How Anti-Depressants can Affect your Sex Drive

And what you can do to achieve sexual pleasure 

In December 2014, blogger Christa Anne announced #orgasmquest. Christa is on multiple medications for her chronic depression and fibromyalgia. Like thousands of others, she found that the antidepressants lowered her sex drive and made achieving orgasm difficult, if not impossible. 

Through the #orgasmquest hashtag on Twitter, and her often hilarious and wonderfully honest blog posts, Christa has reached a huge audience of women and men who are supporting and encouraging each other to achieve sexual pleasure against the odds.

So are there actual health benefits to orgasms?

Orgasms feel fantastic, of course. But they also have remarkable health benefits.

• Orgasms release oxytocin, which makes us feel happier, lowers our blood pressure and relieves stress.
• The endorphins that are also released are mood enhancers and relaxants, allowing us to sleep better.
• Orgasms also have an analgesic effect, which can help to relieve pain from headaches or even chronic illness, at least for a time.
• As if that weren’t enough, the increased heart rate and even moderate activity we undertake during sexy time with our partners provides much-needed exercise to keep us in shape.

What to do when your meds affect your orgasms...

Orgasmquest has shown that there are many, many people who suffer anorgasmia (inability to orgasm) or inhibited sex drive as a result of antidepressants or other medications. Here are some useful tips to try if you suffer from these problems:

1. Your doctor may be able to prescribe an antidepressant that does not affect libido so badly. Most well known is Wellbutrin, which can also be prescribed alongside another anti-depressant in order to offset its effects.
2. You may also be able to decrease your antidepressant dosage slightly, just to a point where you are able to enjoy a more active sex life but still have the benefit of the medication. This is a fine line, so you will need to work closely with your doctor to balance this.
3. Consider changing the time you take your medication so that your ‘usual’ time to enjoy sex falls just before your next dose is due, when levels of the drug are at their lowest in your bloodstream.
4. Some medical professionals recommend trying a performance enhancer like Maximor for Men or Women to give your sex drive a little boost.
5. Using a good quality lubricant can help a great deal, as many women experience dryness and discomfort that makes it hard to relax and enjoy the moment.
6. Many #orgasmquest followers have found that determination is the key. This may mean trying again and again, and continuing stimulation for a long time before orgasm is reached. This is where a sex toy (or two) will come in handy.

Remember, spending time on your body and your pleasure is worth it. It’s good for your mental and physical health. And if you are on a quest like Christa Anne’s: may it be glorious and fulfilling! 

In the image above, Christa Anne holds the Njoy Pure Wand Probe. Check it out...