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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Antidepressants Lead To Loss Of Sex Drive?

I am currently taking anti depressants, I am 21, married, Since taking these tablets I have suddenly got almost no sex drive. It is starting to cause real problems in my marriage and I don't know what to do about it. I don't want to stop taking the tablets as I still feel I am suffering with depression
posted on Thu, 13 Mar 2014
Twitter Sat, 22 Nov 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 24 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from Health Care Magic

Yes, commonly used antidepressants like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) in high doses can cause side effects like poor sexual desire, anorgasmia, delayed or no ejaculation. These side effects are reversible and usually revert to normal on stopping medicines. Don't stop using the medicines as these are not permanent.

Addition of certain other anti-depressants along with conventional antidepressants help in improving side effects. Mirtazepine, Bupropion are the medicines which don't cause sexual side effects and have good anti-depressant action also. Mirtazepine infact help in improving erections. You can discuss with your psychiatrist regarding these medicines.

Dietary modification like diets rich in proteins, fenugreek have good results. Yohimbin a supplements can be used for poor sexual function in depression.

Hope this helps you.

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Can Antidepressants Lead To Loss Of Sex Drive?

Hello thanks for asking from Health Care Magic Yes, commonly used antidepressants like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) in high doses can cause side effects like poor sexual desire, anorgasmia, delayed or no ejaculation. These side effects are reversible and usually revert to normal on stopping medicines. Don t stop using the medicines as these are not permanent. Addition of certain other anti-depressants along with conventional antidepressants help in improving side effects. Mirtazepine, Bupropion are the medicines which don t cause sexual side effects and have good anti-depressant action also. Mirtazepine infact help in improving erections. You can discuss with your psychiatrist regarding these medicines. Dietary modification like diets rich in proteins, fenugreek have good results. Yohimbin a supplements can be used for poor sexual function in depression. Hope this helps you. Thanks