To push back on stigma and cut through the confusion, Open Minds is a series that explores your most pressing questions about mental health with the goal of pushing back on stigma and cutting through the confusion. Send your questions to tonic vice. What are antidepressants going to do to my sex and dating life? First, some good news: Like all common side effects of these meds—fatigue, nausea, weight gain—just because sexual dysfunction is a possibility doesn't mean it happens to everyone.
How to Take Antidepressants and Still Have a Sex Life
Sex and antidepressants: When to switch drugs or try an antidote | MDedge Psychiatry
Sexual side effects are common with antidepressants in both men and women, so your concern is understandable. Effects on sexual function can include:. The severity of sexual side effects depends on the individual and the specific type and dose of antidepressant. For some people, sexual side effects are minor or may ease up as their bodies adjust to the medication. For others, sexual side effects continue to be a problem. If you're taking an antidepressant that causes sexual side effects, your doctor may recommend one or more of these strategies:. Stopping medication because of sexual side effects is a common problem, and for most people this means depression returns.
Loss of sexual desire and difficulties performing during intimate encounters can be symptoms of depression, but they can also be side effects of many medications used to treat depression. While antidepressants are often integral to managing depression, sexuality is an important piece of a healthy life for many people. Experiencing sexual side effects from antidepressants can be frustrating and disheartening, but there are ways to address them.
Sexual side effects are among the most common complaints about antidepressants. According to the U. Department of Health and Human Services, clinical depression affects 1 in 5 adults in the United States.