YOU ARE NOT ALONE - A companion online community discussion board for The Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast with Paul Gilmartin

I'm on Zoloft and Welbutrin (been on them for a while) and the Zoloft has come with sexual side effects. Nothing too drastic - just loss of some sensitivity and delayed ejaculation. The delayed ejaculation problem would be fantastic if I worked in porn, but such is not the case. My last psychiatrist was going to put me on HMB or 5-HTP - I can't remember which, but I know it was a supplement I've always associated with weight lifting.

Has anyone else heard of this or know of ways to counteract the sexual side-effects of SSRIs?

diaz wrote:My last psychiatrist was going to put me on HMB or 5-HTP - I can't remember which, but I know it was a supplement I've always associated with weight lifting.

Probably 5-HTP. It boosts serotonin levels. I've actually just started taking it (100mg/day) to see if it will help me get through some emotional issues. Thursday was my first day, so it's to soon to tell what sort of side effects might develop. It seems to be doing something, although I'm not sure if the net effect is good/bad/indifferent.

It's important to note that everything I've read says that if you're already taking an anti-depressant (and a few other meds as well) you should not also take 5-HTP. Since both will work to increase serotonin levels, you could develop serotonin syndrome which can be fatal.

I'll give it a few more days, and will post on my experiences.

Good to know about 5-HTP. Now that you told me that, I actually think it must have been HMB that he was going to try. He wouldn't recommend something that would raise my serotonin levels even more.

Interesting.

Did he say what the HMB was meant for?

No, we never got around to it. I've been looking around the internet and haven't found anything about it. The only two supplements I can find that may reduce the sexual dysfunction caused by SSRIs are Ginkgo Biloba and Yohimbe.

One thing that works well for me and Effexor sexual side effects (difficulty in ejaculating) is skipping Effexor on "sexy days". It helps if you are married and have infrequent pre-scheduled sexy days

I think the Ginkgo is working!

yes might be .... i will check and tell you later ...