Hi and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your question...
You have mentioned that you are on two psychiatric medication - Paxidep CR (
Paroxetine) and Lonazep MD (
Clonazepam). Paxidep CR is an anti-depressant / anti-obsessive medication belonging to a class called SSRIs and Lonazep is an anti-
anxiety / sedative medication.
Now, all SSRIs (including Paxidep) have a potential side effect of causing sexual problems, like
erectile dysfunction, inhibited orgasm and decreased sexual drive (libido). These are relatively common but the extent and severity of these sexual side effects vary from person-to-person. Usually, they are temporary, and as the body gets used to the medication, the side effects also gradually come down. However, some persons can have persistent or severe symptoms.
Your sexual problem seems to be significant and causing you distress. Here are a few options which can be considered and discussed with your doctor:
- Using certain medication temporarily which will improve your erection (like Sildenafi,
Tadalafil) and wait to see if the sexual side effects gradually subside with time.
- Considering a change in medication - but this has to be done only on consultation with your doctor.
The other thing to be aware is that since you have
diabetes, there may be a likelihood that if there are any vascular complications related to diabetes, then that may be worsening your erectile dysfunction. So, it may be advisable to have an evaluation done for that also.
Please do not hesitate to discuss this problem with your
psychiatrist. It is a common problem faced by many persons who are on psychiatric medication and your doctor would be able to advise you further about the appropriate management option.
All the best.
- Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist