Do antidepressants cause sexual side effects?

Do antidepressants cause sexual side effects?

Antidepressants, or depression medicines, are highly effective in easing depression. But many of these drugs come with sexual side effects.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are an example. SSRIs work by boosting levels of the brain chemical serotonin. Increased serotonin can help improve mood. But it can also prevent normal communication between the brain and sex organs. SSRIs may make it difficult for a man to get an erection or ejaculate. These drugs can also prevent a woman from having an orgasm.

Other antidepressants focus on different chemicals in the brain. Drugs that increase dopamine or norepinephrine are less likely to have sexual side effects.