Sexual side effects from antidepressants depend on each patient and the dosage taken. The side effects may disappear when the body adjusts to the particular medication. Certain antidepressants may increase the risk of having sexual side effects, but not all patients experience them. Doctors may readjust the dosage of the medication or add a second antidepressant that can ease sexual side effects. Medications designed to enhance sexual function may also counter the effects.
SSRIs
Newer antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, known as SSRIs. These usually produce the fewest side effects. However, sexual side effects occur more frequently. According to Psych Central, in a 2001 study at the University of Virginia, SSRIs had higher rates of sexual side effects when compared to other antidepressants. Reduced sex drive and loss of enjoyment of sex affect patients taking SSRIs. Medications include fluoxetine, citalopram, paroxetine and sertraline. Fluvoxamine can cause sexual side effects that may be less bothersome than other SSRIs, according to MayoClinic.com.
SNRIs
Sexual problems with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, include reduced sex drive and having problems enjoying sex, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Drugs include duloxetine and venlafaxine. Desvenlafaxine, another SNRI, holds promise for producing fewer sexual side effects, but it needs more research, MayoClinic.com notes. The University of Virginia study found that SNRIs had high rates of sexual side effects along with SSRIs.
Tricyclics and Tetracyclics
Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants may cause reduced sex drive and difficulty having or enjoying sex. Medications include clomipramine, amitriptyline, amoxapine and desipramine. These antidepressants may cause more sexual side effects than the newer SSRIs and SNRIs. Patients respond differently to various medications, and certain people may respond more favorably to these particular drugs for depression.
MAOIs
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, also called MAOIs, may cause sexual side effects. These drugs include phenelzine, tranylcypromine and isocarboxazid. This older class of antidepressants can also result in serious side effects, such as a sharp increase in blood pressure when mixed with certain foods or medications. Doctors usually advise patients on the substances they should avoid when taking MAOIs.
