prozac and sex drive

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/25/02 11:07:49 PM, Graduate-OSSG writes:

<< How do you view Prozac and its effect on the libido? mmm >>

Anecdotally, some persons find that Prozac interferes with sex drive and in

men, with erectile function, although this can often be mediated in terms of

lowering dosage. Also anecdotaly, Wellbutrin has the reputation for having

the least deleterious effect on sexual function. However, and this is an

important " however, " many persons feel no difference either way, and some

report increased libido for they are no longer obcessively anxious or

depressed.

I would just add that psychologically, many people feel more sexual when they

" stimulate their sexual capacities " rather than just leave them emptied out

and flattened by neglect. What this means is that sexual interest comes from

being aware of sexual stimulii and from putting oneself in the way of being

stimulated. In my work in women's prisons over the years, we see that sexual

drive disappears in many over time. (contrary to the pop image of raging sex

maniacs behind bars), A good part of the reason why is that there is no

flirtation, no stimulation, little ability to be tender or receive

tenderness, no filling up that part of the mind with revved-up ideas, images

and expectations. There is a LOT OF TALK about hotties, but almost no go.

There are many clandestine " lesbian " couplings, but they are far less about

sex than about comfort and girlfriending and feeling one belongs to someone.

This is part of why prison is very difficult to bear; it is impossible to

have healthy sexual feeling, let alone relationship. Just for starters,

having your toilet in the middle of your room and having to do all your

business daily, including taking care off your periods in full sight of all

the " screws " is enough to unsex any woman.

For the non-incarcerated person who has " imprisoned " themselves in shyness,

or disinterest, or by being " too busy, " or " too tired, " or whatever other

kinds of cages we can create for ourselves, the same may hold true; becuase

of lack of focus and not giving enough time to sensuality and sexual ideas,

one's sex drive becomes very quiescent.

just my two cent's worth. most of the time, most people with so-called " low

sex drive " can be stimulated into being interested by erotic ideas and talk.

That is one way to awaken the " sleeping giant, " so to speak. I think

sometimes people worry they ought to have remained like adolescents

forever--but sexuality changes, and instead of wondering why it is different,

one could put the emphasis into exploring one's capacity to feel exquiusite

pleasure instead. Exquisite. Off the edge.

love,

ceep