Hi how's it going. I JUST started Brintellix 4 days ago. 2.5 mg, very low dose. But I'm definitely feeling a change in libido. I don't want to do anything yet because I know it has that 5ht1a agonist mechanism and this should decrease sexual side effects soon? Let me clarify too - Erection is fine, Libido is down, and ability to Orgasm/Orgasm strength are definitely down.
I've read a lot of the existing threads on here and honestly, I just don't know enough about neuroscience to understand what everyones talking about with upregulation, downregulation, agonist, antagonist, and what not - it's fascinating but a little bit beyond what I can fully understand.
From what I've read, the things that have to do with SSRI Sexual Side effects are Serotonin increase causing Dopamine decrease, the receptors 5ht1a, 5ht2a and 5ht2c.
Can someone just clarify for me in simplest terms what my options are? The Brintellix essentially has Buspirone built in, so adding it wouldn't do much. From what I've read, Buspar's 5ht1a agonist mechanism increases Dopamine somewhere, reducing the sexual side effects. The other options I've read about for the sexual sides are Wellbutrin, and Ginkgo Biloba.
Now when we get to the other receptors - 5ht2c and 5ht2a - I don't have a clue about these and none of my doctors have ever mentioned this to me either.
Anyway, just hoping that someone with the knowledge of the receptors Brintellix targets can help me find a suitable option to counter the sexual side effects. I run 5 miles every day which I figure helps with neurotransmitter balance. And I definitely NEED an SSRI because I have very severe OCD.
Thanks guys, you all are brilliant from everything I've read and I'd appreciate any help you can provide.
Edited by JamesJones92, 11 January 2016 - 02:22 AM.
