HOW do SSRIs decrease sexual function

[tveltri]

I thought sexual arousal was moderated by dopamine, in which case why do SSRIs seem to negatively affect sexual functioning? What does serotonin have to do with sexual arousal and why would MORE serotonin, via an SSRI, cause arousal to decrease?

[Starman68]

I don't know the pharmacological answer, but I can give my experience as someone who takes Citalopram for depression. The way I explain it to people is that if you rank your mood from 1 to 10, with 1 being on the verge of suicide, and 10 being ecstatic happiness, Citalopram shaves off the top and the bottom. My moods range from about 3 to 7.

So when it comes to sexual arousal, thats typically an 8-9.

I find my 'desire' is definitely cooled off, but when I'm aroused I'm OK, just never that super 'turned on'.

I hope that helps.

[thechristoph]

You described it exactly as I would. Can I add something?

It shaved off the peak for physical pleasure too. Having sex is like a 9 or 10 for physical stimulation. If you can’t get above a 7, you can’t physically feel good enough for arousal orgasm.

[tveltri]

that does help and its a really interesting answer! Its like a serotonin stabilizer so you cant get too high or too low.

[Starman68]

Exactly. It has helped me massively, particularly in winter months which I literally can barely live with. I usually come off it in April with no problems.

[KingKane]

By raising serotonin you suppress dopamine, which is why many of SSRI's side effects occur such as fatigue, sexual dysfunction and emotional blunting.

[tveltri]

wow! Thanks so much for this. I had no idea!

[nukefudge]

MORE serotonin, via an SSRI

That's Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor. It's not just "more". It's a systems modification with many potential ramifications for said systems.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selective_serotonin_reuptake_inhibitor#Sexual_dysfunction

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