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Updated Mar 06, 2025Antidepressants & Sex Drive: Are SSRIs Messing With Your Sex Life?
Expert advice for dealing with this common side-effect.
Photo: Getty Images | Delmaine Donson
Struggling with depression is hard. And while there are many resources available to combat the mental health crisis—such as medication, talk therapy, online communities and more—there is still one thing that fewer people feel comfortable discussing openly about with others: antidepressants and sex drive.
While antidepressants (SSRIs) are meant to boost your mood, better your everyday life and help remove you from the deep blues of depression, they can also have some negative side effects, too, like a lower sex drive. If you're happier but now struggling with decreased sex drive and libido, it's not uncommon—and you don't have to go at it alone.
To get a better understanding of the connection between antidepressants and sex, plus what you should do if you're experiencing it, we've teamed up with a few experts below.
Meet The Experts
- Dr. Ryan Sultán is a board-certified psychiatrist, therapist and professor at Columbia University specializing in mental health and sexual function.
- Dr. Kevin Huffman, D.O., is a board-certified physician with over 30 years of experience working with patients.
In this article
- Antidepressants and Sex Drive: What's Going On?
- What to Do If You Feel Your Antidepressants Are Impacting Your Sex Life
- How to Increase Libido While on Antidepressants
- How to Talk About Antidepressants and Sex Drive With Your Partner
Antidepressants and Sex Drive: What's Going On?
When it comes to taking antidepressants, they can have a lot of positive effects such as increased mood, a better outlook on life and an increase in joy and contentment. But on the flipside, do antidepressants lower libido? Yes, they most definitely can.
The Link Between Depression and Sex
If you've been struggling with depression and sex drive for awhile, this shift in libido might not feel new for you. In fact, most people who struggle with active depression don't often feel the drive to have sex.
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"Depression can significantly affect sex drive," Dr. Sultán explains. "It can lead to a decreased interest in sex, problems with arousal and difficulties with intimacy. Both the condition itself and the distress it causes can negatively impact sexual function."
How Our Bodies Change on SSRIs
When you start taking an SSRI, you might start to notice that if you have sex, it may be harder to reach climax—a phenomenon better known as the SSRI orgasm. If you're not having any sex and you only notice a decreased sex drive, that's normal too.
According to Dr. Huffman, antidepressants impact various aspects of your sexual health because of the change in your brain chemicals. Dr. Sultán agrees too: Antidepressants can lead to a decreased interest in sex, problems with arousal and difficulties with intimacy.
What to Do If You Feel Your Antidepressants Are Impacting Your Sex Life
Why do antidepressants make it harder to orgasm? Is there a How to Fix Low Libido from Antidepressants guidebook? It might seem all doom and gloom, but if you're struggling with antidepressants and sex drive, we've got expert advice on what to do below.
Have Open Communication with Your Doctor
As always, communication is key. If you feel that your antidepressants are impacting your sex life, Dr. Sultán suggests that the first initial step should be to address concerns with your prescribing physician, who can make medication adjustments or explore alternative options to mitigate sexual side effects.
Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle
It might sound like advice you've heard a million times, but it's true: a healthier lifestyle can have impressive effects. if you're experiencing low libido from SSRIs, a healthier and well-rounded lifestyle can naturally increase your sex drive.
"Regular exercise, practicing stress reduction techniques and maintaining a nutritious diet can help boost libido while taking antidepressants," Dr. Huffman says.
Try Psychotherapy
"Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or sex therapy, can be effective in addressing sexual issues related to antidepressants," Dr. Sultán explains. "This collaborative approach promotes a more holistic solution to the problem. For example, by openly discussing their concerns with their therapist, a patient can work on strategies to manage sexual side effects while continuing their antidepressant treatment."
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How to Increase Libido While on Antidepressants
Frantically Googling 'how to increase libido while on antidepressants?' or 'How to get your sex drive back on Lexapro?' If so, we see you, we hear you and you've come to the right place. It's only natural, when you're finally out of the throws of depression, to want a happier and more rounded sex life. It just requires some patience.
Increasing libido while taking antidepressants involves various strategies, according to Dr. Sultán. It may include medication adjustments and lifestyle changes, such as prioritizing self-care and stress reduction. But one of the most impactful ways to increase libido while on antidepressants, in his opinion, is through fostering open and honest communication with your partner(s).
Many people find that discussing their feelings and experiences with their partner can strengthen their emotional bond and improve their intimate life while on antidepressants. As frustrating as it might be, it's important to have empathy, give yourself time and don't force things.
It's also recommended to take time with yourself sexually: It can be helpful to schedule time out of your day for masturbation and self-pleasure. The more you do it, the more your body and brain can recognize the feel-good chemicals that come with it—and perhaps crave them over time. Grab your favorite toy, enjoy some alone time and see what happens.
How to Talk About Antidepressants and Sex Drive With Your Partner
Lastly, if you're struggling with antidepressants and sex drive, how can you bring it up to your partner(s)? We have a few suggestions.
Have a Thoughtful Conversation
"When it comes to addressing the impact of low sex drive and antidepressants on your relationship, it's essential to have a thoughtful conversation with your partner." Dr. Sultán instructs. "Select a suitable, private setting where both of you can feel comfortable. Be open and honest about your concerns and feelings, while also empathetically listening to your partner's perspective."
Approach the Issue as a Team
It's important to remember that while you're struggling with decreased sex drive, your partner may also be struggling too. You're not alone, so it's best to approach this issue as a team, and tackle it together. For example, try exploring solutions together on how to maintain intimacy and emotional connection—despite the challenges posed by antidepressants.
Practice Patience
According to Dr. Huffman, patience can go a long way in the antidepressants and libido battle. By practicing patience and compassion on both sides, you can strengthen your bond and facilitate finding solutions that work for the both of you.
Remember the Goal
You're not alone—and remembering the goal and priorities of why you're taking antidepressants can certainly help.
"It's essential to remember that managing depression is the primary goal, and the impact on sexual function is a common concern," Dr. Sultán reminds us. "Open communication, both with your healthcare provider and your partner, can lead to constructive solutions."
