Antidepressants and Sexual Side Effects

This is a common question of many people who are taking or thinking of taking antidepressants. Does this have sexual side effects? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Many antidepressants have a sexual side effect, combining both erectile dysfunction and just a lack of interest, and can dampen or completely remove your ability or want of sex. While this make having depression even harder, there are a few things that can be done to alleviate these effects if they occur to you. Let's look at these common questions and get an answer for each:

Are there drugs that do less damage? Why does this happen? And is there anything that can be done?

There are certain antidepressants that have been shown to have a much lower rate of sexual side effects. This list includes: Wellbutrin, Nefazodone, Remeron, and Cymbalta, due to their chemical nature, have been shown to cause less effects. Antidepressants you should watch out for, as they have high rates of causing sexual side effects are: Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft, with Paxil at the top. However, even if you take the drugs with lower effects, that sill means there is a chance of them occurring. So we're not safe yet.

Why does this happen? Unfortunately as well it is not clear cut, as it is fervently debated over. Some believe the drug must be causing a chemical change in the part of the brain regulating sexual impulses. Others believe it is brought over from the general effects of depression, and though being treated, are still effecting you enough to still cause sexual dysfunction. Now, if it is just from the drug itself, there is a chance that after a few weeks your body will adjust to having the antidepressant in your system and will regulate your sexual impulses, but this is not guaranteed.

There are a few steps you can do to help alleviate this problem. First and foremost, talk to your partner and let them know what is going on, you don't want them to think that you are just ignoring them, that will make the problem worse for everyone. If you are taking one pill a day, schedule activity before taking the pill. Or talk to your doctor, perhaps a lowered dose can help your depression and ease, or completely take off the effects of the antidepressant.

Also, if there is accompanying depression or thoughts of suicide from sexual dysfunction don't stop taking the pills, but talk to your doctor and let them know what is happening immediately. There is no shame in it, as again this is a common effect, and they will know a lot about it.

Information on pills with lower side effects are listed here: http://mayoclinic.com/health/antidepressants/AN01739