Are anti-depressants killing my sex drive?

Hi. I have been on Sertraline (Zoloft) 100mg for over 3 years. I took it to cope with depression, and its has helped there. However I have noticed more and more that It has blunted my emotions and even my sex drive. With particular reference to sex drive, I am still very much attracted to ladies, feel the drive to pursue them, and get aroused (though not as much as before). However, whilst I feel all these things mentally, physically I feel very little drive for sex. Even when I have a lady literally in my bed, I still don't feel driven to have sex. I do plan to go off the pills in the coming months, however this situation really confuses me. Is it possible that Anti-depressants are reducing my physical need for sex, whilst leaving my mental want for it unaffected?

This is a great question for your doctor, who will be able to answer with your history and list of any other medications on hand.

Pretty typical of most SSRI’s. It is an issue for my husband who has been on them for about 18 years. However, when not on SSRIs he’s completely nonfunctional . So I would rather he has this issue then be a completely non-functional human being .

Oh, yeah. On the one hand, the anti-depressants make you happy. On the other hand, you can't have sex.

Your doctor can try switching your medication, or add another medication (just what you need). Try reading this:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/expert-answers/antidepressants/faq-20058104

So many drugs have this effect. Blood pressure medication. The Pill (for women). Epilepsy meds. Prostate meds. Hair loss meds. Antihistamines. Opiates.

Booze. Smoking. Coke. Pot. Bennies. Painkillers. About the only drugs that helps sex is Viagra and testosterone. You can try taking some nutritional supplements for working out like protein powder, nitric oxide enhancers, creatine. I can tell you that these do have some effect, but how much, you have to decide for yourself.

Mentally, you might still be thinking about sex, but the drugs are affecting your blood flow and other systems in your body so your mind is writing check that your body can't cash. But I would be careful coming off the SSRIs. There are some nasty withdrawal symptoms.

Never never never cold turkey come off an SSRI. Like ever. You can become suicidal or homicidal .

Never never never cold turkey come off an SSRI. Like ever. You can become suicidal or homicidal .

Please do not adjust ANY DOSAGE on your own! As Seraphim says, this is vital....please see your doctor. I promise, they have heard it all, and they will have good answers for you, and they can help you with your dosage, or moving you to a different medication, etc.

Please do not feel embarrassed to ask this of your doctor. They will be very informative about sexual, and other, side effects of these meds.

But no, never adjust your dosage (of any medication, not just SSRI's) on your own.