Disclosure: collaborative post
Antidepressants are the wonder drugs for the treatment of depression. But what is more frustrating is the sexual dysfunction associated with these antidepressants. The sexual side effects of these medicines occur in both males and females. Men find it more frustrating and disheartening to have sexual side effects of antidepressants and are more prone to leave the treatment. They fear antidepressants may ruin their sex life. The humiliation from their partner may add to their depression. About one in ten people in the UK take antidepressants, and about 70 % of people with depression experience sexual dysfunction. The sexual side-effects men experience are:
- Low or lack of libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Delayed or no orgasm
- Drop in sperm count
- Sexual pain (dyspareunia)
Which Antidepressants Cause Sexual Side Effects
The antidepressants are classified as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). The SSRIs AND SNRIs are highly linked to sexual dysfunction. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) include Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac, Luvox, and Paxil. The serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) include Khedezla, Pristiq, Cymbalta, Fetzima, and Effexor.
Some new antidepressants have fewer sexual side-effects; these include Viibryd, Trintellix, Remeron, and Wellbutrin.
How Antidepressants (SSRIs) Cause Sexual side-effects
The prescribed antidepressants belong to a group of medicines known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). The SSRIs work by raising serotonin levels in the brain and giving stability and calmness to the person. But, at the same time, it lowers his libido and reduces his sex drive. This is because the hormones that make you respond to sex are prevented from transmitting their message to the brain.
Managing Sexual Side Effects of Antidepressants
The sexual side effects of antidepressants in men are usually manageable if discussed openly with the psychiatrist. Feel free and confident to talk to your doctor and discuss what you are going through. If you are shy and don’t feel confident talking about this issue in person, you can always consult online with a doctor. The management strategies are often successful and help people to cope with depression and their sex life simultaneously. The management strategies include:
- Adjust Your Dosage
The first thing men should know is to have their dose of antidepressants adjusted by the doctor. If you are experiencing any sort of sexual dysfunction while taking an antidepressant, talk to your doctor.
Any dose can affect the sex drive, but of course, higher doses have high risks. The doctor can outweigh the risks and benefits of the drug and switch to a lower dose accordingly. Never try to lower the dose yourself or stop taking medicine without consulting your doctor. With a smaller amount, the doctor needs to monitor you closely for weeks. The research has proved that a lower dosage of antidepressants poses fewer sexual side effects. If you choose to go with this strategy, do it with proper consultation and recommendations from the doctor.
- Have Sex Before You Take Your Pill
The next most important aspect to consider is the timing of taking your antidepressant. Try to engage in intimacy when the level of the drug is lowest in your body. The timing of taking your pill will definitely make a difference in your sex drive. Plan your medicine after scheduling your sexual activity. Take your antidepressant in the morning if you decide to have sex in the evening or at night. The side effects of any medicine are less intense a few hours before the next dose. If the antidepressant lowers your libido, timing is to consider first.
- Try Different Medication
Another option is to switch to some other type of antidepressant after consulting your doctor. All the antidepressants that belong to SSRIs are likely to cause sexual dysfunction. Prozac and Lexapro have a low risk to affect the sex drive. Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that does not affect serotonin (that cause’s sexual dysfunction) and is likely to have no sexual side-effect. It belongs to norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). NDRIs work differently than SSRIs. Your doctor may add supporting medicines along with the antidepressant such as erectile dysfunction medicines. TCAs antidepressants are less likely to cause sexual side-effects than SSRIs and SNRIs.
- Take a Medication Holiday
Ask your doctor about taking periodic breaks or drug holidays. If your doctor permits, you can take a break of a day or two from taking your antidepressant. This strategy will bring excitement back into your life. For a day or two, you will be free of the sexual side effects of the drug and enjoy your sexual activity as you like. People taking Zoloft and Paxil have benefited from this medicine break strategy without interrupting the drug’s therapeutic benefits.
- Experiment with Alternatives
If you have tried every possible effort and the sexual side-effects of the antidepressant still persist, try to focus on alternate approaches. Try to get help from Psychotherapy, acupuncture, and nutritional supplements. You and your partner both can benefit from the lifestyle changes like exercising together, swimming together or make any joint effort to stimulate or excite each other. Your partner will play an active role in helping you cope with depression and the added sexual dysfunction. Finally, do not hesitate to discuss openly the sexual problems you are facing with your partner. Strong support and understanding with your partner might do a miracle for you.
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