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Suggestions to increase libido?

Page last modified on: September 9, 2009

Question from Lavender: I'm a bc survivor, had a mastectomy, am on tamoxifen, take Paxil for hot flashes and my libido is low. Any suggestions to increase libido? I'm in a wonderful marriage with a man I love.: Answers —Leslie Schover, Ph.D.: Unfortunately, Paxil (chemical name: paroxetine) is a double-edged sword. Although it helps with hot flashes, it often decreases sexual desire and even more so makes it difficult for a woman to reach orgasm. There are other drugs in the same family that may help with hot flashes, but with fewer sexual side effects. Effexor or Celexa may be worth a try.

Editor's Note: If you are taking tamoxifen, talk to your doctor about which antidepressants are safe for you to take. Some antidepressants -- including Paxil, Wellbutrin (chemical name: bupropion), Prozac (chemical name: fluoxetine), Cymbalta (chemical name: duloxetine), and Zoloft (chemical name: sertraline) -- interfere with the body's ability to convert tamoxifen into its active form, preventing you from getting the full benefit of tamoxifen. For more information, please visit the Tamoxifen page.; Marisa Weiss, M.D., Breastcancer.org president and founder: Having a partner that you love is an essential ingredient that you already have.

On Wednesday, February 21, 2001, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Intimacy and Sexuality. Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D., and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about how breast cancer diagnosis and treatment affect your sex life.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of Breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Leslie R. Schover, Ph.D. is a renowned psychologist with a special interest in helping people resolve or manage their sexual problems, especially those problems connected with a chronic illness such as cancer.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

Breastcancer.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information and community to those touched by this disease. Learn more about our commitment to providing complete, accurate, and private breast cancer information.

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