HomeAnswersFamily Physiciansex drive

Can antidepressants cause loss of sex drive?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

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.
Answered by Dr. Bindiya Thakkar

Education:

DM Endocrine and Diabetes,USA, Harvard University and Boston University

Professional Bio:

Dr.Bindiya Thakkar is a highly skilled and established physician in the field of Diabetology, Endocrinology. She listens to all the patient queries deliberately and is an expert in devising a proper treatment plan.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Yes, I had a normal puberty and a very high sexual desire in the past. I am currently on Piracetam, Venlafaxine and Olanzapine.

Answered by Dr. Bindiya Thakkar

Education:

DM Endocrine and Diabetes,USA, Harvard University and Boston University

Professional Bio:

Dr.Bindiya Thakkar is a highly skilled and established physician in the field of Diabetology, Endocrinology. She listens to all the patient queries deliberately and is an expert in devising a proper treatment plan.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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.

Answered by
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
Published At March 1, 2016
Reviewed At January 28, 2026

Education:

DM Endocrine and Diabetes,USA, Harvard University and Boston University

Professional Bio:

Dr.Bindiya Thakkar is a highly skilled and established physician in the field of Diabetology, Endocrinology. She listens to all the patient queries deliberately and is an expert in devising a proper treatment plan.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sneha Kannan is a skilled Dental Surgeon with expertise in providing general dental care, including scaling, fillings, and preventive treatments. She does oral surgery procedures such as extractions and minor surgical interventions. She does procedures in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. She is an expert in doing endodontic treatments such as root canal therapy. She is well-versed in doing procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and smile correction. She can provide pediatric dental care for children’s oral health and preventive treatments. She promotes oral hygiene awareness and preventive dental practices.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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

2,876Checks completed today
4.8/5User rating
~2 minAverage completion time
Evidence-basedGuideline aligned
Decision Helper
Antidepressant Sex Drive Decision Helper

Is your antidepressant affecting your sex drive?

This quick check helps you explore potential links between your antidepressant medication and changes in your sexual desire.

  • Understand potential links between medication and libido.
  • Identify other health factors that might be involved.
  • Prepare key questions for your next doctor's visit.

This tool provides educational information only and does not diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance.
default Img

Endocrinology

Education:

DM Endocrine and Diabetes,USA, Harvard University and Boston University

Professional Bio:

Dr.Bindiya Thakkar is a highly skilled and established physician in the field of Diabetology, Endocrinology. She listens to all the patient queries deliberately and is an expert in devising a proper treatment plan.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
Listen to related tracks in our music library

Related Questions

Please suggest a medicine, which can cure erection problems and low libido.

I have no desire for sex.Is it because I use tobacco?

My thyroids are enlarged and asymmetrical. Should I visit an endocrinologist?

Please suggest some tips to stop feeling guilty about masturbation.

My thyroid medicine makes me sick. Should it be changed?

Could I have your opinion on my erectile dysfunction and low libido?

Comprehensive Second Opinion

Read answers about:

prolactin levelthyroidpubertysex driveolanzapine

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Family Physician

*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.