Two and half years on and still persistent sexual side effects

[Guest guest]

My journey started almost 3 and a half years ago. I was diagnosed with mild

depression with anxiety and prescribed 20mg generic fluoxetine for 6 months

only. Prior to this my libido, erections and orgasms were just fine, even when I

felt depressed. I had not been on any medication at all prior to this and am

have been on no medication subsequent to the fluoxetine cessation.

During the six month treatment I experienced all sorts of extra pyramidal-like

side effects. Including involuntary motor movements, severe limb twitching,

bruxism, involuntary twisting of by back muscles, benign myoclonic jerks, severe

inner restlessness and the need to pace and inability to sit still. Well that

should have been the warning sign. Classic symptoms of either serotonin syndrome

or Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome ie the severe antagonism of the dopamine

system.

My GP said don't worry about it. Wish I knew then what I know now.

The side effects described above remained for some two years post fluoxetine

cessation. My libido has not returned to baseline levels.

I had some bloodwork done and discovered that my testosterone level was low and

prolactin high. This was some 6 months post cessation. I think the SSRI induced

increase in prolactin has permanenetly damaged my testicles as they shrunk

during treatment and have never returned to baseline.

I have tried TRT but with minimal benefit. Have also tried DHEA with again

modest benefit. Also tried LDOPA, but this just makes me sleepy.

I want to try some of the new 5HT2C antagonists to see if that might be of

benefit. One possibility is that Fluoxetine permanently upregulated 5HT2C

receptor expression, amongst other things I'm sure.

I'm shocked that these permanent effects are not disclosed more clearing on the

labeling or highlighted as a risk by the Dr.

Thanks, Garch