Hello. My story is quite similar to yours- I was on citalopram for 18-24 months and accidentally quit abruptly (missed 3 or 4 doses in a row). I had a horrendous withdrawal- crushing depression and complete loss of sex drive. it was comparable to losing one of my senses. In addition, I was unable to enjoy anything- music, exercise, actives, anything. I had no concentration and was unable to initiate any activities. My mind was in a constant fog. Look up "neuroleptic deficit syndrome"- this is a perfect description of my symptoms, with the loss of libido on top of it. This was in 2012. Since then, I have had some recovery, but I never got back to my old self.

I know what you mean about doctors not believing you. I have seen 5 or 6 psychiatrists, and all but one told me "that doesn't happen". Also, 5HTP has a lot of similarities to SSRIs; its easy to underestimate the potency of supplements. They're sold over the counter without a prescription, how bad can they be?

I believe that at least part of my problem was due to dopamine deficiency. I don't know why withdrawal would cause this or why it would be permanent. There is also a hormonal aspect. There is an inverse relationship between dopamine and prolactin, and my prolactin levels were indeed quite elevated. I don't know how this applies to women.

My anxiety and depression were unbearable, so I had to go on escitalopram. It helped with those but did not effect my PSSD. I have had some success with Wellbutrin, dopa mucuna, maca, and yohimbine. The first three are all dopamine agonists. There is some research out of Harvard on women with PSSD showing the efficacy of maca, particularly in post-menopausal women. dopa mucuna/mucuna pruriens fixed my problems with motivation, concentration, and anhedonia.

I hope you find this helpful.

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