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Although antidepressants are one of the recognized solutions for treating depression, they can nevertheless have a significant impact on libido. Explanations.
Have you noticed that your libido is declining since you started taking antidepressants? Researchers have just discovered that certain medications have an influence on desire. Their work was published in the journal ScienceDirect.
One in 5 patients revealed they suffered from sexual problems
For this survey, 900 adults suffering from severe depressive disorder were recruited. All were divided into three categories according to their use of antidepressants: those who continue their treatment (62%), those who change medication (33%) and those who stop (5%).
Participants were also asked to indicate the type of antidepressants used and the frequency with which they took them. Their sex life before and during treatment was also closely observed – as were their depressive symptoms and their satisfaction with treatment.
Finally, the scientists followed the said candidates for almost a year – from May 29 to October 1, 2020.
Result ? 19% of respondents (those who continued their treatment or those who changed) without a history of intimate problems reported sexual discomfort.linked to the use of at least one current or previous antidepressant“.
“Based on the patients surveyed, we found that healthcare professionals’ recommendations, treatment effectiveness, and medication side effects play an important role in continuing, changing, or stopping antidepressants.“, explain the authors of the survey.
Therefore, these results highlight the importance of joint decision-making between patient and physician on treatment choice and management.
Reduced libido and antidepressants: other studies had already confirmed this link
A study published in the Journal of Sex and Marital therapy had already confirmed the appearance or persistence of sexual disorders in 58% of candidates when taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors – a drug class of psychotropic drugs, such as antidepressants.
In review of medical literature on the subject51% of people treated with antidepressants felt better, but only 1% of them saw their interest in sexuality improve during treatment.
If you are taking an antidepressant and you have sexual problems, several avenues can help you suspect a link with your treatment:
- If sexual problems appeared when treatment was started, the medication could be to blame;
- If, despite an improvement in your mood and the disappearance of certain symptoms of depression, the sexual problems that appeared at the start of your depression persist, the treatment could be to blame;
- If your sexual problems were present before the depression. The medication is probably not the cause, but if you consult a sexologist, talk to him about your treatment.
In any case, and whatever your doubts, do not hesitate to speak with your doctor. He will be best able to offer you a solution adapted to your situation.