Medication problems

[Code448]

Hi all , 

Throughout my journey of managing depression I have been on a range of medication yet the one side effect from pretty much all of these drugs has been (ED), now as embarrassing as that sounds and BELIEVE me it is extremely embarrassing at the time! I really don't know what to do as I'm conflicted in what to do next I find myself wanting to stop my medication entirely, like there was a time in my life where (ED) would of been a bloody God send just settle it down literally! Younger years obviously...

Now when I was young I knew about (ED) and what it was but I figured if I lived until I was in my 80's ild might end up with it ... but I'm in my 30's and in my mind this just cannot happen ..

I mention this to a close female friend of mine and she said I was being silly and this is my illness talking and it's not a big deal , can't help but think she was just trying to make me feel better so here I am spilling my (ED) problem to the Sane community for any advice on this issue? 

The medication I'm on now works okay for my mental state as I continue to live the routine we know as life,  I can't help but think if the medication makes me continue this routine is it really worth it if it takes away my whole purpose to exist?

Now some people might think that's abit over the top but this is how my brain is thinking as for me this is really important, Ive tryed the anti-inflammatory med trick and other pills to not much success! [edited by moderator] yet if I stop my depression meds BANG! Its like im 18yrs old again no (ED)

But then my mental state plummets like a lead ballon! And suicide takes over my entire mindset so I take the depression pills and in an instant I've fast forwarded 50 years of my life and I'm back in my 80's with Mr Limp ! 

I realise we are all different and some people may not see this as an issue at all but like I mentioned earlier for me this is really important and effects me one way or the other constantly,  but I'm sure I can't be the only one out there that has this issue so an advice would be great ? A [edited by moderator] or some sort of vegetable I need to eat! Spinach maybe that worked for popeye's arm right?

[rav3n]

hey @Code448,

firstly, thank you for sharing. i have heard that ED can be a side effect to certain meds, and often it's not talked about so i really appreciate you being open. i imagine this will help help others open up or even feel less alone too.

in line with our community guidelines, we don't share specific names of medications in order to keep the community safe so i've slightly edited your post to meet the guidelines.
i do however encourage you to chat to your GP/psychiatrist about the medication if you haven't already, they might be able to adjust your meds and/or dosage to help reduce the side effect or perhaps even prescribe you something for the ED separately. 😊

[Code448]

Hi @rav3n thanks for you're reply , yes definitely something not really talked about much due to its nature , thanks for your advice ..

I was doing my best to keep it within the guidelines I even proof read it twice but yes I see where I slipped up there , my bad sorry! I'll get it right next time 😄

[AlwaysMyself]

Hi @Code448 , 

Being a female I can't say I have had an issue with ED myself, but I can understand and accept that for you it is a really big issue and concern and impact on quality of life. 

Similar to @rav3n I have also heard that some medications can cause ED, and in general a decreased libido in any gender. And I do also wonder if it is worth talking to a doctor (if not already done) to see if there is an alternative medication that can help with the mental health that may not give you the ED side effect?

I wish I had some advice or tips on how to counteract the ED whilst staying on a medication that is causing it. 😞 But in case it is of any encouragement -- it's NOT your "fault" or anything negative about you that you suffer this side affect. It does not change your worth or value.

[Code448]

Thanks @AlwaysMyself  really appreciate your reply , I'm going to the doctor in two day's for more scripts so I've decided you and @rav3n are right definitely needs to brought up with the doctor.

My Psychiatrist has just prescribed me a new medication ( havent started it yet) to go with my one I'm already on, I had never heard of this particular medication but to my horror 😳 after a some digging and researching it , it is absolutely notorious for causing (ED) I'm going to give the doctor until the end of the year to find something that works..😊

[rav3n]

oh nooo sucks that this new one also has a high risk of ED! @Code448 got my fingers crossed that your doc can find a better alternative soon. 

at least as a back up option, you can maybe look into ED clinics and specialists too. so there's still options there, just might take a bit of trial and error to find what works best for you. 

hope you're doing okay! take care and keep us updated on your journey 😊

[AlwaysMyself]

Fingers crossed for you @Code448 🙂 and hoping the doctor appt in 2 days goes well and they can have a good think about what they can recommend instead. 😊