Revealed: The Hidden Link Between SSRIs/SNRIs and Low Libido
Depression is known to affect your sex drive. But what happens when his treatment also affects your libido?
Research shows that sexual dysfunction is a common side effect of commonly used antidepressants. With selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the incidence of sexual dysfunction may be up to 80%.
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But what further complicates matters is that side effects like low sex drive are under-reported – many people never discuss them with their doctor. In addition, it is one of the main reasons for stopping medication. If you suspect that your antidepressants are bothering your sex drive, your options aren’t just to suffer or stop taking them. Here’s what you need to know.
The relationship between antidepressants and libido
SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have the highest risk of sex-related side effects, according to Dr. Mike McGrathboard certified psychiatrist and chief clinical officer at The Ohana Hawaii.
These two groups of drugs are some of the most commonly prescribed to treat depression, and each includes many different types of drugs. For example, fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), fluvoxamine (Luvox), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Cipralex/Lexapro), and sertraline (Zoloft) are all SSRIs.
SSRIs are often the first choice for treating depression and anxiety disorders, according to Center for Addiction and Mental Health. They interact with brain chemicals to improve mood. In this way, they can affect sexual function.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, meaning it helps carry messages from your brain to your body to support various functions, including mood. A lack of serotonin is thought to contribute to mental health conditions. Therefore, SSRIs increase the availability of serotonin in your brain, which, in turn, can help improve mood and fight depression. There are potential side effects.
“Increased serotonin can also cause many sexual side effects, with low libido being one of the most common,” Dr. Stephanie Jona Buehlerpsychologist and sex therapist. SSRIs can also indirectly affect other neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which are important for sexual arousal, he says. Jamie WinnPharmD at Universal Drugstore.
“For men, antidepressants can also lead to difficulties achieving and maintaining an erection and many may also report struggling to orgasm. This is due to the effect that antidepressants have on the nervous system as they can cause a delayed neural response.” adds Winn.
That said, taking antidepressants can also positively affect your sex drive. Some men may report that by feeling better, they may have an increase in libido, notes Buehler.
Management of sexual side effects associated with antidepressants
If you’re concerned about the relationship between antidepressants and libido, don’t be too quick to dismiss medication as a viable way to treat depression. There are some things to remember and some things you can do to manage potential sexual side effects.
Antidepressants can take time to work and your body can adjust. “If you’re just starting these medications, wait a few weeks to see if the side effects go away. Do not be discouraged by these possible side effects. Everyone reacts differently, and you may not experience any of these problems,” says McGrath, who adds that if you experience side effects such as a low sex drive, they can be managed with the help of your doctor. “They may change the drug, lower the dose, or add another drug to address side effects or improve sexual function.”
According to Winn, timing can also make a difference: “Look at adjusting the time of day you take your antidepressants to see if that reduces the impact on your libido. Essay [taking your medication] after the time of day you expect to have intercourse.”
Again, it’s important to discuss any changes with your doctor before implementing them, as tempting as it may be to DIY your treatment plan. Withdrawal is no joke. “Don’t go on or stop any antidepressants on your own because there can be complications, including the possibility of seizures,” warns Buehler.
Antidepressants and sex drive: Other factors to consider
It’s also important to note that, as Buehler puts it, antidepressants don’t fix problems like relationships or financial issues. That’s why it’s a good idea to see a psychotherapist while taking medication. You may think that your low sex drive is caused by your medication, only to discover that it is related to intimacy issues that can be addressed through therapy.
On the other hand, low libido caused by antidepressants can also affect your emotional state and relationships. And these effects may persist even after you stop taking the drug. This is called sexual dysfunction after SSRI. “Be aware that even if you’re initially okay with the sexual side effects, they may persist after you stop taking them,” says Buehler.
As you can see, the relationship between sex and depression is influenced by different factors, all of which are interrelated. These factors include antidepressants and their potential effects on your sex drive, which can be positive or negative.
Weighing the pros and cons based on your unique situation — and conversations with your doctor — is key to making a decision that will benefit both your mental health and your sex life. With the right treatment plan, you won’t have to choose between one or the other.
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