The impact of antidepressants on libido
Generally associated with symptoms of the disease, sexual dysfunction is one of the side effects of certain antidepressants.
What are the causes ? How to successfully revive your sexual desire when you are on antidepressant?
Antidepressants and how they work
To understand the impact of antidepressants on libido, it is important to know how they work.
Antidepressants work by changing brain chemistry, influencing neurotransmitter levels. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that play a crucial role in regulating mood, behavior and sexual function.
There are several classes of antidepressants, each with a different mechanism of action. The two most commonly used classes are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs). Each of these classes can have a different impact on libido.
SSRIs and Serotonin
SSRIs, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft), are often the first choice of treatment for depression and anxiety.
They work by increasing serotonin levels in your brain. Serotonin is a kind of happiness neurotransmitter, but it can also play spoilsport. How it works ? Well, by altering serotonin levels, SSRIs can disrupt the balance between serotonin and dopamine, the pleasure neurotransmitter. As a result, your libido may take an unexpected break.
To be honest, the exact mechanism behind this effect is not completely understood, but it is likely related to how serotonin interacts with other neurotransmitters such as dopamine. Dopamine is involved in the pleasure response, including the sexual response. So, excess serotonin can decrease dopamine activity, which can reduce sexual desire.
IRNSa and Noradrenaline
SNRIs, such as venlafaxine (Effexor), work by increasing both serotonin and norepinephrine levels. Unlike SSRIs, SNRIs have a lesser impact on libido for many people. This may be because norepinephrine can have a stimulating effect on sexual function, counteracting the potentially negative effect of serotonin.
What is the impact of an antidepressant on libido?
About 40 to 50% of people taking antidepressants suffer from sexual dysfunction. Nearly 25% of them have erectile dysfunction and 66% of patients taking serotonin suffer from ejaculation disorders.Of course, these side effects vary from one drug to another and from one person to another (we are not all in the same boat).
In women, there is generally a decrease in lubrication, vaginal dryness, anogasmia (this means the total inability to achieve orgasm), vaginal anesthesia, possible pain during intercourse.
For vaginal dryness or in cases of dyspareunia, we recommend Miyé intimate gel . It helps to moisturize, protect and relieve intimate areas that could be dry or sensitized. This intimate treatment is also recommended in case of discomfort during periods or during peri-menopause.
The different factors that affect libido?
The link between antidepressants and libido is far from an exact science. Many factors come into play, including:The type of medication : Different antidepressants have different effects on libido. SSRIs tend to be more associated with decreased sexual desire than other classes of medications.
Dose: The dose of the antidepressant can play a major role. A higher dose may increase the chances that your libido will take a nap.
Duration of treatment: Some effects on libido may be temporary. Your desire may return after a few weeks or months of treatment.
Individual sensitivity: Everyone reacts differently to medications. Some are more sexually affected than others.
How to revive your libido when you are on antidepressant?
Talk to your doctor : The first step (and certainly not least) is to discuss your concerns about your libido with your doctor or psychiatrist. They may adjust your treatment, change medications, or reduce the dose if appropriate.
Consult a sexologist/sex therapist : If your libido problems persist despite your efforts, consider consulting a sexologist/sex therapist. They are trained to help individuals and couples resolve issues related to sexuality.
Open communication with your partner : Discuss your concerns and needs openly with your partner. Honest communication can help maintain an emotional connection and reduce tension related to an imbalance in libido within a couple.
Exploring new techniques : Try new techniques and approaches to sexual pleasure. Exploring fantasies, role-playing with your partner, or even using sex toys can help spice up your sex life.
Ona, our vibrating clitoral stimulator is the perfect sex toy to begin a new exploration in your intimate life. They have 2 functions (clitoral stimulation and vibration) which each have 9 speeds and can be used independently or synchronously, depending on your mood of the moment. 🔥
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They consist of:
Ashwagandha: this plant is a natural remedy against stress. It is mainly used in traditional medicine in India.
Diamana: a plant native to South America and the Caribbean, it is especially renowned for its aphrodisiac effect.
Tribulus Terrestri: known to increase sexual desire, this plant grows in the wild
L-Arginine: an amino acid strengthening the immune system
Zinc: a trace element to boost the proper functioning of the nervous system
One box contains 60 capsules, a two-month treatment. The first effects can be felt after 10-15 days of treatment.
The impact of antidepressants on libido is complex and varies from person to person. It is essential to weigh the mental health benefits of antidepressant treatment against the potential effects on libido. For many people, the benefits of these medications outweigh the harms, but open communication with a healthcare professional is crucial to finding the optimal balance between mental health and intimate life.
Your overall well-being should be at the heart of any decision regarding antidepressant treatment.
Lara
