No SEX while on opiates. Anyone? Input?

[aaMizer720]

Anyone have a problem with that? Why?

I've been on them for 7 months and haven't had sex in (3 1/2) since my dose increased. Been in a relationship with the love of my life fiancé for 2 years. We're both on them. I also take cymbalta regularly for anxiety since 2012 and have dam libido issues from them.

 

[zebedee79]

This is a very common issue with opiate use so you're not alone. I beleive the main reason for reduced sex drive is low testosterone, this can easily be checked with a simple blood test so maybe mention it to your Dr.

In the meantime I'd reccomend trying to get some exercise if possible, and try to eat properly.

 

[shartito]

Yep very common. Also very hard to "finish" when trying.

 

[nancy145]

Opioids cause major sexual dysfunction problems and basically make it impossible to have sex on any dose higher than what you would get for a week after getting your wisdom teeth out. Pretty much the only thing you can do here, except quitting opioids, is try to get a prescription for Viagra or something.

 

[d1nach]

Have you tried non drug options first like lubricants? I have trouble on amphetamine but once i use lube i have no problems at all.

 

[PerpetualAnhedonic]

Admittedly, throughout my time on them, I've found drive to be quite diminished, and trouble getting it up and finishing as well.

It's really all too common, so nothing strange about you. Especially considering the cymbalta being thrown on top of it.

I've used opioids for many years, and antidepressants for a few years less, but both of which have nearly killed my sex life.

I wonder, is something like bupropion an option for you? Doctors often prescribe this in conjunction with other psych meds for this very reason. Though it may not have the best impact on your anxiety. But I do concur with the previous posters that diet, exercise and hygiene are better first steps.

-PA

 

[Keif' Richards]

It's a common symptom of Opioid use, both chronic and acute. I don't get it, what's your question?

 

[LucidSDreamr]

have sex in betweeen doses, the strong desire to have sex usually return during the begining of withdrawal for me., have sex, then dose afterwards

 

[StarMedic552]

The Cymbalta is your biggest problem. It's part of the SNRI family, which includes drugs like Effexor and is well known for sexual dysfunction (most people who stop antidepressant therapy do so because of sexual side effects). Been there, it sucks. If you're on it for depression, ask to switch to Wellbutrin (I break my zipper while I'm on Wellbutrin, even if my mind isn't into it). But as other people have said, Wellbutrin will exacerbate your anxiety.

The opioids could cause some dysfunction, but it would be more along the lines of delayed orgasm/inability to orgasm. This could potentially be a good thing, but it can also be problematic for obvious reasons. I guess it could cause arousal issues, but that would have to be some incredibly high doses. Personally, some of the best sexual experience I ever had with my wife was after I was prescribed Norco 5 for a broken nose. You may just have to decide which high you really want: the sex high or the drug high. I know which one I would choose but it's ultimately your call.

 

[keeping]

^ as someone who has just come off duloxetine (Cymbalta) i can attest to how bad that stuff messes with your junk.
i'm on opiates right now and although my sex drive is low i can still become aroused, on duloxetine, nada.
i can only imagine how hard (pun unintended) it must be on both