Antidepressants have been a popular medication for decades. While they often help those who are combating depression and other mental health slopes, these pills have their side effects. One of the most common aspects of life that antidepressants affect is sex life. Unfortunately for many, these pills can cause a reduction of interest in sex for those taking them. They may cause difficulty in becoming aroused, sustaining arousal, and reaching orgasm. In fact, some people taking antidepressants are not capable of orgasming at all.
Antidepressant medications that you may have heard of –
- Celexa
- Lexapro
- Prozac
- Luvox
- Paxil
- Zoloft
- Trintellix
Antidepressants & Sexual Dysfunction
It is important to note that around 40-50% of people experiencing untreated depression also tend to experience some sort of sexual dysfunction. For that, many depressed individuals become uninterested in sex due to their struggle with depression, not because of any medications they are taking. For that, it is important for those battling depression to visit a therapist or psychiatrist.
However, if the SSRIs are the reason behind the sexual dysfunction, then there are several ways to treat the issue –
- Lowering the dosage of your SSRIs
Any sexual side effect may subside if a lower dose is being prescribed. However, it is important to note that the dosage must still be therapeutic. Make sure to consult with your doctor before changing your dosage.
- Scheduling your intimate practices
It has been shown that such side effects from the pills are usually the strongest in the first few hours after the medication has been taken. For that, you can be mindful of when to pursue your sexual activities – a time when side effects are least bothersome.
- Taking a drug break
You can discuss with your doctor on how and when to stop and then resume your medication. For example, if you have a special weekend with your partner coming up, you can ask your doctor on whether you can suspend taking the pills for 2 days or so and then continue taking them after the weekend is over. However, there is always a chance that this might cause withdrawal, especially if it is a drug that leaves your system relatively rapidly.
- Switching to a different type of drug
Certain antidepressants are less likely to cause sexual problems. For example, Wellbutrin, which affects both norepinephrine and dopamine, can actually improve sexual response. For that, discuss such a possibility with your doctor.
- Taking additional medication
A lot of doctors find it best to give their patients pills that combat the negative side effects of antidepressants. For example, some men taking antidepressants get prescribed Viagra in order to keep their sexual activities going. For some women, the anti-anxiety drug Buspirone (BuSpar) may help increase libido and restore the ability to have an orgasm.
- Working on the issue with your therapist
While the root of the problem may be the medication, it is important to work on the very initial issue – which is the depression. For that, being on a consistent schedule with a therapist you find yourself comfortable with is the most sustainable way of managing sexual dysfunction that is being caused by medication.
In conclusion, it is important to identify the root of your problem in order to find a sustainable solution. More importantly, you must have a strong support system, commonly identified as loving and understanding family members, friends, and partners.