Antidepressants can lead to a disinterest in sex, slow arousal response, the inability to climax or other orgasmic dysfunction (like missed orgasm), and vaginal dryness (Picture: Metro.co.uk/Getty)

It’s well known that certain antidepressants can impact your sexual desire.

Changes to libido are one of the most common side effects of taking antidepressants, and with a reported 8.3 million adults in the UK taking these medications it’s clearly an issue we need to talk about.

But how and why does this happen?

‘Antidepressants can cause a myriad of issues when it comes to sexual function,’ sex expert Edwina Caito from Bedbible tells Metro.co.uk.

‘Some of those issues include a complete disinterest in sex, slow arousal response, the inability to climax or other orgasmic dysfunction (like missed orgasm), and vaginal dryness that leads to sensitivity and pain.’

Edwina explains that the reason for this is that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a type of antidepressant, deplete dopamine, a neurotransmitter that sends arousal signals from the body to the brain. 

With those blocked signals, people using this type of antidepressant may have little interest in sex. 

‘Furthermore, if they try (which is highly recommended), the arousal process is extremely slow,’ she adds.

SSRIs are also linked to the production of serotonin, and this can also impact your sex drive.

Mangala Holland, a women’s sexuality and orgasm coach, explains that Prozac, a type of SSRI, will raise the level of serotonin in the body. While this is beneficial to boost mood, it can also make people feel calmer. 

‘Unfortunately, these can also affect your libido – many female clients I work with say they find it much harder to feel aroused,’ Mangala tells Metro.co.uk.

‘So while they may feel on an “even keel” emotionally, that same calmness means it can be more challenging to feel passion, subtle sensations, desire and turn-on. 

‘This means that it can be harder to stay aroused, and consequently experiencing orgasm can become more challenging too.’

Is there anything that can be done to limit the impact SSRIs have on libido?

Communication

‘An important component is communication – talk to your partner and let them know the situation,’ says Mangala.

‘It helps both parties to feel less pressure (having a sense of humour and being able to laugh together is also vital).’

Pressure can also impact sex drive and libido, so making sure to be open about what you’re going through could also help.

But it’s also ok if you end up having less sex. It may be frustrating but if you aren’t in the mood – try not to force it. Your partner(s) can always self-pleasure.

Foreplay

‘I strongly recommend more foreplay – really take the time to enjoy each other and allow things to build slowly,’ suggests Mangala.  

‘Take the goal of penetration and orgasm off the table – sex and intimacy are so much more than just penetration.

‘I also absolutely recommend following any “glimmers” of things that feel good.

‘if you move your hips in a certain way and it feels good – say yes to it and allow yourself to exaggerate/amplify it. 

‘Give yourself permission to get creative. This could be talking about fantasies, making more vocal noise, more touch, or more eye contact.

‘All of these can create more intimacy and create more turn-on.’

Make sure to use a good lubricant if you find that the SSRIs have impacted your lubrication. 

Arousal

‘Approach sex psychologically with erotica, porn or a candlelit dinner and sensual massage,’ suggests Edwina.

‘Take it slow and enjoy every delicious moment of the build-up. Utilise sex boosters like clitoris arousal gels and lubricants that contain warming and cooling ingredients (which work wonderfully on penises, too!).

‘Add a vibrator to your sexual regimen as the additional stimulation changes things up and super-charges those slower arousal responses. Change things up and surprise those sexual responses.’

Speak to a doctor

If your reduced libido is having a significant impact on your life, then it may be worth asking to try different medications or changing up the dose. But you shouldn’t do this without consulting your psychiatrist, doctor or GP first.

‘When you’re taking antidepressants, you must weigh the benefits vs side effects,’ says Edwina.

‘Is your lowered libido or inability to orgasm a hurdle you can’t seem to overcome? Then, speak openly and honestly with your doctor. 

‘There are several types of antidepressants, some of which actually boost dopamine, that may be a better fit for you. 

‘Never be embarrassed or ashamed to talk to your doctor about sex and libido as it is an important and health-benefitting part of life.’

However, if you can’t switch antidepressants, Edwina notes that it’s important to give yourself some grace.

How can we look after our libido?

Sex is a healthy part of life. 

Edwina explains that single or coupled sex and orgasm boost our immune systems, give us a better sleep and lower our blood pressure and chances of developing heart disease and even prostate cancer.

‘Therefore, we need to treat sex and our libidos as we do our hearts, cholesterol and physical bodies,’ she adds. 

‘So, if your antidepressant is interfering with your ability to have fulfilling sex and healthy orgasms, it’s crucial that you speak to your doctor to learn your options.’

Mangala suggests that we need to be more in touch with our bodies.

‘So many of us are stuck in go-go-go mode, trying to manage the demands of work and home life – this means we’re “up in our heads” a lot of the time, and it’s really hard to maintain a healthy libido when we’re busy and stressed,’ she says.

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‘Getting off devices, going for walks out in nature, dancing and getting regular exercise is really helpful because stress is a massive passion-killer. 

‘Look at pleasure beyond just sex – what are the things in life that bring you joy? Get clear on those and then prioritise them. 

‘Make sure you’re getting enough rest and sleep because when we’re stressed and busy, our body takes any available energy to be used as fuel – including your sexual energy.’

So if your libido has dropped, Mangala stresses that you should not worry.

‘Please know it’s not permanent. It’s always possible to increase your levels of sexual energy, desire and orgasmic potential if you make it a priority. 

‘My oldest client is 76, and she’s having the best orgasms of her life.’

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Don’t put pressure on yourself.