Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
| Subscribe to Newser's RSS feeds RSS | Follow Newser on Twitter Twitter


3

Beware: Antidepressants Could Kill Your Sex Life

New studies show surprising libido effects in antidepressants

Share

(Newser) – An impaired sex drive has long been recognized as an occasional side effect of some antidepressants, but recent research suggests the drugs' libido-stifling powers might be far more widespread than doctors and patients thought. The prevalence of users experiencing numbness or fleeting arousal may be as high as 50%, and the side effects can linger even after the person stops taking the drug, reports the Boston Globe.

The numbers are disconcerting, considering that one in eight Americans has tried antidepressants in the past decade. Still more worrying to some is the fact that more adolescents are being prescribed the drugs, potentially setting them up for a lifetime of sexual dysfunction. "This is such an upsetting issue," says a therapist. "There are people for whom SSRIs are really life-saving."

The early studies on sexual side effects put the rate at about 4% for users of Prozac, and between 0 and 28% for those on Paxil. New research suggests the rates may be much higher.
The early studies on sexual side effects put the rate at about 4% for users of Prozac, and between 0 and 28% for those on Paxil. New research suggests the rates may be much higher.   (Getty Images)
In this Jan. 25, 2006 file photo from Indianapolis, a production technician at Eli Lilly and Company examines Cymbalta 60mg pills.
In this Jan. 25, 2006 file photo from Indianapolis, a production technician at Eli Lilly and Company examines Cymbalta 60mg pills.   (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, file)
Prozac users report a higher-than-expected rate of sexual dysfunction, new research reveals.
Prozac users report a higher-than-expected rate of sexual dysfunction, new research reveals.   (©Squish_E)
stop me oh ho ho stop me
stop me oh ho ho stop me   (©Publicly Scalped)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

The idea that someone would have to choose between getting out of the darkness of depression and having a good sex life is horrible. - Aline Zoldbrod, a psychologist and sex therapist in Massachusetts

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
OFF THE GRID
11.23.09
Books Are Bad for You
11.20.09
The Health-Care Wars Have Just Begun
3 comments
VIEWING:
 
Newser001
Dec 15, 08 2:06 PM CST
It's true... take it from the horses' mouth. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
0
Shannonals
Dec 27, 08 2:29 PM CST
I don't know, I think I would rather be depressed than have it effect my sex life Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
0
productspecialist
Dec 29, 08 2:23 AM CST
ARE YOU TIRED?SICK?POOR ON HEALTH?Copy and paste it on your browser and feel the benefits of your optimum health 100% effective here: http://www.productreview.com.au/category.php?cat_id=1007&a_aid=ccfafa8f I AM HELPING YOU FOR FREE YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOOSE TRY IT NOW!!!IT REALLY 100x WORKS Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
0
LEAVE A
COMMENT Comment Policy
Facebook ConnectPost this comment to Facebook?

After connecting you will have the option to post your comment on your Facebook profile.

 

Related Newser Stories

5 Stories

(Newser) - The number of Americans on antidepressants doubled from 1996 to 2005, a new study finds, but fewer are seeing psychiatrists, and most aren’t using the drugs to affect their mood. As of 2005, the last year for which data were available, 27 million Americans—roughly 10% of the population—... More »

MORE ABOUT:
depression • advertising • antidepressant • Prozac • pharmaceutical industry • scientific study • health study

 Combat Troops Turn to Prozac 

Anti-depressants keep soldiers in the field

Jun 6, 08 3:53 AM CDT
(Newser) - A growing number of American troops serving abroad are taking Prozac and other antidepressants, Time reports. A survey last year found 12% of troops in Iraq are using the drugs, with 17% relying on them in Afghanistan. The drugs help the military keep stressed combat troops in the field—but... More »

MORE ABOUT:
depression • antidepressant • US military • Prozac • PTSD • SSRIs

Supreme Court Rejects Boy Killer's Appeal

He claims drugs
made him shoot grandparents

Apr 14, 08 7:55 PM CDT
(Newser) - The Supreme Court refused today to let a teenage boy appeal his 30-year sentence for double-murder, CNN reports. Christopher Pittman, who was tried as an adult in South Carolina 3 years ago, is serving the longest sentence ever for someone his age—and blames antidepressants for inspiring him to kill... More »

MORE ABOUT:
antidepressant • murder • appeal • trial • sentencing • Paxil • murder trial • US Supreme Court • juvenile

5 Stories


Several medications can dampen your drive
Fox News

One potential treatment
Journal of the American Medical Association Subscription


Science & Health 
TwitterFollow @NewserScience on Twitter

 
antidepressant • Prozac • Paxil • side effects • SSRIs • sexual dysfunction

from our news partners