Concerns About Sexual Side Effects from Pristiq
Hello everyone, my boyfriend, who is 22 years old, stands 6 feet tall and weighs 135 pounds, has been experiencing sexual side effects after starting a 50mg dose of Pristiq approximately two weeks ago. He’s struggling to achieve ejaculation. He has a follow-up appointment scheduled for next month, but it seems challenging to contact his doctor before that. We are wondering how long we should allow these side effects to persist before seeking a resolution. Should he consider arranging an earlier appointment? Additionally, he is currently prescribed 150mg of Wellbutrin and 50mg of Seroquel, having recently transitioned from Wellbutrin to Pristiq due to issues with weight loss, which is concerning since he is already quite slender. We are also curious about alternative treatments available for him, as he is battling depression and sleeplessness. In the past, he has tried several SSRIs, but they too resulted in sexual side effects that did not subside. Although Remeron was beneficial initially and helped him gain some weight—bringing him up to 145 pounds—it eventually made him quite restless after about a year of use. At the moment, his family doctor is managing his prescriptions while he awaits an appointment with a psychiatrist. Wellbutrin had been significantly helpful for his mood and sexual health, but it led to substantial weight loss, despite his efforts to increase his food intake. We are feeling a bit overwhelmed by this situation. Our goal is to find a medication that will not adversely affect his weight or lead to further sexual complications.
Answers (1)
6/18/2025, 12:31:09 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like your boyfriend is facing a challenging situation with his medication and its side effects. Sexual side effects from antidepressants like Pristiq can occur, especially in the early stages of treatment, but it's important to approach this carefully to find the best solution for his mental health and overall well-being.
Main Points
- Sexual side effects, such as difficulty achieving ejaculation, are common with Pristiq and may improve with time.
- Given the complexity of his situation with multiple medications and past experiences, seeking timely advice is recommended.
- Open communication with healthcare providers is essential in managing his treatment effectively.
Explanation
Sexual side effects from medications like Pristiq can affect mood and overall quality of life. While some individuals may find that these side effects lessen after a few weeks as their body adjusts to the medication, others may continue to experience issues. Given your boyfriend’s history with other antidepressants and the delicate balance of his overall mental and physical health, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed.
It's crucial to consider all the elements of his treatment plan, including the potential for alternative medications that minimize sexual side effects and have a favorable impact on weight.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Encourage him to keep track of his sexual side effects over the next couple of weeks. Note if they worsen or if anything changes, as this information will be valuable during his appointment.
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Contact the Doctor: While he has a follow-up appointment next month, reaching out to his doctor or pharmacist for guidance on managing the side effects could be helpful. Explain the urgency and see if there’s an option for a quicker consultation.
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Consider Potential Alternatives: Research and prepare to discuss with the doctor alternative medications that might suit him better. Some options include:
- Buspirone, which can help with anxiety and might have a milder impact on sexual function.
- Vortioxetine (Brintellix) or Vilazodone (Viibryd), which may have a lower incidence of sexual side effects.
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Lifestyle Adjustments: Encourage him to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and good sleep hygiene. These factors can help improve overall mood and well-being.
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Support Each Other: Managing mental health can be a team effort. Consider finding support groups or resources for both of you to share experiences and coping strategies.
Feel free to return with any updates or further questions, as discussing these concerns is important for finding the right support. You're both doing a great job navigating this complex situation.
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