Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of medicine that doctors prescribe to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. They work by changing the levels of a chemical called serotonin in the brain, which can help improve a person’s mood and mental health. Unfortunately, sometimes they have side effects that cause problems like lowering a person’s sex drive. This can make it harder to feel interested in having sex or reach an orgasm. Obviously, this can be really tough for people who are already dealing with depression and anxiety, and it might make them feel like there’s something wrong with them.
To understand why SSRIs can lower sex drive, we need to know a little bit about how they work. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that helps regulate a lot of things, like our mood, appetite, and sleep. SSRIs work by stopping the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, which makes more of it available. This can help improve a person’s mood, but it can also have the side effect of lowering their sex drive.
The good news is there are things that can help. If a person taking SSRIs is experiencing a decrease in libido, they can talk to their doctor about changing their dose or trying a different medication. Sometimes, taking a lower dose can reduce the side effects, and some medications might have fewer effects on sex drive than others.
If the medicine is still causing problems, there are other things that can help, like making lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Certain medications, like testosterone therapy and bupropion, might also help improve libido in people taking SSRIs. It’s important to note that a decrease in sex drive can also be a sign of an underlying medical issue, so it’s essential to speak with a doctor if there are other symptoms or concerns. By talking to a doctor and being aware of the potential side effects, people can get the best treatment for their mental health with fewer side effects.
Head photo by @Koolshooters
