Sexual side effects are a common complication of antidepressant drugs for both men and women. For reasons not fully understood, antidepressants can have a negative impact on almost every aspect of sex, including libido, arousal, stimulation and orgasm. Individuals concerned with the sexual complications of antidepressants should consult a professional to learn how to choose a treatment with the fewest sexual side effects.
Prozac
The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SSRIs, such as Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft can cause sexual side effects in most people, says Dr. Daniel K. Hall-Flavin at MayoClinic.com. Drug safety information reproduced by Drugs.com explains that sexual side effects occur in about 34 percent of people using Prozac. Sexual side effects of Prozac affect both men and women, causing symptoms such as inability to orgasm, decreased libido, penile and vaginal anesthesia, ejaculation problems and impotence.
Cymbalta
Cymbalta and other serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs like Effexor and Pristiq can cause sexual side effects. The manufactures of Cymbalta originally claimed that Cymbalta had fewer sexual side effects than other antidepressants. Dr. Nicholas Schwartz at Modern Psychiatry website explains, however, that the sexual side effects of Cymbalta may be similar to those experienced with other antidepressant drugs.
Wellbutrin
Some mild sexual side effects such as decreased libido have been reported with Wellbutrin use. While almost all antidepressants are associated with some sexual side effects, MayoClinic.com and Drugs.com both explain that Wellbutrin may have the lowest incidence of sexual side effects of all antidepressant drugs.
Anafranil
The tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants such as Anafranil and Norpramin cause a number of sexual side effects. These drugs have a long history of treating depression and anxiety. Drugs.com explains that about 20 percent of men taking Anafranil will experience impotence and 42 percent will have symptoms of ejaculatory failure. Despite a high rate of sexual complications, most people using Anafranil choose to continue their prescription.
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