MANAGING YOUR SEX LIFE ON ANTIDEPRESSANTS
Decreased sexual desires and reduced performance during sex are caused by depression, though the side effects might also be caused by medications prescribed for depression antidepressants.
Why Do Antidepressants Cause Sexual Side Effects?
Most prescribed antidepressants are part of a family drug known as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). Increasing the level of serotonin makes one feel more calm and relaxed. However, the same sense of stability and calmness can reduce our libido. It hinders the hormones that make our bodies react to sex by sending our brain messages. It's simple to conclude that antidepressants can turn down our sex drive.
Sexual Side Effects On Women
The prescribed antidepressants sometimes determine the level of serotonin in the body. SSRIs may make women experience blocked orgasm and delayed lubrication. Women may also experience lower sex drive. In most cases, they will complain of discomfort during sex. You also need to consult your doctor if planning to conceive while on antidepressants. Some antidepressant medications can result in a congenital disability.
Side Effects In Men
The common side effects include; dysfunction, and some men experience difficulty maintaining an erection. Drugs like Celexa may reduce the number of sperms released by men.
Sexual Side Effects Of Antidepressants On Both Genders
The side effects to both men and women include; dizziness, weight gain, a feeling of sluggishness, and nausea. Each person reacts differently to different side effects. Although to most people, the side effects like physical effects may hinder their sex drive, weight gain can result in self-consciousness that causes lower sex drive. However, before coming up with a conclusion, you need to research whether it's your antidepressant decreasing your sex desire or if there is a different issue. Sometimes having daily exercise or managing your weight will increase your sexual desire.
Managing The Decreased Libido.
Antidepressant medications can result in vaginal dryness, erectile dysfunction, and low libido. You may also experience or not experience orgasms. Research shows that these sexual side effects are relatively common. Sexual dysfunction caused by depression may be more prevalent to say. Most people feel embarrassed to report sexual changes to their doctors. Even if they share the side effects with their doctors, they won’t get any help. They feel the relationship between depression and their sex life won’t meet any adjustment. The assumption is not true.
Communication about anything you will be experiencing while taking the medication is very important. It would help if you first communicated about this with your partner and doctor. For example, if you are thinking of adjusting your dose, including a supplement, or taking a different medication, you need to consult your doctor first.
This approach may seem good to start with, though not for everyone. However, consider trying at least one before finding something to manage your symptoms effectively.
Consider A Lower Dose.
Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of antidepressant for you. Most people will find this to be enough to minimize their sexual side effects and, at the same time, effectively manage their depression.
Research shows that the prescription for most people with depression is 20mg (standard dose) of Prozac per day. They feel a dose of 5-10mg per day could also manage their symptoms in the same way. However, they will experience fewer side effects on taking a lower dose.
Have Sex Before Taking The Pill
Your sex drive may be affected by the time you take your antidepressant. Taking the medications, like tricyclic and Zoloft antidepressants, after having sex might help minimize the sexual side effects since you will be having sex with a lower level of drugs in your body. However, deciding when to take the medications depends on factors like a person’s daily routine or the side effects the person experiences, such as nausea which you can reduce by taking the dose with food.
Remember to consider your sexual activity when deciding on the time to take the dose. If you plan to have sex in the evening, it is advisable to take your dose in the morning.
Try Different Types Of Antidepressants.
There are a lot of antidepressants that you will find on the market. If you find one with an advanced negative effect, you can opt for another one until you get what's best for you. Some antidepressant pills are not likely to have any side effects on our sexual life. For example, trintellix medication has been proven to have fewer sexual side effects. Wellbutrin, the common Norepinephrine Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor (NDRI), works differently than Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Paxil and Zoloft.
In some circumstances that we cannot control, the doctor may advise that you continue with the originally prescribed medication but add another pill like Wellbutrin. They might also prescribe some drugs specified to treat sexual dysfunction.
Most research findings have proven that apart from antidepressants, erectile dysfunction can also be treated by Cialis or Viagra.
Try Other Alternatives
If you’ve tried adjusting to your antidepressant or changing your medicines with no adjustment on the sexual side effects, you can try a different approach. Methods for managing the sexual side effects of different antidepressants may help if the symptoms you have result from depression. These strategies are overly important in managing depression.
You can try alternatives like psychotherapy, nutritional supplements, and acupuncture. You can advise your partner to try these lifestyle changes to improve your sex life or enhance stimulation during your sexual activities.
Share With Your Partner.
A healthy relationship is enhanced by good communication. It’s very important to talk to your partner when experiencing sexual difficulties. The discussion may be accompanied by intense emotions, though you must create time for the conversation. Don't feel shy about anything. Remember, different couples have different ways of approaching problems in their relationship, and each person expresses their feelings differently. Talk to your partners about any sexual challenges you are experiencing, then you can visit the doctor together.