SSRI Sexual Dysfunction: What It Is, Why It Happens, and What You Can Do

When you start taking an SSRI, a class of antidepressants that increase serotonin levels in the brain to improve mood. Also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, these drugs are among the most prescribed treatments for depression and anxiety in Canada. But for many people, the benefit comes with a cost: SSRI sexual dysfunction, a group of sexual side effects including reduced desire, trouble getting or keeping an erection, delayed orgasm, or complete loss of pleasure during sex. It’s not rare—it affects up to 70% of users. And yet, most patients never bring it up with their doctor because they assume it’s just part of the deal.

Here’s the thing: this isn’t just about libido. It’s about intimacy, self-esteem, and whether you can stick with treatment. People stop taking SSRIs because of this—not because the depression came back, but because sex stopped working. And that’s a huge problem. Serotonin, a brain chemical that lifts mood but also shuts down sexual response. Too much of it, and your body’s natural arousal pathways get blocked. It’s like turning up the volume on one signal while muting another. This isn’t just a side effect—it’s a direct pharmacological result. And it’s not just men. Women report reduced arousal, difficulty reaching orgasm, and numbness in the genital area. The impact is real, widespread, and often dismissed.

What makes this worse is that doctors rarely warn patients upfront. And when people do mention it, they’re often told to wait it out, switch meds, or just deal with it. But there are better ways. Some people find relief by lowering their dose. Others benefit from adding a low-dose bupropion, which doesn’t interfere with sexual function like SSRIs do. There’s also timed dosing—taking your SSRI right after sex instead of before. And for those who’ve tried everything, newer options like phosphodiesterase inhibitors (think Viagra) can help with physical response, even if the mental desire is still low. It’s not one-size-fits-all, but it’s not hopeless either.

Below, you’ll find real, practical posts from people who’ve lived through this. Some share how they managed sexual side effects while staying on their antidepressant. Others detail what worked—and what didn’t—when switching medications or adding supplements. You’ll see how people balanced mental health with intimacy, and how small changes made a big difference. No fluff. No jargon. Just what actually helps.