Antidepressants and Sexual Side-effects

Many people report that their antidepressant cause unpleasant sexual side-effects. Because everyone’s body chemistry is different, each person’s experience with medication used to treat depression or other psychological issues may vary. Some people my experience a loss of interest in sex while others report that because they are no longer depressed they have an increase in sex drive, but are unable to have a satisfying sexual experience. Side effects from antidepressants can include, but are not limited to:

• not being able to reach orgasm
• decreased sex drive
• decreased sensation in the genitals
• erectile dysfunction (in men)
• vaginal dryness (in women)

These side effects, however, may not have to be tolerated. Some people are able to reduce and in some cases eliminate sex and antidepressant related issues with a few simple changes. Below are some options that may help decrease the sexual side effects of antidepressant use.

• Talk to your doctor to find out if another medication may be right for you. Some antidepressants have few sexual side effects than others. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s) are more likely to cause inability to achieve orgasm. While antidepressants that are Tricyclic (TCA’s) are more likely to cause erectile dysfunction. Wellbutrin has been shown to counteract sexual side effects and sometimes is given in addition to your current antidepressant.
• Your doctor may suggest that you decrease the dose of your antidepressant by small amounts to see if it diminishes the sexual side effects.
• Change the time of day you take your antidepressant. Take it right after you would generally have sex. The levels of antidepressant in your blood will be lower before you take your next dose and the side effects may be less noticeable.
• Take half of your dose twice a day.
• Consider using Viagra. Because it increases the blood flow to the genitals, it can be effective for both men and women.
• Try skipping your dose one or two days during the week. This “drug holiday” has been shown to decrease sexual side effects during those days, while not diminishing the effects of the antidepressant.

The most important thing to remember is that your doctor prescribed these medications for a very important reason and you should not adjust, decrease, or stop any medication without talking to your doctor because serious side-effects can occur. Talk to your doctor so you and your partner can once again enjoy a fulfilling sexual relationship.