PSSD is Post SSRI Sexual Dysfunction.
SSRIs have a lot in common with MDMA.
MDMA is much more potent and fast-acting. It is also a proven neurotoxin.
However, BOTH of these have been shown to down-regulate serotonin receptors, especially in the prefrontal cortex. Some doctors consider this highly controversial, and they may call SSRIs a 'chemical lobotomy'.
Research has revealed that the
majority of patients on SSRIs experience sexual dysfunction. This includes difficulty with erections/vaginal dryness, lack of sexual desire or response to stimuli, and complete lack of sensation during orgasm. The occurrence of these side-effects appear to happen in 60-80 % of patients! For most, it goes away in the months following discontinuation. For an unlucky minority - it is
long lasting or permanent.
This is where the term PSSD comes from.
Additionally, those that suffer severe withdrawal from SSRIs share a remarkable number of symptoms with those in recovery from MDMA abuse:
Brain zaps or 'head-pressure'
Severe anxiety/depression
HPPD - visual distortions
Spatial distortions
DP/DR - a feeling of not being present in your body or the real world, as if you are watching yourself from the other side of a piece of glass
Complete bodily anhedonia - a lack of pleasure or desire to seek pleasure in life - nothing can make you smile; your favorite song means nothing to you...
Sexual and ejaculatory anhedonia - no libido at all, regardless of the stimuli or effort involved (porn included), a feeling of numbness around the genitalia/rectum, lack of all sensation during sex and especially orgasm
In addition to sexual problems, many former SSRI patients describe having no 'human emotion' towards other people. There is a complete lack of intimacy/interest, sexual or otherwise.
Just as with MDMA recovery, I find that SSRI recovery takes anywhere from 1-4 years. Some of these people live a horrible existence and bounce from one medication to another in attempts to fix themselves. This usually delays or damages their recovery. Some will turn to herbs/alternative medicine, but many of these people feel NO response to ANY treatment. Exercise seems to have a moderate effect, but temporary. Some respond to Pircacetam or Inositol, but many do not.
You can simply look up PSSD, but I recommend checking out paxilprogress.org.
Do a google site search, like this 'site
axilprogress.org PSSD' cut and paste this into google.
Or join the Yahoo group - SSRIsex.
You don't have to take my word on any of this.
What causes it?
Well, first the connection between your gut and your prefrontal cortex is fragile. This area of the brain is likely what makes rolling so great, but the fiber like extensions of the serotonin nerves in this region are the FIRST to get damaged and the LEAST likely to recover. Big deal...
This has implications for many things outside of sex.
But in regards to just sexual dysfunction, consider this...
Remember the impossible endocrine response?
The simultaneous release of dopamine AND prolactin/oxytocin is NOT normal.
This is responsible for the great sex AND long-term sexual dysfunction.
Doctors are researching why PSSD happens to some people.
A popular theory is this:
Prolactin is normally released post-orgasm. It inhibits dopamine in the nucleus acumbens (pleasure highway in the brain). When prolactin is present, dopamine is not.
This loss of dopamine activity is responsible for the 'refractory period' in men during which time they are unlikely to achieve erection. It is nature's way of allowing sex to stop and to produce a period of bonding.
When prolactin is over-produced, this leads to a down-regulation of dopamine receptors in the NA. Theoretically, once prolactin falls, these receptors should up-regulate. However, SSRIs cause an extended period of high prolactin levels. This may be causing a severe down-regulation that cannot be restored in some patients. The cause may be epigenic in nature, meaning that mitochondria are damaged on a cellular level - causing permanent changes in the expression of DNA in this region of the brain.
I have come across four people on Bluelight that describe sexual/ejaculatory anhedonia after MDMA abuse that lasts for months. I have heard anecdotal reports about many others.
In the SSRI group, it happens to both men and women and can be life-shattering.
If you are rolling more than 3-4 times per year, let this serve as a wake-up call.
The last six months has not been easy for me - the last thing I need in addition to constant anxiety is a lack of sexual reward. Now, I plan sex. There are times of the day that it is much better than others. I have noticed that digestion is the biggest problem - it appears to cause a stress/prolactin response. In the mornings, when digestion is at a stand still, I seem to do much better.
When these symptoms resolve...IF they resolve...I will make sure to update Bluelight.
Please stop doing it 'all the time'.
Take a long break - many people that find out they are fucked up take weeks/months of abstinence to really begin feeling the effects! Even acute, life-threatening reactions can occur up to a week after cessation.
Take a break, and space your rolls.
MDMA is meant to be used 2-3 times per year, NOT per month.
Even if you don't feel the difference, you have already started damaging your 'brain-gut' circuitry.
The brain is resilient, but it is NOT impervious.
Good luck.