Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am a 39-year-old experiencing anxiety and sexual dysfunction for the past few years. I had been on Zoloft from the age of 18 to 33, due to which I started weaning down, but around the age of 28 to 33, I started gradually reducing the doses. I also tried taking very minimal doses of vitamin B, but that led to weaning either, while my maximum dose previously had been around 200 mg. For the past six years, I have been completely devoid of taking Zoloft, but I have been facing sexual dysfunction since then. Where I have never orgasmed before, and my clitoris feels desensitized. All these factors make me think I have a minimal libido. I also want to know if sexual dysfunction occurs due to long-term use of SSRI.
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
Yes, sexual dysfunction can be a side effect of the medications you are taking. However, the other possible reasons are:
Infections can be due to urinary infection, for which I suggest that you can do complete urine culture and ultrasound of the pelvis to diagnose the cause.
Diabetes and hypertension are also one of the primary causes, so make sure the blood pressure and sugar levels are under control. If you are already on any medication, kindly share the name of the drug.
Hormonal disturbances like low testosterone, low levels of thyroid, and high levels of prolactin – check for TFT (thyroid function test), Prolactin, and testosterone.
Obesity - so practice regular exercise and yoga.
High cholesterol levels – I suggest that you check for lipid profile and plan for regular exercise.
Chronic disease or on any chronic medication.
Anxiety.
All these factors are the potential reason that can also cause libido issues.
Here are some of the tests that I recommend you get.
For a temporary solution, I suggest that you take a tablet. Mildfil (Tadalafil) 5 mg (milligram) twice daily.
Revert with the answer to assist further.
Thank you and take care.
Regards.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
I am not currently using any medication after stopping Zoloft 6 years ago. Though I am not very particular about any medications now, I believe this complication results from my past drug usage. I have had these symptoms for almost twenty years now, so I think the possibility of a urinary infection is unlikely, as I would not have had that for this long. Also, I am not on any medications right now, nor have I been diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension. I do not have any history of chronic illness. Physically I maintain a healthy weight of 121.5 pounds and I am five feet four inches tall, ruling out obesity. So the most likely cause, out of everything you mentioned earlier, would be anxiety or hormonal disturbance, for which I should get these tests done by a nearby physician. I also want to know if the effects are due to long-term intake of SSRI usage. Is there any possible solution to fix it other than tablet Mildfil 5mg?
Thank you
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
No, drugs usually do not have side effects that are this long term, but the chances of it being for years are very unlikely. You should follow an active lifestyle, with regular exercise and physical games, as it will increase your testosterone levels and is suitable for the health of your libido. For medications, I suggest that you take vitamin pills and other drugs are not required.
Thank you and take care.
Regards.
Was this conversation helpful?
Answered byDr. Raveendran. S. R
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.
