My boyfriend has been on 20mgs a day of Paxil for approximately 4 weeks and has not been able to ejaculate. This is obviously bothering both of us. Is anyone having this problem... will it go away or should we consider trying a new medication for him...
Paxil - can this stop you from being able to ejaculate?
Question posted by kimbo546 on 11 Aug 2011
Last updated on 27 July 2023 by WildcatVet
6 Answers
WildcatVet
28 July 2023
Hi, Kimbo!
Paxil along with most, if not all antidepressant/anxiolytics, has the potential to cause sexual side effects.
"Very common (10% or more of users): Ejaculation disturbance (up to 28%), abnormal ejaculation (up to 25%), other male genital disorders (up to 10%), impotence, (up to 10%)"
Have him talk to his doctor and explain what's going on. Sometimes a decreased dose can help. There are medications that help improve performance, or possibly a change to another AD. Some suggestions:
"Antidepressants with the lowest rate of sexual side effects include: Bupropion (Wellbutrin XL, Wellbutrin SR) Mirtazapine (Remeron) Vilazodone (Viibryd)"
Regards and good luck to you both!
patstockton80
27 July 2023
I have been on Paxil and all the other SSRI/SNRI for 22 years now. Out of all the medications that worked for anxiety, Paxil was superior for me. Yes indeed, I could not ejaculate on Paxil. That's why I've been on all the drugs in this class of medication. My dilemma was this: I kept coming off of Paxil because of the sexual side effects, yet all the other medications in this drug category didn't seem to work as well. What is the reason that your boyfriend uses Paxil? This question can possibly best help you solve your dilemma. Does he suffer from depression, OCD or anxiety? That's the first step you have to take in solving this problem. Some SSRI/SNRI medications are a better fit for anxiety some are better for depression, and some are better for both. I found the newest one (Trintellex) to be one that is great for both, but it is the most expensive. Celexa for example, is rarely or never prescribed for anxiety.
For me, the best ones for anxiety are Paxil, Luvox, and Cymbalta. The best ones for depression are Prozac, Zoloft, and Effexor. Lexapro is a jack of all trades. High doses of V and Prozac work well for OCD. I would recommend this class of drugs as the best for anxiety and depression in the long run. TCA's and things like Remeron and trazodone work well for depression with fewer side effects. For anxiety, there are really no other medications that work better than SSRI/SNRI. Don't get caught up with benzodiazepines! In my opinion, they may be one of the most dangerous classifications of drugs (yet they work so well temporarily). For anxiety, maybe try propranolol, Visteral, clonidine, or gabapentin.
In conclusion, all drugs in this category work in different ways and affect your sex life in different ways (for me, I couldn't ejaculate when on Paxil, but coming off of a high dose of Effexor I could have multiple orgasms as a man)! Just get a good doctor who can help you decide the best medication or combo of meds that works for you.
Mehlers1
5 July 2019
Paxil has prevented me from ejaculating. My urologist suggested I slowly stop the Paxil and replace with some new drug,, and I have heard that getting off Paxil has been likened to getting off Heroine
I tried years ago and will not try again.
I was wondering if I could not take Paxil for a few days- try to ejaculate and go back on. It supposedly stays in your system 1/2 dose prr day.
Any information?
MartyWalker
3 Jan 2012
How long has he been on Paxil. If longer than a couple of months he will have horrible withdrawal problems. I suggest you get with your doctor who prescribed these and ask him why he put you on this paxil instead of a better choice. Wellbtrutrin is a better choice, especially for desire. Paxil is evil drug.
Inactive
11 Aug 2011
Hello kimbo546. I'd suggest to your boyfriend to try another medication. There are several that he might try, and very likely encounter no problem in regards to that area. He should be fine once another med. is found to be successfull.
LaurieShay
11 Aug 2011
Hey kiimbo,
This is a problem with most antidepressants. The only one which may not cause this problem is Wellbutrin. This side effect of the Paxil will most likely not go away. He could discuss with his doctor the possibility of adding or switching to Wellbutrin.
Best wishes,
Laurie
Related topics
paxil, anxiety and stress, medication
Further information
- Paxil uses and safety info
- Paxil prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Paxil (detailed)
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