You may have heard about or experienced unwanted side effects of antidepressants. It is always helpful to talk to your doctor or counselor about any side effects. One type of side effect that is particularly difficult for some people to talk about, however, is any type of sexual side effect.
It can be challenging and awkward to talk to someone about your sex life. This is particularly true when something doesn’t feel like it is going well or when you experience a change. Unfortunately, some antidepressant medications can have sexual side effects. This is not because of anything you have done. It is simply an unwanted result of taking the medication.
How to Alleviate Sexual Side Effects of Antidepressants
If you experience any unwanted side effects, you don’t have to suffer. Here are some things you can do to help alleviate any sexual side effects of taking an antidepressant. Remember, it is important to discuss changes with your doctor before making them to ensure your health and safety.
Consider a lower dose
Sometimes it is not the medication that is the problem, it is the dosage. Instead of giving up on a helpful medication, you can talk to your doctor about trying a lower dose. The goal of this is to alleviate the side effects while maintaining the efficacy of the medication in treating your depression. This is a process that must be done with your doctor. Do not change your medication dose on your own.
If you are unsure of how to bring it up with your doctor, a counselor can help you develop a plan.
Ask about other medication options
If the medication is proving problematic, you can talk to your doctor about other antidepressants you could take. Not all medicines have the same side effects, and not all people respond the same way to each medicine. Thankfully, many possibilities have been tested and proven helpful in treating depression. You can talk to your doctor about the benefits of each and which one may work best for your overall wellness.
Time things differently
Medications can cause side effects at different times. Some medications are more likely to cause side effects within a few hours of taking them. In this instance, you can time your sexual relations right before you take your dose.
It can also help to try engaging in sexual activity at different times of the day to see if there is any improvement in your symptoms. Some people find that they have more energy in the morning and the side effects are less noticeable. Others may not notice any difference in times. The best way to find out is to try.
Take a break
With doctor approval, consider taking breaks from your medication. This should only be done after talking to your doctor because even missing a day or two can drastically affect your health. If the doctor approves, some people find it helpful to skip a day each week or to take weekends off from their medication. This may enable them to engage in sexual activity without the side effects of the medication.
This does not work with every medication. Some antidepressants require consistent administration at the same time each day. Without this, they can stop working, cause dangerous withdrawal side effects, and even worsen depression. This is why it is essential to talk to a doctor before choosing to skip any dose of your medication.
Try other things
When people experience unwanted sexual side effects of antidepressants it can cause stress, anxiety, and anger. These emotions can perpetuate the problem, making the sexual side effects worse. Additionally, these can cause other physical, emotional, and relational issues.
To address this, you can incorporate other things that help such as:
- Get adequate sleep every night.
- Drink water and eat a nutritious balance diet.
- Incorporate movement or exercise into your day.
- Meditate.
- Pray.
- Practice deep breathing.
While these things will not fix the entire problem, they will help you function better, increasing overall wellness and mental health.
Add another medication
Doctors can prescribe other medications to help treat sexual side effects. There are a variety of things available to improve sexual function. Talk to your doctor to see if any of these are good options for you. Do not seek these medications on your own without speaking to your doctor as you can experience additional issues without proper medical clearance.
Help to handle the sexual side effects of antidepressants
The counselors at Wylie Christian Counseling in Texas understand that this can be a sensitive topic. We are here to support you and help you find a solution that prioritizes your complete wellness. This includes treating your depression as well as helping you ensure your sexual well-being.
Contact us today at Wylie Christian Counseling in Texas for a safe, judgment-free place to find the help you need.
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Jennifer Kooshian: AuthorJennifer Kooshian lives in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with her husband of 32 years on a small homestead near Lake Superior. They have five adult children and one grandson. She also has an ever-changing number of chickens, a mellow old cat, and a...
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