Sertraline vs. Libido

Hi all,

I am a 33 years old man and I have been struggling with an anxiety disorder for years. It emerged in my early 20s. I'm terrified that we're all going to die one day and everything will end. Endless life scenario doesn't relieve me either.

I was on Prozac for six months and then it went away. Six months later it came back. I then saw another doctor, he prescribed me venlafaxine (37.5mg) and I also started talking therapy. I never got rid of the issue but it never really affected my life. Due to supply shortages, I had to switch to Setralin (50mg) at some point. I was very, very stable and I stopped taking the medication in consultation with my doctor. Everything went well for six months and then I had a separation, job change etc. and I was down again. So I started Setralin and therapy again. I've been very stable for 2.5 years now and I feel like I've now completely overcome the death issue. Even during the sertraline therapy, the anxiety came back from time to time, but then went away. I've been so stable for six months now that I can even deal with the subject of mortality, climate change etc. without feeling a single bit of anxiety. The only side effect was the loss of libido and erectile dysfunction, which also remained within limits. I have been in a relationship for a short time. Our sex life is also good, but I sometimes need help from Tadafil (2.5mg).

It stresses me out that I need this support. In conversation with the doctor, he recommended that I gradually discontinue the medication and try 2 months without it. I've been taking half a dose for 2 weeks and my libido is so high. But the anxiety is also coming back... My doctor wanted to continue with Venlafaxine because it supposedly has fewer sexual side effects, if I cant go on without meds. But I tend to stay on Setralin, which I know the drug, and also the side effects. I would also accept a reduced libido. That never went away completely. But I would prefer to manage without medication. What have your experiences been?