Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Delayed ejaculation by antidepressants
So I started medicines because of my suicidal thoughts and depression more than a month ago but ever since I started them I am experiencing delayed ejaculation during masturbation, how can I fix it without stopping meds or is it inevitable until I'm under treatment?
Answers (10)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
Delayed ejaculation is a common sexual side effect of many antidepressants, especially SSRIs and SNRIs, which are often used to treat depression and suicidal thoughts. It occurs due to increased serotonin levels affecting sexual function. While this is not harmful, it can be distressing for some individuals.
This side effect is not permanent and often improves with time, dose adjustment, or a change in medication under psychiatric supervision. It is not necessary to stop treatment, especially if your mood symptoms are improving.
Next Steps
Next Step (What should the patient do next?)
Do not stop or adjust your medication on your own.
Speak to your treating psychiatrist to discuss options like:
Dose adjustment
Switching to antidepressants with fewer sexual side effects (e.g., bupropion)
Adding supportive therapy if required
If suicidal thoughts return, prioritize mental stability over sexual concerns — this side effect can be managed but your mental health comes first.
Health Tips
Helpful Tips / Word of Caution
Avoid porn addiction or performance anxiety, as these can worsen the issue.
Avoid self-medicating or stopping meds abruptly — this may lead to relapse or worsening of symptoms.
Recovery from depression is a journey — sexual side effects often resolve as your system adapts or when medications are modified.
---
📍 Dr Shivam Bhandari Jain — Consultant Psychiatrist
🕕 Clinic Timings: Monday to Saturday, 6 PM to 8 PM
📞 Call: Eight Eight Seven One Five Eight Two Six Seven Zero
📍 Health 4 U Clinic, Bhopal
📲 Instagram: @mentalhealth.4you
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced psychiatrist online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+165
There are multiple medications that does not have sexual side effects. Detailed history is required in consultation to plan further pharmacological treatment.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Your treatment can be modified a little to manage the side effects.
Next Steps
Connect for consultation.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hi.. all three medicines can cause delayed ejaculation by various mechanisms. Will need further history regarding the same to advise appropriately. Can consider switching to other medicines which don't have the above slide effects. Consult online for further evaluation and management
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
As per my opinion do not stop medications as on these medications, you have improvement in your low mood, anxiety, suicidal thoughts. Delayed ejaculation will not persist always or inevitable with these medications. Wait for few weeks more otherwise medication with no sexual side effects will be advised and rest medication as sizodon, lithium , will be continued, do not bother, it will resolve definitely
Next Steps
in further follow up visit, discuss it
Health Tips
it's common side effect, do not bother, you will be okay
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
A lot of antidepressants, especially SSRIs have sexual side-effects including delayed ejaculaion.This is not harmful, but it is a common and understandable concern which can be quite distressing.
Here’s what you can do:
Don’t stop your medications on your own.
Wait and monitor: Sometimes, the body adjusts over weeks, and sexual side effects may reduce on their own.
Dose adjustment or switching medications: If the issue persists and affects your quality of life, we can reduce the dose or try a different antidepressant altogether.
Next Steps
Consult for further evaluation
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Heyy
I can help you better with further treatment course needed. U can connect me via whatsapp on seven zero eight two zero two two zero six two.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Panna Sharma
Psychiatrist
10 yrs exp
New Delhi
There are antidepressants with minimal sexual side effects but for that you need to go for proper assessment for changing of medications
Next Steps
Book your consultation
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Niharika Singh
Psychiatrist
5 yrs exp
Delhi
There are alternatives and antidepressants are given based on patient profile and side effect profile. If you are facing this problem,med can be changed
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Sunil Nagar
General Physician
17 yrs exp
Rewa
Connect
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.