The Unwanted Sexual Side Effects of SSRIs

SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are a widely used type of antidepressant that has made a difference in helping millions of people with their depression. You've probably heard of some of the brand names like Lexapro, Prozac, or Zoloft, as well as Celexa, Luvox, Paxil, and Trintellix. But here's the kicker - more than half of the folks who take SSRIs end up having some kind of sexual issue, like low sex drive, trouble getting or staying aroused, decreased sensitivity, or difficulty reaching the big 'O'. It's just one of those things to remember if you're trying them out. 

c/o giphy bored

For some people, the chance of dealing with these side effects is a big enough reason to avoid going for this major option for managing depression altogether. But for others, the benefits of SSRIs are worth the risk of sexual issues. However, these side effects can make existing problems in relationships or your solo sex life even worse. It's a tough situation for anyone who wants to improve their mood but also doesn't want their sex life to take a hit. So, what are some things you could try to deal with this dilemma?

(*Please note: the first three ideas listed below should only be explored after consultation and approval from your doctor, psychiatrist, or other prescriber).

1. Lower the dose, lower the dysfunction*
   You could try reducing the dose of your SSRI medication to help with those pesky sexual side effects, all while still getting the same benefits of improving depression symptoms. This should be monitored by your prescriber physician and not done on your own. 

2. Take a drug holiday*

   Depending on which SSRI you're on, you might be able to take a break from taking it for a few days to give yourself a reprieve from any side effects you might be experiencing. For example, you could stop taking it a few days before the weekend if you're hoping to have symptom-free sex. *Make sure to talk to your doctor first because stopping suddenly could lead to withdrawal symptoms if not done carefully.

3. Switch it up*

   You might want to consider chatting with your doctor about trying a different type of antidepressant that isn't an SSRI, like Wellbutrin or Remeron, which are known to have less risk of messing with your sexual function. Plus, studies show that adding a medication like BuSpar for anxiety could actually boost your sex drive and help with orgasms. 

4. Low-inflammatory lifestyle

   If you don't want to mess with your meds, we can explore some different things that might help with those annoying sexual side effects from your SSRIs. Let's chat about how your circulatory system plays a role in your arousal, and how we can use that knowledge to enhance our sexual experiences.

   Nitric oxide is like the boss neurotransmitter of the arousal system and is super important for a healthy nervous system and keeping those blood vessels nice and open. Nitric oxide helps your nerves talk to each other so you can feel sensations and it also helps keep your skin healthy and happy. And, when it comes to getting in the mood, a good circulation system is key because it helps get things working down there for people of all sexes. In other words, a strong circulatory system is essential for the engorgement of erectile tissue, which leads to erections or clitoral swelling. 

   A low-inflammation lifestyle is critical in keeping your arousal system as strong as possible when navigating SSRI-related dysfunction. This means no smoking, 20-30 minutes of exercise for 6-7 days a week, and even flossing your teeth regularly as gums are a primary site of inflammation. Eating a colorful diet that's low in carbs, like the Mediterranean diet, can help your body release more nitric oxide. So, make sure to include foods like nuts, beans, carrots, leafy greens, whole grains, and even some dark chocolate. And don't forget to choose high-quality fats and organic foods to help keep inflammation in check.

5. Add more stimulation

   SSRIs can boost your mood, but they might make it harder to reach orgasm. However, using vibratory stimulation can help you reach climax in half the time! Try using vibrators or other toys on not just your genitals, but on other sensitive areas like your inner thighs, wrists, nipples, lower back, and neck. Using lube can also enhance stimulation and make penetration more comfortable. Just make sure not to use silicone-based lube with silicone toys, as it can damage the toy’s material.

   Remember, you deserve to feel your best both mentally and physically. Don't hesitate to seek support and explore options for managing unwanted sexual side effects from SSRIs with your medication prescriber or a sex therapist.

   If you’re feeling frustrated by the sexual side effects of your SSRIs, our team can help! Click here to request an appointment with one of our Chicago-based sex therapists. 

   *Please discuss options with your prescriber first

   ~ Allison Colaianni, ALMFT