QUESTION:
"Please, no judgment. It’s already embarrassing to have to ask strangers about this, but I don’t know who else to go to. A couple of months ago, my doctor started me on Zoloft (sertraline). Everything was fine at first, but now I have no sex drive at all.
Like, I could never have sex again and be completely fine with it. I feel awful because I know my husband feels like I don’t want him anymore. He hasn’t tried to guilt me or anything. He always just says he understands, but I still feel so guilty.
I don’t want to feel this way anymore, but I also don’t want to go back to feeling anxious and depressed 24/7. I see the doctor at the end of November, but is there anything I can do until then? Thanks in advance!"
RELATED QUESTION: Is it normal to lose your sex drive after you have kids?
TOP ANSWERS (AS SELECTED BY MODERATOR):
“Unfortunately this is a common side effect with psychological medications. Open communication with your doctor is key. There are many different types of antidepressants that could have less sexual side effects. Even though the appointment isn’t until November, it may be worth a call to the doctor to see if medications can be changed.”
“I took Zoloft for years and had the same problem. I went to my ‘hormone dr’ (he takes care of my thyroid meds for me) and he put me on testosterone (for real it’s AWESOMENESS) now I don’t need the Zoloft, I feel happier, and my sex drive is back… just something for you to think about.”
“Try another medicine. It’s possible to take meds and not get the nasty side effect of no sex drive. You just have to find the right one. I’m on Wellbutrin and it’s great!”
“This is a very common side effect for many of these types of meds. Just let your doc know and they will change up the med.”
“I HAD THE SAME ISSUE. I was never in the mood. I felt horrible. I wanted to have sex with my husband, but just couldn’t. I had to change medicines because it got so bad I didn’t want to be shown any physical attention and after I got used to it, it stopped working on my depression/anxiety. I think Zoloft is a crappy medication in general, but that’s just my personal opinion, psych meds are different for everyone.”
“I would call your doctor and let them know since taking Zoloft it’s affected your sex drive. They can lower the dose, or even change to something else. It’s a common problem with not only that medication but for others as well.”
“Thank you for asking about this! I’m also on Sertraline and it definitely has ruined my sex drive. My fiancé understands but it really sucks!! I’ve also gained a LOT of weight because now I’m not energetic as well (since taking the medicine). Now I know I’m not alone and will be reaching out to my doctor!”
“When I was taking anti-depressants I was on escitalopram, I’m sure I spelled it wrong, but it’s the generic of Lexapro and it didn’t have any effects on me. If I can give you some advice, find things you like doing that gives you some peace to where eventually you can wean yourself off of it. If I’m feeling depressed, I keep a journal and write about it, or go for a walk or exercise. I was able to get off my antidepressants by doing this because I didn’t want to rely on a drug to keep me happy. I wanted to find my own happiness good luck to you.”
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I went to my “hormone dr” (he takes care of my thyroid meds for me) and he put me on testosterone (for real its AWESOMENESS) now I dont need the zoloft, I feel happier, and my sex drive is back… just something for you to think about
but I don’t mind it , I was a sex freak LOL! But let your doctor know for sure ! Maybe she can try you on something different but It was a symptom she warned me about it and I laughed not believing her, until it actually happened !