Sex and Medicine

Some of the most commonly prescribed medications to treat depression are belong to a group of drugs referred to as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These drugs are also called SSRIs. These medications work by increasing the levels of a neurotransmitter, serotonin, in the brain.

Anti-depressants and sex

Serotonin has been found to have a negative impact on sexual arousal, desire, and orgasm. Many of the medications used to treat depression (Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil) also have side effects of their own.

Some of the most common side effects of medications used to treat depression are:

• Decreased libido in men and women
• Erectile difficulties in men
• Inability to ejaculate
• Delayed or completely absent orgasms in men and women

Other anti-depressant medications that don’t belong to the SSRI family may have fewer sexual side effects. Wellbutrin has significantly fewer sexual side effects than SSRI medications. Remeron, another anti-depressant, also has very little sexual side effects.

If you are taking SSRIs and are experiencing sexual side effects, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may be able to reduce your dosage or try another type of medication. In addition to trying to change the medication you are on, there are other ways to manage the sex effects of medication.