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Meds and sexual dysfunction

Rod_NR93
Community Member
Hi all. I'm starting a new antidepressant and am concerned about the sexual dysfunction it may cause. Do any of you take antidepressants and not suffer this side effect? In other words is it inevitable that antidepressant medication will give me sexual dysfunction? Thanks
4 Replies 4

smallwolf
Community Champion
Community Champion

Some medications have side-effects of sexual dysfunction...

the first ADs I was on had that side-effect. It is a possibility and not a guarantee. So you might have that side-effct or you might not.

That was one of a few side-effects I was having with that AD. I changed to a different one, but that side-effect did not reappear! Woohoo!

For various reason I am changing medication again, and this is a possible side-effect.

I think is worth while quoting part of the information sheet for the new medication.... "Do not be alarmed by the following list of side effects. You many not experience any of them".

For me, with any change in medication, my psychiatrist (or GP) will want to follow up me about any side effects I might be experiencing. And here, for better or worse, I will them everything.

Fingers crossed, you won't experience this side-effect.

Tim

Nurse_Jenn
Community Member

Hi there,

I am really excited that you have started this thread as it is a topic that is not discussed nearly enough. In fact, in my experience as a mental health nurse I have found time and time again sexual side effects are under reported as people feel uncomfortable discussing them. In my experience it has been the reason why people stop taking medication when in fact other options are available.

These options may include something as simple as a dose adjustment, trying a different antidepressant medication, or adding a medication to help with the side effects themselves. These types of strategies should only be considered under the supervision of a Doctor. **Never stop taking medications abruptly as doing so may cause cause withdrawal symptoms. Always discuss changes to medications with you Doctor.

It is definitely not inevitable that you have sexual side effects though it is possible. Having an open conversation with your Doctor and developing a plan just in case they do arise would be a good first step. Being proactive about your concerns will help relieve some anxiety about starting a new medication and make the conversation easier if sexual side effects do arise.

You may also consider starting a side effect record if you start the antidepressant medication so you can present any concerns to your Doctor including frequency of side effects and what your symptoms involve.

Taking medication needs to work for you and the best way to assure this is possible is working closely with your Doctor. If you are not feeling confident to have this discussion with your Doctor, you can always bring an advocate with you to your health care appointments.

Wishing you the best outcome,

Nurse Jenn

Just came across this and its been interesting to see how this is really not spoken about as much as it should be. My husband and I had separated a year ago as this is one of the big issues in our relationship due to the fact his depression and his medication killed his sex drive but having him unmedicated is worse. Thankfully we have a good relationship where I am supportive and my husband is waiting to see a psychiatrist to re evaluate his condition and his medication. My husband has been on meds for over 7 years however we are back together and he is committed to working on this and hopefully we can get our intimacy back. I would love to hear of any success stories .

smallwolf
Community Champion
Community Champion

In the interests of moving this discussion along, and as I mentioned in my previous reply, I found that it was a combination of type of medication and strength of medication.

The medication that I am on now is a (happy?) compromise - it does the job in regards to the anxiety and depression fairly well. Sexual function is somewhere there. For myself there are a few thing to consider - the want(ing) of intimacy (sex drive), and then how you perform during the "act". Of course this may or may not have a negative effect on your partner - your partner wants some intimacy and you cannot be bothered.

And this is where a psychiatrist/GP comes in handy. If you can speak openly with them about the effects of the medication there is hope of a sort.

Tim