• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

FHE Health - Addiction & Mental Health Care Homepage

Drug, Alcohol and Mental Health Treatment

ContactCareers

Call for Immediate Help (833) 596-3502

MENUMENU
  • About
        • About FHE Rehab
          • About FHE Health
          • Our Staff
          • Locations We Serve
          • Testimonials
        • Our Campus
          • Gallery
          • Our Videos
          • The Health and Wellness Center at FHE Health
        • Our Locations
          • Alcohol Rehab
          • Detox Center
          • Drug Rehab
          • Mental Health Center
          • Outpatient Rehab
        • Careers at FHE Health
          • Employment Opportunities
        • Our Expertise
          • Accreditations
          • Educational Opportunities
          • Community Impact Award
          • First Responder Families Podcast
          • First Responder Paws
          • Education Scholarship
  • Addiction
        • Treatment Programs
          • Treatment Program Overview
          • Alcohol Addiction
          • Drug Addiction Treatment
          • Behavioral Addiction
        • Levels of Care
          • Continuum of Care
          • Addiction Detox
          • Inpatient Addiction Treatment
          • Outpatient Addiction Treatment
        • What We Treat
          • Alcoholism
          • Amphetamines
          • Benzodiazepines
          • Cocaine
          • Heroin
          • Opioids
          • Sedative
  • Mental Health
        • Mental Health Rehab
          • Mental Health Rehab
          • Onsite Psychiatric Care
          • Dual Diagnosis
        • Levels of Care
          • Residential Mental Health Care
          • Outpatient Mental Health Care
        • What We Treat
          • ADD & ADHD
          • Anxiety Disorders
          • Bipolar Disorder
          • Depression
          • Eating Disorders
          • Personality Disorders
          • PTSD
          • Schizophrenia
          • Substance Use Disorder
          • Trauma
  • Programs
        • FHE Programs
          • Specialty Program Overview
          • Restore (Mental Health)
          • Empower! (Women's Program)
          • Shatterproof FHE Health(First Responders)
          • Compass Program
        • Support Programs
          • Alumni
          • Family Support
        • Therapies
          • Acupuncture
          • Breathwork Therapy
          • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
          • DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy)
          • EMDR Therapy
          • Expressive Arts Therapy
          • Individual Therapy
          • Group Therapy
          • Gambling Therapy
          • Massage
        • Medical Care
          • Medical Integration
          • Ketamine Infusion
          • IV Vitamin
          • Fitness & Nutrition
          • Medication-Assisted Treatment
          • Medication Management
        • NeuroRehab Services
          • Neuro Rehabilitation
          • Neurofeedback Training
          • Neurostimulation Therapy
          • EEG Brain Mapping
          • Insomnia Treatment for PTSD
  • Resources
        • FHE Guides
          • Understanding Drug Abuse
          • Signs of Addiction
          • The Disease of Addiction
          • Confronting Addiction
          • Staging an Intervention
          • Rehab Success Rate – Does It Really Work?
          • Withdrawal Timelines
          • Life After Rehab
          • LGBTQ+ Community Resources
          • Veteran Resources
          • FHE Podcasts
          • Remote Resources Toolkit
        • Learning Center
          • Help for You
          • Help For Loved Ones
          • Help For Alcoholism
          • Help With Substance Abuse
          • Behavioral & Mental Health
          • Life in Recovery
          • Rehab Explained
          • Addiction Statistics
          • Our Research Articles
          • View All Articles
        • The Experience Blog
          • Addiction News
          • Alumni
          • Community Events
          • Expert Opinions
          • FHE Commentary
          • FHE News
          • Treatment Legislation
          • View All Articles
  • Admissions
        • Insurance
          • Blue Cross Insurance
          • Beacon Health / Value Options Insurance
          • Cigna Insurance
          • Humana Insurance
          • TRICARE Insurance
        • Admissions
          • Steps to Addiction Help
          • Will Insurance Cover Behavioral Treatment?
          • Self-Pay Rehab
        • FAQ
          • Keeping Your Job in Rehab
          • Example Day in Rehab
        • Contact Admissions
          • Contact Us
          • Secure Payment Form
  • Contact
  •  
Home > Featured in Mental Health > SSRIs and SDDs: The Link Between Antidepressants and Sexual Dysfunction

December 16, 2021 By Kristina Robb-Dover

SSRIs and SDDs: The Link Between Antidepressants and Sexual Dysfunction

The Hidden Side Effect: How SSRIs Are Linked to Sexual Dysfunction

Today’s antidepressants, especially SSRIs (“selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors”), are reliably effective for what they’re intended to do: treat depression. However, in spite of the strides they embody for the treatment of depression and anxiety, they are not without side effects. Side effects are a common occurrence with many medications, and while not everyone will experience certain side effects associated with SSRIs, many people will—and that may make them hesitant to take these medications.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, roughly 19.4 million U.S. adults have experienced at least one major depressive episode. Depression is among the most common mental disorders in the country. Yet, as many as 35 percent of individuals experiencing major depression do not seek treatment. While there are numerous factors that deter people from seeking treatment (access to mental healthcare, lack of medical insurance, denial, etc…), a hesitance to take medication such as antidepressants is one of them.

One of the most disturbing side effects of SSRIs that detract from their reputation is sexual dysfunction. Is there a link between SSRIs and sexual dysfunction (SSD)? Can anything be done to reduce the risk of SSD while taking an SSRI? Here, we’ll explore these drugs and their link to SSD.

Can SSRIs Cause Sexual Dysfunction?

SDD is a significant concern for many people who are prescribed SSRIs or may be considering their use for treating depression. Is this a legitimate fear, as is there a link between SSRIs and sexual dysfunction? Yes. Some SSRIs (some more than others) can cause users to experience symptoms of SDD such as reduced interest in having sex, difficulty reaching orgasm, or difficulty sustaining arousal, for example. Not everyone experiences these types of side effects, though. Often, they are mild.

On the other hand, these symptoms can impede a person’s sex life considerably. While depression can also trigger these symptoms, many medications can affect the body’s natural processes, sexual performance included. There is still a tremendous need for medical researchers to further examine the links between antidepressants like SSRIs and symptoms associated with sexual dysfunction.

According to Harvard Health, approximately 35 to 50 percent of people suffering from untreated depression experience symptoms of sexual dysfunction. On the other hand, roughly 40 percent of people taking antidepressants have reported at least one symptom of SDD. Although it can be difficult for doctors to determine if the depression or the medication is causing SDD symptoms (or if they’re due to some other medical problem), some SSRIs are associated with a greater prevalence of SDD symptoms.

Most people taking SSRIs only experience mild side effects. They might not notice any SDD symptoms or only experience them occasionally. Some patients may experience more pronounced and regular symptoms of SDD, in which case they have options.

What to Do If You Are Suffering from SDD That May Be Linked to an SSRI

If you are taking an SSRI and experience symptoms of SDD, discuss these issues with a doctor. As mentioned, certain medications are associated with a higher incidence of SDD symptoms. For instance, patients taking SSRIs such as paroxetine, citalopram, and fluoxetine have sometimes reported feeling symptoms such as reduced libido or delayed ejaculation and erectile dysfunction.

Remember, however, that SSRI is an umbrella term for many drugs. Some medications will not be as effective for treating depression as others. Likewise, just because one medication causes SDD symptoms does not mean that another medication will. In fact, some SSRIs may only trigger mild or rare occurrences of SDD symptoms. Your medical provider will likely recommend a change of medication or a change in dosage. Keep in mind that a healthcare provider will not want to exchange one problem (depression) for another (sexual dysfunction).

Although it may take some time, you can work with your doctor to find a good medication fit. Keep track of any side effects that you experience when taking an SSRI. Sexual dysfunction isn’t the only side effect that may occur. Other common side effects associated with SSRIs include:

  • Drowsiness, reduced energy level
  • Headaches
  • Dry mouth
  • Insomnia
  • Dizziness
  • Feeling restless or agitated
  • Weight loss or weight gain

Can SDD Associated with SSRIs Be Reversed?

Most side effects of SSRIs are minimal and not permanent. These symptoms, therefore, are likely to disappear after you stop taking the drug in question. If the symptoms remain, your doctor will investigate further. Your depression may be the cause of the sexual dysfunction. There may be other factors involved such as age-related sexual dysfunction or another medical problem. One reason SSRIs are regarded as game changers in the treatment of clinical depression and anxiety is that they are highly effective while typically without major side effects.

Getting Evaluated for Depression Treatment

Not everyone who suffers from depression will be prescribed antidepressants. Consult your doctor if you are apprehensive about taking medications for mental illness. Medication is not the only treatment for major depression (although it can be highly effective and is often a first-line treatment for good reason.) Your doctor may advise you to try other ways to manage your depression without medications such as weekly or biweekly therapy, support groups, exercise, yoga, or journaling.

Doctors may also suggest taking medication temporarily. Many people may only be prescribed an SSRI for a period of six months or a year. Not everyone who suffers from depression will experience chronic depression that requires ongoing drug therapy. Of course, if alternative methods for managing your depression aren’t working, it may be worth trying an SSRI to see if it is effective for symptoms. Then, consider tracking any side effects, including symptoms of sexual dysfunction, and share them with a doctor.

In short, ignoring depressive symptoms is never a good idea. Depressive symptoms can worsen and impede a job, relationships, and quality of life. Depression is not a choice; people cannot choose to stop experiencing depression; they can only choose to try to manage it. The most effective way to manage depression invariably begins with consulting with a mental healthcare provider like FHE Health.

Depression is a highly treatable illness. Fortunately, there are also many treatment paths. At FHE, we can help find the treatment that works best for you.

Filed Under: Featured in Mental Health, Behavioral & Mental Health

About Kristina Robb-Dover

Kristina Robb-Dover is a content manager and writer with extensive editing and writing experience... read more

Primary Sidebar

Learning Center

  • Help for You
  • Help For Loved Ones
  • Help For Alcoholism
  • Help With Substance Abuse
  • Behavioral & Mental Health
  • Life in Recovery
  • Rehab Explained
  • All Articles

Sign up for the Blog

Our Facilities

Take a look at our state of the art treatment center.

View Our Gallery

The Experience Blog

  • Addiction News
  • Alumni
  • Community Events
  • Expert Columns
  • FHE Commentary
  • FHE News
  • Treatment Legislation
  • All Articles

Footer

FHE Health

© 2025 FHE Health

505 S Federal Hwy #2,
Deerfield Beach, Florida 33441
1-833-596-3502
youtube facebook instagram linkedin twitter
  • Contact
  • Careers at FHE Health
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
A+ BBB and Top Places to Work - Sun Sentinel

Copyright © 2025 · FHE Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Manage Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title} {title} {title}

The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing. If one of our articles is marked with a ‘reviewed for accuracy and expertise’ badge, it indicates that one or more members of our team of doctors and clinicians have reviewed the article further to ensure accuracy. This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care.

If there are any concerns about content we have published, please reach out to us at marketing@fhehealth.com.

833-596-3502

Text/Call Me