Managing Sexual Side Effects of SSRI Antidepressants: A Comprehensive Guide

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (S.S.R.I.s), commonly prescribed antidepressants, often come with sexual side effects such as low libido, erectile dysfunction, and emotional blunting. Patients are encouraged to openly discuss these issues with their doctors, as alternative medications or additional drugs can be prescribed to counteract the side effects. "Drug holidays," or temporary cessation or reduction of S.S.R.I. dosage, may also be considered, but should be done under medical supervision. While rare, some patients have reported persistent sexual problems even after discontinuing S.S.R.I.s, but diagnosing this condition can be challenging due to the overlapping symptoms with depression itself.