Sexual Dysfunction Persists After Discontinuing Antidepressants

The classes of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are seemingly as effective at inducing sexual dysfunction as they are at treating depression and anxiety. It is well described in multiple studies that antidepressants, which include SSRIs, SNRIs, and tricyclic antidepressants, are commonly associated with sexual dysfunction and is a common reason for discontinuing antidepressant medications (Clayton et al., 2014). Antidepressants’ sexual side effects include decreased sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, arousal and orgasm problems, delayed ejaculation (or suppressed ejaculation), and dyspareunia (painful intercourse). In fact, antidepressants are so good at causing sexual side effects that they are prescribed as treatment for premature ejaculation (Cooper et al., 2015). To make matters worse, SSRIs and SNRIs apparently may cause ongoing sexual dysfunction, even after the drugs are discontinued. A recent study identified 183 subjects who reported symptoms of ongoing antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction after SSRIs and SNRIs were discontinued. Of these, 23 (12.6 percent) were found to have bona fide persistent sexual dysfunction after SSRIs were discontinued. Other causes, including medical problems, age, current medical treatment, use of addictive substances, anxiety, and depression, were ruled out (Ben-Sheetrit et al., 2015). So not only can anxiety and depression cause ...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Anti-anxiety Antidepressants Depression Disorders General Medications Men's Issues Sexuality Arousal dyspareunia erectile dysfunction Libido Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Sexual Desire Source Type: news