How Antidepressants Cause Erectile Dysfunction
About ten years ago, Myron* suffered from severe depression. There were also anxiety disorders associated with this. He couldn't sleep. He was restless all the time. Often, his thoughts did not match reality. He never got out of bed. Despite his desire, he just couldn't because it was physically impossible. It was as if his body no longer cooperated with him.
He now realizes that he must have suffered from depression in the past. He sought medical attention for this depression because it was so severe. At first, he got that from his doctor. The GP soon realized that Myron's symptoms required psychotherapy and medication.
Other Common Side Effects of Antidepressants
A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor was given to Myron (SSRIs slow down serotonin resorption). This antidepressant worked well for him. "I don't think I would be here now without it. For me, it was like the light came back on."
In addition to their benefits, antidepressants also have some disadvantages. In addition, the patient must wait a while before noticing the effect of the medication. This lasted about four to six weeks for Myron. He experienced some side effects during that period, but not yet the antidepressant's therapeutic effects.
Myron gained weight immediately as a result of the medication. He suddenly had trouble coping with heat and cold as well. His gastrointestinal system was troubled. His favorite foods suddenly tasted terrible. That was very strange. As a result, he had to find other food to eat. In addition, he developed sexual dysfunction. Some side effects passed, such as a change in temperature perception and gastrointestinal complaints. Even though he had maintained a constant weight all his life, he gained 25 kilos. And his erectile dysfunction also remained present, unfortunately.
Antidepressant Types and ED Risk
| Antidepressant Type | Examples | ED Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSRI | Sertraline, Fluoxetine | High | Most commonly linked to ED |
| SNRI | Venlafaxine, Duloxetine | Moderate | Can reduce libido or delay orgasm |
| Atypical | Bupropion | Low | Often preferred if ED is a concern |
| Tricyclic | Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline | Moderate–High | Older drugs, more side effects |
How to Manage Erectile Dysfunction Caused by Antidepressants
Myron says he wasn't particularly interested in the program in the first few months. "All I cared about was survival. I began experiencing erectile dysfunction after a year. Then, I learned that I couldn't stop taking the medication. My GP recommended that I cut back for a while on his advice. To check on the depressive symptoms. They returned immediately. This made stopping out of the question. Then I also started thinking about my erection problem. As a 40-year-old, I found it a little young to give up sex altogether. I wanted a solution to that.
Treatment Approaches for Antidepressant-Related ED
| Approach | Description | When Used |
|---|---|---|
| Adjust dose | Lowering or timing medication differently | If symptoms are mild |
| Switch antidepressant | Use bupropion or other lower-risk options | If ED persists |
| Add ED medication | Sildenafil or tadalafil prescribed | For persistent ED |
| Lifestyle support | Exercise, stress management, sleep hygiene | Always recommended |
What If Your Doctor Refuses ED Treatment?
But Myron's doctor refused to cooperate.
You're depressed, you don't feel sexually functional, and you want to take medicine for that? I don't buy it. It's in your head.' He suggested couples therapy.' According to what I read, Viagra can treat erectile dysfunction caused by SSRIs effectively. In conversation with my doctor, I discussed this. I even printed out research reports and emailed them. "It didn't help; he wouldn't give it."
Getting Online Help for ED and Antidepressants
Myron discovered a way to get medication online a few years ago. A Google search led him to that route.
As a result, he decided to try out some of the new online services. In his application, he provided a medical history. Several services did not respond at all. Nevertheless, Mobi Doctor's first contact was successful. Within two days of completing the medical questionnaire, the doctor reviewed Myron's symptoms and provided him with several options. Careful handling of his information was evident to him. Having investigated the pros and cons of these options, he could make an informed decision.
That was a huge relief! In contrast to before, he felt completely unheard; now, someone was saying: 'I understand what's going on and these are the treatment options.'
Real Patient Experience with Online ED Treatment
"A medicine doesn't arrive at your door just by clicking a few buttons. The process is a serious one. Mobi Doctor communicates purely by email, so they never see me. All my data is visible to them, though. The form required me to fill in information about my age, gender, health, allergies, etc. Afterward, you sign several disclaimers, for example, that everything was filled out truthfully. In addition, you should be aware that you receive medicine based on the information you have provided. Those disclaimers must be clicked every time; they don't disappear after one prescription. This is a very careful process.
In addition, they ask you several times how you are doing. Two or more follow-up emails will be sent after every order to check your satisfaction and see if everything is going well. That allows them to keep track of any adverse reactions you are experiencing or whether they have resolved. Any doctor can access your file, so it doesn't matter which doctor you see."
Living Well with Depression and Erectile Dysfunction
Now that Myron has recovered, he is doing well. As a result of the pills, he can have sex again whenever he wants. They call the depression 'under control' as well. Myron is still dealing with it, and perhaps it will never disappear entirely, but he can still function, work, and enjoy social interactions.
"Doktoronline is an alternative method that works very professionally. They are professional, competent, and fast. It's good that they're offering several options. It also tells you how much it costs. This may influence some people's choices.
The price is relatively high for me. Many people will find that to be an obstacle. More publicity would also be helpful.
How Mobi Doctor Supports ED Patients Online
Mobi Doctor offers online urgent care. In minutes, you can check your symptoms, research conditions and treatments, and text a healthcare provider if needed.
Mobi Doctor is a virtual clinic that provides online consultations and 24/7 support for people with health problems. You can talk to our experts about any health problem, whether an infection, an injury, or a mental health issue. We offer tailored advice and support from our team of doctors and experts.
