Expert: Allison - 10/31/2006

Question
I've been taking Zoloft for about 8 months.  I don't feel sexual desire anymore and I have an impaired ability to orgasm.  (I can, but it takes a long time with a powerful vibrator)  Before starting the drug, I approached my husband consistently.  Now I don't feel like having sex, and when we do, my husband feels bad about not "pleasing" me.  I feel guilty that I am not as responsive as I was, and that makes me less likely to want to have sex.
I tried switching to Welbutrin, because it has less risk of sexual side effects, but the side effects that it did have were intolerable.  (I was extremely confused with impaired vision)  I'm just wondering if you know of any medication that can contradict these side effects.  I want to want sex, but the idea of sex is very unappealing to me now.
Thanks for your time.

Answer
Dear Rebecca,

I'm sorry, but I do not have a medical background so I cannot recommend a different anti depressant. I recommend you speak to your doctor about this and hopefully they can find something that works for both you and your husband.

I can recommend a book that might help you manage your relationship better through this period when you have different levels of desire. It's by Dr. Rosie King and it's called Good Loving, Great Sex.

Good luck,
AM