Picture this: You pop a pill to lift your spirits, but instead, your libido packs its bags and vanishes. Yep, that’s the unexpected twist some folks face with SSRIs, those widely prescribed antidepressants. Let’s dive into this with a splash of humor and a sprinkle of hope!
🌟 Meet Rosie Tilli: The Unintentional Celibate
In the midst of Melbourne’s 2020 lockdown, young nurse Rosie Tilli found herself battling anxiety and depression. Her doctor handed her a prescription for escitalopram, an SSRI that’s supposed to give you a serotonin boost. Instead, it gave her… well, nothing. As in, nada, zilch, zero in the bedroom department.
“It’s like my clitoris became my elbow,” Rosie quips. “No response, no sensation. Just… elbow.” Now, almost four years later, Rosie is still dealing with post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD), which is like your sex drive going on an indefinite sabbatical.
🚨 The Unspoken Side Effect: PSSD
While SSRIs are mood lifters for many, they can come with a side effect that’s less talked about: PSSD. This condition can leave both men and women feeling disconnected from their own bodies, unable to feel arousal or pleasure. It’s like your body hit the snooze button on intimacy and forgot to wake up.
The PSSD Network and a Reddit group of over 10,000 members have become lifelines for those dealing with this, sharing their stories and seeking understanding. According to Dr. David Healy, SSRIs are handed out like candy, often to young adults who may not need them. He cautions, “If you cause PSSD, you could drive people to despair. This isn’t just about missing out on sex; it’s about losing a part of yourself.”
🔍 The Mystery of PSSD: Brain vs. Body
Scientists are still scratching their heads over PSSD. Some, like Prof. Roberto Melcangi and Antonei Csoka, believe the answer lies in the brain. Maybe it’s all about altered brain functionality or even epigenetic changes—fancy talk for messing with your genes. Others think it could be something more physical, like hormonal shifts or changes in the gut microbiome.
🧠 So, What Now?
Rosie’s story is just one of many. When she tried to get help, she was told she was overreacting. “They called me neurotic,” she says, laughing bitterly. “I got more deep breathing exercises instead of answers.”
The medical community and pharmaceutical companies have been pretty silent on this issue. But hope isn’t lost. Some people find relief through various treatments, like supplements, special therapies, or even medications like bupropion.
💔 Let’s Talk About It
PSSD can feel like an invisible burden, but talking about it can help. Whether it’s through online communities or sharing stories, the goal is to raise awareness and push for more research.
Remember, it’s not just about sex; it’s about feeling whole. So, let’s keep the conversation going and bring a little sunshine to a cloudy topic. 🌈💔✨
openseen
Yes. I took lexapro just over 2 years ago, quit cold turkey the morning my genitalia went numb. Only took it for 3 weeks. 1st week my libido stopped working, 2nd week I no longer got erections or morning wood, and 3rd week my genitalia went anesthesia type numbness. Now it feels rubbery or like an elbow. I have anorgasmia, sexual dysfunction that has persisted for 2 years now. Every specialist and doctor has been dismissive and no one reports the side effects.
They gaslight you into telling you that you’re obsessing over your sexual dysfunction and that’s what is causing your symptoms. It’s all maddening.
You are not allowed to have side effects, you are not allowed to have an iatrogenic condition, nope.