She then began taking antidepressant medication. Her libido nosedived. She began struggling to orgasm, and sex with her husband of 10 years dwindled to one encounter every few months. Peter, in his late 20s, started taking an antidepressant several months ago and immediately experienced a loss of libido and sex drive, as well as difficulty in reaching orgasm.
How to Reduce Sexual Side Effects From Antidepressants
Try out PMC Labs and tell us what you think. Learn More. The reported incidence of sexual dysfunction associated with antidepressant medication varies considerably between studies, making it difficult to estimate the exact incidence or prevalence. The sexual problems reported range from decreased sexual desire, decreased sexual excitement, diminished or delayed orgasm, to erection or delayed ejaculation problems. There are a number of case reports of sexual side effects, such as priapism, painful ejaculation, penile anesthesia, loss of sensation in the vagina and nipples, persistent genital arousal and nonpuerperal lactation in women. The focus of this article is to explore the incidence, pathophysiology, and treatment of antidepressant iatrogenic sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction is a common side effect of antidepressants, particularly of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor SSRIs and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor SNRIs medications.
What are the sexual side effects of antidepressants?
A new treatment for advanced prostate cancer improves survival in phase 3 clinical trial. 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.
Sexual side effects are common with antidepressants in both men and women, so your concern is understandable. Effects on sexual function can include:. The severity of sexual side effects depends on the individual and the specific type and dose of antidepressant.