Important facts about the relationship between depression medications and sex to know
The relationship between antidepressants and sex is not stable or stable. While some antidepressants cause orgasm and strengthen the erection, others may cause weakness and complete impotence
depending on the type of medication and the doses used, and the length of use, so we know together in detail the nature of The relationship between depression medications and sex, what are the most prominent sexually affected depression medications, and the most important tips on using them.
What is the relationship between depression medications and sex?
The brain is primarily responsible for sexual desire, as communication between cells increases due to the activity of neurotransmitters, and then blood flows to the genitals greatly, which increases sexual desire.
In the case of depression, there is an imbalance of neurotransmitters in both men and women, which reduces sexual desire, or causes it to be completely absent, which may end in the separation of spouses if the depression worsens.
The relationship between depression medications and sex may be direct or inverse depending on the type of medication and the prescribed dose.
Although antidepressants improve an individual’s mood and develop self-confidence, other types of these antidepressants inhibit serotonin absorption, which leads to effects Undesirable side effects that negatively affect sexual desire and performance, and the damages multiply with the increase in the dose of the drug.
What is the reason for the effect of depression drugs on sex?
As we explained earlier, antidepressant drugs target the effect on the neurotransmitters responsible for increasing or decreasing sexual desire, and it depends on the type of drug, the dose used, and the body's adaptation to the drug.
If you stop taking depression medications suddenly, this may cause negative sexual effects such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, or even impotence, so the dose of the drug must be adhered to, and not exceeded or stopped without consulting the doctor.
Some newer antidepressants differ in effect from traditional ones, so their effect on sexual ability varies, so it is best to talk to your doctor about prescribing your preference for medications that do not affect sexual performance.
The doctor may have to prescribe some medications to treat sexual problems along with antidepressants, so as not to cause complications or noticeable risks affecting the individual's sexual life.
What are the sexual effects of antidepressants?
There are some common sexual effects resulting from addiction to depression medications, and not adhering to the specified doses, and here are the most prominent of them:
Erectile dysfunction.
Low sex drive.
Not reaching orgasm.
Loss of orgasm.
What are the antidepressants sexually affected?
Drugs for depression are characterized as having a noticeable sexual effect that cannot be ignored. Some drugs may reduce the cause of erectile dysfunction and frigidity, while others increase sexual ability and prolong sexual intercourse.
Here is a summary of sexually affected depression medications:
amitriptyline
It belongs to the class of tricyclic antidepressants that cause loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, and delayed ejaculation.
citalopram
Citalopram is considered a depression medication and is also used to treat premature ejaculation, but it causes weakness and loss of sexual desire, which causes apathy and short intercourse.
venlafaxine
A selective norepinephrine inhibitor, it causes delayed ejaculation, in addition to a lack of sexual desire, and erectile dysfunction, which may amount to complete impotence.
bupropion
It belongs to the class of norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and in complete contrast to the previous antidepressants, it enhances sexual desire and helps to maintain an erection for a long time, which prolongs the duration of sexual intercourse.
trazodone
An antidepressant that has a dual effect that combines prolonged erection, as well as decreased sexual desire.
Are the sexual effects of depression medications different for women than for men?
The latest studies revealed significant differences in symptoms and rates of depression in men and women, with women more than twice as likely to be depressed and more anxious to be affected.
According to the study, the sexual effects of antidepressants are different for women than for men, as the estrogen hormone in women at puberty interferes with the mechanism of action of some antidepressants.
While some studies have indicated that SSRIs cause fewer side effects in women than tricyclic antidepressants.
The risks of depression drugs increase in women, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding, because the drug is easily transferred from the mother to the fetus, which causes harmful effects that may be deformation of the fetus or the infant suffering from withdrawal symptoms.
How can you deal with the sexual effects of antidepressants?
Because depression medications can cause sexual effects on both men and women, and sometimes even complete impotence, here are some tips to help you deal with the sexual effects of depression medications:
Adhere to the doctor's directions
Before taking an antidepressant, you must first consult your doctor about the appropriate medication for you, and stick to the exact dosage, to get the full benefit and avoid any negative effects.
Having sex after medication
It is preferable to have intercourse after a sufficient period has passed since you have taken depression medications, for example, if you take the medication in the morning, you should have intercourse in the evening.
Taking medications for erectile dysfunction
You should consult a doctor about drugs that increase sexual ability if the depression medication used causes weakness and cold.
Can depression medications be addictive?
Medications for depression are not addictive. Addiction is long-term chemical changes that occur in the brain, creating physical and psychological dependence on the drug or drug, without the ability to control the craving to take it, which is not the case with antidepressants.
Although antidepressants do not cause addiction, some withdrawal symptoms may appear if you stop taking the drug after about a month of using it, and withdrawal symptoms of depression medications last for several weeks, but they go away without any health risks, and it is preferable to inform your doctor In the event of emergence to intervene immediately to provide support.
What is the best medicine for depression without side effects?
All depression medications have different side effects, some of which are mild, while others are strong, so it is not possible to name the best antidepressant without side effects.
Are sexual problems treated for depression medications with depression treatment?
If the depression medication causes any sexual problems, you must promptly inform the doctor of all the symptoms you are experiencing, to receive the appropriate depression treatment, and here he may prescribe some medications for sexual problems, which do not interfere with antidepressants.
Important tips for using depression medications and avoiding their physical, psychological, and sexual effects
Here are some important tips that help you use antidepressants correctly and avoid their physical, psychological, and sexual effects:
Do not take antidepressants on your own without consulting your doctor.
Stick to the prescribed dosage of the drug and the period of use.
Do not quit the medication without telling your physician.
If any sexual, psychological, or physical symptoms appear, the drug should be discontinued and referred to the doctor immediately.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle that helps to overcome depression easily, away from routine and stereotypes.
If you miss a dose, take a dose right away, but if it is almost time for a new dose, do not take it.
Avoid driving while under the influence of antidepressant medication.
Here are the most common questions that revolve among many about depression medications
Does the erection return again after quitting depression medications without a doctor?
In some cases, full erections may return within a short period of cessation of depression medications, but in contrast, a small percentage of people may suffer from erectile dysfunction and need to consult a doctor for treatment as soon as possible.
Are medications prescribed to treat depression different for men than for women?
Medications prescribed to treat depression for men differ from women in terms of effect, dosage, and duration of use, due to the different physiological characteristics of each.
Does sexual desire decrease again after being treated for depression?
The patient may experience ED again after receiving treatment for depression, but they will quickly recover within a few weeks with regular medication prescribed to him.