Antidepressant side effects.

Each year, nearly 14 million Americans are stricken with depression, or major depressive disorder (MDD). It’s estimated that among adults over the age of 18, that 10% of women and 4% of men are using antidepressants to treat the disorder. Surprisingly, many of these people are unaware some of the antidepressant side effects they may be subjected to, especially sexual side effects. They may even be unaware of the effect because a lack of sexual desire can be a symptom of the depression itself.

1,003 patients being treated with antidepressants were recently surveyed by International Communications Research in a study for pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline. The study showed that nearly half of those patients reported sexual problems as an antidepressant side effect. The study also noted that 77% of people surveyed claimed to suffer from a lack of desire, while 56% confessed to inability to reach orgasm. Dr. Adam Keller Ashton M.D., who is a clinical professor of psychiatry with the State University of New York at Buffalo says “Many people don’t realize that their sexual problems can be caused by major depressive disorder itself or by some of the treatments.” 

Many people find that discussing depression or sexual problems with their doctor to be difficult. In fact, studies have shown that only about 20% of patients discuss antidepressant side effects like sexual problems with their health care provider. However, when asked directly by their doctor, nearly 59% will confirm that it is a problem.

Another issue is that busy doctors sometimes forget to mention all antidepressant side effects when talking to their patients. One study found that only 16% of patients claim their doctor discussed sexual problems as a side effect, while 69% of doctors claim that they usually discuss it. Dr. Aston says “Sexual dysfunction associated with antidepressants does occur, and can be a bothersome side effect.”

“No one antidepressant is right for everyone,” he continues, “yet there are plenty of options to meet patients’ needs, which is why it’s critical for doctors to discuss and patients to ask about side effects of any medication prescribed.” In fact, the risk of sexual problems is higher when using antidepressants that affect the neurotransmitter serotonin. Various studies have shown that the incidence of these side effects can range from 34% to 67% when using serotonergic antidepressants.

Over at the University of Washington, Dr. Pepper Schwartz, PhD agrees that it’s important for patients to find out everything they can about depression, depression treatment and potential antidepressant side effects. Having information beforehand makes it easier to discuss with your doctor. Says Schwartz, “A good working relationship with a doctor is important to help get the care you need, and it relies on good communication.”

Should you find that as an antidepressant side effect you are affected by sexual problems, you may find that the program offered by Dr Holly Lucille could assist you.  Dr  Lucille is a Board-Certifed Naturapathic Doctor (ND) and a registered nurse (RN) and you can read about her program by CLICKING HERE.