Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Antidepressant-induced Sexual Dysfunction
Question: How to stop sexual dysfunction from antidepressants?
My bf used to have a small, not-frequent errection problem always. However after starting antidepressants his problem became worse. Now he almost never has an erection and this is slowly destroying our relationship. He is taking citalipram antidepressant and anafranil antidepressant. He used to also take akamon anholytic but he stopped it. Can he do anything to stop these symptoms? Will psychotherapy help him also?
My bf used to have a small, not-frequent errection problem always. However after starting antidepressants his problem became worse. Now he almost never has an erection and this is slowly destroying our relationship. He is taking citalipram antidepressant and anafranil antidepressant. He used to also take akamon anholytic but he stopped it. Can he do anything to stop these symptoms? Will psychotherapy help him also?
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction is unfortunately a very common side effect of antidepressants. Fortunately, there are a few different solutions here.
First, his psychiatrist could try lowering the antidepressant dose. Erectile difficulty can improve when the dose is lowered. This does of course run the risk of relapse to depression.
Second, he could add bupropion, an atypical antidepressant that has been shown to reverse SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction due to its action on dopamine receptors.
Third, and the solution I would suggest trying first, is trying a medication for erectile dysfunction such as Viagra or Cialis. These are often highly effective for antidepressant-induced erectile difficulty, and are the first thing I try for my patients.
Finally, psychotherapy can be of benefit, absolutely. A combination of Viagra plus psychotherapy would be my first suggestion for him.
Please remember to rate and close this answer when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction is unfortunately a very common side effect of antidepressants. Fortunately, there are a few different solutions here.
First, his psychiatrist could try lowering the antidepressant dose. Erectile difficulty can improve when the dose is lowered. This does of course run the risk of relapse to depression.
Second, he could add bupropion, an atypical antidepressant that has been shown to reverse SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction due to its action on dopamine receptors.
Third, and the solution I would suggest trying first, is trying a medication for erectile dysfunction such as Viagra or Cialis. These are often highly effective for antidepressant-induced erectile difficulty, and are the first thing I try for my patients.
Finally, psychotherapy can be of benefit, absolutely. A combination of Viagra plus psychotherapy would be my first suggestion for him.
Please remember to rate and close this answer when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Deepak
Thank you XXXXXXX
Your answer was very good and helpful.
There aren't any contraindications when taking the drugs you suggested together with the anti depressants he is currently taking?
Also, i would like to know, does viagra interferes with fertility?
Of course our main aim is for him to feel normal again and be happy; but we are both 27 and we would like to have a child. I read it interferes with fertility, is there any solid evidence to support that?
Your answer was very good and helpful.
There aren't any contraindications when taking the drugs you suggested together with the anti depressants he is currently taking?
Also, i would like to know, does viagra interferes with fertility?
Of course our main aim is for him to feel normal again and be happy; but we are both 27 and we would like to have a child. I read it interferes with fertility, is there any solid evidence to support that?
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
No, there are no contraindications with his current drugs.
And no, Viagra has absolutely no effect on fertility.
Please remember to rate and close this answer when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Followup
Detailed Answer:
No, there are no contraindications with his current drugs.
And no, Viagra has absolutely no effect on fertility.
Please remember to rate and close this answer when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Naveen Kumar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
