When you start taking an SSRI, a class of antidepressants that increase serotonin in the brain to improve mood. Also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, these drugs help millions manage depression and anxiety—but they can also shut down sexual desire, arousal, and pleasure in ways that feel personal and isolating. This isn’t rare. Studies show up to 70% of people on SSRIs like citalopram, sertraline, or fluoxetine experience some form of SSRI sexual dysfunction. It’s not just about losing interest in sex—it’s about delayed orgasm, inability to climax, or even numbness during intimacy. And because doctors rarely bring it up, many patients assume it’s their fault, not the medicine’s.
Why does this happen? Serotonin isn’t just a mood chemical—it’s a key player in sexual response. Too much of it, especially from SSRIs, can block dopamine and other neurotransmitters needed for arousal and orgasm. This isn’t a glitch—it’s a direct pharmacological effect. And while some side effects fade after a few weeks, sexual ones often stick around, even after months. It’s not just men either. Women report reduced lubrication, lower libido, and less intense orgasms. It affects relationships, self-esteem, and sometimes leads people to stop taking their meds altogether—which can trigger a return of depression.
What can you do? You don’t have to suffer in silence. Some people find relief by switching to an antidepressant with lower sexual side effects, like bupropion or mirtazapine. Others adjust their dose, time their pills around intimacy, or add medications like sildenafil to counter the effects. There are also non-drug options: therapy, mindfulness, and lifestyle changes can help rebuild sexual confidence. And if you’re on an SSRI for OCD or anxiety—like clomipramine, which is known for strong sexual side effects—you might be surprised to learn there are alternatives that work just as well without killing your sex life.
The posts below cover real cases and practical solutions. You’ll find comparisons between SSRIs and other antidepressants, deep dives into how drugs like citalopram and Anafranil affect sexual function, and guides on managing side effects without giving up treatment. Whether you’re struggling with low desire, delayed orgasm, or just feeling disconnected from your body, these resources are here to help you take back control—not just your mood, but your intimacy too.
Many common medications-from antidepressants to blood pressure pills-can cause sexual side effects like low desire, erectile dysfunction, or orgasm problems. Learn which drugs are most likely to cause them and what you can do about it.
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