Can antidepressants cause loss of sex drive?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am 19 years old. I do not have any sexual desire or libido. I am not getting a normal erection. I have done a hormonal test to see if something is wrong.

Currently, I am on an antidepressant. The clinic said that the results are normal. But I have a feeling that something must be there. Can you kindly check the results and let me know if they are normal or not?

Kindly suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your submitted blood work (attachment removed to protect patient identity) looks normal. I do have some questions for you though.

Did you have normal puberty as compared to your peers such as height, shaving, pubic hair, etc? Did you have normal sexual desire and libido in the past? How long has it been since you lost interest? Have you had mumps? Or any other medical problems? Have your thyroid function and prolactin levels been tested? If not get them done.

What kind of antidepressant are you taking? Talk to your doctor who is prescribing the antidepressant to see if the symptoms are related to depression or due to the medication you are on.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Olanzapine has been associated with sexual dysfunction or low libido. I would encourage you to talk to your doctor who is prescribing this medication.

Please do not stop this medication without talking to your doctor. Your reports that you sent me are normal, including male hormones. So, the problem does not appear to be hormonal in nature.

As mentioned earlier, make sure you also get a thyroid test.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.