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Question:
Hello, I am a 35 year old woman who is involved in a very fulfilling and loving relationship. I have bipolar disorder and take several medications including 450 mg of effexor daily and 1800 mg of Neurontin. These drugs have just erased any sexual desire, decreased the feeling of sexual stimulation, and made achieving an orgasm a task rather than a pleasure. I have been advised by my physician that I should not decrease the dosage of my medications and for the most part I agree. When I have asked him about the sexual disfunction his only comment is yes that is a common side effect. Are you aware of any method to enhance sexual desire and stimulation with these conditions? I have read about the clitoral pump and testosterone creams and gels. Could any of these be effective? I cannot imagine a sexless life but that is what it has become. Any suggestions?

Thanks for your time.

Answer:
by Susan Kellogg-Spadt: ()
You might want to speak with your doctors about the following options:

1) Adding a small dose of the antidepressant drug "wellbutrin" to your medications as it has been reported in research to help reverse sexual side effects of other drugs

2) Taking a small dose (25mg) of the drug viagra 1 hour before you have sex to help increase arousal and orgasm..as long as you don't have any health conditions which would make it unsafe for you

3) Applying one of the new prosexual creams/oils (like Viacreme or Zestra) to the clitoral area before sex to increase arousal and lubrication Best of luck

Reviewed by: Scott Gross M. Ed.

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