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The vast majority of men are no strangers to taking medication—the pill-shaped, consumable capsules that treat a slew of health conditions afflicting us.
While these medications work for the most part, many of them carry unintended risks in the form of potential side effects.
Zoloft is no different. Being a drug with over 38 million prescriptions in the United States in 2020 alone, this drug is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the country.
Used primarily to treat major depressive disorder and panic attacks, Zoloft directly alters the regulation of hormones in the body. This, in turn, may result in patients experiencing different side effects, including a variety of side effects related to one’s physical sexual functions.
Let’s discuss the sexual side effects of Zoloft in men, together with what can be done to overcome them.
What Is Zoloft?
Zoloft is a brand name for sertraline, which is an antidepressant medication that belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Its primary function is to increase and regulate serotonin levels in the brain.
Zoloft may result in potential side effects and may interact with other medications, so it’s important to discuss with a healthcare provider and should only be taken under their guidance.
What Does Zoloft Treat?
Zoloft is primarily used to treat depression and mental health problems.
In particular, it helps treat anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
This is due to the mechanism of Zoloft that helps to increase the level of serotonin.
Furthermore, it also treats obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in both children over 6 years old and adults.
Sexual Side Effects of Zoloft
If you’re taking Zoloft regularly, you may have experienced a few minor side effects here and there. This can come in the form of nausea, sleepiness, and general lethargy.
But that’s by no means the end of it. Zoloft, like other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can potentially cause SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction.
It’s important to note that not everyone experiences these side effects, and their severity can vary among individuals. In fact, only 2% to 8% of patients will experience Zoloft-related sexual side effects.
Regardless, it’s important to get a clearer picture. Here are some of the most common sexual side effects of Zoloft.
1. Decreased Sex Drive
Zoloft can lower libido in men, and there are three main reasons why this happens.
Firstly, Zoloft blocks serotonin reabsorption in the body. While this helps people deal with depression and anxiety, it also suppresses sexual desire and dampens physiological responses involved in sex drive.
Secondly, serotonin interacts with other neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine, which is something that affects mood and pleasure. This medication may disrupt the balance of this neurotransmitter, causing reduced sex drive.
And finally, Zoloft can indirectly affect hormone levels in the body, including testosterone. This lack of testosterone can cause a hormonal imbalance that adversely hits our sexual desire.
2. Delayed Ejaculation
Elevated serotonin levels caused by Zoloft can potentially delay the ejaculation process or make it more difficult to achieve orgasm. Serotonin has an inhibitory effect on the release of other neurotransmitters involved in sexual arousal and orgasm, such as dopamine.
This disruption in the balance of neurotransmitters can interfere with the normal timing and intensity of ejaculation, thereby causing delayed ejaculation during sexual intercourse.
3. Erectile Dysfunction
Elevated serotonin levels from Zoloft may dampen sexual desire and interfere with the physiological processes of achieving and maintaining an erection. Serotonin inhibits the release of hormones that are involved in sexual arousal and erections.
Additionally, Zoloft and other SSRIs may affect the blood flow to the genitals, which can exacerbate difficulties in achieving and sustaining an erection.
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to sustain an erection for sex, encompassing both the difficulty in achieving and maintaining an erect penis. Experiencing occasional difficulty in achieving an erection when desired does not automatically signify erectile dysfunction.
The precise prevalence of erectile dysfunction is uncertain since healthcare professionals worldwide have varying definitions of the condition. However, experts recognize it as a frequently encountered issue.
4. Reduced Genital Sensitivity
Reduced genital sensitivity refers to the reduced tactile sensations one can feel in their sexual organs. It can feel like a numbing effect in the genital area. If you’re encountering this problem, Zoloft’s impact on serotonin levels in the brain may be to blame.
Serotonin, the neurotransmitter influenced by Zoloft, can modulate sensory perception and response. Elevated serotonin levels may dampen sensitivity and affect the average sensory experience in the genital area.
Alternatives to Zoloft
While antidepressant medications like Zoloft work well, they may cause sexual side effects.
Fortunately, there are certain antidepressants known to have a lower incidence of these effects. These include the following:
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
- Mirtazapine (Remeron)
- Agomelatine
- Vilazodone (Viibryd)
- Vortioxetine (Trintellix)
If you are experiencing sexual side effects from Zoloft, get in touch with your healthcare provider before taking any action. They can prescribe the best treatment to manage your symptoms and improve your sex life.
Treatment for Zoloft Sexual Problems
Here are some other ways to manage your sexual problems if you’re currently on Zoloft.
- Adding adjunct medications: Adjunct medication to counteract the sexual side effects of Zoloft may help improve sexual function while you continue to take Zoloft.
- Supervised temporary drug pause: A temporary medication-free period may be considered. Under the careful guidance, monitoring and supervision of your healthcare provider, you may stop taking Zoloft for a brief period to see if the sexual side effects resolve.
- Herbal supplements: Some explore herbal supplements or alternative therapies to manage sexual side effects. However, it’s important to be cautious as these products may have limited evidence of efficacy or potential interactions with medications.
- Psychological interventions: Counseling or therapy sessions, such as sex therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), may help address sexual side effects by enabling you to develop strategies to manage the impact of the sexual side effects.
Revive Your Sex Life with Jacksonville Florida’s Best Local Male Clinic at Prime Men’s Medical Center
Sexual side effects can be temporary or persistent, and they may subside over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
If these side effects persist or significantly impact your quality of life, it’s essential to discuss them with your healthcare provider, as they may provide the right, relevant care that your body can positively react to.
Need further assistance with managing the sexual side effects of Zoloft?
We offer a range of treatment plans, from ED treatment and low testosterone treatment to hormonal treatment. Contact Prime Men’s Medical Center in Jacksonville and receive a medical consultation from our healthcare professionals to help you in managing sexual dysfunction induced by Zoloft.
