For those taking Olanzapine (Zyprexa) do you have sexual dysfunction?
I have less arousal and libido
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Same here 15151515
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Come on. I know there are more people on here on olanzapine. What symptoms do you have or do you have none at all?
I’m on Olanzapine and it definitely decreases my libido. I also have ED that I think is caused by the olanzapine. Could also be me being overweight though.
Interesting, I’ve had erection shrinkage for three years. Not sure if it’s from weight or drug.
All antipsychotics effect arousal because they work on dopamine recptors. Antipsychotics are going to disrupt the hpa axis, for example elevated prolactin isn’t going to do wonders for your libido.
There isn’t exactly a good solution for arousal/libido. There is not really a lot you can do other then the obvious medication and obvious lifestyle interventions.
You could try taking a dopamine modulator instead of an antagonist.
Oh wow! Now I know how the two are linked back to taking antipsychotics. Thank you for the great info. I have a small attention span so am not good at reading scientific studies.
I’m on amantadine, a dopamine promoter. I tried upping the dose once but got I got paranoia. First time hearing of dopamine modulator. Maybe I’ll try tyrosine. Thanks again.
Maybe you need a different AP. I’m on Geodon and Seroquel and have zero issues. I wouldn’t tolerate an AP that causes these issues. Though I guess it depends on how important it is to you.
Dang, yeah I tried to go on Geodon but my doc told me the efficacy of olanzapine was higher and Geodon might not work. I tried seroquel and it made my wee wee numb.
i was on zyprexia last year. i can confirm it moderately cut my libido. i’m a single guy and always have been, so i can’t speak on that part of it, but my personal drive was definitely way less active
Olanzapine is the most dangerous AP out there. Aside from Clozapine of course.
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Yes less libido.
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Yeah man of course. The doctors might say that sexual side effects aren’t really a thing. When they are interacting with dopamine receptors they have to be effecting libido/arousal on some level.
I wouldn’t necessarily recommend dopamine agonists in schizophernia. Amantadine may work similar to memantine which has been shown to improve symptoms. I think that when you take memantine acutely that it increases dopamine or dopamine sensitivity but when you take it long term it actually acts as an antagonist. I’m not 100% sure though you’d have to look into it to be certain. Amantadine may work in a similar fashion.
Yeah olanzapine and risperidone are pretty common because they work. I think most dopamine antagonists will do this to some degree. I feel side effects often tend to exist on a spectrum. It might be the case that you are more affected then others.
To be honest I don’t think sexual health is a major consideration for most psychatrists. What were you prescribed amantadine for? I’m not sure that tyrosine will help much
Sex never was the same when I got put on antipsychotics but on my current meds Ladies still are exciting.
It’s really helping my vows of chastity.
Works well on my symptoms, decreased libido. It’s a trade off.
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@Stars my libido is heavily reduced. Currently at 22.5mg dose of olanzapine
@Bagul1 Zyprexa and clozapine are pharmacologically similar. I guess they designed zyprexa that way.
@AmICrazyYet So amantadine may end up lowering dopamine in the long-run? Hmm
@columbus Maybe I could at least improve by lowering my ap dose
@Ooorgle If only they could target specific parts of the brain
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Less libido here but I don’t care. I’m just glad because I’m not dating or looking for a partner!
I wish there was a drug that cut the urge completely!
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Yeah I think but you’d have to check.
That is a hefty dose of ap you got there. If bmi is an issue. The metabloic effects could be distrupting your endocrine system also
Get a blood test to check the level of Zyprexa and who knows maybe you can get lowered.
Let’s not forget dry ejaculations for men from APs, thats really embarassing - used to make a mess now its a couple of transparent drops
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