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Can Paxil Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Question: I would like your opinion regarding this behaviour: My ex boyfriend suffers from anxiety disorder (constant anxiety-induced dizziness and sense of imbalance) and takes paxil. His psychiatrist doesnt do psychotherapy with him...just medicines. However, i think his mental problem is much more serious. He has weird mood and behaviour changes and he breaks up with me without reason the same month every year. Last year, during the winter he developed severe erectile dysfunction (even though he is only 27 years old) and told me that "our relatonship is over, he is not happy and that love is not enough". It took him 3 months to recover....All seemed great afterwards until 1 year later, winter again, same month, same thing happened..erectile dysfunction, i am not happy, we break up. And the weird thing is that a few days before he was fine and we were discussing our engagement plans and HE was making plans for our feature! Do you see a mental issue here as well?
Brief Answer:
He should be evaluated for bipolar disorder
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM
I can understand your concern. Paxil is a SSRI drug. The drug is known to result in sexual side effects. In high doses the drug is known to result in delayed ejaculation, reduced libido and sometimes erectile dysfunction etc side effects. So this could be the reason of his problems of erection and later sudden mood swings.
His sudden behaviour could also be attributed to some bipolar traits. He is having anxiety disorder and was on Paxil and this could cause mood swings or anger outbursts some times. As his behaviour persisted and occurred two times so he should be evaluated to rule out bipolar disorder. So if he gets ready request him for evaluation.
You are welcome to ask follow up doubts.
Thanks
He should be evaluated for bipolar disorder
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM
I can understand your concern. Paxil is a SSRI drug. The drug is known to result in sexual side effects. In high doses the drug is known to result in delayed ejaculation, reduced libido and sometimes erectile dysfunction etc side effects. So this could be the reason of his problems of erection and later sudden mood swings.
His sudden behaviour could also be attributed to some bipolar traits. He is having anxiety disorder and was on Paxil and this could cause mood swings or anger outbursts some times. As his behaviour persisted and occurred two times so he should be evaluated to rule out bipolar disorder. So if he gets ready request him for evaluation.
You are welcome to ask follow up doubts.
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thank you doctor...I will have your advice in mind in case we get back together.
Also, i don't know if this has to do with bipolar/cyclothymia etc but, he told me that there is a period in his life that he doesn't remember it. Like amnesia.
I know this sounds really weird but..he really means it and he even told his psychiatrist about it (she didnt comment on it she was just focusing on his anxiety).
I know it may sound weird but he meant it. He is a successful business man and i am a university lecturer. I mean we are serious individuals we don't talk non sense.
Also, i don't know if this has to do with bipolar/cyclothymia etc but, he told me that there is a period in his life that he doesn't remember it. Like amnesia.
I know this sounds really weird but..he really means it and he even told his psychiatrist about it (she didnt comment on it she was just focusing on his anxiety).
I know it may sound weird but he meant it. He is a successful business man and i am a university lecturer. I mean we are serious individuals we don't talk non sense.
Brief Answer:
Loss of memory to events during episode of manis is normal.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again
Though not totally but to some extent the patients of bipolar disorder fails to remember the things which happened during the episode of mania or during episode of anger outbursts.
Complete loss of memory doesn't occur. If he has total loss of memory of the episodes then that should be evaluated properly.
Thanks
Loss of memory to events during episode of manis is normal.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again
Though not totally but to some extent the patients of bipolar disorder fails to remember the things which happened during the episode of mania or during episode of anger outbursts.
Complete loss of memory doesn't occur. If he has total loss of memory of the episodes then that should be evaluated properly.
Thanks
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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