Scientists and health professionals have long known that decreased sexual desire could be a possible side effect from taking prescription antidepressants.
Now, an article in the Boston Globe suggests that the whole story of this effect has not yet been told, with sexual problems from antidepressants far more common than was previously thought.
For example, those who take Prozac are currently warned that 4 percent of patients may suffer sexual side effects, while Paxil estimates between zero and 28 percent feel an effect on their libido.
But Dr. Richard Balon of Wayne State University told the news provider that recent studies have found that the sexual side effect figures for all serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are actually closer to 30-50 percent.
Balon suggested that more insight could be gained through further research but said that “the [pharmaceutical] industry, understandably, has no interest in funding this.”
Some people may even find that once they stop taking an SSRI, their libido does not return to normal. One online group focused on this issue, for example, contains 1,800 members, the article states.
Those who are looking for natural supplements to help treat symptoms of depression may be interested in trying St Johns Wort. Some studies have found that it can be as effective for mild to moderate forms of depression.