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Can Elavil Cause Loss Of Libido And Sexual Dysfunction?
Question: been taking 10mg Elavil/amitriptyline at night for nerve pain following neck fusion surgery for four years. age 61, excellent health, 6 ft 170 lbs. experiencing loss of libido and sexual dysfunction. how long for all the effects of this drug to leave my system?
Brief Answer:
Sexual side effects can last up to several months
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HealthcareMagic for your health concern
Amitryptline clears from.yiur body within 48 hours after last dose.However, the sexual side effects can last up to several months after stopping the medication. For some people it can take up to several years.
I recommend that along with discontinuing Amitryptline you get the serum testosterone levels, blood sugar levels,prolactin levels, thyroid hormone levels checked and Doppler blood flow study to penis to assess other associated causes for sexual dysfunction.
If the sexual side effects persists after a month and is bothering you, then medications like Viagra can be started.
Other medications like beta blockers (used for hypertension, heart disease),.flomax(used for treating prostate enlargement) etc can also contribute to sexual dysfunction. So make sure you are not on such medications too.
If you are diabetic, strict blood sugar control is also needed.
Hope this answers your questions
Please address further questions here
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi
Sexual side effects can last up to several months
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HealthcareMagic for your health concern
Amitryptline clears from.yiur body within 48 hours after last dose.However, the sexual side effects can last up to several months after stopping the medication. For some people it can take up to several years.
I recommend that along with discontinuing Amitryptline you get the serum testosterone levels, blood sugar levels,prolactin levels, thyroid hormone levels checked and Doppler blood flow study to penis to assess other associated causes for sexual dysfunction.
If the sexual side effects persists after a month and is bothering you, then medications like Viagra can be started.
Other medications like beta blockers (used for hypertension, heart disease),.flomax(used for treating prostate enlargement) etc can also contribute to sexual dysfunction. So make sure you are not on such medications too.
If you are diabetic, strict blood sugar control is also needed.
Hope this answers your questions
Please address further questions here
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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