How do SSRIs impact sexual function. What are the common side effects of antidepressants on libido. How can you increase sex drive while taking antidepressants. What strategies help manage sexual dysfunction caused by SSRIs. When should you consult a doctor about sexual side effects from antidepressants.

Understanding the Impact of SSRIs on Sexual Function

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a widely prescribed class of antidepressants that can significantly improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. However, these medications often come with sexual side effects that can impact a person’s quality of life. Let’s explore how SSRIs affect sexual function and what can be done to address these issues.

Common Sexual Side Effects of SSRIs

• Reduced interest in sex
• Difficulty becoming aroused
• Problems sustaining arousal
• Difficulty reaching orgasm
• Inability to achieve orgasm

It’s important to note that these side effects tend to become more prevalent with age. However, sexual dysfunction can occur in patients of all ages taking SSRI medications.

The Relationship Between Depression and Sexual Function

Before attributing all sexual problems to SSRI use, it’s crucial to understand that depression itself can cause sexual dysfunction. In fact, about 35% to 50% of people with untreated major depression experience some type of sexual dysfunction prior to treatment. This raises an important question: Is the sexual dysfunction caused by the medication or the underlying depression?

Distinguishing Between Depression-Induced and SSRI-Induced Sexual Problems

To determine whether sexual issues stem from depression or medication, consider the following:

1. Timing of symptoms: Did sexual problems begin before or after starting antidepressant treatment?
2. Severity of depression: Has your overall mood improved with medication, but sexual function has not?
3. Previous sexual function: How was your sexual function before experiencing depression?

Strategies to Increase Libido While Taking Antidepressants

If you’re experiencing sexual side effects from SSRIs, don’t lose hope. There are several strategies you can try to improve your sexual function while continuing to manage your depression effectively.

1. Wait it Out: Allowing Time for Adjustment

In some cases, sexual side effects may subside as your body adjusts to the medication. How long should you wait? While individual experiences vary, giving your body 2-3 months to adapt is often recommended. During this time, monitor your symptoms and communicate any concerns with your healthcare provider.

2. Adjusting Medication Dosage

Lowering the dose of your SSRI may help alleviate sexual side effects while still maintaining therapeutic benefits for depression. However, this should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional. They can help determine if a dose reduction is appropriate and monitor your response to ensure your depression remains well-managed.

3. Scheduling Sexual Activity

Some people find that SSRI side effects are more pronounced at certain times of the day, often within a few hours of taking the medication. By identifying these patterns, you can schedule sexual activity for times when side effects are least bothersome. Alternatively, you may consider taking your medication at a different time of day to minimize its impact on your sexual function.

4. Drug Holidays: Temporary Medication Breaks

For some individuals, taking short breaks from their SSRI medication can help improve sexual function. This approach, known as a “drug holiday,” involves stopping the medication for a few days, typically over a weekend when sexual activity is planned. However, it’s crucial to note that this strategy carries risks and should only be attempted under close medical supervision.

Potential Risks of Drug Holidays

• Increased risk of depression relapse
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Disruption of medication effectiveness

Always consult your healthcare provider before considering a drug holiday, as it may not be suitable for everyone and could potentially worsen your depression symptoms.

Exploring Alternative Medications to Improve Sexual Function

If adjusting your current medication regimen doesn’t provide satisfactory results, your healthcare provider may recommend switching to a different antidepressant or adding a supplementary medication to address sexual side effects.

Antidepressants with Lower Risk of Sexual Side Effects

Some antidepressants are less likely to cause sexual problems. These include:

• Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
• Mirtazapine (Remeron)

Bupropion, which affects both norepinephrine and dopamine neurotransmitters, may even improve sexual response in some individuals.

Medications to Counteract Sexual Side Effects

In some cases, adding a medication to your existing regimen can help alleviate sexual dysfunction caused by SSRIs:

• Sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis) for men experiencing erectile dysfunction
• Bupropion as an add-on therapy for both men and women to boost sexual drive and arousal
• Buspirone (BuSpar) to potentially increase libido and restore orgasmic function

It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate medication strategy for your individual needs.

The Role of Therapy in Addressing Sexual Side Effects

While medication adjustments can be helpful, addressing the psychological aspects of sexual dysfunction is equally important. Therapy can play a crucial role in managing sexual side effects and improving overall sexual satisfaction.

Benefits of Sex Therapy or General Therapy

• Exploring underlying psychological issues related to sexual function
• Improving communication between partners
• Expanding sexual repertoire and techniques
• Addressing relationship concerns that may contribute to sexual problems
• Developing coping strategies for managing sexual side effects

Working with a qualified therapist can help couples navigate the challenges of sexual dysfunction and strengthen their intimate connection.

Lifestyle Modifications to Boost Libido

In addition to medical interventions and therapy, certain lifestyle changes can help improve sexual function and overall well-being while taking antidepressants.

Exercise and Physical Activity

Regular exercise can have numerous benefits for both mental health and sexual function. How does exercise impact libido? Physical activity can:

• Increase blood flow throughout the body, including to the genitals
• Boost mood and reduce stress, which can positively affect sexual desire
• Improve body image and self-confidence
• Release endorphins, which can enhance overall feelings of pleasure

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with strength training exercises.

Nutrition and Diet

A balanced diet can play a role in supporting sexual health and potentially mitigating some of the side effects of antidepressants. Consider incorporating the following into your diet:

• Foods rich in zinc, such as oysters, pumpkin seeds, and beef, which may help boost testosterone levels
• Fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants to improve blood flow
• Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts to support overall brain health
• Dark chocolate, which contains compounds that may improve mood and sexual function

Stress Management Techniques

Chronic stress can exacerbate both depression and sexual dysfunction. Implementing stress-reduction strategies can help improve overall well-being and potentially enhance libido. Some effective techniques include:

• Mindfulness meditation
• Deep breathing exercises
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Yoga or tai chi
• Journaling

Incorporating these practices into your daily routine can help manage stress levels and create a more relaxed state conducive to sexual desire and function.

Communication and Relationship Factors

Open and honest communication with your partner is crucial when dealing with sexual side effects from antidepressants. How can you approach this sensitive topic?

Tips for Discussing Sexual Side Effects with Your Partner

1. Choose a comfortable, private setting for the conversation
2. Be honest about your experiences and feelings
3. Listen to your partner’s concerns and perspective
4. Emphasize that the sexual changes are a side effect of medication, not a reflection of your feelings for them
5. Discuss potential solutions and strategies together
6. Consider involving your partner in discussions with your healthcare provider

Remember that addressing sexual side effects is a team effort, and working together can strengthen your relationship and improve intimacy.

Exploring Non-Sexual Intimacy

While working to improve sexual function, it’s important to maintain and nurture intimacy in other ways. What are some non-sexual ways to stay connected with your partner?

• Cuddling and physical affection
• Engaging in shared hobbies or activities
• Practicing acts of service or thoughtful gestures
• Enjoying quality time together without the pressure of sexual performance
• Exploring sensual touch and massage without the expectation of sexual activity

By focusing on these aspects of intimacy, you can maintain a strong emotional connection while addressing sexual side effects.

When to Seek Professional Help

While many strategies can help manage sexual side effects of antidepressants, it’s important to know when to seek additional support from healthcare professionals. When should you consult your doctor about sexual side effects?

• If sexual side effects persist for more than 2-3 months after starting antidepressant treatment
• If sexual dysfunction is causing significant distress or impacting your relationship
• If you’re considering stopping your medication due to sexual side effects
• If you experience any new or worsening symptoms related to sexual function
• If you’re interested in exploring medication adjustments or alternative treatments

Your healthcare provider can work with you to find the best approach for managing both your depression and sexual health. They may recommend:

• Adjusting your current medication
• Switching to a different antidepressant
• Adding supplementary medications
• Referring you to a sexual health specialist or therapist

Remember, your mental health and sexual well-being are both important aspects of your overall quality of life. Don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance to find the right balance for you.

Emerging Research and Future Directions

As the field of psychiatry continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new ways to address sexual side effects of antidepressants. What are some promising areas of study?

Novel Antidepressant Formulations

Scientists are working on developing new antidepressant medications that may have fewer sexual side effects. Some areas of focus include:

• Multimodal antidepressants that target multiple neurotransmitter systems
• Medications that modulate the serotonin system more selectively
• Novel delivery methods that may reduce systemic side effects

Personalized Medicine Approaches

Advances in genetic testing and biomarker identification may lead to more personalized treatment strategies. This could help healthcare providers predict which patients are more likely to experience sexual side effects and tailor treatment accordingly.

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Research is ongoing into the potential benefits of various complementary therapies for managing sexual side effects, including:

• Herbal supplements and natural remedies
• Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine
• Mindfulness-based interventions specifically tailored for sexual function

While these areas show promise, it’s important to note that more research is needed to establish their safety and efficacy. Always consult with your healthcare provider before trying any new treatments or supplements.

By staying informed about emerging research and working closely with healthcare professionals, individuals taking antidepressants can continue to explore new options for managing sexual side effects and improving their overall quality of life.

When an SSRI medication impacts your sex life

The popular medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs (see box) can help lift people out from under a dark cloud of depression. But there are some side effects from antidepressants, including those that can affect your sex life. In addition to reducing interest in sex, SSRI medications can make it difficult to become aroused, sustain arousal, and reach orgasm. Some people taking SSRIs aren’t able to have an orgasm at all. These symptoms tend to become more common with age.

If you experience any sexual problems while taking an SSRI medication, talk with your doctor or therapist. About 35% to 50% of people with untreated major depression experience some type of sexual dysfunction prior to treatment. So, in some cases, sexual difficulties may stem not from the SSRI, but rather from the underlying depression. If medication is the problem, sexual side effects sometimes subside with time, so it’s worth waiting a while to see if problems diminish. This is a particularly good strategy if the medication is easing your depression significantly. But if side effects from antidepressants persist, your doctor or therapist may suggest one of the following strategies, as found in the Harvard Special Health Report Understanding Depression:

Lowering the dose. Sexual side effects may subside at a lower, although still therapeutic, dose.

Scheduling sex. Your medication may produce more pronounced side effects at particular times of the day, for example, within a few hours of taking it. If so, you can try scheduling sexual activity for the time when side effects are least bothersome—or take the drug at a different time.

Taking a drug holiday. Depending on how long the drug usually remains in your body, you might stop taking it for a few days—for example, before a weekend, if that’s when you hope to have sex. This isn’t spontaneous, but it can work if you carefully follow your doctor’s directions about how to stop and resume your medication. However, there is always a chance that this might cause a relapse, especially if it is one of the drugs that leaves your system relatively rapidly.

Switching to a different drug. Certain antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), and mirtazapine (Remeron) are less likely to cause sexual problems. Bupropion, which affects both norepinephrine and dopamine, can sometimes improve sexual response.

Adding a drug. For some men, taking sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis) can alleviate SSRI-induced erectile dysfunction. Both men and women may benefit from adding bupropion to their treatment. This medication has been found to counter SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction, boost sexual drive and arousal, and increase the intensity or duration of an orgasm. In some people, the anti-anxiety drug buspirone (BuSpar) may help increase libido and  restore the ability to have an orgasm.

Meeting with a therapist. Even when physical issues or medication are at the root of sexual problems, psychological issues often become interwoven. For example, a few episodes of erectile dysfunction may cause a man to withdraw from sex and his partner to feel rejected. These issues can lead the couple to retreat further from intimacy. Working with a sex therapist or general therapist can help couples explore their sexual concerns, learn to better communicate, and expand their repertoire of sexual activities.

– By Julie Corliss

Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter

A Guide on How to Manage

264 million people experience chronic depression around the world. Treating and understanding depression is on the World Health Organization’s top priority list.

So many people suffer from depression. Thankfully, there are treatment options that provide real relief from depression symptoms.

Though like any other medication, antidepressants have some side effects. One of those side effects is a lower sex drive, or Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction. Low sex drive or a loss of libido can be embarrassing and distressing, especially when the only other option seems to be not taking antidepressants. 

But don’t give up on treating your depression. Here is everything you need to know about antidepressants and sex drive.

How do antidepressants affect sex drive?

A lower sex drive is a common side effect of depression. People who experience low sex drive because of their depression often find that antidepressants can actually improve their libido.

But for some, antidepressants either enhance an existing libido problem or create a new side effect. Many antidepressants work directly with your serotonin production, which is an important component of arousal and orgasm. Sometimes it can block those hormone receptors from getting serotonin during sex.

Sexual side effects from antidepressants can affect both men and women and can have varying degrees of severity.

How many people does low libido affect?

It’s hard to get a true number for how many people experience low or loss of libido due to antidepressants. That’s because lower sex drive is already a side-effect of depression, and many people do not report low libido as a side effect because they’re embarrassed.

But sex drive is an essential part of human function, and there should be no shame about discussing the matter with trusted friends and medical professionals.

One study found that of women who take antidepressants 70-80% reported having a lower libido or trouble achieving orgasms.

If you’re suffering from sexual dysfunction as a side effect of antidepressants, know you’re not alone.

Side effects in men

Sexual dysfunction can have many different effects. The side effects between men and women can differ drastically.

Common male side effects:

• Difficulty getting erections
• Difficulty maintaining erections
• Unable to reach orgasm
• Delayed orgasm

Some people may experience multiple side effects, and some people may only experience one. Side effects may take effect immediately or they may not start for a couple of weeks after starting the antidepressants.

Side effects in women

Women experience a different set of side effects than men. But both men and women can feel discouraged by the effect of antidepressants on their libido.

Common female side effects:

• Delayed lubrication
• Lack of desire for sex
• Delayed or blocked orgasm
• Discomfort during sex (rare)

Men and women can experience similar effects too. These side effects aren’t necessarily sexual, but they can affect a person’s libido.

Side effects that affect men and women:

• Weight gain
• Sluggishness
• Nausea
• Dizziness

There are so many antidepressants on the market today. Generally, antidepressants work the same way. But there are differences, and some antidepressants have a higher likelihood of affecting a person’s sex drive.

Which antidepressants affect sex drive?

Antidepressants in general are associated with causing sexual side effects. Though, some medications have more of a reputation for affecting people.

These antidepressants and their name brand counterparts are most likely to affect libido: 

• Citalopram
• Duloxetine
• Escitalopram
• Paroxetine
• Fluoxetine
• Sertraline

Any antidepressant can cause sexual side effects. The ones listed above are SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor), which work by raising a person’s serotonin levels. This is one of the major antidepressant medication types, that is also known to affect sexual function.

These kinds of antidepressants affect sex drive by blocking the hormone receptors that are activated during sex, hence, decreasing sex drive.

Experiencing a lowered sex drive is a distressing experience. And understandably so. Sex is an important aspect of many romantic relationships. Suddenly feeling a lower sexual desire and experiencing lower sexual activity can lead to SDD, or Sexual Desire Discrepancy, which might affect your relationship.

What can you do if your personal sex drive is lower than normal because of antidepressants?

How to help antidepressants and sex drive

Antidepressants are extremely helpful for people with depression. They alleviate some of the harsh symptoms around the disease.

If you’re experiencing sexual dysfunction because of antidepressants, it can overshadow the positive benefits you’re getting from the medication.

It’s important to acknowledge that you’re having these side effects and communicate freely with your partner and doctor about it.

Communication plays a big role in finding a solution that works for everyone. Below are some tried and true methods for reducing sexual side effects from antidepressants.

Be patient

If you just started taking a new antidepressant, you may start to feel some side effects right away, including low libido. Side effects like nausea and dizziness are very common for people within the first few weeks or even months of taking an antidepressant.

These side effects eventually fade away as your body gets used to the new antidepressant. Lowered libido may also go away with time. If your sex drive does not return after an extended time, then you should ask your doctor about other options.

Speak with your doctor

Doctors are well aware that a lowered sex drive is a common side effect of antidepressants. Communicate freely with your doctor about your experience and side effects so they can come up with a solution.

Dosage

Sometimes lowering your antidepressant dosage can help with sexual side effects. You should never lower your dosage without a doctor’s instructions.

Type of antidepressant

Another antidepressant might not have the same side effects for you. Every person who takes antidepressants experiences different side effects.

Your doctor might also recommend supplementing your antidepressants with another kind of medication, like Wellbutrin. Since SSRI medication can cause serotonin blockers, another kind of medication may be able to stop the blocking.

If switching medications or lowering your dosage is no longer an option, you can try other methods to reduce sexual side effects.

Timing matters

You’re more likely to feel a lowered sex drive right after you take your antidepressants. In contrast, your sex drive is likely to be higher the hours before your next dose, when the effects of the medication start to wear out.

Timing your dosage to when your most likely to have sex can help make sure your sex drive remains strong when you need it. For example, if you’re most likely to have sex in the evening, then you probably want to take your antidepressants in the morning.

Beware of taking breaks from medication

Some people may want to take a few days off their medication to get relief from the side effects they’re experiencing. This kind of thinking is tempting, but be aware that it’s flawed.

Stopping your medication for any reason, even for a few days, won’t result in any symptom relief. In fact, it may cause a relapse in the illness the medication is treating or withdrawal symptoms like nausea and dizziness.

Self-dosing and self-medication is never a good idea. If you think you’re ready to stop taking medication or lower your dosage, speak to your doctor first.

Supplement antidepressants with alternative therapies

Other forms of therapy can be beneficial for treating the root issue that may be causing lower libido. Therapy may also assist with treating the depression you’re taking medication for in the first place.

Forms of talk therapy can help a person better understand their desires and drives, including sex drives. Couples where one, or both, partner suffers from depression can benefit from couples therapy or sex therapy to help form new understandings and trust that result in higher sex drives.

You may also want to try natural supplements or acupuncture to help with the sexual side effects of antidepressants.

Many times, people find that exercise helps them to raise their sex drive. It may be helpful for partners to exercise together or experiment with new forms of stimulation.

No matter what method you try, both parties need to be on board, and that involves a lot of communication.

Communicate with your partner

It’s easy to close off your partner when your sex drive is low. But remember that relationships are more than sexual interactions.

Communicate with your partner about the contribution that your medication has on your sex drive and how it’s affecting you. For example, share with your partner how it may take longer for you to feel aroused. Tell them what time of day you’re most likely to want sex, and discuss how often you want to have sex.

It may feel like you’re taking some spontaneity out of the interaction, but communication is a key ingredient to emotional connection. You may find that forming a stronger emotional bond helps to strengthen your sex drive.

Be honest

Depending on a person’s background or personality, they may be uncomfortable talking about sex. When you’re communicating with your partner or your doctor, be truthful about the symptoms you’re feeling.

If you’re not honest about the side effects you’re having, then your doctor and partner won’t know what help or support you need.

Don’t blame

A low sex drive can lead to frustration, especially within relationships. When that happens, people tend to blame others. But, blaming your partner or yourself for a lack of sex drive can only worsen the problem.

Remember that it’s a side effect of depression and antidepressants, and it’s no one’s fault. Keep a positive spirit, and you’ll be back to normal in no time.

Be creative and work together

You and your partner may find it helpful to step outside of your comfort zone. New experiences stimulate different parts of your brain. Opening new pathways can help you to regain your sex drive.

Some people find that sex toys, role-playing, or other forms of intimacy help them get more aroused and orgasm easier when they have a lower libido.

Practicing non-sexual acts of intimacy can help reestablish trust and romantic bonds. Many couples find it helpful to practice mindfulness together and focus on the present, as well as each other.

the pressure off having sex can be helpful too. Instead of planning on having sex one night, try planning to just be together and cuddle or touch each other in a non-sexual way.

If it leads to sex, then great. If not, then you didn’t disappoint yourself or your partner.

Of course, other factors may lead to a lower libido. If that’s the case, other treatments may be more helpful.

Determine if there are other factors

There are more things than depression and medications that can affect a person’s sex drive. All sorts of psychological and physical things can affect a person’s libido.

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) or the female equivalent (Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder) are commonly untreated disorders. A person with either of these disorders has no desire for sex or intimate contact.

This is not to be confused with a person whose sexual orientation is asexual. If you don’t want sex and you’re ok with it, that’s absolutely fine! What makes the difference is a person with HSDD or FSIAD experiences distress over their lack of desire for intimacy, which usually harms their relationships.

Outside factors can also cause sexual dysfunction. Alcohol and drug use can cause erectile dysfunction and/or lowered libido. That is also the case when going through withdrawals.

Life changes like age, stress, and having a baby can also affect a person’s sex drive. These factors can emphasize an existing problem.

Check out our guide on (almost) all the different causes for low libido, if you suspect that there might be a different reason for your loss of libido.

Get help from a certified sex therapist

The unfortunate irony is that sexual dysfunction is very stressful. And yet, stress is something that can contribute to sexual dysfunction.

If you‘re suffering from the side effects of antidepressants and sex drive, it may be time to get help from a therapist. Now seeing a sex therapist might not be something on your bucket list, and you probably have a million questions about how that would look like and how it might benefit you. That’s why we wrote an article talking about Everything you need to know about sex therapy.

If seeing an actual therapist isn’t an option for you, for any reason at all, you will be pleased to find that Blueheart is a digital sex therapy app for couples with libido issues. It’s discreet, private, and aimed at helping you have a fulfilling sex life. We use a technique called Sensate Focus, which is being used by sex therapists all over the world to help couples overcome sexual desire and arousal issues.

Try Blueheart for free to overcome your libido issues and join thousands in building a stronger, more intimate relationship.

Antidepressants and sex – friend or foe? – Empathy

Antidepressants and sex – friend or foe? – Empathy – the center of mental health

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Is there sex on antidepressants? We understand this delicate issue together with Diana Kuzmina, a psychiatrist at the Empathy clinic.

Sexual disturbances are among the most notable side effects of the SSRI antidepressants ( escitalopram, sertraline, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine ) and SNRIs ( venlafaxine, duloxetine ). They appear in 50-70% of patients taking these drugs.

These include decreased libido, difficulty getting aroused (poor erection in men and insufficient vaginal lubrication in women), delayed or no orgasm (anorgasmia), and no ejaculation.

Sexual dysfunction provoked by antidepressants rarely resolves in the first weeks of treatment, unlike most other side effects. Usually this problem disappears after a few months or persists throughout the entire period of taking psychopharma.

However, do not immediately record antidepressants as sex killers. In some cases, these drugs, on the contrary, improve sexual function by eliminating the symptoms of depression and anxiety, which may be responsible for the decrease in libido.

How to deal with the sexual dysfunction side effect of antidepressants?

There are several options:

• wait for the side effect to recede;
• to stimulate sexual activity, reducing the influence of adverse factors, this will help the normalization of sleep and nutrition, psychotherapy;
• talk to your doctor about lowering the dose of your antidepressant, assuming it doesn’t harm your mental state;
• change antidepressant to another that does not cause sexual dysfunction – trazodone , mirtazapine, vortioxetine in low doses. It should be borne in mind that these drugs are not first-line treatment for depressive and anxiety disorders;
• together with the attending physician, choose corrective drugs to restore sexual function in addition to the antidepressant, among them the already mentioned trazodone and mirtazapine, and Buspirone, Sildenafil .

Do sexual problems persist after stopping SSRIs and SNRIs?

Studies in rats suggest that taking SSRIs at a young age can lead to permanent sexual dysfunction. In adult rodents, sexual dysfunction has not been observed after discontinuation of this class of antidepressants. But don’t be afraid – the results of studies on rats cannot be extrapolated to humans. Randomized controlled trials in humans have not yet been conducted, which means that the question of whether SSRIs really reduce the quality of sexual life for a long time is still open.

! Patients are often embarrassed to tell the doctor about such a side effect as a decrease in libido and the quality of sex. Sometimes this problem is revealed only with targeted questioning. We assure our patients – there is no need to be silent, at the second appointment the doctor needs to be told about any change that has occurred after the start of drug therapy. This will help to optimize the treatment so that it does not have a negative impact on various areas of life, including sexuality.

How antidepressants affect libido and sex

Women

Author Asya Melkonyan, psychologist Hits 3.5k. Posted by 05/04/2016 Updated by 05/19/2023

Contents

Many people wonder if antidepressants affect libido and sex? Let’s look at everything in detail.

How do antidepressants affect libido and sex?

The same way they affect depression. SSRIs work by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. But high levels of serotonin can also suppress libido and make it difficult to orgasm. When serotonin levels rise, dopamine levels can decrease, and this neurotransmitter promotes arousal.

Side effects of antidepressants, like antipsychotics, are low libido, lack of orgasm, erectile dysfunction.

In women, interest in sex most often decreases, and orgasm can also be difficult. Men usually maintain an erection, but fail to achieve orgasm, or it takes a really long time and effort. Erectile dysfunction occurs less frequently and is usually more related to psychological factors such as previous failures.

Influence on sex individually

Some people are more sensitive to drugs than others. You may not have side effects at all, or, for example, they will be from one drug and not appear from another. People who have low libido due to depression will definitely feel better with antidepressants.
In some cases, the body adapts to the drug in a few months, and the side effect disappears.

Antidepressants can completely kill the libido.

This is true.

This is a common side effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the most popular type of antidepressant. These include drugs such as Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft. They are used to treat anxiety and depressive disorders, and you may have to take them for a very long period of time.

There are quite a few studies on this topic and unfortunately, their results confirm that antidepressants reduce libido and desire for sex, and often lead to sexual dysfunction.

Another type of antidepressant is the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, such as Wellbutrin. They affect the sex life to a lesser extent, but they are far from suitable for everyone.

Antidepressants may not be the problem

Depression, anxiety, and other mental problems themselves suppress libido. To understand what exactly is the cause of your problem, you need to compare your state before depression, in depression and then on antidepressants.

Do not abruptly stop taking antidepressants.