Medicines and sex life
Antidepressants help many people recover a better quality of life, but some can affect desire, erections or orgasm.[1]
Depression itself can also reduce desire and enjoyment, so the cause should be reviewed without stopping treatment on your own.[1]
Why it needs joint consideration
Sexual side effects are a common reason people stop antidepressants abruptly, which risks relapse or discontinuation symptoms.[1]
Mood stability and sexual health need to be considered together rather than stopping suddenly. Telling your doctor plainly helps find a solution that works for both.
How common is it?
Rates vary with the drug, dose, how it is measured and symptoms present before starting, so no single percentage applies to every antidepressant.[1] Sexual side effects are common enough that they should always be asked about.
How medicines affect sexual function
Some classes, especially SSRIs and SNRIs, raise serotonin in the brain, which helps mood but can dampen desire, delay or prevent orgasm, and affect erections.[1],[2]
Different medicines affect sexual function to different degrees, which is why adjusting or switching sometimes helps.
Assessment
Assessment should be done with your prescriber.[1],[2]
- Compare symptoms before and after starting or changing the dose.
- Review mood and how well depression is controlled.
- Review other conditions and medicines, such as diabetes, blood pressure or drugs that affect sexual function.
- Look at physical symptoms, such as erection problems that may have other causes.
Options
Options depend on symptoms and mood stability, balanced against the risk of relapse.[1],[2]
- Watchful waiting: some side effects ease over time.
- Dose adjustment under medical supervision.
- Switching to a medicine with fewer sexual effects.
- Treating the sexual difficulty directly, such as erection medicine for suitable men.
Reducing or stopping requires a plan from your doctor. Routine self-directed “drug holidays” are not a recommended general solution.[1]
How we care for you at Dr. Kris Clinic
We listen to medicine-related sexual side effects without judgement, assess other physical causes that may coexist, and treat the sexual difficulty directly where appropriate, in English or Thai.
We liaise with your antidepressant prescriber so any change is safe for your mood, and suggest couples counselling at Kris Care Space if this is affecting your relationship.
Frequently asked questions
My antidepressant has killed my sex drive. Should I stop it?
Don't stop it yourself. Talk to your prescriber; safer options exist.
Is the problem the medicine or the depression?
Both can contribute. Comparing symptoms before and after starting helps tell them apart.
Will switching medicine help?
For some people, yes, because medicines differ in sexual effects, but mood control must be considered too.
Can I skip doses at weekends?
This is not recommended without medical advice, as it can cause discontinuation symptoms and relapse.
Options exist, but changes must balance sexual effects against control of depression.[1] Always talk to your prescriber before making changes.
Talk to a doctor about this
Confidential care in Surat Thani, the mainland gateway to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Tue–Fri 17:00–20:00 · Sat–Sun 10:00–15:00 (UTC+7)
Book a visit LINE @dr.krisclinic WhatsAppYour appointment is confirmed once the booking system or the clinic confirms it.
Dr. Krida Uakridathikarn (Dr. Kris)
Board-certified family physician with certificate training in clinical sexology and sexual medicine. He works at Suratthani Hospital and provides sexual health, hormone and LGBTQ+ inclusive care at Dr. Kris Clinic. Profile and CV
References
- NICE NG222: Depression in adults—treatment and management (2022)
- EAU Guidelines 2026: Management of Erectile Dysfunction
- ISSWSH Process of Care for HSDD (2018). doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.11.002
Keep reading
Main guide: Kris Care Space
Different Levels of Desire in a Couple: Understanding and Finding Common Ground
How to Talk With Your Partner About Sex
Sexual Performance Anxiety: When Worry Gets in the WayThis article is general education, not personal medical advice or a promise of results. Diagnosis and treatment require assessment by a doctor. Content reflects the cited sources as of the update date.