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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by eugenia on May 31, 2004, at 16:54:28
I am not sure whether I am imagining this, but it seems my sex drive has fizzled out since I began strattera. Also, having a dry mouth, really dry mouth, does not make me feel very kissable. Any feedback appreciated, because the strattera seems to help my depression and focus. Thanks.
Posted by King Vultan on May 31, 2004, at 19:24:46
In reply to low libido and strattera, posted by eugenia on May 31, 2004, at 16:54:28
> I am not sure whether I am imagining this, but it seems my sex drive has fizzled out since I began strattera. Also, having a dry mouth, really dry mouth, does not make me feel very kissable. Any feedback appreciated, because the strattera seems to help my depression and focus. Thanks.
Yes, I've read other complaints of lowered libido on Strattera, and the dry mouth is also understandable because Strattera is a powerful norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. What you are experiencing with the dry mouth is not a true anticholinergic effect but a "pseudo" anticholinergic effect because of the Strattera increasing norepinephrine transmission. Any constipation you might be suffering would be caused by the same mechanism.I would hypothesize that the lowered libido is being caused by stimulation of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors; in essence, Strattera has the opposite effect that the aphrodisiac yohimbine has, which blockades these receptors. I was on Strattera briefly last year and also for a much longer time on the very pharmacologically similar tricyclic desipramine and noticed a definite increase in my libido when I got off the desipramine.
Todd
Posted by eugenia on May 31, 2004, at 21:19:42
In reply to Re: low libido and strattera, posted by King Vultan on May 31, 2004, at 19:24:46
Thanks for the reply. It is funny that Strattera hasn't really taken off, especially with all the advertising hype. At this point in my life, developing a healthy sexuality is more important to me than the minimal, though lovely, lift I get from Strattera. The sex thing is sooo bad. And, not to be giving you too much information, but it dries out other parts of my anatomy as well and I am in pain!
Posted by King Vultan on June 1, 2004, at 7:37:09
In reply to Re: low libido and strattera, posted by eugenia on May 31, 2004, at 21:19:42
> Thanks for the reply. It is funny that Strattera hasn't really taken off, especially with all the advertising hype. At this point in my life, developing a healthy sexuality is more important to me than the minimal, though lovely, lift I get from Strattera. The sex thing is sooo bad. And, not to be giving you too much information, but it dries out other parts of my anatomy as well and I am in pain!
I think I understand what you're talking about, and this does tie in with the side effects you've mentioned and Strattera's pharmacology. Some of the tricyclics are much worse than this even, and while I tend to think of this as an issue mainly pertaining to its capability to cause erectile dysfunction in men, I should keep in mind there are relevant issues for females as well.Todd
Posted by Bill LL on June 1, 2004, at 8:42:36
In reply to low libido and strattera, posted by eugenia on May 31, 2004, at 16:54:28
Did you just start on Strattera? If you did, then maybe your side effects will subside eventually.
I started on Strattera 3 weeks a go. I take it with 30 mg of Lexapro. The Lexapro causes a certain degree of sexual side effects, but I didn't notice these effects get any worse since starting Strattera.
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