Department of Health and Human Services, clinical depression affects 1 in 5 adults in the United States. Just as depression occurs in both genders, sexual side effects from antidepressants affect both men and women. Understanding how these medications affect your sex life can help you manage side effects. Sexual side effects are linked to antidepressants in general, but some types of medications cause greater sexual problems than others. The following antidepressants are reportedly the most problematic:.
There is a slightly decreased risk of sexual side effects with the medications bupropion Wellbutrin and mirtazapine Remeron. Most prescription antidepressants are part of a drug family called SSRIs selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. By raising levels of serotonin in the body, the person taking the drug experiences a feeling of calm and less anxiety.
However, that same sense of calm and stability can lower our libido. It prevents the hormones that cause our bodies to respond to sex from transmitting their message to our brains. Simply put, antidepressants can turn the dial down on our sex drive. The serotonin levels in the body are stabilized by prescription antidepressants. Women taking SSRIs may experience delayed lubrication as well as delayed or blocked orgasm. Generally, women are also likely to experience lack of desire for sex. In some cases, women report discomfort during sex.
If you are on antidepressants and are trying to conceive, you need to talk to your doctor. Some antidepressants have been proven to cause birth defects. Common side effects in men include decreased libido and difficulty getting an erection. Some men have trouble maintaining an erection. Men taking antidepressants also report delayed or blocked orgasm. Every person will react to these side effects differently.
However, for many people, these additional emotional and physical effects can make the idea of sex less appealing. Timing your dosage to when your most likely to have sex can help make sure your sex drive remains strong when you need it.
For example, if you're most likely to have sex in the evening, then you probably want to take your antidepressants in the morning. Some people may want to take a few days off their medication to get relief from the side effects they're experiencing. This kind of thinking is tempting, but be aware that it's flawed.
Stopping your medication for any reason, even for a few days, won't result in any symptom relief. In fact, it may cause a relapse in the illness the medication is treating or withdrawal symptoms like nausea and dizziness. Self-dosing and self-medication is never a good idea. If you think you're ready to stop taking medication or lower your dosage, speak to your doctor first. Other forms of therapy can be beneficial for treating the root issue that may be causing lower libido.
Therapy may also assist with treating the depression you're taking medication for in the first place. Forms of talk therapy can help a person better understand their desires and drives, including sex drives.
Couples where one, or both, partner suffers from depression can benefit from couples therapy or sex therapy to help form new understandings and trust that result in higher sex drives.
You may also want to try natural supplements or acupuncture to help with the sexual side effects of antidepressants. Many times, people find that exercise helps them to raise their sex drive. It may be helpful for partners to exercise together or experiment with new forms of stimulation. No matter what method you try, both parties need to be on board, and that involves a lot of communication. It's easy to close off your partner when your sex drive is low.
But remember that relationships are more than sexual interactions. Communicate with your partner about the contribution that your medication has on your sex drive and how it's affecting you. For example, share with your partner how it may take longer for you to feel aroused. Tell them what time of day you're most likely to want sex, and discuss how often you want to have sex. It may feel like you're taking some spontaneity out of the interaction, but communication is a key ingredient to emotional connection.
You may find that forming a stronger emotional bond helps to strengthen your sex drive. Depending on a person's background or personality, they may be uncomfortable talking about sex. When you're communicating with your partner or your doctor, be truthful about the symptoms you're feeling. If you're not honest about the side effects you're having, then your doctor and partner won't know what help or support you need.
A low sex drive can lead to frustration, especially within relationships. When that happens, people tend to blame others. But, blaming your partner or yourself for a lack of sex drive can only worsen the problem. Remember that it's a side effect of depression and antidepressants, and it's no one's fault. Keep a positive spirit, and you'll be back to normal in no time. You and your partner may find it helpful to step outside of your comfort zone.
New experiences stimulate different parts of your brain. Opening new pathways can help you to regain your sex drive. Some people find that sex toys, role-playing, or other forms of intimacy help them get more aroused and orgasm easier when they have a lower libido. Practicing non-sexual acts of intimacy can help reestablish trust and romantic bonds. Many couples find it helpful to practice mindfulness together and focus on the present, as well as each other. Instead of planning on having sex one night, try planning to just be together and cuddle or touch each other in a non-sexual way.
If it leads to sex, then great. Working with a sex therapist or general therapist can help couples explore their sexual concerns, learn to better communicate, and expand their repertoire of sexual activities.
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In fact, there is remarkable variability. The type and severity of sexual side effects is highly dependent on the patient, the type of drug and the dose prescribed. Others will experience sexual problems initially but will find they diminish over time. And still others will continue to see sexual problems as long as they are on the medication. So what can be done? Castellanos recommends talking openly and honestly with your healthcare provider—and being upfront about any sexual side effects you may be experiencing.
Depending on the circumstances, your doctor may be able to change up your medication regimen to help with sexual issues.
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