Antidepressants and sexual dysfunction

In the procession of the problems that accompany depression, sexual problems are not insignificant. Long considered a symptom of this disease, we now know they can be a side effect of antidepressants. What is it really?
 
Depression predisposes to the lack of pleasure in all areas of life. It is therefore not surprising to see locate in these difficult times of sexual disorders.

Whether lack of desire, difficulty with erection or ejaculation in men, poor arousal or access to orgasm in women. He must be aware of one or more of these disorders accompanying depression in approximately 40 to 50% of patients in some studies1.2. But what is the link between depression and sexual dysfunction? These studies do not indicate whether the patient's mental state is involved or whether the sexual disorder is the result of difficulties encountered by the depressed person. Or if the sexual problem existed before the Depression.

Also most people with depression receive antidepressants. Among side effects: sexual dysfunction. So how to separate things?

When drugs rhymes with poor lover
Often sexual disorders persist, while the medication set removes the symptoms of depression and allows patients to recover. For some, taking antidepressants will reflect these difficulties do not exist before.

Since he is interested, this side effect is better known. A study3 has shown that if 14% of patients spontaneously only address the onset or persistence of sexual problems during consultations, they are 58% to complain if the doctor specifically asked.

In another survey, 51% of those treated by antidepressant felt better, but only 1% had seen their interest in sex increased during treatment2.

While most antidepressants can negatively affect sexual function, their effects are different. Some decrease sexual desire, other excitement or orgasm. Moreover, some antidepressants are known to delay ejaculation are used in the treatment of premature ejaculation.

Studies2 antidepressants are compared on this point, it appears that the Zyban® (bupropion), the Stablon® (Tianeptine), and Norset® (Mirtazapine) often have less deleterious effects on sexuality.

How do I know if it comes to this side effect?
You're depressed, you take an antidepressant and you have sexual problems.

If sexual dysfunction occurred at the beginning of treatment, the drug is probably involved;
If, despite an improvement in your mood and the disappearance of some symptoms of depression, sexual dysfunction occurred early in your depression persists, treatment may be involved;
If your sexual problems were present before the depression. The drug is probably not an issue but if you see a sex therapist, tell him your treatment.
In any case, do not hesitate to discuss this with your doctor. It will offer a solution tailored to your situation.

Sexuality remains an important focus for anyone depressed. A survey has shown. 75% of people with depression or a past depressive respondents felt was important or very important to have a satisfying sex life2.

What to do when the antidepressant is involved?
One thing is certain: we must never stop it lightly. Your doctor will help you find the appropriate solution5.6.

It is possible to decrease the dose of medication to a minimum effective;
The side effect sometimes disappears spontaneously within a few months;
Antidepressants are not all equally disruptive. It is sometimes possible to change the therapeutic class;
Your doctor may wish to make "therapeutic window", that is to say to stop treatment at the weekend. But this method does not fit all;
Some anxiolytics as Buspirone® added to SSRIs allows the disappearance of sexual disorder induced by the antidepressant;
In men with the erectile dysfunction induced by an antidepressant, it is possible to use induces erection to alleviate the side effect.
Do not forget that these disorders due to drugs are reversible. The combination of psychotherapy to drug treatment will stop easiest and quickest one.

Sexual function, long neglected by therapists must be taken into account. The quality that will allow better monitoring of treatment and participate in the restoration of the depressed person.

 

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