{"id":30341,"date":"2026-03-03T20:56:08","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T19:56:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/?p=30341"},"modified":"2026-03-04T05:58:29","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T04:58:29","slug":"managing-your-sex-life-on-antidepressants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/managing-your-sex-life-on-antidepressants\/","title":{"rendered":"Managing Your Sex Life On Antidepressants"},"content":{"rendered":"

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, and many others, are antidepressants that can help treat <\/span>depression<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>anxiety<\/span><\/a>. That\u2019s good. They\u2019re used by millions around the world, and they wouldn\u2019t be prescribed if their effects weren\u2019t generally positive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, the more they are used, and the more they are studied, the better they become over time at what they\u2019re intended to do. Today, the side-effects of taking SSRIs are pretty minimal, on the whole. But, they do come with compromises.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some of us will experience fatigue to one degree or another, and up to 70% of us will notice a decrease in our <\/span>sex drive.<\/span> Of that number, some of us will experience an almost complete lack of <\/span>libido<\/span>, and a marked decrease in sexual function too. That\u2019s the price some of us have to pay to get depression and anxiety in check.<\/span><\/p>\n

The neuroscience behind SSRIs is understood shockingly poorly, but there are some things we <\/span>do<\/span><\/i> know. As the serotonin from the medication is released into our systems, it suppresses the dopamine neurotransmitters that, partly, facilitate <\/span>sexual arousal<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Our brain\u2019s normal reward systems are manipulated as a byproduct of the artificial introduction of serotonin, and this manifests itself in unfortunate ways, including the reluctance of our bodies to become aroused, lubricated, erect, or orgasmic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many of us, then, are forced to choose between our sexual responsiveness in favour of our mental health. This is a cruel choice, and a major factor in why depression is so difficult to overcome.<\/span><\/p>\n

But, there are millions who have done it\u2014people who have learned to manage their sexuality while taking SSRIs. Here are some tips about dealing with your sexuality on antidepressants.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are 9 ways to manage your sex life while on antidepressants.<\/p>\n

1. Give It Time<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re new to antidepressants, or have just changed medication, you may want to give it some time before you consider drastic ways of eradicating the sexual side effects. This is because the sexual side effects tend to lessen after a few weeks or months as the body adjusts. If you do see a doctor, they may suggest monitoring your experience for 4-8 weeks before making any medical changes.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Understand Your Side Effects<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are many different antidepressants, and the side effects may differ depending on the person. Try to understand which sexual side effects you\u2019re feeling. <\/span>Perhaps you\u2019re experiencing:<\/b><\/p>\n