Sexual Dysfunction - Know How Anti Depressants Can Promote it!

Antidepressants are known to give rise to a few side effects as they go about the task of correcting the hormonal imbalances, mood swings and other behavioral changes that may come as the symptoms of the condition. These side effects include nausea, fatigue, dizzy spells, constipation, sexual dysfunction, anxiety, agitation and more. Sexual dysfunction is one of the most commonly experienced side effects of the medicine. Switching to a different antidepressant can bring back one s sexual libido and health to normal, especially in cases where the patient is suffering from erectile dysfunction due to the medication.

Sexual dysfunction may be a symptom of depression itself. Therefore, it is difficult to diagnose this as a side effect of antidepressants once the patient begins to take these medicines. Impaired sexual libido and interest as well as the lack to have an orgasm can be linked with either the condition itself, or the medication. One should observe the side effects of various types of antidepressants over a period of time in order to decipher whether the sexual dysfunction is due to the medicine or the condition.

There are many antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSIs) and serotonin norepinephrine inhibitors are known to create sexual dysfunction as a common side effect. As per many medical studies, about 60% of the patients taking these medicines are known to suffer from sexual dysfunction. Discontinuation of the medicine may also cause this problem. So, one must avoid sudden discontinuation.

The antidepressants may centrally or peripherally trigger sexual dysfunction due to changes in dopamine, serotonin and other hormones. Receptor agonists should be avoided in such medications so that one does not fall prey to sexual dysfunction.