Blog

Antidepressants and Sex Drive: Sexual Side Effects of SSRIs

Antidepressants and Sex Drive Sexual Side Effects of SSRIs

Has your interest in sex gone down the drain the moment you’ve treated your depression?

You’re not alone. Millions of people are struggling with the same problem. And for these folks, there’s one underlying source of the issue—SSRI medication.

SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressant medications. This drug’s primary function is to alter the levels of serotonin (a neurotransmitter) in the brain, which can impact a person’s mood and behavior.

While SSRIs are most commonly used to treat major depressive disorder, they can also be prescribed for other conditions such as anxiety disorders, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

It’s normal to feel like your sex life is in danger of slipping away when you’re taking antidepressants. In fact, aresearch study has found that about 30% to 40% of men on antidepressant medication may develop sexual side effects not long after being on the pill.

If you’re worried about the long-term effects of this condition, don’t fret. There are ways to overcome this side effect.

In this article, we’ll explore the causes of sexual side effects from SSRIs, as well as some tips on how to get your sex life back on track.

Which Antidepressants Lead to Sexual Side Effects?

It’s not uncommon for people who take SSRI medication to experience side effects that impact their sex lives.

Some forms of antidepressant medication that may cause symptoms include:

  • Citalopram (Celexa)
  • Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
  • Paroxetine (Paxil)
  • Sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Escitalopram (Lexapro)
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Vortioxetine (Trintellix)

Taking any of the above medications (or a combination of both) can give rise to sexual side effects in both men and women. One research review stated that among all the antidepressants on the list, paroxetine posed the highest risk of inducing sexual side effects. This is followed by fluvoxamine, sertraline, and fluoxetine.

To alleviate this, a doctor may suggest lowering the dosage, switching to another drug, or reducing the frequency of drug intake.

Before making any significant modifications to your prescription regimen, you should ensure that you’re under the care and supervision of a licensed professional. For professional medical advice, contact a doctor for a treatment plan that works for you.

Sexual Side Effects of SSRIs

Listed below are some of the symptoms that may arise following SSRI treatment.

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a sexual side effect that may occur in men who take SSRI pills. Also known as impotence, ED is the inability to maintain an erection that’s fit for sexual intercourse.

In most cases, erectile dysfunction caused by SSRI treatment is reversible. It usually fades away a few days after altering your treatment plan.

However, there are some cases where ED may persist for months or years, developing into the more serious post-SSRI sexual dysfunction syndrome (PSSD). Speaking with an erectile dysfunction specialist may be useful in situations like these.

Numbing

Reduced sensitivity or numbing is another common side effect for men taking antidepressant medication. Sometimes referred to as genital anesthesia, this condition is categorized by the diminution or loss of pressure, pain, and touch sensations felt in the glans of the penis.

This condition can reduce the sense of pleasure one may feel during sexual activity. This disease is among the rarest side effects of SSRIs and usually arises in patients who have taken either sertraline or fluoxetine.

Delayed Ejaculation

One of the most common sexual side effects associated with SSRIs is delayed ejaculation (or anorgasmia). This condition refers to a man’s inability to ejaculate and reach an orgasm for an extended period, if at all, despite sexual stimulation.

Delayed ejaculation is not timebound; rather, it’s pronounced when the patient feels a great degree of distress andsexual frustration. Lexapro and Zoloft are some SSRIs that are known to cause this condition.

Fortunately, most cases of delayed ejaculation induced by SSRI treatment are temporary and can be mitigated by adjusting the dosage.

Low Libido

Low sexual desire is another common condition that may affect patients taking SSRI pills. It may affect people even after they’ve adjusted treatment, effectively turning into post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD) syndrome.

Some SSRIs that can cause lower a man’s libido include:

  • phenelzine
  • fluoxetine
  • paroxetine

Treatment Plans for Low Sex Drive

You can treat both depression and erectile problems without them going at odds against each other.

Here are ways you can improve your sexual arousal and sexual functioning.

Take Alternative Medication

Men suffering from antidepressant-associated sexual dysfunction symptoms following SSRI treatment may be asked to take a different medication. This can include the following:

  1. Bupropion
  2. Mirtazapine
  3. Vortioxetine
  4. Vilazodone
  5. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors

In circumstances when the patient only responds to SSRIs to treat their psychological disorder, doctors may recommend bupropion in conjunction with SSRIs. Always consult with your doctor before altering any aspects of prescribed medications.

Schedule Sex

Treatment Plans for Low Sex Drive alternative medication schedule sex

Another way to mitigate antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction is by prolonging the gap between engaging in sexual intercourse and taking anti-depressants. People who experience genital side effects from SSRIs report feeling symptoms 30 minutes after taking the drug.

By switching up your schedule, it’s possible to experience minimal side effects while still maintaining an active sex life.

Reduce Dosage

With a doctor’s supervision, it’s also possible to taper off SSRIs by reducing your dosage over time. This may help minimize drug-induced sexual dysfunction symptoms.

For instance, if you typically take 50 milligrams (mg) of sertraline per day, your doctor may have you take 50 mg every other day for a week and review your progress.

Introduce ED Drugs

Doctors may also prescribe erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs to improve sexual function and counter sexual problems. These drugs include:

  • Sildenafil (Viagra)
  • Tadalafil (Cialis)
  • Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)

While this is a common treatment option, these drugs do not always work and there are severe risks associated with many ED pills. ED treatments targeting the root causes of sexual dysfunction are an option for a more sustainable route to recovery.

Contact Atlanta’s Top Men’s Clinic for a Consultation to Improve Low Sex Drive

Contact Atlanta’s Top Men’s Clinic for a Consultation to Improve Low Sex Drive

It can be distressing and frustrating living with sexual dysfunction, especially when it’s interfering with present health ailments.

Fortunately, managing sexual dysfunction-induced symptoms is possible with the right approach. With adequate effort, you can live an active sex life once again.

If you’re in need of a sustainable fix, we can help. Contact a doctor at Priority Men’s Medical Center in Atlanta to get your sex life back on track. Our concierge approach positions your unique case at the centerpoint of our focus. We don’t just give you a pill for ED and send you on your way. We treat the underlying issues that led to conditions such as ED, Low Testosterone, and more. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

Does Masturbation Cause Hair Loss?

Is your hairline starting to recede? Do you feel that your self-pleasuring habits have anything to do with it? While these two may seem like a strange connection at a glance, a surprisingly sizable amount of people believe that masturbation is the prime suspect…

Does Beet Juice Help Improve ED? 4 Beet Root Benefits for Men

Drinking beet juice is not only refreshing, but it’s also secretly beneficial for your sexual health. Studies show that this mildly sweet drink contains certain properties that help the body fight against diseases that may lead to sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, beet juice also boosts…

What Does High Testosterone Do In Men?

Testosterone is often synonymous with the “manly man’s” hormone. This means that high levels of testosterone are often associated with chiseled muscles, thick patches of body and facial hair, and a deep, resonant voice, among other inherently male traits. And, for the most part,…

6 of Alcohol’s Powerful Effects on Testosterone

Whether it’s a glass of red wine or a mug full of beer, folks of all ages and nationalities enjoy indulging in alcohol from time to time. Drinking these liqueurs provide a sense of joy and merriment, and they’re often a major part of…

What Food Kills Testosterone

We all need nourishment to survive and thrive in this world. And the best source of daily nourishment is found in the food we eat. While many foods provide ample nutrition to fuel our everyday activities, there exist certain foods that silently undermine our…

8 Signs That Your Anxiety Is Caused by Low Testosterone

Being anxious is part and parcel of being a human being, and it’s perfectly normal to feel anxiety every now and then. All of us have felt anxious at least once in our life—particularly when we find ourselves amidst difficult situations. However, being diagnosed…

Can Men with High Blood Pressure Take Viagra?

Can you still take Viagra with high blood pressure medication? Should you be taking Viagra at all if you have high blood pressure (hypertension)? Men have difficulty dealing with erectile dysfunction (ED) as is. But if they suffer from another health issue like having…

How Men Can Fix Erectile Dysfunction Caused By COVID-19

Years into the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s safe to say that the worst of the virus has come and gone. While many have moved on scot-free, the virus continues to cause long-term complications to a select few, of which erectile dysfunction is one. While many…

Can Thyroid Problems Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

In a world where a man is defined by his sexual prowess, erectile dysfunction can very well lead to insecurities in a man’s sex and social life. Erectile dysfunction is a widespread condition, often mistaken that it’s only caused by aging. However, aging isn’t…

Do Blood Pressure Medications Make Men Impotent?

Many men are actively aware of how high blood pressure can lead to erectile dysfunction. As a crash course explanation, the continuous damage to the blood vessels caused by HBP can decrease the blood volume being brought to the penis, causing impotence. The natural…

ED and Sunlight: How Sunshine May Help Erectile Dysfunction

Make no mistake: the list of causes for erectile dysfunction is quite versatile. Some ED sources, like cardiovascular disease and unhealthy eating habits, are easily trackable and have a clear path to resolution. However, some ED risk factors are a little bit more subtle…

Osteoporosis and Erectile Dysfunction in Men: The Connection

It’s not hard to imagine that a man’s health declines as he approaches his senior years. And during this period of elderliness, they may be more prone to developing two serious health conditions: osteoporosis and erectile dysfunction (ED). Though it might not be immediately…

5 Benefits of Yoga for Erectile Dysfunction

Affecting over 150 million men, erectile dysfunction is the bane of a man’s sex life. Impotence can be a deeply demoralizing experience, leaving those afflicted with feelings of humiliation and insecurity. Even as the world progresses and becomes more accepting, it’s still difficult for…

Can Testosterone Therapy Help Weight Loss?

You’ve been taking small steps on eating the proper diet, exercising rigorously, and taking all the right supplements. But at the end of the day, do you still feel like the number on the weighing scale just won’t budge? If so, don’t worry. Many…

The Top 5 ED Causes That Shockwave Therapy Treats

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a widespread sexual condition that affects around 151 million men around the world. Moreover, ED affects nearly half of all men aged 40-70 years old. A variety of things can contribute to the development of ED—age, preexisting medical conditions, and…

How Long Does Shockwave Therapy Take to Treat ED?

When the subject of erectile dysfunction treatments gets brought up, people’s minds usually turn to ED medications like Viagra or external devices strapped to their penis. And, true enough, these remedies are readily available for cases of erectile dysfunction. While ED pills are common,…

7 Surprising Risk Factors for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

It’s normal to experience sexual off days from time to time. What’s not normal is a persistent inability to attain and maintain an erection. This condition is known as erectile dysfunction, or ED for short. There are multiple reasons why men experience ED. This…
Proudly Featured On
ESPN Radio logo
ABC News logo
Fox News Radio logo
CBS Sports Radio logo
NBC Sports Radio logo