Antidepressants and sexual health

[hello_world]

I've been on various SSRIs for a while, and I've been noticing that I've been having trouble coming even though I don't feel like I have a very abnormal sex drive and I have a pretty easy time becoming erect and pre-ejaculating when masturbating. Is this most likely caused by the effects of SSRIs or something else? I notice I lose sexual sensitivity, and therefore pretty quickly when masturbating and even the textbook firm grip jerking off doesn't really feel pleasurable, and I'm diagnosed as autistic, so there are multiple potential causes.

[Sam W]

Hi hello_world,

It's definitely possible that the SSRIs are at play here, since issues with arousal and orgasm are known side effects of some of them. Did you notice the orgasm troubles started around the same time as a particular medication?

[hello_world]

I think I was on paroxetine by the time I started getting these troubles, but I've tried a few SSRIs. I might be going off them soon, so that might be changing something.

[Urna]

Hi hello_world,

Yes, Paroxetine does inhibit orgasm and arousal. It's highly probable that going off SSRIs will change things, as you said, so good luck!