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Erectile dysfunction
Hello
I am on sertraline 75mg and aripiprazole 2 mg and atomoxiteine 10mg for anxiety disorder, my anxiety problem has solved but suffering from erectile dysfunction, can I take safed musli in small amount for E D?
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Sertraline is known to cause ED in some people. Do discuss regarding this with your psychiatrist and they should be able to help you out by reducing the dose or changing to another class of antidepressant that is free from any sexual dysfunction as a side effect. Apart from that, anxiety can itself precipitate ED. So a careful evaluation has to be done as to what is causing the ED.
Next Steps
Discuss with your doctor
Health Tips
Don’t discontinue medicines abruptly
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There are two options as per my view
* Dose of Sertraline can be optimised ( reduce to 50 mg) under supervision of your doctor, rest medication as it is, sexual dysfunctions can be resolved
* Second option to try other medications with no sexual side effects with reduce dose of Sertraline, sexual side effects will not occur (under supervision of doctor)
Regarding safed musli- you can take it, more detailed information will be better provided by Ayrurvedic specialist
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📍 My Opinion:
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a commonly under-reported side effect in patients taking SSRIs like Sertraline, and sometimes it may also be compounded by dopaminergic influence of Aripiprazole or Atomoxetine. Even though your anxiety is well-managed, ED may persist due to neurochemical changes or psychological inhibition.
While Safed Musli is marketed as a natural remedy, its scientific evidence in SSRIs-induced ED is limited. That said, in small quantities and with psychiatric supervision, it may be trialed cautiously, especially if you're not on blood thinners or hormonal therapy.
Next Steps
✅ Next Step (What should the patient do next):
1. Discuss a medication review with your psychiatrist — ED is sometimes reversed by switching to another antidepressant like bupropion or agomelatine.
2. If anxiety is in remission, consider gradual tapering of any unnecessary medication under supervision.
3. For confirmed ED, short-course PDE5 inhibitors (like low-dose tadalafil) may be very effective and safe with your current regimen.
4. Psychological factors should not be overlooked — brief sex therapy or psychoeducation often helps younger patients.
Health Tips
💡 Helpful Tips / Word of Caution:
Never stop or add any herb/supplement without your psychiatrist’s approval — even natural agents can interact subtly with psychotropics.
Track whether ED is consistent or situation-specific, as performance anxiety can mimic medication side effects.
Stay away from online "performance boosters" — many are adulterated or unsafe.
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Hello,
Sertraline is known to cause sexual side effects including erectile dysfunction (ED) in some individuals. Aripiprazole may sometimes counteract SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction, but it does not always resolve it. Atomoxetine can also influence libido and erectile function in rare cases.
Safed Musli is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used to improve sexual health and energy. While small amounts are generally considered safe, clinical evidence is limited, and interactions with psychotropics are not well-studied.
Next Steps
a. For query/consultation, you can contact +91 74X 52X 97X 67X 61X - NEURONAL FIX CLINIC, before starting Safed Musli.
b. Alternatives like switching the SSRI or adding low-dose bupropion are evidence-based options your doctor might consider.
c. Pelvic floor exercises and psychological support for performance anxiety may also help.
Health Tips
Avoid self-medication, especially herbal supplements, without professional advice, as some may interact with psychiatric medications. Regular exercise, sleep hygiene, and reducing alcohol/smoking (if applicable) also contribute to improvement in ED.
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What youâre experiencing is a fairly common outcome with medications like Sertraline. SSRIs are known to interfere with sexual functioning in some people, including lowering libido, delaying orgasm, or causing erectile dysfunction. Aripiprazole and Atomoxetine can add subtle neurochemical changes as well, sometimes amplifying the effect. Even when anxiety improves, the lingering ED can feel confusing and frustrating. This is not a sign that something is wrong with your masculinity or driveâitâs a predictable, biological consequence of how these medications affect serotonin and dopamine signaling. The good news is that itâs reversible in many cases, and there are ways to improve sexual health while continuing mental health treatment.
Next Steps
Talk to your prescribing psychiatrist about this side effectâitâs medically valid and deserves attention. A few options may be discussed, like switching to antidepressants with fewer sexual side effects (such as bupropion) or reducing the SSRI dose under supervision if your anxiety remains controlled. For the ED itself, your doctor may prescribe short-term phosphodiesterase inhibitors like low-dose tadalafil, which can restore normal function without stopping your existing medications. Regarding Safed Musli, in small amounts, it is generally safe, but you must clear it with your psychiatrist first to rule out any herb-drug interaction risks. Do not self-medicate or combine traditional supplements without professional input.
Health Tips
Support your system with simple but consistent habits that enhance vascular and hormonal health. Focus on foods rich in nitric oxide precursors like beetroot, spinach, pomegranate, and citrus fruits. Add omega-3s through flaxseeds or walnuts. Avoid late-night screen time, excess caffeine, and alcohol, as they all interfere with sexual function. Begin gentle pelvic floor exercises, which improve blood flow and erection quality. Practicing slow breathing or yoga can also reduce residual anxiety that might be affecting performance. With time, medical adjustment, and these supportive measures, your sexual function can return to normal. Youâre not alone in this, and help is available that respects both your mental and physical well-being.
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