Q. My girlfriend takes paroxetine for anxiety and depression, but this drug has been devastating for our love life. She has lost interest in sex and even when we do make love, she can’t reach climax. She also has had trouble getting a good night’s sleep and complains of excess sweating.
I would like her to consider St. John’s wort because I’ve heard it doesn’t cause these side effects. She wants more information before making such a change. Do you have any information for her?
A. Antidepressants like paroxetine (Paxil), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft) and citalopram (Celexa) can affect libido and sexual satisfaction. Many health professionals to not realize how common sexual side effects are with antidepressant medications. Some studies suggest that as many as two-thirds of patients complain of diminished sex drive or dissatisfaction with their sex life while taking these drugs. Sweating and insomnia are other potential reactions to such medications.
Your girlfriend is wise to think twice about suddenly stopping paroxetine, however. Sudden discontinuation of this medication can lead to a range of unpleasant side effects including:
• Brain “Zaps” (electric shock-like senstations in the brain)
• Dizziness, light-headedness, vertigo, feeling faint
• Headaches
• Anxiety, irritability, hostility
• Nausea, diarrhea, digestive upset
• Tremor, hands shaking, nerve tingles, strange sensations
• Fatigue, tiredness, lack of energy
• Visual disturbances
If your girlfriend decides (with medical supervision) to phase off the paroxetine, she will need to do so very gradually. It could take several weeks or months to wean herself without experiencing excruciating side effects.
St. John’s wort is controversial because a large study of people with major depression failed to show that the herb was better than placebo. But sertraline (Zoloft), used for comparison in the study, was no more effective than placebo, either.
Studies have shown that St. John’s wort does work against mild to moderate depression without sexual side effects, insomnia or sweating. It should never be combined with prescription antidepressants, so your girlfriend should discuss this approach with her doctor. Exercise and fish oil may also be helpful against depression.
Your girlfriend may find our Guide to Dealing With Depression useful because we offer a number of non-drug approaches that will not interfere with her sexual satisfaction. In addition, we have a few free guides that may also be helpful:
FREE GUIDES…please disregard anything that says there is a cost for the following three guides. When you get to the final checkout you will discover that there is absolutely no charge!
Graedons’ Guide to St. John’s Wort
Graedons’ Guide to Drugs that Affect Sexuality
Please share your own story about sexual side effects below in our comment section so others can learn from your experience.
