Revealed: The Hidden Link Between SSRIs/SNRIs & Low Libido

It’s known that depression can affect your sex drive. But what happens when treating it also impacts your libido?

Research shows that sexual dysfunction is a frequent side effect of commonly used antidepressants. With selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the incidence of sexual dysfunction may be as high as 80%.

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But what complicates matters further is that side effects like low sex drive are underreported — many people never discuss them with their doctor. Moreover, they are one of the main reasons for quitting medication. If you suspect that your antidepressants are messing with your sex drive, your options aren’t just to suffer or stop taking them. Here’s what you need to know.

The Link Between Antidepressants and Libido

SSRIs and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have the highest risk of sexual-related side effects, according to Dr. Mike McGrath, board-certified psychiatrist and chief clinical officer at The Ohana Hawaii.

These two groups of drugs are some of the most commonly prescribed for treating depression, and they each include several different medication types. 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 when treating depression and anxiety disorders, according to The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. They interact with brain chemicals to improve mood. In doing so, they can impact sexual function.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, meaning that it helps carry messages from your brain to your body in order to support different functions, including mood. It is thought that a lack of serotonin contributes to mental health conditions. SSRIs therefore increase the availability of serotonin in your brain, which, in turn, can help improve mood and combat depression. That’s where possible side effects come in.

“The increase in serotonin can also cause many sexual side effects, with low libido being one of the most common,” according to Dr. Stephanie Jona Buehler, psychologist and sex therapist. SSRIs can also indirectly affect other neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which are important for sexual arousal, says Jamie Winn, PharmD at Universal Drugstore.

“When it comes to men, antidepressants can also lead to difficulties in getting and maintaining an erection, and many may also report struggling to orgasm. This is due to the effect antidepressants have on the nervous system as they can cause a delayed nerve response.” adds Winn.

That said, taking antidepressants can also positively affect your sex drive. Some men may report that by feeling better, they can have an increase in libido, notes Buehler.

Managing Antidepressant-Related Sexual Side Effects

If you’re worried about the relationship between antidepressants and libido, don’t be too quick to dismiss medication as a viable way to treat depression. There are a few things to keep in mind and a few things you can do to manage potential sexual side effects.

It can take time for antidepressants to work, and your body may adjust. “If you are just starting these medications, wait a few weeks to see if the side effects go away. Don’t be put off by these potential side effects. Everyone reacts differently and you may not experience any of these issues,” says McGrath, who adds that if you do experience side effects like low sex drive, they can be managed with the help of your doctor. “They may change the medication, lower the dose, or add another medication to counter the side effects or improve sexual function.”

According to Winn, timing can also make a difference: “Look to adapt the time of day you take your antidepressants to see if this reduces the impact on your libido. Try [taking your medication] after the time of day you expect to be engaging in sexual intercourse.”

Again, it’s crucial 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 fiddle with or go off any antidepressant 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. It’s why seeing a psychotherapist while taking medication is a good idea. You may think that your low sex drive is caused by your medication, only to discover that it’s related to intimacy issues that can be addressed through therapy.

On the flipside, antidepressant-induced low libido can also impact your emotional state and relationships. And these effects can persist even after you stop taking the medication This is called post-SSRI sexual dysfunction. “Be aware that even if you are initially okay with 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 possible 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 medical provider — is key to making a decision that will benefit both your mental health and sex life. With the right treatment plan, you won’t have to choose between one or the other.

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