Antidepressant Consumption Can Lower Sexual Passion? Here's An Expert Explanation

Ilstai took depressive drugs (Pexels/Jeshoot)

JAKARTA - Many factors can affect a person's sexual arousal, including the depression he feels. The depression experienced can reduce a person's sexual arousal, especially with the antidepressant drugs consumed.

Antidepressants are drugs used to treat depression. This drug works by balancing chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, especially serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which are believed to be involved in regulating moods.

Antidepressants are usually prescribed when a person is diagnosed with severe depression, anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Even though it is used to overcome depression, antidepressants can actually have side effects on the body, including sex drive. Antidepressants can lead to the management of sexual desire, delay or reduced orgasm.

"This problem (depression and consumption of antidepressants) can be related to past trauma, and this can be the cause of sexual dysfunction," said psychiatrist Dr. Alexander LAPA, quoted from the Daye page, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

This can happen because antidepressants balance neurotransmitters in the brain by increasing levels of serotonin. This can reduce dopamine levels, which play a role in the way humans see and enjoy pleasure. Side effects of sex drive decrease due to the consumption of antidepressants are often experienced by women.

I've found these symptoms more frequently in women, and they usually appear on their own. Either in late lubrication or inability to orgasm," he explained.

However, the side effects of antidepressants on sex drive can be overcome. Doctor LAPA recommends paying attention to other factors related to sex drive, such as diet, routine, stress, and exercise.

It is recommended to adopt a healthy lifestyle and manage stress, so that sex drive persists. You can plan to have sex before taking antidepressant drugs.

Before taking antidepressants, the level of medication in the body is at its lowest point, so that side effects on sexual intercourse are reduced. You must also actively consult a therapist, to help deliver appropriate drugs without side effects or help overcome depression so that antidepressant treatment can be avoided.