The People's Pharmacy® with Joe and Terry Graedon

Search

Seeking Relief from Sexual Arousal

Newspaper Columns, Pharmacy Q&A September 1, 2008

Q. I am a woman with over-the-top libido. My doctor says I may have PSAS--persistent sexual arousal syndrome. I’ve been dealing with this problem for a year, ever since I turned 40. The anti-depressant Pristiq has helped immensely, but I wonder if there is a more natural approach to this condition.

A. Persistent sexual arousal syndrome can be a serious problem. In this situation, a woman experiences frequent intrusive genital arousal—tingling or other sensations—without sexual desire. The arousal is not always relieved by orgasm.

No single treatment works for everyone, but antidepressants are sometimes helpful. Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) is a relatively new antidepressant that is related to Effexor (venlafaxine). Side effects may include high blood pressure and withdrawal symptoms upon stopping as well as insomnia, nausea, dizziness, excessive sweating and sexual difficulties.

We are glad Pristiq is working for you. Because PSAS is a relatively rare diagnosis, there is very little research to suggest natural approaches might be effective.

Tags: desvenlafaxine, persistent sexual arousal, Pristiq, PSAD, PSAS

Reader Comments

The comments below are provided by the users of this site and not by The Peoples Pharmacy or the Graedons. Please also remember that nothing contained in this site is intended as a substitute for medical advice.

If arousal began at 40 it is probably hormonal. I called it the horney forties. A lot of woman experience it.
Especially women who have had children. Could it be the body is trying to make one more baby before the apparatus goes kaput? So many woman have had surprise after-forty pregnancies. It disappears with menopause. Solution? Get tubes tied and get a lover. This too shall pass. (I miss it)

Posted by: dp | September 8, 2008 12:29 AM

Share Your Experiences

Do you have personal experiences related to this article? If so, we want to hear from you! Let us know your thoughts:

Please read our comment policy before posting. Thank you!





Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.

© 2008 King Features Syndicate, Inc.