I was wondering if increased sex drive can be a side effect of medications

[Miss Kitty]

I have been wanting non-stop sex lately. I am getting so frustrated because I just can't get enough to make me happy. I was wondering if my medication could be the reason why since it was changed recently. I am bi-polar and also on medication for OCD. My pyschiatrist just upped my dose of lamicatal and started me on Lexapro. Is it possible that these pills are making me feel this way? I looked it up and didn't see anything about it, infact, it says that Lexapro can DECREASE sex drive! But I was wondering if perhaps the mixture of the two could be causing it. I don't really want to take to my doctor about it because the pills are working great and I don't really want to get all messed up again trying new pills.

[Tryptophan]

Lamictal increases your libido so perhaps the dose you're taking for Lamictal is higher than Lexapro, which would outweigh the effects for Lexapro.

[Miss Kitty]

Lamictal increases your libido so perhaps the dose you're taking for Lamictal is higher than Lexapro, which would outweigh the effects for Lexapro.

 

Yes, much higher and he did recently increase my Lamicatal. Damn. I hate being so horny but at the same time, everything else has gotten way better since I got on these meds. I don't know what to do with that.

[chitown9]

But I was wondering if perhaps the mixture of the two could be causing it. I don't really want to take to my doctor about it because the pills are working great and I don't really want to get all messed up again trying new pills.

 

Yes, it is possible that the mixture of the two medication can be causing the effect. This is know as a synergic effect. You do need to discuss the medication with your doctor. You also need to explain that you don't want to change the medication because it works for you....

[Miss Kitty]

What if he wants me to change it though? Plus, discussing sex on a forum is one thing, but talking face to face to a guy about me not being able to stop having sex and masturbating is really embarrassing. And if I don't want to change the meds, does he need to know? Should I change the meds so I don't have to deal with this crazy feeling? I hate that there never seems to be a good mix of medications for me. Being bi-polar sucks. Sometimes I feel like it's not worth it to try to change my meds again. I think it's better to just have a mix that's not perfect than to go through all the crazy emotions and physical symptoms all over again. I have an extreme fear of this since twice now, my medication has caused serious (like hospital serious) issues for me and many others have made me very sick.

[Tryptophan]

For how long have you been on the meds? Has it been long enough for it to balance out?

 

You don't have to go into details. You can just say it "increased your libido" if you think it's worth talking to him about lol.

[Miss Kitty]

I guess so. I'm scared to change again though. Bipolar meds, especially when paired with OCD meds are hard to change. If I change the biplor med (the one making me horney), then I have to stop taking the other one for a while until my mood is stabilized again or I can go over the top manic since Lexapro is an anti-depressant. It's been so wonderful to finally be free from the OCD, but now I feel like am bound by another obsession. I hate life.

[Tryptophan]

Does the increased libido bother you? Lol.

[chitown9]

I can understand your frustration, MissKitty. My daughter is bipolar as well. No OCDs though...

[Miss Kitty]

Does the increased libido bother you? Lol.

 

Part of me likes it, the other part doesn't. It's frustrating because I want sex non-stop. When I'm at work, trying to concentrate on what I'm doing and can only think of how long until I can clock out to go masturbate, it's a problem. When I'm not spending time with my family because I'm too busy surfing porn sites, it's a problem.

[Miss Kitty]

I can understand your frustration, MissKitty. My daughter is bipolar as well. No OCDs though...

 

Then you know it's hard. Having the OCD to treat to just multiplies that stress exponentially. It's really hard.

[PaintWithLight]

Have a follow-up consultation with your doctor and discuss these side effects. He is a professional and has probably heard about this situation before. The good news is that with most changes in meds that once your body begins to adjust, some side effects can decrease. I understand the increased libido has caught you by surprise but you can begin to develop strategies to cope with it. Maybe a family visit first than a reward session afterwards at home. You do need a follow up just to evaluate any other changes that you are not noticing. Talk with the doc!

[Miss Kitty]

I'm glad to hear that they can decrease. Maybe it'll be alright then. Thank you PWL.