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Question:
I have been taking 75mg. of Effexor once a day to fight panic
attacks. Originally I was taking Paxil, but I had an almost complete
loss of sensation in my penis and during ejaculation. The Effexor is
not much better. As a result of loss of sensation, I lose my erections.
Is there anything I can take to counter these side effects?
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Answer:
by Carolyn Gerdes: (05/15/2004)
:Effexor (venlafaxine HCl) is medication that is used most
commonly for the treatment of depression. However, many
physicians also prescribe it for the treatment of other conditions such
as panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorders.
Effexor is a structurally unique compound that is not related to
other available antidepressant agents such as the tricyclics or
heterocyclics. In the brain, Effexor inhibits the uptake of both
serotonin and norepinephrine. Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft are also
commonly prescribed for the same conditions that Effexor is used
for. Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft
function in the brain as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIšs). The SSRIšs are notorious for causing disturbances in sexual
function in both males and females. Unfortunately, erectile
disturbances, ejaculatory problems and anorgasmia are also some of
the most frequent side effects associated with Effexor.
If a patient is experiencing disturbances with sexual functioning a
physician may opt to switch the person to a different medication. In
your case since a switch in medication has not been beneficial, you
may want to speak with your physician about lowing your daily dose.
In many cases reducing the dose of a medication may alleviate some
of the side effects but not interfere with its therapeutic effects.
With many medications, side effects become less pronounced over
time. However, waiting to see if the side effects decrease requires
time and can also provoke undo anxiety. Other ways of addressing
the issue of side effects include the use of drug holidays. With drug
holidays an individual refrains from taking their medication for a day
or two before they plan on engaging in sexual activities. However,
the use of drug holidays does not allow for spontaneity and should
only be attempted after consulting with the physician who
prescribed the medication.
In recent years there have also been many herbal remedies
appearing in drug stores and health food stores that promise to
restore libido and/or lost functions. One of the most researched
compounds that has been long used to enhance sexual functions is
yohimbine. Yohimbine is derived from the bark of an African tree. It
was originally approved by the Food and Drug Administration of the
United States as a treatment for high blood pressure. However, it has
a long history of also being used for the treatment of male erectile
disorders. The scientific literature available on the effects of
yohimbine on erectile dysfunction is mixed. A prescription strength
form of yohimbine is sold under the trade name of Yocan and is often
prescribed for erectile dysfunction. The normal dose is 1 tablet three
times a day.
Yohimbine is something that you may want to speak to your doctor
about. It is however important to keep in mind that yohimbine
produces different results in different people and therefore it may
not solve your problem. Side effects may also occur with the use of
yohimbine. Commonly reported side effects include nervousness,
dizziness, and insomnia. These side effects may also been intensified
if yohimbine is used in combination with coffee, tea, chocolate or
ginseng.Reviewed by Sexual Health Editorial Team
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