HomeAnswersPsychiatrysex driveCan depression and schizophrenia cause low sex drive?

Can depression cause low sex drive and erection problems in a 34-year-old male?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At October 24, 2022
Reviewed AtJanuary 4, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 34-year-old male with depression and schizophrenia. I have been on medication for the last 12 years. My medication is Quetiapine 200 mg, Arip 30 mg, Bupron 300 mg, and Nurozenol. Besides being on medications for diabetes and blood pressure. My weight is 277 pounds, and my height is 6 feet. My current complaints are low libido and low sex drive with erection problems. I am unmarried. Please help me. I am not open to medications like Viagra.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Before I answer your question, I need to know some more information. How are your depressive and psychotic symptoms currently? Depression by itself can cause low libido. But you are on a good dose of anti-depressants. Both Bupropion and Aripiprazole help in drug-induced sexual dysfunction. You are already on good doses of both of them. If your psychotic symptoms are well controlled, talk to your psychiatrist about reducing Quetiapine dosage. You also need sex therapy from a qualified sex therapist, which should involve teaching you to pay attention to arousal stimuli. Also, get your blood sugars, HbA1c, fasting lipid profile, and TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels tested, as these may have some underlying causes. And talk to your general physician about titrating your anti-hypertensives as some anti-hypertensives by themselves cause erection problems. Also, maintain your sugar levels consistently. Exercise regularly. Brisk walking for 1 hour per day helps improve erections. It would be best if you also lose weight under professional guidance.

Thank you.

Investigations to be done

1) TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). 2) Lipid profile. 3) HBA1C.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Alok Vinod Kulkarni
Dr. Alok Vinod Kulkarni

Psychiatry

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Psychiatry

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy