So numerous symptoms and problems may occur through and after the usage of SSRIs and SNRIs, which are very individual and may vary greatly.
Is there any reassurance for someone in my condition..???
Yes, however, you would have to eventually discontinue SSRIs usage. The unfortunate fact is, that many patietns who developed erectile dysfunction related symptoms, involved in a chronic SSRIs or SNRIs usage do not fully recover(about 20 to 40%). However, even so, a satisfactory results are more than achievable.
Also, I might add that I have always been very sexually active from an early age and wonder now if this conduct has by itself, caused additional problems, as in possibly being linked to the depression and anxiety issues I now suffer from in these later years
It is important if the sexual desire was a result of a PSAS developed neuroplasticity.
Glad if I could help!