Do antidepressants affect your sex life?
ANSWER
Some antidepressants can have an effect on sex. The problem is usually in having an orgasm rather than a lack of desire. But because depression itself decreases libido, a medication that eases depression may improve your sex life. As with other side effects, certain antidepressants may be more likely than others to cause sexual problems.
Reviewed by Smitha Bhandari on June 27, 2019
SOURCES:
Stone, M. British Medical Journal, Aug. 11, 2009.
Milane, M. PLoS Medicine, 3(6): e220.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: “Antidepressant Medicines - A Guide for Adults With Depression.”
Columbia University Health Services: “Medications.”
University of Michigan: “Depressive Disorders.”
Columbia University Health Services: “Medications.”
University of Southern California: “Antidepressants: Are They Zapping Your Sex Life?”
University of Puget Sound.
Kate Muller, PsyD, associate director, Center for Integrative Psychotherapy, PC, Allentown, Pa.
PrimaryPsychiatry.com: "Remission of Depression: How Effective are Antidepressants?"
SOURCES:
Stone, M. British Medical Journal, Aug. 11, 2009.
Milane, M. PLoS Medicine, 3(6): e220.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: “Antidepressant Medicines - A Guide for Adults With Depression.”
Columbia University Health Services: “Medications.”
University of Michigan: “Depressive Disorders.”
Columbia University Health Services: “Medications.”
University of Southern California: “Antidepressants: Are They Zapping Your Sex Life?”
University of Puget Sound.
Kate Muller, PsyD, associate director, Center for Integrative Psychotherapy, PC, Allentown, Pa.
PrimaryPsychiatry.com: "Remission of Depression: How Effective are Antidepressants?"
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