Sertraline working but at the expense of orgasms. What to do?

[LazyMareofEastown]

Am three months into sertraline for anxiety.

It's working really well. I am calmer and more rational. I am happier. It's hard to describe but I feel more able to feel joy. Recently went away with DP for the weekend and caught myself with sore cheeks from smiling so much. The medication is making my life much more stable and satisfying.

But. Big but. HUGE.

I can't orgasm 🥺. Sex is hugely important to me and I've always seen regular orgasms as a crucial part of my "self-care". Have never ever EVER struggled before. I still have a good libido and desire to have sex but I just can't get to the level I need to. Not even with mechanical assistance 😳.

I can't bear the thought of such a drastically different sex life long term 😭.

DP is wonderful, he thinks we just need to be patient and try more different things.

Should I persevere? Other option is trying a different medication but the only one that is considered to affect sexual function less is mirtazapine which I'm not willing to try due to the sleepiness and weight gain.

Anyone else had this? Am so gutted 😢

Following. My sympathies OP! Hope we get some suggestions…

Please go back to the GP and tell them - it is a well-known problem. They can go through the options with you and try and find something that suits you better.

Often, when treating depression (or indeed most illnesses) there is a balance to be struck between benefits and side effects.

I was the same. I had my dosage reduced. Helped no end.

I had this when I was on 150mg of sertraline. I reduced to 100 and it improved. After a few years and some therapy I came off it but over lockdown went back on it. However only 25mg and I have no issues with orgasms now. Hope that helps somewhat.

Thanks all. I'm on 50mg. Maybe it's worth reducing to 25mg and seeing what happens. I'm a bit worried though as obviously don't want to lose the benefits I'm seeing but genuinely don't think I can continue like this.

Will book a tel appt with my GP.

You are right in thinking you don't want to lose the benefit of the medication so that's great. I will also add that I did put pressure on myself to orgasm after I realised I was struggling. Luckily my DH is very patient but it was frustrating. Try to relax as well. I know how you are feeling.

I have the same problem op. Tried mertazapine couldn't get on with it. I don't know what the solution is, I'm on the lowest dose too

I have the same issue with citalopram.

As PP have said, go back to your GP and explore your options. It’s also worth you bearing in mind that this can be a temporary side effect. I experienced it with Citalopram (so you have my profound sympathy), but it only lasted a couple of months.

@MoonlightMedicine me too! Am on 40mg

Good libido just no orgasms 🤷🏼‍♀️

I had this too on a mild prescription. It was enough to make me stop taking it. I'm not sure whether it was the right decision and didn't discuss it with my GP but I couldn't cope with the thought of having lost my ability to orgasm when I was already struggling.

[quote OnceBitten25]@MoonlightMedicine me too! Am on 40mg

Good libido just no orgasms 🤷🏼‍♀️[/quote]
Yep. Libido is fab here too!

I was on it for years, and found the ability to orgasm came back…after a loooong time. 18 months or so?

If you're otherwise happy with the sertraline I'd stick it out for a few more months. What helped me with the same issue was focusing entirely on touches that felt good just for the sake of feeling good, orgasms were entirely incidental. After a few months I was able to come again, and in the mean time I'd been enjoying myself rather than getting frustrated.