Antidepressants that do not affect libido
Finding antidepressants that do not impact libido is not easy. Antidepressants are a common medication used to treat various mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. While these medications can sometimes be effective at alleviating symptoms, they can also come with a range of potential side effects. One common concern among patients who take antidepressants is the effect that these medications can have on their libido, or sexual desire. For more information on how to boost libido, read our blog: Female Libido Booster!
Libido is a complex phenomenon that is influenced by a variety of factors, including hormonal balance, psychological state, and external factors such as stress and relationship dynamics.
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how antidepressants affect libido, there are some general trends and patterns that can be observed.
One of the most common classes of antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have been linked to a decrease in libido in some individuals. SSRIs work by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain, which can help to regulate mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. SNRIs are similar class of drugs that will increase both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
However, serotonin is also involved in the regulation of sexual function, and increasing its availability can sometimes lead to a decrease in sexual desire.
Other types of antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), may also have an impact on libido. TCAs have been associated with both increases and decreases in libido, while MAOIs may lead to a decrease in sexual desire.
It is worth noting that not all individuals who take antidepressants will experience a decrease in libido. However, some research shows that in those that get impacted by taking these sorts of antidepressant medications, the libido does not return even years after discontinuation of the medication.
There may be a lack of desire, but also genital numbness or inability to reach orgasm and pleasure that may occur not only during the time of these medications, but for years afterwards. This is something that is not being talked about and really needs more attention.
Natural antidepressant supplements such as 5htp, SAMe, B6, Tyrosine, Bacopa and more can often times be a wonderful support to mood without creating side effects. Often times with depression, a vicious cycle gets created. Libido goes down because we are depressed. But without libido, we are missing a major way of releasing oxytoxin, the love hormone. When we release oxytoxin, it helps mood and it lowers cortisol the stress hormone. When we have less connection and less stress resilience, we can get more depressed and the cycle continues.
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