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Pharmacy and Medications

Panic Attack/Anxiety Paxil Sexual Side Effect

02/09/2010

Question:

I HAVE FOR MANY YEARS BEEN DEALING WIHT ANXIETY. IT IS TO THE POINT THAT MY FEARS OF THE HURT AND PAIN OF TRUSTING A MALE THAT CAUSES ME TO PUT MY PRESENT RELATIONSHIP IN DANGER OF LOSING EACH OTHER. HE IS VERY SUPPORTIVE BUT THERE IS A POINT WHEN HE FEELS HE CANT TAKE IT. IN OUR BEGINNING HE AND I BOTH WERE NOT VERY HONEST WITH EACH OTHER AND I AM SO AFRAID THAT WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO ME WITH MY LAST RELATIONS WITH HAPPEN WITH US. I HAVE BEEN ON PAXIL AND IT WAS A VERY GOOD DRUG FOR MY ANXIETY. THE SEXUAL SIDE EFFECTS CAUSED ME TO STOP TAKING IT. i AM CURRENTLY ON WELBUTRIN WITH i KNOW IS NOT THAT EFFECTIVE WITH MY ANXIETY BUT IT DOES NOT GIVE ME THE SIDE EFFECTS. IS THERE A DRUG THAT I CAN TAKE WITH PAXIL THAT WILL HELP THE SEXUAL SIDE EFFECTS? IS THERE A DRUG THAT WORKS AS WELL AS PAXIL WITHOUT THE SEXUAL SIDE EFFECTS. I AM KILLING A RELATIONSHIP WITH A MAN I LOVE MORE THAN ANYTHING. WHAT CAN I DO SO I DON`T RUIN THIS. HELP I HAVE SPOKE TO MY OWN DOCTORS AND THEY DON`T SEEM TO HAVE THE ANSWER. I KNOW THEY ARE BUSY AND MAYBE JUST DON`T HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE DRUGS OUT THERE THAT CAN HELP. IF i CAN JUST HELP THEM HELP ME.....

Answer:

Among the agents that are effective for anxiety, Paxil has the greatest potential for sexual dysfunction, even when used in combination with other treatments. You did not mention which type of sexual dysfunction that you are experiencing. There are other options that may be equally good for reducing anxiety with a lesser potential for some types of sexual dysfunction.  In my estimation, you are correct when you say that Wellbutrin appears to be less effective than Paxil for anxiety disorders but I repeat, there are other options.

 

If you are not seeing a psychiatrist, I would recommend that to help with these alternative treatments and the psychological factors associated with your relationship you see one.

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Response by:

The Ohio State University Nicholas A Votolato, RPh BCPP
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Psychiatry
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University
Nicholas A Votolato, RPh BCPP