Some folks find that antidepressants cause sexual problems. However, there may be alternative options, so chat with your doctor!
In the quest for mental wellness, many peeps tackledepressionor anxiety head-on with the help of antidepressants. They’re a trusty sidekick in the battle against the blues.
But when you thought you had the upper hand, they throw you a curveball — one that hits right in the libido department. Yep, these meds have a knack for dampening the desire for intimacy and can leave your sex life in the dust. Everyone’s different, and you may not notice any adverse effects between the sheets.
If you’d like to learn more about the sexual side effects of antidepressants and unpack what happens and why, continue reading.
Which antidepressant medications cause sexual side effects?
Any antidepressant medication can cause sexual problems, but they’re not created equal in terms of their impact on sex drive.
Researchshows that sexual dysfunction is common in peeps taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Examples of these meds include:
Paroxetine is commonly associated with decreased libido and delayed ejaculation. On the flip side, mirtazapine (Remeron) appears less likely to cause sexual dysfunction.
Why do some antidepressants cause sexual side effects?
Antidepressants like SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants alter the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, likeserotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These messenger chemicals are responsible for yourmoodbut also have a say in your bedroom activities. So, when you mess with their delicate balance, it can throw a wrench into your sexual mojo.
SSRIs can alsoreduceluteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone levels. LH and FSH are hormones the pituitary gland produces that are crucial in regulating reproductive function, including testosterone and estrogen production. If levels take a nosedive, you might feel less frisky and have less desire to get down and dirty.
What are the side effects of antidepressants on sex drive?
Yes, antidepressants can be adepressiongame-changer, but they can also bring unwanted side effects to the bedroom for people of all genders.
If you have a penis, youcould experience:
Antidepressants can also throw a curveball into the mix for peeps with vaginas.Here’swhat you might encounter:
When to talk to a doctor
When dealing with the ins and outs of antidepressants and their effects onsex drive, your doctor is the MVP. Here’s when it’s time to book an appointment:
Above all, keep it real with your doctor. It may be embarrassing to talk about downstairs bits, but there’s no need — they’ve heard it all before! You could benefit from a change in meds, dosages, or formulations, and your doctor can help. So call them!
Antidepressants can be a total mood killer when it comes to getting busy, causing sexual dysfunction, and zapping your sex drive. But there may be a workaround.
Keep the lines of communication open with your doctor and discuss alternative medications. You could find a game plan that keeps yourmental healthin check without putting the kibosh on your sex life.
