+ 2 seroquel and prolactin issues
Gentleman how's it going. For the past 6 or so months now my Dr has had me on Seroquel for my Bipolar and insomnia. Right at about a month and a half I started having some light issues with being able to get a solid erection and at times it would just go completely dead right in the middle of action. I've noticed that I've wanted to be intimate with my wife but the excitement of it hasn't been there. Now the 6 or so months have gone by and the problem has gotten worse and way out of hand to the point where my wife is getting upset and I'm about to lose my mind. I finally Googled Seroquel and impotence. It seems that many Antipsychotic medications carry a major risk for Sexual Dysfunction side effects, 45-80% of male patients complain of this issue.
From what I can gather the mechanisms by which antipsychotic drugs may cause sexual dysfunction are as follows: histamine receptor antagonism, dopamine receptor antagonism, dopamine D2 receptor antagonism, cholinergic receptor antagonism, and alpha-adrenergic alpha receptor antagonism.4,5
Concretely, being bound to histaminergic receptors may impair arousal by directly increasing sedation. Dopaminergic receptor antagonism may decrease the libido by inhibiting motivation and reward. Blockade of dopamine D2 receptors in the tuberoinfundibular pathway by antipsychotics may decrease the libido, impair arousal, and impair orgasm indirectly, by leading to elevated prolactin levels. Cholinergic receptor antagonism may induce erectile dysfunction by reducing peripheral vasodilation. Alpha-adrenergic alpha receptor antagonism can reduce peripheral vasodilation, resulting in erectile dysfunction in men and decreased lubrication in women. Additionally, abnormal ejaculation is correlated with the anti-adrenergic effects of treatment.
it is also very well known that hyperprolactinemia is a major cause of sexual dysfunction in men and women taking antipsychotics by the aforementioned mechanisms.6,7 Depending on the blockade of dopamine D2 receptors, haloperidol, risperidone, and amisulpride are classed as prolactin-elevating antipsychotics.
So of course now after reading this I'm freaking out, the seroquel is working wonders for my Bipolar and insomnia, but it is killing my sex life or lack thereof. The only way I'm going to know for certain if my problem is a prolactin issues is to have my Dr send me to a Endo and have some Blood work ran to check all my levels and honestly it's the safest way as well. So my question is have any of you guys been through this same issue and what was your out come. I have a bottle of Caber but I don't want to take and to say" Just to see if it would help" and fuck myself up anymore.
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By the way Seroquill is one of the worst psych meds in my opinion.
Before any good psych doctor should diagnose a mental illness. They should run a full hormone panel to rule that out.
Alphamale500I've had similar ed side effects with some of the antidepressant medications I've been on in the past, especially with paroxetine(Paxil) and other SSRI's. And for a period of time I was also prescribed the same medication Abilify that you take, so I am familiar with it and its possible side effects.
How long have you been on the Abilify? I don't wanna put anything in your head and fuck things up, but Abilify can cause those same ed issues. That's why I asked how long you've been taking it. Because if you just started taking it, then maybe it just hasn't built up in your system enough yet to cause any ed problems. Of course let's hope not! But if its been 4-6 weeks or longer since you started the Ability and you're not having an ed problems, than this medication seems right for you and you shouldn't have any further ed problems.
I really didn't even wanna bring it up at first, but it's best to know what the possible causes of your medical issues may be. This way you have an idea of where to begin looking if something does go wrong. But don't over think anything bro, because that in itself can cause ed problems.
At the time I was experiencing ed problems with my medication, my doctor addressed the situation by adding buproprion(Wellbutrin). Maybe you should look into this medication with your doctor if you experience any further issues. It does have its possible sides, so you should definitely talk it over with your doctor first. The following is actually a paragraph from:
www.verywellmind.com
"Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an antidepressant that treats a number of conditions. One factor that makes it especially unique among antidepressants is that Wellbutrin doesn't tend to affect your libido and sexual function. In fact, it's often prescribed along with other antidepressants to help counter the sexual side effects found in other types like loss of desire."
Best of luck with everything bro!+
Paxil was rough. I was on it for a little while. I couldn't get off if my life depended on it. And it never seemed to help my depression neither do it was a lose, lose.
Alphamale500Yeah, antidepressants in general can be very hard to get off once you've been taking them for a while. I know first hand how hard it can be. For some people that can be because they have a chemical imbalance and truly need to stay on them permanently to function normally. But Paxil gave me my share of problems as well.
My psychiatrist says that my anxiety condition is going to require staying on my medicine for the rest of my life. But then again, prescribing medication is their business and without it they wouldn't have a job right? Lol! The only way to really know is to come off the meds and see for myself, but like you said that's practically impossible to do! It's like harder than coming off narcotics, lol!
So have you ever heard of Wellbutrin or tried using it? Instead of an SSRI, it's actually an SRNI. Its active ingredient buproprion, is also used to help quit smoking. Very similar to SSRI's, but SRNI's do tend to have more sides than SSRI's. But if you absolutely need your antidepressant and suffer from ed problems, then Wellbutrin might really be your best bet. For me, the test seems to override any sexual sides from my meds. Thank God!
Mate with respect the OP has bipolar and frankly adding antidepressant to his mix of meds could very well send him manic/hypomanic. This is a significant risk with anyone who’s bipolar especially those that have had previous episodes of antidepressant induced mania/hypomania. And while Wellbutrin is a very effective antidepressant in its own right it’s mechanism of action as a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor tends to be one of the most dangerous options in terms of antidepressant to add to a someone who has bipolar. As an interesting aside did you know that Wellbutrin is in effect a synthetic Cathinone and it’s no wonder it works so effectively. The following link will explain what cathinones are, their synthesis, use in medicine and as illicit drugs. You can draw your own conclusions from there and will hopefully have better information to decide on whether this med is right for you - sort and/or long term
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007%2F164_2018_178
Alphamale500I'm very familiar with cathinones, cathinone derivatives and their uses. I'm also very familiar with buproprion and it's many uses. Maybe you weren't aware that Wellbutrin (buproprion) is a widely used medication for treating depression in people with bipolar disorder. I'm also very aware that buproprion can have some side effects which is why I only suggested that he and his doctor talk and see if it's right for him. I don't recall recommending that he just go on his own "adding antidepressants to his mix of medications!"
And I'm guessing that you must have missed where I said to the OP:
"Maybe you should look into this medication with your doctor if you experience any further issues. It does have its possible sides, so you should definitely talk it over with your doctor first." Or where I also said, "Very similar to SSRI's, but SRNI's do tend to have more sides than SSRI's."
I could list different studies about the effectiveness of buproprion as an antidepressant in those with bipolar disorder, but I'm honestly not trying to argue it's appropriateness in the OP's case. I think that's best left for his doctors and psychiatrists to decide, just as I said when I first brought it up! Only his psychiatrist knows what medications are right for him to take. Not you, and not me!
All very true brother and good points +2. You did add all those caveats. I was just concerned that you focused on how excellent it was for managing sexual side effects brought on my some psychotropic meds (which it is) but there was no specific mention of the increased risks and considerations in the context of bipolar as opposed to the more general ones you mentioned. I unfortunately have seen first hand and been affected by a loved one going hypomanic as a result of bupropion so I’ll admit this particular topic and use of bupropion in the context of bipolar is personal for me. The research shows bupropion, meds acting primarily on dopamine other meds with a dual selective reuptake inhibition mechanism are of greater risk for inducing mania/hypomania. I like you are not trying to argue and my thanks for setting it straight in your reply to me. Cheers fella!
Alphamale500Thanks bro. I totally repect you and your concerns about this particular topic. And I'm sorry you were personally affected by this medication, and I understand the concerns you mentioned about its use. I'm totally not trying to argue its effectiveness or anything else bro. Cheers man!+
jayiskYes in the States psychiatrist want to keep you on meds .., and even add more meds..., because that is how they stay in business. Their job is to write scripts. Not sure how it is in other parts of the world.
They are not psychologists or another type of therapist so they really dont do talk therapy/ counseling.
they only see you for a few minutes and on to the next customer. have to make that money.
Insurance companies dont pay their full billing price so they need to see as many clients as possible. Insurance will cover your end but take a look at your EOB and see what they bill and wait your insurance pays. If you pay cash/check without insurance you pay more.
As anti-depressants go i have found that as you mentioned Wellbutrin is pretty mild and generally well tolerated.
Alphamale500Yeah psychiatrists are basically like legal drug dealers right? It's crazy how they work. Just like you said, they see you for like 5 minutes tops, they give you your scripts or send them to the pharmacy and that's that! $175 please, lol!! I know that technically you are supposed to also get a therapist to speak with, but the psychiatrists should still talk with you for at least like 45 minutes or so. That's an awesome career! A shitload of schooling though, but definitely worth it in the end!!+
My Dr took me off the seroquel and put me on Abilify and my ED issues have gone away, along with my TRT I'm like a 17yr old all over again. I'm waiting for my referral to the Endo to go through as I speak so I can see about having a DR put me on TRT so that I can get completely back to Norm. My PCP said I should have an appointment by the end of the month.
That’s excellent news to here mate. I never heard back from you in PM about the blood work but I guess it showed your prolactin as super high and hence the discontinuation of the seroquel. Glad to hear you’re doing well on the abilify. It’s a completely underrated drug for bipolar especially with certain comorbidities.
Keep us posted and if you’d like to drop me a PM sometime and full me in on the details I’d appreciate it.
it is one of the most horrible AP's
Risperidone is worse again for prl and testo issues
i would go with the caber, but periodically
you should get bloods to prove it works though
watch out for lh and fsh dropping too as hypogonadism follows then
seroquel is a cunt
Our brother Dacky has been helping me in DM, I'm going in for a complete blood work to get to the bottom of this, im afraid to just blindly self medicate with the caber, don't want to get anymore fucked up than I am, I can't take much more of this problem, got to get the bloods to get to the bottom of this. POYB
Trust in Dacky bro
Not only is he the nicest guy on here but he knows all about your issues.
Respect on the caber attitude, don't forget to measure lh fsh too
That crap is over prescribed, the young people I see coming through the hospital with that on there current medication list is shocking .
Seroquel is number one a Tranquilizer , and second an anti psychotic . There are plenty of medications your doctor could give you to help you sleep and even out your mood besides that crap.
I'm on a very low dose, 150mgs a day, but I take it at night, but I only take 75mgs 150 is way to strong, I'm also on latuda 60mgs at night as well. I've been on just about every med under the sun and not much has really helped like the seroquel has,
jayiskseroquel doesnt have antipsychotic features below 200 mgs if i remember correctly. at 100 mgs and below it has anti-histamine properties. that is why they prescribe low dosages for sleep. But there are safer and better meds for sleep.
even with the psych knowing i didnt need an anti-psychotic he still keep me on high dosages of seoquel for sleep. which was horrible.
jayiski was misdiagonised and put on that poison Seroquel for 12 yrs. Psych never once offered to wean me off. He knew i didnt need that or the other psych drugs i was on.
it messed my life up and changed who i was. And it made me a diabetic.
I have taken a lot of drugs in my life..,legit scripts for meds and drugs to get high from.., and psych drugs by far are the worst.
This psychiatrist book and videos changed my life and i got off that poison. I would highly recommend anyone interest in or has mental health issues watch these videos.
https://breggin.com/video-series/
Much appreciated brother, I'll definitely look into them, I'm glade you got off that shit. POYB, all I take now is my legit meds, come September I'll be clean from pain pills for 10yrs, I self medicated for along time until one day I woke up and said enough is enough, I have metal issues and it's time to handle them the right way.
I agree with you Jay .... there was a very good book out about ten years or so that discussed the issues with psychiatric meds. being in the research field I am aware of how a lot of studies get suppressed in order for the meds to be approved. Big pharma spends billions on research and advertising. Most people don't know that if they don't meet standards for major depressive disorder that taking an anti depressant prolongs their depression AND Increases the recurrence of depression.... no shit and docs hand out anti depressants like candy
Yea they do! YEARS ago when I was going to the zoo for pain management I had been having issues sleeping and first thing the doc gives me is Celexa. Took one and it made me feel crazyish. Never took it again. Very few docs I’ve seen were ever helpful.
jayiskYes the makers of Seoquel have had a lot of lawsuits against them. Ranging from the drug making people diabetic, to them cherry picking their studies, and for pushing the med through drug reps and kickbacks to psychs for writing more scripts. FDA finally made them put a warning on the info about causing diabetes.
the video link i put in my post is from Dr. Peter Breggin. He is a psychiatrist who tells the truth about these meds and how they are over prescribed.
The book i read that made me realize i didnt need to be on this poison was "Psychiatric Drug Withdrawal."
The reason psych's put and keep people on these meds is because they are drug pushers and nothing else. they are not psychologists or therapists. All they do is write scripts and if they take you off the meds they lose business.
I was really pissed when i discovered the truth and reflected on how I changed over the 12 yrs of being on 5 psych drugs i didnt need to be on. Health wise there is a good chance it will take at least 10 yrs off my life..
Even after discontinuing seroquel i still need to take insulin because of the yrs of being on seroquel.
My emotions were blunted, i lost enjoyment in everything, flat affect, had trouble concentrating, would wake up craving sweets throughout the night, if i took a dose there was no chance of having sex, etc.,etc.,etc.
i started sitting up in bed and then passing out and sliding off the bed onto the floor. That is the same thing as taking 7-45 lb plates or a barbell with 3-45 lb plates on each side and dropping it off your bed onto the floor. try to image sleeping and next thing you know you are under the desk or the bedroom floor and not knowing how you got there.
i can go on but its too aggravating.
Paranoid Personality Disorder, PTSD, along with my Bipolar, is what I've told is my problem but who really knows.
its been a few year since Ive picked up a DSM or ICD ... I gather they've added a few new names to the pot so we can further label a person and make some money off of them.
jayiskDo you really think they needed to make a DSM-V?? NO..., its just more billing codes and ways to use these powerful neurotoxin medications for off label use.
I hear you and while I do not discount for one second that way too many people are put on psychotropic medications they don’t actually need and significant harm is done it is also true that these meds do save lives and can significantly improve quality of lives of those living with genuine severe mental health illnesses.
The biggest issue here in the UK is that anyone going to their GP with anxiety and/or low mood are popped straight on antidepressants which in most cases work temporarily then symptoms reappear and doses are increase and on and on it goes. New meds are tried and dosages increased etc. CBD and counselling should be tried first but the reality is they are more expensive and so pills are the go to. The psychiatrists here are actually very thorough and conservative in their approach but the problem is by the time the patient get there the damage from the antidepressants have been done and they’re doing damage control in these cases. But for those that have a genuine problem meds are often the thing the will quite literally save the persons life.
Have a read of this for an alternative perspective of how mental health / depression should be approached. It’s long but facinating - https://www.vox.com/the-big-idea/2018/2/25/16997572/causes-depression-pi...
people have been taught to believe that they are supposed to be happy all the time .. that's not reality we get sad we get depressed we get better .. we work through things without pills. We've been taught there is a pill for everything ... there isn't. Yes some people are truly in need of psychotropics but quite a few don't need them.
100%
Life isn't always great. A pill should not be a fix for every bit of non-happy emotion. Can't enjoy the sunshine without a little rain. Very true words.
of course not ... completely unnecessary ...
That infuriates me bro , fucking psychiatrist are the scum of all doctors they are nothing but drug pushers all of them. A psychiatrist put me on Adderall and Prozac in middle school, those two medications messed me up for years, they completely changed my personality and not for the better. It was a 100% misdiagnoses, I was just a kid trying to adjust to growing up and that Psychiatrist put me in mental chains. It took me years to get back to my old self after that cock sucker finally took me off those poisons.
Seroquel Is horrible. Made me fat as shit.
The right doc may have a fix. A different antipsychotic drug may help you without the sexual side effects!
That's your tradeoff. Tell your doc how you feel and he may change your script. Almost all antipsych or depression meds cause lack of libido and no erections. You have to let the doc know so he can give you something else. Dont try and self med it will male it worse.
Yea these trade offs suck, it's just bad because I have the desire to be intimate I just don't have the ability, there's no pleasure, I want self medicate, I know the dangers of that, I learned that the hard way when I was much younger, much older and wiser now.
Your Doc is going to be the answer as well as having a conversation with someone who has directly experienced the issues.. the main problem is that whomever you speak to isn't YOU and their biochemistry isn't going to be exactly the same. so.. back to the doctor ... get as much anecdotal evidence you can so you can as much info but those lab tests are crucial. and Rusty is right polypharmacy is a big hamster wheel waiting to happen avoid it if you can and don't self medicate you may create more issues than you solve.
It seems like the past year I've lived at the Dr office, but I truly know that's where my answers lay and await me, and their are way to many things that I can screw up and can go wrong if I was to self medicate.
go ask questions and do some research .. don't blindly take what he hands you, especially if he wants to change the seroquel ... it is working and working well from what you are saying so let the doc know changing it isn't an option. chances are you walk out with viagra or cialis .
I've tried Viagra and cialis both and neither of them work for me, v gives me a warm flush feeling in my face and my eyes get warm feeling and blurry with like blue tracers, and I feel absolutely nothing with C. If I don't have my seroquel I don't sleep none and it has helped with my moods and biP a good bit.
I agree that getting hard is not going to fix the problem. If your not interested in sex, then going through the motions isn't going to help much. Well, maybe for her it will.
Amazing how quickly it turns into my seroquel, and not " the seroquel."
You could always try PT-141 for ED. It works on the CNS and not on PDE-5 receptors, improving sexual function even in those that PDE-5 inhibitors do not help.
prescriptions from the doc or ugl ?
Both.......
I have a lot of experience here. Let’s take it offline. Ill shoot you a PM.
also If that’s their drug classification as “prolactin-elevating” that may be a crucial mechanism for how they work and their effectiveness. See the doc and see what they usually do. I’m betting it’s a viagra (or similar) script but I’d be interested to hear what they say.
RustyhookerGo to dr dude. One reaction causes another. Polypharmacy and more sides occur
We’re chatting in PM. First stop is getting the doctor to order the blood work assuming he’s willing. If not I’ve suggested he does them himself. Once blood levels are known the doctors can come up with some options. It could be antipsychotic induced hyperprolacinaemia and then again it may be something else entirely. Got to see the full hormone and biochemistry picture first.
RustyhookerAwesome job bro!!