Andy
Age: 27 | Germany
“Hi my name is Andy, I am 27 years old, and I am from Germany. In 2022, I was admitted to a psychiatric hospital for moderate depression and anxiety, where I was prescribed fluoxetine (Prozac) 40mg, risperidone (Risperdal) 4mg, plus lorazepam (Tavor) 2mg. I wasn't warned about any side effects or complications before being prescribed these medications. I trusted that the doctors would have told me about any serious side effects, or potential long term problems.
The next day after taking these medications, I realized that my libido was reduced, my genitals felt numb, and my emotions also felt numb. This worried me a lot, but I was told this was normal. I took the medications for a few more weeks until the side effects became intolerable.
I was then switched to bupropion 150mg with no improvements from these side effects. After starting bupropion I started having strong suicidal thoughts, but the doctors said it was all psychological, and it had nothing to do with the medication. I was then switched to tianeptine 12.5mg, and my symptoms got even worse, so I stopped this too.
After stopping these medications, I can no longer get an erection, and my genital numbness got even worse. I have no libido, anorgasmia (pleasureless orgasms), plus extreme emotional blunting, along with anhedonia which is very similar. I also developed visual snow and severe cognitive problems after taking these medications too. I had none of these problems before taking these medications, and my sexual function worked well, I also had a strong libido.
I have had all of these problems for 4 years now with no improvements, and I am extremely distressed by these symptoms. No psychiatrist or doctor believes me, or listens to me when I try to tell them that these lasting effects were caused by the medications. I regularly feel suicidal and hopeless since I have seen no improvements in my symptoms over the past 4 years.
I am worried that I’ll be stuck like this permanently. These medications have completely ruined my life!”