LYrica has done wonders with my nerve pain from post surgery and back problems but I have had problems becoming sexually aroused and difficulty having an orgasm.
Has anyone reported sexual problems after starting lyrica?
Question posted by flynnl on 13 Sep 2010
Last updated on 9 February 2023
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Answers Page 2
colp
2 March 2017
Took it for a week (to help with pain from optic nerve shingles) then discovered it was responsible for total inability to attain orgasm despite strong erection. Stopped taking it immediately. Everything was back to normal in about 3 days.
jk13
13 Sep 2010
Yup, Lyrica can cause changes in sexual function for some. You will want to discuss this with your doctor as there are options for you. There are medications that can counteract this problem, or the other rout is an altogether different medication that doesn't have this side effect for you, although, most medications that help in nerve pain such as SNRI's typically don't have a great profile for this either (the major source of my problem is from the SNRI vs. the Lyrica). However, everyone reacts to these sorts of drugs differently. It's very frustrating, and ultimately, I had to take Cialis to help combat this side effect, and it works very minimally. I'm obviously a guy as I don't think that there's Cialis for women out yet, however, I know that there are options available that are listed at the MayoClinic.com website
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/female-sexual-dysfunction/DS00701/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
It seems so very not fair that there's virtually no true medication dedicated to women with sexual dysfunction! I do know that Viagra is in the works for a female version of their drug, but who knows when that'll come out...
hope that this is of some help!
Jeff K
melissab(twilightfan85)
14 Sep 2010
i really hate to hear that about lyrica. i just got diagnosed with fibromyalgia and im almost positive that lyrica is what im gonna get... i hope it has the opposite affect on me! my fiance would love that! hope you can find some help. if they give it to me, i'll let you know how it works on me (sexually speaking)
jk13
14 Sep 2010
I wouldn't worry about it too much, it really isn't nearly as common as what it is for the SSRI's and SNRI's. Just one of those things that you just have to take it as it comes. For some, Lyrica doesn't even work for them (myself included - couldn't take a dosage that really got rid of a significant amount of pain without getting nauseous anywhere above 300mg). Everyone is different, and reacts differently to these sorts of meds. Just make sure to bring up your concerns with your doctor!
good luck!
Jeff
imnotalan
4 Sep 2016
I am taking this medication for chronic head pain. The side effects i've experienced have been trouble with short term memory and inability to climax during sex.
herhazeleyes66
2 May 2017
I have lived with Fibromyalgia for nearly 32 years. I started taking Lyrica 6 or so months ago. Since then, It has greatly helped my nerve pain. And I have terrible Neuropathy and Carpel Tunnel. It has done what pain pills have not been able to touch. But there has been a side effect that I am not happy with. I have been unable to have orgasms. What I have experienced is a lack of feeling in that area. We have tried a lot to stimulate, but no matter what, nothing seems to work. As it was, living with chronic pain affects a lot of things. So I already had that going against me. So it is very frustrating that while I'm trying to feel better and function somewhat, it has really affected my sex life with my husband. If anyone has any news on what could help, please respond. I would really appreciate it.
Broccoliman
22 July 2017
I take Lyrica only when needed for leg pain. It seems to give me bigger and better erections during the night and upon waking. It seems better than Viagra. I only use Lyrica once or twice weekly. Is this possible? Has anyone else had this happen to them? It's a good thing though!
Related topics
lyrica, pain, neuralgia, surgery
Further information
- Lyrica uses and safety info
- Lyrica prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lyrica (detailed)
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