Does MS Contin or Fentanyl cause sexual dysfunction?

Mon, Jan 4, 2010

First of all, I am not a drug abuser or addict; I take what is prescribed to me at the recommended dosages and do not abuse my medication(s). Secondly, I am not looking for advice about what medication(s) are the right medicines for me, or if they are at the right dosage, etc. I am only seeking an answer to my question in regards to long-acting opiates. With that being said…

I was on Methadone 60-70 mg a day for the past 4 months following surgery. In this period of time, my libido (sex drive) went into the tank. Where sex was an everyday, maybe more than once a day routine, it suddenly turned into a once a week ordeal. Following a new relationship in November – it started to become an issue when I just didn’t ever seem to be in the mood, and the only times I could have sex (and not suffer from any sexual dysfunction) was every now and then and usually only with the aid of something such as Cialis (a medication for ED that was prescribed by my doctor last month). Well, being that I am 30 years of age and have never had a problem with any sexual dysfunction prior to this medication, I opted to switch to a new med and told my doc that I wasn’t about to try Cialis for life – (I will wait another 15 years before asking for that one long-term!) Anyhow, he told me that ED was a problem for patients taking methadone and prescribed me MS Contin, stating that it would also have some sexual side effects as well. Well, he was right – 4 days after discontinuing the methadone, I (again) was unable to have (what I feel as adequate) sex with my girlfriend just last night.

I am at a crossroads because I know that methadone DID create my problems and according to a number of websites, it (methadone) can take up to 9 days to clear a person’s system – it has only now been 5. Also, MS Contin, or slow-released morphine, is another long-acting opiate and I fear it may be also contributing, or causing my problems altogether. My doctor brought up fentanyl before prescribing me the MS Contin, but once again, it too is a long-acting opiate medication – quite stronger than morphine.

So my question(s) is: does anyone know (by "know" I mean, have first-hand experience with any of these meds or have any experience with any of these side effects) if methadone is any worse or any better than MS Contin or fentanyl ONLY when it comes to SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION?

Please be serious and respect the nature of this question. I am sure it could be quite hilarious for some, but I would appreciate some REAL help. Thanks!

Tags: 4 months, addict, Befo, cialis, crossroads, drug abuser, Drug Addict, libido, medication, medicines, methadone, morphine, ms contin, new med, opiate, opiates, ordeal, s system, sex drive, sex with my girlfriend, sexual dysfunction, sexual side effects