Introduction
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed to treat depression. However, these medications might have lots of side effects. One of them is that they disrupt the sex life of the patient.
After taking these drugs, patients may find it hard to get stimulated and reach the climax of the sexual act. This is addressed by opting for alternative drugs or coming up with alternative strategies.
How Does SSRI Work?
Think of your brain as a large city full of messengers dashing to and for delivering vital messages. These messengers are known as neurotransmitters, and they serve to regulate what you feel, think, and do.
A very significant messenger is named serotonin. Serotonin serves to keep individuals cheerful and relaxed. But sometimes the brain does not have enough serotonin, which makes individuals sad, anxious, or stressed. This occurs in conditions such as depression and anxiety. This is where SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) come in!
What do SSRIs do? Brain cells (neurons) communicate with one another by sending serotonin through small gaps. Typically, once serotonin has conveyed its message, the brain recycles it too quickly, so not enough is left to continue to make the individual feel happy.
SSRIs inhibit recycling, so more serotonin lingers in the brain for longer. Because serotonin remains in the brain longer, it makes individuals happier, more relaxed, and less anxious in the long run.
SSRIs typically take several weeks for them to work because the brain takes some time to adjust. They are prescribed by doctors to treat depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.
How Can SSRIs Affect Sexual Function?
SSRI medications make individuals less sad or anxious by increasing a brain chemical called serotonin. Consider serotonin as a mood booster that makes individuals happy and relaxed.
But serotonin not only influences mood, it can influence how individuals feel about things such as hugs, kisses, and romantic feelings as well. When serotonin is present in excess, it can interfere with another crucial brain chemical called dopamine.
Dopamine is similar to the fun and excitement chemical, it makes individuals feel pleasure, excitement, and interest in things, including love and romance. If serotonin gets too high, it drops dopamine, which makes it more difficult to get excited or interested in romantic pursuits.
Because of this, some individuals who use SSRIs may find they experience changes in their desire for affection, how their body responds, or how much they enjoy romance. It is referred to as sexual dysfunction and occurs due to the way these chemicals in the brain interact.
What Are the Sexual Side Effects of SSRIs?
Side Effects Seen in Women:
Women using SSRI medication may have reduced or delayed lubrication and delayed orgasm. Usually, women are those who lack the desire for sex when compared to men. Some can experience discomfort during sex. When a woman is on antidepressants and trying to conceive, they needs to consult the doctor as some medications are proven to be harmful to the child.
Side Effects Seen in Men:
Low libido and difficulty obtaining an erection (erectile dysfunction) are two prominent side effects noticed in men taking antidepressants. Some men have difficulty maintaining an erection. Some guys have delayed or inhibited orgasms.
What Are the Strategies to Manage Sexual Side Effects Caused Due to SSRIs?
Some of the methods used to control the sexual side effects due to SSRIs are given below.
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Take a Low Dosage of the Medication: If a person experiences sexual effects, then they can always ask the doctor for a low dose. Please do not alter the dose without a doctor's approval.
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Adjust the Timing of Medication: Individuals might be recommended to engage in an intimate activity prior to medication intake. This can minimize the side effects of sexual health since the concentration of medication is low in the body.
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Change the Drug: If changing the dose and timing are not helping, then opt for a different drug. Certain drugs may lead to fewer side effects on sexual health.
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Creating a Timeline: One of the easiest ways of dealing with sexual dysfunction is to wait and observe if the side effects of sexual dysfunction decrease. The body will take time to get used to the antidepressant medications.
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Add a Drug: Certain drugs are added with antidepressants that reverse the effect of SSRI drugs, assist in increased libido and arousal, and assist the individual in engaging in sexual activities.
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Drug Holiday: Depending on the duration that the drug will remain in the body, a drug holiday can be taken. It means that one does not take the drug. But only after consulting with the physician must drug holidays be taken.
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Consult a Therapist: This can assist the individual or the couple to understand their sexual urges and guide them towards enhancing their sex life.
Why Is It Important to Communicate With Your Partner?
In the first place, communication is very important. The person should communicate with the partner and the doctor. The affected person should never stop the medication without the consent of the doctor, in the hope that the sexual side effects may improve.
But always remember that each person will respond uniquely to antidepressant medication. When making a decision, it is important to talk to your sexual partner.
Intimacy can be maintained by being honest with your partner about these negative effects. Discussing alternate ways to connect emotionally and physically can help deepen your relationship.
Sexual side effects of antidepressants are a very common phenomenon, so do not hesitate to talk to your doctor about solutions.
Conclusion
SSRI drugs are generally used to treat depression. These drugs increase the level of serotonin in the body. Increased serotonin may cause issues with sexual feelings. Even though SSRIs produce sexual side effects, they are vital in the treatment of depression. Always see your doctor before changing medication or experimenting with new therapies.
Key Takeaway/ Note from iCliniq
Sexual health is always important. If you are having sexual issues due to SSRIs and do not know what to do, then always seek help. You may schedule an online consultation with our panel of specialists at iCliniq.com to talk about your symptoms and discuss appropriate treatment.
