Depression medications, such as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants, have sexual side effects. Dr. Daniel K. Hall-Flavin of the Mayo Clinic notes that tricyclic antidepressants have fewer sexual side effects compared to SSRIs, though clomipramine and amoxapine cause more side effects than other tricyclic antidepressants. Of all the SSRIs approved for depression, paroxetine is the most likely to cause sexual side effects. Changing the dosage under the supervision of a doctor may alleviate the side effects, or patients may choose to take another depression medication, such as bupropion, that does not have these side effects.
Decreased Libido
The Mayo Clinic says that decreased libido is a possible sexual side effect for both SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants. When patients have a decreased libido, they have a diminished interest in sex; patients may find it more difficult to become aroused. This side effect, however, is also a symptom of depression, which makes it difficult to tell if the medication is the cause.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is another sexual side effect that is caused most often by tricyclic antidepressants, according to the Mayo Clinic. Also known as impotency, men are unable to maintain an erection long enough for intercourse. To be classified as erectile dysfunction, an erection problem must be experienced during at least 25 percent of attempted sexual encounters.
Delayed Ejaculation
The Mayo Clinic notes that delayed ejaculation is another male sexual side effect of depression medication. A delayed ejaculation either means that the man has difficulty releasing sperm either during intercourse or masturbation, or that it takes 30 minutes or more for the man to ejaculate.
Orgasm Problems
Orgasm problems can be experienced by both men and women using depression medications. Examples include a decreased orgasm (reduced pleasure), a delayed orgasm (increased time to reach an orgasm, such as a delayed ejaculation) and anorgasmia (inability to achieve an orgasm). The Mayo Clinic states that anorgasmia and delayed orgasms occurs with SSRI use.
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