Dealing With Libido Issues From Medications
 

Hey all, so I am wondering if there is anything one can do if you have a severe case of ADHD which can be helped by medication but the medication affects your libido? I usually have a pretty ravenous sex drive, but since starting Tenex/Guanfacine a month ago, it just recently greatly declined and now it is difficult for me to maintain a full erection:( This didn't happen while taking 1mg a day until day 30, and then suddenly my libido declined. That was about a week ago. I am now taking 2 mg a day.

I woke up this morning with a full erection but that was the kind your body naturally does to oxygenate the penis. This lifted my spirits a little as it showed the penis can still fully erect even with this medication, but I don't know if I can consciously get it to do that. I tried to purposely erect it a little later, but the result was so-so. I will try again later. I was thinking that maybe this was one of my "dry" periods whereby the sex drive just naturally goes down for a bit, then returns big-time later on, but I don't think this is that, because I can tell the sex drive is there, but at the same time, being suppressed if you will. It's hard to explain, but as guys I'm sure you know what I mean.

My mother was telling me I should tell the doctor the next time I visit, and maybe they can switch me to something else, but from what I have been reading, the other drugs to treat ADHD are all stimulants which all will negatively affect libido in men.

I was wondering what the experiences are of those of you using medications. Is there any way to deal with this, or am I doomed to either have to deal with ADHD or treat it but with the side effect of suppressed libido?

Re: Dealing With Libido Issues From Medications
 

I'm 22. I would not say I have a ravenous sex drive. But part of that is my OCD in terms of cleanness. It is not that I don't like sex, its just... you cannot just go and stick it in there. Good sex takes work with things that I feel are someone disgusting. I guess alcohol plays a major role in my sex life; but I am also the college student that has beer expire. (I don't think other college students know that is possible)...

Currently on Staterra. Sadly, there is no women that can get it to move, even with a forklift. It is more than frustrating (and embarrassing) at the age of 22. Sorta destroys being a college student.

Re: Dealing With Libido Issues From Medications
 

People react differently to stimulants. Some experience decreased libido, while some get increased libido.

Impotence is a severe side effect for a medication, especially for someone so young. Clearly Tenex is not a good medication for you.

Re: Dealing With Libido Issues From Medications
 

Well Tenex itself I do not believe is a stimulant. It is a blood pressure medication that within the last few years has been approved by the FDA for use in treating ADHD. I have been researching about whether it can effect libido, but all I can gather is that decreased sexual performance is a rarer side effect while another website makes it sound like a more normal side effect because of how it decreases blood flow.

My next appointment with my therapist is in ten days, so I am going to tell her and see what she says. My appointment with the doctor is next month on the 4th or 5th, however, if this is a very bad side effect, I am sure she could ask him directly or something as they are in the same building.