When you start taking an SSRI, a class of antidepressants that increase serotonin levels in the brain to improve mood. Also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, these drugs are among the most prescribed treatments for depression and anxiety. But for many, the relief in mood comes with an unwanted side effect: SSRI sexual dysfunction, a group of sexual side effects including reduced desire, trouble getting or keeping an erection, delayed orgasm, or complete loss of pleasure during sex.
This isn’t rare. Studies show up to 70% of people on SSRIs experience some form of sexual side effect. It’s not a personal failure. It’s a chemical shift. Serotonin helps regulate mood, but too much of it can shut down the brain’s arousal pathways. This affects both men and women, regardless of age or health. You might still feel emotionally better on your medication, but your body doesn’t respond the way it used to. And that disconnect can hurt relationships, lower self-esteem, and make you question whether the trade-off is worth it.
The good news? You’re not stuck with it. SSRI alternatives, like bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine, or vilazodone, are designed to treat depression without the same sexual impact. Some people switch meds. Others add low-dose medications like sildenafil to counteract the effects. Lifestyle changes—exercise, stress reduction, timing sex around medication doses—can also help. And sometimes, just knowing you’re not alone makes a difference. You don’t have to choose between feeling better mentally and feeling connected physically.
The posts below cover real experiences and practical solutions. You’ll find comparisons between antidepressants that spare your libido, tips for talking to your doctor without shame, and how other people managed this side effect without quitting their treatment. Whether you’re just noticing changes or have been struggling for months, there’s a path forward. You don’t have to accept this as permanent. Let’s look at what works.
Many common medications-from antidepressants to blood pressure pills-can cause sexual side effects like low desire, erectile dysfunction, or trouble reaching orgasm. Learn which drugs are most likely to cause problems and what you can do about them.