What You Need to Know About Sex and Anti-Depressants
Antidepressants are some of the most well-known drugs available on the market, per The New York Times. Millions of people around the world have benefitted from them, given that they are widely available, relatively inexpensive, and often highly effective. But while they may be life-changing for some folks, any doctor will tell you that there are things you need to know about antidepressants, including potential side effects. Those can include impacts on your libido, so here’s what you need to know about sex and antidepresants.
SSRIs and your libido
According to Harvard University, 35% to 50% of people who take a certain kind of antidepressant — selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) — will experience some kind of sexual dysfunction because of the drug. That can include a a lack of interest in sex, difficulty getting and staying aroused, and difficulty having an orgasm. It’s even possible to lose your desire for sex entirely, or not being able to climax whatsoever. We agree — unless you’re naturally asexual, that’s not something anyone wants to struggle with!
Fortunately, there are options
Going on an SSRI doesn’t have to spell the end of your sex life, as there are several ways you can mitigate the effects of these drugs. For one, you can talk to your doctor about lowering your dose, which may reduce any unpleasant side effects. It’s also possible that any problems with your libido will naturally resolve with time, so be patient if you can. Additionally, if you notice the impacts vary over the course of your day, don’t be shy about putting sex on your calendar. Your doctor also may recommend a drug holiday, or switch you to another antidepressant without sexual side effects.
What antidepressants cause the fewest sexual side effects?
If you’re on SSRIs and thinking of changing your meds, or are considering going on antidepressants for the first time, you may want to consider both bupropion (Wellbutrin), and mirtazapine (Remeron). These drugs are less likely to have sexual side effects, but are still approved for treating depression. Of course everyone’s bodies are different, but if this course of action is possible for you, it might be just what you need to recover or preserve your libido.
Be honest with your partner
If you find that you’re dealing with the sexual side effects of SSRIs, it’s super important to tell your partner what’s going on. That will ensure that they won’t take anything as a personal rejection, or blame themselves for not pleasuring you enough. And hey, it may even give you two a chance to do a little exploration together to see if new techniques in the bedroom are helpful. Or, you can be intimate together without having sex to stay bonded, such as giving each other massages or kissing for long periods of time.
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