Long-time PSSD..... 16 years

Welcome to our community. Please fill in the following template as a way of introducing yourself, and helping others to understand your background and situation.

Where are you from (country)? USA

How did you find this forum (Google search – if so, what search terms? Via link from a forum or website – if so, what page? Other?) Google search “libido”

What is your current age, height, weight? 39, 6 feet, 205 lbs

What specific drug did you use (finasteride, dutasteride, saw palmetto, isotretinoin/Accutane, fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, leuprorelin, etc…)?
Fluvoxamine (generic Luvox)
What dose did you take (eg. 1 mg/day, 1 mg every other day etc.)?
Don’t remember
What condition was being treated with the drug?
Anxiety
For how long did you take the drug (weeks/months/years)?
1 year
How old were you, and WHEN (date) did you start the drug?
23
How old were you when you quit, and WHEN (date) did you quit?
24 — 2005
How did you quit (cold turkey or taper off)?
Tapered
How long into your usage did you notice the onset of side effects?
1st day
What side effects did you experience that have yet to resolve since discontinuation?
Primarily low libido… sensation fluctuates, but is mainly tied to libido
Check the boxes that apply. You can save your post first, then interactively check/uncheck the boxes by clicking on them. If your symptoms change, please update your list.

Sexual
[x ] Loss of Libido / Sex Drive
[ ] Erectile Dysfunction
[ ] Complete Impotence
[x ] Loss of Morning Erections
[ x] Loss of Spontaneous Erections
[ ] Loss of Nocturnal Erections
[x ] Watery Ejaculate
[ ] Reduced Ejaculate
[ x] Inability or Difficulty to Ejaculate / Orgasm
[ ] Reduced Sperm Count / Motility

Mental
[x ] Emotional Blunting / Emotionally Flat
[ ] Difficulty Focusing / Concentrating
[ ] Confusion
[ ] Memory Loss / Forgetfulness
[ ] Stumbling over Words / Losing Train of Thought
[ ] Slurring of Speech
[ ] Lack of Motivation / Feeling Passive / Complacency
[ ] Extreme Anxiety / Panic Attacks
[ ] Severe Depression / Melancholy
[ ] Suicidal Thoughts

Physical
[ ] Penile Tissue Changes (narrowing, shrinkage, wrinkled)
[ ] Penis curvature / rotation on axis
[ ] Testicular Pain
[ ] Testicular Shrinkage / Loss of Fullness
[ ] Genital numbness / sensitivity decrease
[ ] Weight Gain
[ ] Gynecomastia (male breasts)
[ ] Muscle Wastage
[ ] Muscle Weakness
[ ] Joint Pain
[ ] Dry / Dark Circles under eyes

Misc
[ ] Prostate pain
[ ] Persistent Fatigue / Exhaustion
[ ] Stomach Pains / Digestion Problems
[ ] Constipation / “Poo Pellets”
[ ] Vision - Acuity Decrease / Blurriness
[ ] Tinnitus (ringing or high pitched sound in ears)
[ ] Hearing loss
[ ] Increased hair loss
[ ] Frequent urination
[ ] Lowered body temperature

[ ] Other (please explain)

What (if any) treatments have you undertaken to recover from your side effects since discontinuation of the drug?
Micro dosing SSRI, Cabergoline, Adrenal supplements, Viagra, Cialis, Amantadine, Ritalin, Wellbutrin, “Libido Supplements“ (blend of herbs), Accupuncture, Clinical Hypnosis
If you have pre or post-drug blood tests, what hormonal changes have you encountered since discontinuing the drug (please post your test results in the “Blood Tests” section and link to them in your post)?
Hormonal panel is unchanged
Anything not listed in the above questions you’d like to share about your experience?
The only things that “work” for me are things that affect cortisol (high dose prednisone, alcohol hangovers) and for some odd reason melatonin.
Tell us your story, in your own words, about your usage and side effects experienced while on/off the drug.
I’ve had PSSD for 16 years now. I read this forum and pssdforum.org daily, but I rarely post. I’ve had relationships, but they’ve ALL been affected by this in one way or another. The loss of libido is the worst part for me. I also feel like the intensity of my romantic feelings for women has been reduced. It’s like someone “turned down the volume” on my emotions. Other than that, I have a normal life… solid family… good friends… rewarding job… faith in God… It’s possible to be happy in spite of this shit, but obviously I’d still like it to be fixed.

4 Likes

Welcome to the forum! 16 years… Have you done any dietary interventions or intense exercise regimens?

Hey! I’ve done a little bit of everything. I’m generally healthy. I run and lift weights… drink on the weekend… Hangovers actually help my libido. I feel like I have issues with cortisol.

Wait fluvoxamine caused yours?