Sexual side effects from antidepressants

[LittleMe23]

I was on citalpram for 6 years and found they numb you a bit down there although it was still good I never finished.

I read 40% of people will experience sexual side effects from SSRI’s.

Are there any tablets that won’t give you these side effects.

I couldn't finish with a partner on citalopram but could by myself... but it wasn't as good as off citalopram

Tricyclic antidepressants don't. I've found that if one SSRI has that effect then they all will but other types of AD don't.

Yes, some second or third line antidepressants won't cause those effects. But I find you have to be quite strident with your GP that anorgasmia is not a side effect you are willing to accept.

Pretty much all SSRI/SNRI ADs have this effect in one form or another.

Even the Tricyclic ADs list this as a possible side effect.

Mirtazapine is a different type of AD and is known for not causing sexual dysfunction, but carries the risk of weight gain if you're not disciplined with your diet as it can make you crave carbs.

The only other AD that is clinically proven not to cause significant sexual dysfunction is Bupropion, marketed under the name of Wellbutrin, however it is not available in the UK as an anti-depressant. I've tried to get this drug on more than one occasion and been denied, even by a secondary care practitioner.

It is used in the UK as a drug to help you stop smoking called Zyban, but due to its expense, has been replaced with a drug (I forget its name) that isn't helpful as an AD.

I found Citalopram killed my orgasm stone dead, where as with Fluoxetine (Prozac), whilst it took a little longer and was still a little diminished in feeling, it was still possible and a compromise I could tolerate to not have my life ruined by anxiety and depression.

It might be worth trying a different SSRI.

I've been on citalopram for over 6 years. My dose ranging from 5mg (when I tried to come off) to 30mg. I've never really had an issue with the sexual side effects. I want sex and can orgasm (I'm a woman). What I do notice is my sex drive varies massively with my menstrual cycle as I get older, I'm early 30s. But I don't know if this is citalopram related or not.

On the other hand I have a close friend who was taking citalopram and now e citalopram. Both have had a fairly big impact on her sex drive. She's also said they've effected her ability to orgasm. (we are close friends so talk about everything! )

Just thought I'd share some personal experience. I also have propranolol for anxiety. So if this is an issue for you perhaps you could try this with a lower dose ssri. Are you taking anything now? I'd recommend going back to your GP as the sexual side effects do have a big impact on quality of life. So I'd hope they'd be sympathetic and look for solutions.