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Depression Medications Without Sexual Side Effects

Tess Thompson

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Despite the fact that conventional treatments are effective, there use involves a fair amount of caution. This is mainly due to the side effects that accompany them. In cases where there is a pressing need for treatment, these side effects are often overlooked. The result is managing these side effects one by one after they start appearing.

One such side effect of using conventional medicine for treating depression pertains to sexual activity. Results of surveys conducted in this field do not match the claims made by most drug manufacturers. The fact remains that antidepressants inhibit sexual functioning.

Conventional depression treatment is based on the understanding that mood is controlled by brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Antidepressants are used to maintain a certain level of these neurotransmitters.

Depression has been known to reduce the desire for sex. Antidepressants used for treating depression exacerbate the condition by decreasing libido levels. They can also result in erectile and orgasmic problems.

However, there are certain practices that can help you in avoiding or reducing risk of sexual side effects.

The antidepressants that are prescribed are not selected at random. There is a logical sequence that is adopted after considering the condition of the patient. Sometimes a minor reduction in dose can help you reduce your depression while keeping you sexually active.

If the dosage cannot be dropped due to the specific condition, the exact timing of the dose can be scheduled right after the sexual activity. The idea is to indulge in sexual activity at a time when the level of the drug in the body is at its minimum.

There are certain drugs that can help you reverse the sexual side effects of these antidepressants. Drugs like sildenafil (Viagra) that treat erectile dysfunction can be used in some cases. You will, however, need to check with your physician whether it is safe to be taking these drugs in conjunction with antidepressants.

Your doctor may allow you to take a break from your medication as some antidepressants can be discontinued for short periods of time without affecting the overall treatment. You can also discuss changing your drug. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been known to have minimal or no effect on sexual desire or functioning.

The other option is to change the course of your treatment and adopt natural remedies for depression. These remedies are totally devoid of any side effects. Homeopathic remedies, herbs, meditation and exercise can reduce symptoms of depression to a great extent. Treating depression naturally can prove to be healthier option that will not interfere with your sex life at all.

References:
http://depression.about.com/od/depressionmedication1/tp/depressionmeds.htm
http://depression.about.com/od/depressionmedication1/tp/depressionmeds.htm
http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/depression
http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/depression/treatment/