Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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cb72 01/11/2008

Hi girls,

1) Do you have more problems with lubrication (during sex) while on lithium?

2) Do you have sexual side-effects with lithium (I have more than I had with a SSRI)?

3) How do you deal with the sexual side-effects? What helps? My pdoc says they give Wellbutrin for that, but she won't prescribe me that. (I had problems on SSRIs.)

Thanks!

deleted_user 01/11/2008

Hmmm....no problems with lubrication. Maybe your lover doesn't turn you on enough? Just a thought.
Sex drive lowered but that's a good thing. Before Lithium I was a Nympho but now I only want sex once or twice a day.
Use a good lube and do things together such as watch a sexy film or go out with no knickers on to hel speed up desire and Libido. Sex should be fun not a chore.

deleted_user 01/11/2008

1. no

2. yes, i had a white discharge everyday

3. crying, feeling ashamed

deleted_user 01/11/2008

I have no clue if its the lithium, I'm so old now that I always lube up. Its to painful not to. Their comes an age in every womans life when the juices don't flow normally anymore.

alicia29 01/11/2008

I have been on 450mg tid for over a year, and I have had no sexual side effects with Lithium. The lubrication issue could be due to the drying effect Lithium has on our mucus membranes. Have you noticed that your eyes are itchy or that your skin is drier? An increase in water intake will cure what ails! Hope this helps! Hugs~

deleted_user 01/11/2008

I take Lithium for over 37 years. but I'm a guy !
you ladies might consider : Try Estratest H.S. (Generic Alternative--Syntest H.S.) This med has Methyltestosterone, which is an androgen or male-like hormone. In general it lubs and helps your sex-drive.
Oh.. your eyes can be dry on lithium, using a OTC lube eye drop such as "Blink" by AMO ( in a green bottle).
Carry On...Dr Fred (Eyes).

deleted_user 01/11/2008

Should I give my bits of words of wisdom to the woman who need lubrication? No, it is time for me to shut the hell up.

cb72 01/11/2008

(2) Hm... That is funny, I have discharge non-stop now, but I thought that was the IUD. It doesn't bother me though.

And the eyes, totally. I had a scratched cornea that was doing great until I got on Li, then it gave me hell (dryness). Now I use drops all the time.

Eyes, I'll check out that estro thing.

deleted_user 01/11/2008

Never had a problem with lube on lithium until I had to take hormone inj's for endometriosis. Put me into temporary menopause, one time I got so dry I couldn't walk, lol. I personally wouldn't think it's the lithium unless you aren't taking in enough fluids. Ask your pdoc, they are used to hearing these questions, don't be shy.

deleted_user 01/11/2008

just try some ky or some other lubricant.

it's a common problem

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