Medication & sexual health
Antidepressants and Sexual Side Effects in Men
Antidepressants can affect libido, erections and orgasm. Learn which effects are common, why they happen, and how to talk to your prescriber safely.
In short: Antidepressants and sexual side effects are common, especially with SSRIs. Men may notice lower libido, softer erections, delayed orgasm or less sensation. Never stop or change your medicine on your own – speak to your prescriber, as there are often ways to reduce these effects.
You’re not alone
Depression and anxiety are common, and antidepressants help many men feel like themselves again. Sexual side effects are also common – and many men feel too embarrassed to mention them. Talking about it is the first step to finding a solution that protects both your mental and sexual health.
Which effects are most common?
- Lower sex drive
- Delayed ejaculation or difficulty reaching orgasm
- Softer erections or difficulty keeping an erection
- Reduced sensation or less intense orgasms
These effects are most often reported with SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs. Some other antidepressants are less likely to affect sexual function.
Why antidepressants affect sex
Many antidepressants raise serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin helps lift mood, but it also slows the ejaculation reflex and can dampen desire and arousal. That is why some men taking SSRIs notice delayed orgasm.
Is it the medicine or the depression?
Depression itself often lowers libido and can cause erection problems. Anxiety can also make it harder to relax into intimacy. It can be hard to tell which is responsible. Read depression and erectile dysfunction for more on this link.
Important: don’t stop suddenly
Stopping antidepressants abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms and a return of depression. Any change in dose or medicine must be discussed with the professional who prescribed it.
What your prescriber may consider
Options your prescriber might discuss include:
- Adjusting the dose
- Changing the timing of doses
- Switching to a medicine with fewer sexual side effects
- Adding talk therapy to support recovery
Natural steps that may help
These lifestyle changes support sexual wellbeing and mood alongside your treatment:
- Regular exercise, which supports mood, blood flow and confidence
- Good sleep habits – see lack of sleep and erectile dysfunction
- Less alcohol, which can worsen both depression and erections
- Pelvic floor training with Kegel exercises for men
- Unhurried intimacy that focuses on touch and connection, such as sensate focus exercises
A word on herbs and supplements
Some herbs, including St John’s wort, can interact dangerously with antidepressants. Always tell your prescriber and any natural practitioner about every medicine and supplement you take before starting anything new.
Talking to your partner
Explaining that changes in desire or orgasm are a side effect – not a lack of attraction – can ease pressure for both of you. See how to improve intimacy in a relationship.
Where to get support
If you are struggling with low mood, SADAG offers free support in South Africa. If you ever feel unsafe, contact emergency services or go to your nearest emergency department. For sexual wellbeing alongside your treatment, our naturopath in Sandton offers private consultations and works around your prescribed care, never in place of it.
Why men choose our natural approach
Walk in or consult remotely
Walk in at Buccleuch, Sandton, with parking available, or consult by phone or video from anywhere in South Africa.
Natural and non-surgical
Herbal remedies and practical guidance, with no injections or surgery.
Faster appointments
Enquiries answered 24/7, with same-day appointments often available.
Transparent pricing
Consultations are R2,500, with any remedy costs confirmed before you commit.
Private self-check: 5 quick questions
Answer these honestly before you try anything new or book. They help you describe what is happening and get more from your first consultation.
- Has your interest in sex dropped noticeably compared with before?
- Are you taking any regular medicines, such as antidepressants or blood pressure tablets?
- Have you been feeling low, anxious, stressed or tired most days?
- Have you noticed erection, ejaculation or orgasm changes as well?
- Is the change affecting your relationship or how you feel about yourself?
Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own – speak to your prescriber. If low mood is affecting daily life, reach out for mental health support. A naturopath can help with natural support alongside medical care.
What happens at your first consultation
- Walk in or book online, call +27 10 205 9855 or WhatsApp +27 81 823 1313. In Gauteng, walk in at 199 Vanessa Street, Buccleuch, Sandton, where parking is available. Outside Gauteng, choose a confidential phone or video consultation. Enquiries are answered 24/7.
- Talk privately with a naturopath about your symptoms, health history, lifestyle and goals.
- Receive a personalised natural plan, with any remedy costs confirmed upfront.
- Follow up in person or remotely so your progress is reviewed and your plan adjusted.
Your health and safety
Our naturopaths use natural remedies and lifestyle support, and always check your health history and current medicines first. If anything needs medical attention we tell you honestly and refer you to an appropriately registered medical professional. Avoid unregistered “enhancement” products sold online or at markets, as SAHPRA has warned that some contain hidden ingredients.
Seek urgent medical care for chest pain, an erection lasting more than four hours, sudden weakness or other sudden symptoms.
Consultation price
A consultation is R2,500, in person or remote, and your naturopath confirms any further costs before you go ahead. See our mens clinic prices for details.
Frequently asked questions
Do antidepressants cause erectile dysfunction?
Some antidepressants, especially SSRIs and SNRIs, can cause softer erections, lower libido or delayed orgasm in some men.
Will sexual side effects go away?
Some men find effects ease after a few weeks. For others they persist, and a prescriber may suggest adjusting or changing the medicine.
Should I stop my antidepressant if it affects my sex life?
No. Do not stop or change your medicine without speaking to your prescriber, as stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal and relapse.
Which antidepressants have fewer sexual side effects?
Some antidepressants are less likely to affect sexual function than SSRIs. Your prescriber can advise what may suit you.
Can herbs help antidepressant sexual side effects?
Some herbs interact with antidepressants, including St John’s wort. Always check with your prescriber before taking any herb or supplement.
How much does a consultation cost?
A consultation is R2,500, and any remedy costs are confirmed with you before you go ahead.
Book your consultation today
Walk in at our Sandton practice any time, day or night, or book ahead. Outside Gauteng? Book a remote consultation.
References and further reading
Reviewed by George Mulaudzi, Naturopath. This page is general information and does not replace a personal consultation. If you have chest pain, sudden symptoms or a medical emergency, seek urgent medical care.
