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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Sexual Side Effects?

I recently started taking Paxil for Post-Traumatic-Stress Disorder and Panic Disorder. I haven't had any flashbacks or panic attacks since, and it's absolutely amazing. However, I have been experiencing sexual side effects. I am able to get aroused, but am not able to reach orgasm (I usually have no problem with this, and yes, my partner and I have tried nearly everything. Tingling lubricants, KY-Intense gels, etc. I come close, but cannot.)

I obviously need to be on medication for the PTSD and Panic Disorder, so what should I do? Are there any anti-anxiety medications without these sexual side effects? Or is there some type of medication I should take in addition to the Paxil (A "Viagra for women" or something of that nature?)?
Mon, 8 Dec 2014
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

Paroxetine is SSRI medicine and this is known to cause sexual side effects like delayed ejaculation, anorgasmia. When used for long periods of time it result in increase in side effect. There are no specific medicines that can increase in libido for females but in some studies Coenzyme Q has been found to be useful. Alternately medicines like Bupropion or Mirtazepine can also be used. These medicines are good antidepressants and these can help to improve PTSD also. These medicines are free of serious sexual side effects. You can discuss with your psychiatrist regarding prescription of these medicines.

Thanks, hope this helps you.
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Psychiatrist,  Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

I can understand your concern. Paxil is Paroxetine and this is a SSRI drug. At high doses it is known to produce sexual side effects like anorgasmia, decreased libido. There are other drugs that can be used in PTSD that are free of sexual side effects. Bupropion, Mirtazapine etc are drugs that don't cause sexual side effects and are efficacious in PTSD.
Sildenafil or Viagra have roles in male erectile dysfunction but in females it doesn't have any role.
You can visit your psychiatrist and can discuss to add bupropion to your prescription or to start Mirtazapine. Both are safe to use in sexual dysfunction.

Thanks, hope this helps you
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What Causes Sexual Side Effects?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM Paroxetine is SSRI medicine and this is known to cause sexual side effects like delayed ejaculation, anorgasmia. When used for long periods of time it result in increase in side effect. There are no specific medicines that can increase in libido for females but in some studies Coenzyme Q has been found to be useful. Alternately medicines like Bupropion or Mirtazepine can also be used. These medicines are good antidepressants and these can help to improve PTSD also. These medicines are free of serious sexual side effects. You can discuss with your psychiatrist regarding prescription of these medicines. Thanks, hope this helps you.