Medication Sexual Side Effects

Medication can be a vital tool to support mental and physical health and enhance quality of life. For many, medication provides long-awaited relief and an increased capacity for joy. Ironically, it’s not uncommon that while on beneficial medications one may also experience side effects, some of which can affect sexual functioning.

Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and antipsychotics can all have sexual side effects, as can other medications, including but not limited to beta blockers, antihistamines, and sleep medications. Sexual side effects may include reduced libido, reduced genital arousal, and difficulty with orgasm. Sometimes we can rule out whether sexual issues are a side effect based on whether sexual functioning differs with the situation. Our challenge with sexual functioning may not be related to medication if we have low arousal alone but not with a partner, or if we have difficulty climaxing with a partner but not alone.

When the medication is important to our well-being, and there's not another medication that provides the benefit without the side effects, we can look for other ways to mitigate the effects on our lives. We can release shame and discouragement around sexual side effects, as well as take the opportunity to refresh and evolve in our sex life. 

For example, with low desire and arousal, regardless of whether the issue is because of medication or something else, we can explore diversifying the ways in which we build arousal, playing with intensity and length of time. Slowing down, taking more time, increasing stimulation, and adding sexual variety can be helpful ways to navigate lower desire. We can enrich our experience by bringing mindful presence and focusing on the experience of connection during sex.