Libido Lost

Because someone is "educated" and can provide their opinion, does not necessarily mean their opinion is unbiased. I came to the conclusion that his opinion was biased based on his approach (i.e. the lack of a balanced explanation of risk-benefits of a treatment option) and experience with visiting other psychiatrists. I do think that patients are entitled to an explanations of all the potential risks along with all the potential benefits; explanation of one without the other is biased and will not allow the patient to make a fully-informed decision. And, of course, permanent loss of ability to fully enjoy sex is not something I hope for, but it is a potential risk. As with any drug, there are potential side-effects, some mild and others severe. That's why a balanced explanation is important-- a fully informed person should decide what their course of action should be in dealing with their individual case.

Is this a biased opinion or an educated opinion? Don't you think that patients are entitled to be fully informed about the side effects of these drugs before they are prescribed? Are you OK with it if you have a permanent loss of your ability to fully enjoy sex? At least you were given the warning and were able to make an educated decision.

I have visited Mr. Shipko and it is evident that he has an agenda is his diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders. What he says in this video is the same spiel he gave me when I visited him. He presents a biased explanation to the costs and benefits of using anti-depressant drugs; he emphasizes the potential side effects that come with the drugs without discussion of the potential benefits. Every drug has side effects, some that are more severe; it is thus very, very, important for doctors to make their patients aware of the potential side effects. However, a good doctor is able to diagnose a patient on a case-by-case basis and discuss with him/her how they think would be the best approach for their specific case. I was told exactly what he says in this video without explaining to me the potential benefits of the drugs. My condition was debilitating and I was unable to complete daily tasks, yet he explicitly asked me if I want a dysfunctional cock and told me he would not prescribe me medicine. I saw another psychiatrist who was much more understanding; she worked with me and, in the end, I found it necessary for me to take the meds. Yes, they have had the downside of the sexual side effects for me, but I feel that the benefits have largely outweighed these side effects. I found the side effects to be annoying but manageable, but the efficacy helpful enough to kickstart effective psychotherapy and get back to my daily routine. So, when you watch this, be cognizant of the presented bias and educate yourself on what these drugs do-- there is plenty of good information online.

Dear Mr. Shipko, I just read your comment at my blog and I agree that the verb is not correct and as this is a very important video I will repost it with the corrections. Thank you for your work. Is there any possibility of having the video at my blog? It would be very good to have the words of a psychiatrist giving such explanations when most doctors prefer not to do so. In case it is not possible I'll repost with the link to this video.

Well when I had a girlfriend I could never get an erection, whilst with her. At the time I was unaware that SSRIs could cause this problem, and after some time of not being able to have sex, she assumed it was her fault and that I was not attracted to her. I tried to explain that I was, but without getting it up, she would not believe me, and left me. After that I found out it was Paxil causing the problem, but our relationship was too far over for me to win her back, and now I am scared of this problem persisting. I am going to talk to my doctor soon and see what she has to say, but honestly I feel I was wronged. I was never told about this, and I feel I should have. I thank everyone online who has given their support to me, and people like me, unfortunately my doctor couldn't have told me what you all have. The thing id I wouldn't want to go back to my doctor after this, but I can't quit the drug, every time I tried I can't get past the withdrawals, cold turkey or not I can't handle them, and now I come to find out that quitting may not solve my problem. The worst part is, I sit here know I should be pissed off, knowing I was lied to, and that I may never be able to have a sex life, and you know what I can't feel mad, or angry, I don't feel anything anymore, I know what I want, but I have no desire to do it, personally if I had to choose between this and being suicidal I would choose being suicidal, because at least when I was I could still feel. I could cry, I could love, I could smile, and do so knowing that it wasn't a mask, knowing that even though I may rarely smile, that at least when I did I was happy, but now it is empty and hollow, and I want to go back to who I was, but in my current state I do not have the drive to quit, I don't have the drive to do anything. Please don't take paxil, I am not sure how other SSRIs compare, but I know paxil is not worth it, at least not for me, but it has me and with my current state of mind it will. I guess my best option is to this month flush my pills when I get them. I would just tapper off, but in my current frame of mind I can't handle those withdrawals either, and it is not because they are too severe it is because I lack the drive, so I feel my only option is to get rid of my options.

I am so glad i am not alone.

3 since I quit effexor still no libido no desire and no feeling in my sex organs I was on effexor xr for 7 years these issues started for me when I was still taking effexor around 2002 since it is 2010 now that is 8 years without a sex life so persistent yes I would call that persistent and no I was not warned this could happen and did not read it in the handout from the drug store when I started the drug in the year 2000. I am thinking after 8 years this is permanent damage to some parts of my brain take another drug to fix it I do not think so 3 years of hell in withdrawal and not done yet has taught me something do not trust these new drugs they are poison good luck to the drug companies selling your wares to people like me think we are done If I could get a lawyer that would take my case I would be suing.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for waking up and making this known. I stopped taking Prozac 2 years ago and lost 100% of libido and function in this department and am desperately trying to find a cure. The pharmaceutical companies keep ignoring those of us out there stating that it is extremely rare and only 3 or 4 cases have been reported. I am a member of an online comunity of more than 2,500 people suffering from PSSD (post SSRI sexual dysfunction) so it is NOT RARE!