After trying almost all the SSRIs there, I found Paroxetine is the one that works for my OCD. However like every other SSRI, it causes Erectile Dysfunction and negatively affects the semen parameters.
I have tried Vortioxetine, but it didn't work for my OCD. Mirtazapine also failed. Only Duloxetine gave me relief for 5 months and then stopped working.
Me and my wife are looking for a baby. What are my best options?
I think this is best a matter for your doctor, since it involves prescribing medications that effect fertility.
Unfortunately all of them are prescribing non SSRI meds that doesn't work for OCD. Vortioxetine is an example. So I came here.
I'm sorry that you have had this side effect. I don't know if it is available in India, but if you can get hold of it, perhaps you could try something called inositol.
It's a natural substance, and can be bought without a prescription. Large doses are needed for it to be effective against OCD so you would need to take about 18 g a day.
There have been studies that indicate that it's an effective treatment for OCD, although it hasn't yet been accepted as a front line remedy.
Inositol is relatively free from side effects, and is safe to take. I attach a link to a website with more information on it. (It's a safe site.)
Best of luck to you and your wife in your quest to have a baby!
phillyintegrative.com/blog/...
Thanks Pal.
I take Inositol as a supplement and only take about 1g a day. It does seem to help. 18g seems like a lot to me but I'm not a doctor. You should probably get some medical advice on what to take.
Dear Istill, as I have mentioned, the Doctors I have tried did not help a lot. But that doesn't mean I would do anything bypassing them. Would keep them in loop. The substitute they prescribed did not help a lot. I am here to listen alternative options available.
Btw, Do you have OCD? How long have you been taking Inositol?
I've had OCD since for about 35 years. I've been taking Inositol for about 6 months along with SNRI medication. It does seem to help.
are you also working working with an OCD specialist doing ERP? You should speak to your doctor and therapist…maybe if ERP is working you can pause medication for some time to make a baby. Hope it works out 🩵
Dear Mom, I obviously visited several Psychiatrists and have my regular Psychologist.
There is the point, none of the psychiatrist told me to stop medication and start on ERP. They prescribed me non OCD meds like Vortioxetine which doesn't exactly lower my OCD.
The psychologist doesn't tell me either to switch on to ERP.
It is not certain that the semen is affected negatively by SSRIs. There are many men who had a baby while they were taking SSRIs. You can make attempts to have a baby taking SSRIs and if you see that you can't then you can stop them for a while.
Have you tried to have a baby while taking SSRIs? Some limited studies suggest that SSRIs can reduce fertility for men, but it is not certain. Many men have had babies while they take SSRIs.
Well Gian, I suffer ED with SSRIs and the Semen quality is usually poor with SSRIs. There are tests which confirms that.
Relapse is a part of Recovery
Lessons learned from OCD
