Pills and Libido
Musings

Why Some Medicines Help Low Mood But Ruin High Libido

Cherisha Sonawala - Aug 20, 2024

Some antidepressants that are prescribed to help with low mood come with sexual side effects like low libido. Why? Does it happen to everyone? And what can be done to achieve a higher libido? 

Intimacy is a fundamental part of the human experience. It boosts your mood through the release of avalanches of happy hormones coursing through your body. It has the capability to, momentarily but thoroughly, release the tightly wound anxieties of our modern lives. How is it that intimacy, being a mood booster, often cannot be enjoyed by those experiencing low mood? 

Liz Jensen, in her book, The Rapture, says, “There’s this expectation that we should all be sexual beings, but the fact is, not all of us are, particularly.” There are so many people living with sexual dysfunctions. The lack of a high libido has reasons that range from asexuality to menopause, and so much more. Most of these often tend to be relatively out of our control. However, there is one reason that feels kind of paradoxical and lowkey unfair. There are some pharmaceutical drugs that decrease libido, specifically antidepressants, prescribed to those with low mood disorders. They boost moods but lower libido. 

Please Explain in Great Detail

Depression, Antidepressants, And Low Libido 

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are commonly prescribed antidepressants. They're mostly used to treat depression, especially chronic or severe depression. These are the meds that often cause sexual side effects. However, something important to remember is that antidepressants can raise libido for patients in the long run. Depression and anxiety themselves often cause low libido. People experiencing these disorders already lack a high libido. So, using these medicines to treat depression will also treat their initial low drive. It just takes some time. But it is so important to understand that these medicines are meant to improve the overall quality of a person’s life.

MyMuse spoke to *Dr. A.R. Chauhan (MBBS,  post-graduate resident at the Department of Psychiatry in a Mumbai-based institution), to better understand the relationship between medication and sexual side effects. 

“Treatments for a wide range of psychiatric disorders can be accompanied by just as wide a range of side effects. In the significant minority of patients who experience sexual side effects, these may range from diminished libido and erectile dysfunction all the way up to [the rare] anorgasmia which is the inability to experience pleasure at all.”

But if a patient with depression or anxiety also experiences quick finishing in bed, a strategic prescription can help them in more ways than one. Being able to last longer in bed can help improve their sexual experience and confidence which in turn can aid their recovery, in addition to the medication.

It’s a win-win!

Solutions to Counteract the Sexual Side Effects

Dr. Chauhan says, 

“Well, to paraphrase a famed textbook of psychopharmacology:

* Wait

* Wait

* Wait

* Switch, or add another medication.”

Simply put,  your doctor will take a dose or time-dependent approach. If you wait, it is very likely that you will develop a tolerance to the side effects. Then, your doctor may choose to increase the dose, while informing you that the same side effects may arise again, but will soon subside with the development of a higher tolerance. If they don’t subside, your doctor can take a call to reduce the dose again or switch to a different medication. 

All this applies only if you express your issues to your doctor. As Dr. Chauhan says, “Rest assured that asking your psychiatrist for a few extra minutes and advice will only do you good. Communication is key!” 

At the end of the day, the risk-benefit factor has to be considered.  If a patient is suffering from severe depression and poses a threat to their own life, it would be detrimental to stop the medication for the want of high libido. Treating severe depression > high libido. 

In Conclusion, 

The key is to always air your grievances to your doctor. They are here to help and should be able to analyse and judge your situation well before mapping out the way ahead. Also, remember, pleasure comes in all forms. 

Self Care Massage

It doesn’t always have to be two people under the sheets. You can opt to buy some of the best body massagers in India from MyMuse. But most importantly, take some time off, focus on yourself, and indulge in some self-care products. There are many ways to help yourself and get external help too. 

 

*Dr. A R Chauhan declares no conflict of interest and that he will receive no compensation.

 

You may also like: 

Slick

Glide

Pulse

 

25% Off
4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
199 Reviews
An all natural, water-based lube with organic aloe, for friction-free intimacy
₹449
₹599 Sale price ₹449
50% Off
4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
262 Reviews
A sleek, discreet full-body massager with a pointed tip & powerful vibrations
₹2999
₹5999 Sale price ₹2999
4.5
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
31 Reviews
A natural massage oil + lube, for sensual massage and smooth intimate moments
₹999
₹999 Sale price ₹999

NEWSLETTER
Join Our Partay!

Caution: Not Your Regular Mailing List

Our newsletter gives personalised answers to your most personal q uestions, game-changing tips on how to get better in bed, plus exclusive discounts on our products.

You Might Also Like

A cat showing pick-me behaviour

Pick-Me Behaviour: Why It’s Time to Put That Cr...

Turned Off Light Switch on Wall To Represent Responsive Desire

Why You're Not 'In the Mood' Until You Are: A G...

Emotional Baggage

What Is Emotional Baggage? 10 Signs It's Sabota...

Nice guy syndrome a man holding a heart-shaped balloon

The Truth About Nice Guy Syndrome: Why 'Nice' I...

See More
Explore Our Products
4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
44 Reviews
An intoxicating massage oil with pure mogra extract, to ignite sensuality
₹999
₹999 Sale price ₹999
25% Off
4.7
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
35 Reviews
A calming massage oil, to help you unwind and get in the mood for intimacy
₹599
₹799 Sale price ₹599
62% Off
4.6
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
16 Reviews
A remote-controlled, compact, wearable massager for enhanced partnered play
₹2999
₹7999 Sale price ₹2999
50% Off
4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
262 Reviews
A sleek, discreet full-body massager with a pointed tip & powerful vibrations
₹2999
₹5999 Sale price ₹2999
38% Off
4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
180 Reviews
An internal + external massage wand, to help you uncover all your sweet spots
₹3999
₹6499 Sale price ₹3999
50% Off
4.6
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
108 Reviews
A handy vibrating, ribbed massager with 10 speeds for his ultimate pleasure
₹2499
₹4999 Sale price ₹2499
50% Off
4.9
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars
246 Reviews
A personal massager with unique suction tech that mimics oral stimulation
₹2499
₹4999 Sale price ₹2499
50% Off
4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
91 Reviews
A compact, flexible massager with 10 speeds, that's perfect for partnered play
₹2499
₹4999 Sale price ₹2499
Mobile Image