Posted by Emmeline on November 5, 2002, at 23:55:53
Hello. I've been visiting this site for quite some time; it's nice to know that I'm not alone when it comes to medication-related issues. Brief background: I have panic disorder, OCD (no overt manifestations..it's mostly annoying things like re-reading sentences over), and chronic major depression (woo-hoo!). Nobody knows this about me other than my parents and brother; it's just an issue I choose to keep to myself, as I don't want people to look at me differently. Oddly enough, people who know me think I'm "perfect" (very annoying assumption); if they only knew the truth! Looking back on my pre-medication years, I truly have no idea how I was able to hide my conditions (is there an Academy Award offered for this type of acting?)...Well, I've been on Imipramine for 8 years (I'm 28). During the first 7 years, I was not able to reach a therapeutic level on this medication as my body does not absorb it effectively. (Note: I have not been able to tolerate any of the SSRIs.) My low levels of Imipramine were compensated for by adding Klonopin and Buspar. My dream was to one day reach a therapeutic level of Imipramine. Well, last January, my wish came true. I take 350mg, but only 170mgs or so are absorbed into my system. I was beyond thrilled; I had waited years for this wish to be granted. Well, here I am now, about 9 months into being on a therapeutic level of Imipramine. You'd think I'd be grateful, but instead, I find myself miserable. Chemically, I'm fine, but the therapeutic level of my medication has killed my libido; it's like I'm made of cardboard when it comes to that area. Who knew that my dream-come-true would end up making me so unhappy because of the sexual dysfuntion. No words can truly express how this upsets me. My doctor (who is wonderful) has suggested that I try Lexapro, but said she thinks it won't work for me because I had so much trouble tolerating the other SSRIs (nausea was my problem). I would love to know how anyone willing to respond to my post copes with sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, I wonder if anyone out there has had success on Lexapro after failing to tolerate any of the other SSRIs. Thank you for your time...Best wishes, Emmeline
poster:Emmeline
thread:126622
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021101/msgs/126622.html