Long-term antidepressant users - are you just giving up on sex forever, then?

[gardensallday]

I am just wondering if everyone who is taking antidepressants long term (not including wellbutrin) - are you just giving up on sex then? Or are there actually people that don't get the severe sexual dysfunction from these drugs? My psychiatrist actually had the nerve to suggest I could go get counseling so I don't get so upset about never again being able to function during sex if I were to continue taking Cymbalta. I have the worst possible depression (suicidal every day, for several years now) but I won't give up the one pleasure I still have left. I tried the lowest dose available, took wellbutrin along with the antidepressant, and also a stimulant as an antidote,none worked (do these strategies honestly work for anyone?!)

I am wondering if my doc feeds me a line of BS about this, or maybe I am the only woman for whom sex is too important to give up no matter how severe the depression? Thoughts? Thx for being frank. Googling doesn't answer this question!

[mom2babycolin]

Ugh. I know exactly what you're talking about. I'm on Paxil and I actually don't take it on weekends so that I have enough out of my system to be with my husband then. We usually don't have time during the week anyway, and I have to function at work, and by the time Monday rolls around I'm ready to pop that pill first thing in the morning.

I got told that I shouldn't do that though, because after time the desire should come back a little, but if I keep not taking it, I reset that clock. Whatever. I don't want to wait a year or two before the desire comes back.

[Madison]

find more things that make you happy. maybe sooner then later you won't even need the meds anymore and won't have to worry. try new things. maybe there's something you will live for without depression. im sure there is...just keep looking.

[s p]

I have been on paxil for years and have no problems what so ever.

[Matt]

I'm risperdal and lithium, and I used hypnosis cds that cure impotence. It helped some what. Theres also lots of herbal supplements out there for women to increase sex drive.