Crashed bad on Lamictal

[justprocess1]

So I have had PSSD since 2010. Got it initially from Lexapro. However I recovered a lot over the years, and with my ex wife, had a very good sex life. I was off all medications. I am Bipolar 2 and unfortunately I entered a depression so deep I was in danger of losing my job, and pretty much any life. I became so depressed that all I could do was sleep. So I went on Zyprexa for my Bipolar 2. Of course, naturally, this has had sexual side effects. However they plataeud to a point where I had a numb, but acceptable sex life.

My symptoms (up until early February) were:

1. Numb genitals, but not SEVERE
2. Decent libido, but mostly low
3. Reactionary libido that would come up with my now girlfriend
4. Still great orgasms. (the one thing that for me almost never got bad with PSSD save for some muted ones here and there).
5. Reactionary erections to a partner, but not porn

I got greedy, and added on Lamictal (because it seemed to be safer than the others) in early February. Instantly, almost, within a few days I had

1. Severe numbness, almost pleasureless genitals
2. Severe anorgasmia, almost impossible to get off
3. Lower libido
4. worse erections, because I can't feel it
5. Still good orgasms.

I was only on 25 mg of lamictal for 10 days. I have been off for 2 weeks now. I see some improvements, only for it to go back to numbness the next day. It's all over the place.


The million dollar question is, can improvements happen, even though I am still on the Zyprexa. Only time will tell.

[Determined-Mind]

Thanks for the information. No such luck. Keep us informed.

Why did you add Lamictal? To improve your mood or in the hope of regaining some sexual function?

[justprocess1]

Thanks for the information. No such luck. Keep us informed.

Why did you add Lamictal? To improve your mood or in the hope of regaining some sexual function?

Hey thanks.

I added to help with my depression. Unlike some that have blunted emotions, I cry a lot. My mom also died recently after a lengthy illness. I took 10 pills of lamictal, and it's pretty much total genital anesthesia and severe anorgasmia.

When you say "no such luck" are you referring to no recovery, lamictal, or something els?


Appreciate your time.

[Determined-Mind]

No such luck for the crash.

[justprocess1]

Came back to report, that I have at least temporarily (window or something) recovered from the crash. I was actually quite horny and excited to see my GF tonight. Used viagra

1. Stayed hard at all angles
2. Genital sensation returned 34-40%
3. I was actually horny
4. I was able to climax finally (this is really hard for me with the Zyprexa)

Lesson learned. Never taking lamictal again.

[justprocess1]

And today I didn't even need Viagra! Came from PIV sex. things are feeling better! back to regular PSSD normal for me. For the 2 weeks after the lamictal crash I had no feeling whatsoever in my penis and could not cum. it was awful.

[Trazedy]

Interesting because in the past I have crashed badly on Ceftriaxone, a drug that upregulate glutamate transporter and severely reduces glutamate.

It seems that anti-glutamatergic drugs are dangerous.

[justprocess1]

Interesting because in the past I have crashed badly on Ceftriaxone, a drug that upregulate glutamate transporter and severely reduces glutamate.

It seems that anti-glutamatergic drugs are dangerous.

I would agree. Staying away.

[Determined-Mind]

It depends for whom. Some people find lamictal beneficial to their sexual function.

For Bipolar Disorder "Post concussion, leading to: explosive outbursts, withdrawal from activities I used to enjoy, addictive behaviors. I wasn't worried about the skin rash; the evidence is clear when slowly titrated up, the risk is low. I have experienced some cognitive sluggishness and muscle cramping at 150mg, but they are only annoyances. Drug saved my marriage and job, allowed me to become self-reflective (rather than self-hating) again. Also, I have experienced another (very welcome!) side effect: um, er, astonishing sexual pleasure. When I told my doc about this, he smiled, said a small percentage of patients will have this "side effect". I'm glad I have! So, the drug has worked well for me in many regards."

https://www.drugs.com/comments/lamotrig ... re#reviews

These differences between people can certainly be explained by their own biological context: some people have glutamate levels that are too high, others too low. In this way, the same drug may improve some people, but aggravate others.

[Determined-Mind]

Other positive testimonials with Lamictal for PSSD: https://coda.io/d/Treatment-options-for ... PEX#_luaf4

And here on this forum :

I wanted to let people know that thanks to my suicidal depression, I had to add a new drug to my 600mg of lithium carbonate, 25 mg of lamictal. My PSSD is still cured, but the lamictal slightly raises my sex drive. I am not sure if that is something worth looking into.

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