Sertraline and sex

[Trixibelle]

Hi everyone I’m new here! Please be gentle!
Started sertraline 50mg 4 weeks and it’s been amazing. I can actually sleep which means a lot when you are working and have 6 kids! Also a huge reduction in that horrible chest pain/ tightness caused by anxiety and a much clearer head.

The one problem is it’s affecting sex. Doesn’t really bother me as I don’t feel the effects are that bad and I still enjoy it but it’s causing huge issues for my hubby who has his own issues and has complex PTSD.

Shall I stick it out and hope the sexual side effects improve? Try another drug?

I’ve had talking therapists btw, CBT twice, counselling twice, last session caused me nightmares and horrific insomnia so had to stop.

Please help!!

[NoraB]

Hi everyone I’m new here! Please be gentle!
Started sertraline 50mg 4 weeks and it’s been amazing. I can actually sleep which means a lot when you are working and have 6 kids! Also a huge reduction in that horrible chest pain/ tightness caused by anxiety and a much clearer head.

The one problem is it’s affecting sex. Doesn’t really bother me as I don’t feel the effects are that bad and I still enjoy it but it’s causing huge issues for my hubby who has his own issues and has complex PTSD.

Shall I stick it out and hope the sexual side effects improve? Try another drug?

I’ve had talking therapists btw, CBT twice, counselling twice, last session caused me nightmares and horrific insomnia so had to stop.

Please help!!

Apologies if I've got this wrong, but I interpret this as you're having problems reaching orgasm? This is very common with Sertraline and antidepressants in general. It's hard to know how to answer really given that you've not been very clear on how it's affecting your husband?

[Trixibelle]

Yes I can still orgasm but not always and takes longer.

Affects him as makes him feel inadequate, like a failure, makes his already low self esteem lower, he interprets it to mean I’m not attracted to him and gets all paranoid, even though the rational part of him knows it’s the meds.

I was aware it’s quite common side effect, it’s just so annoying as otherwise it works so well for me.

Was wondering if anyone had experienced this and it improved with time?

[NoraB]

Yes I can still orgasm but not always and takes longer.

Affects him as makes him feel inadequate, like a failure, makes his already low self esteem lower, he interprets it to mean I’m not attracted to him and gets all paranoid, even though the rational part of him knows it’s the meds.


Hard one this (scuse the pun) because normally I'd be inclined to say that your mental health trumps his self-esteem issues, but you say he has PTSD? So, it's not that simple, and it's a shame because they are helping you. :unsure:

I have taken Sertraline (briefly) when I had my breakdown but I couldn't tolerate the side effects so I was taken off them pronto but hopefully somebody can help you with this issue.. X

[Trixibelle]

Lol yes a hard one. And the issue is when his PTSD and mental health deteriorates it affects me as well.

If it wasn’t for his issues I would just say tough get over it, my mental health my choice but it’s not that simple 😞

[panic_down_under]

I was aware it’s quite common side effect, it’s just so annoying as otherwise it works so well for me.

Was wondering if anyone had experienced this and it improved with time?

SSRI sexual dysfunction is unfortunately, fairly common with about a third experiencing it. It may diminish over time, but there are no guarantees. Some of the options I suggest in this post may help:

http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showpost.php?p=1695131&postcount=7

[NoraB]

Lol yes a hard one. And the issue is when his PTSD and mental health deteriorates it affects me as well.

Yes, this is what I was thinking - and this would be a direct hit to your mental health - and you are struggling as it is...


If it wasn’t for his issues I would just say tough get over it, my mental health my choice but it’s not that simple 

I know lovely. You have my sympathy. X

[Trixibelle]

SSRI sexual dysfunction is unfortunately, fairly common with about a third experiencing it. It may diminish over time, but there are no guarantees. Some of the options I suggest in this post may help:

http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showpost.php?p=1695131&postcount=7

Thanks for this. I’ll look at your post xx

[Trixibelle]

Thank you for this. I’ve looked at the post and there are a lot of suggestions there. I’ll have a think about some of them and if not will have to stop sert and maybe think about CBD instead.

He went out somewhere at about 23:00 and then spent all night in the sofa so can see he is spiralling. 😞

Really appreciate your reply x

[Trixibelle]

Thank you xx

[panic_down_under]

Thank you for this. I’ve looked at the post and there are a lot of suggestions there. I’ll have a think about some of them and if not will have to stop sert and maybe think about CBD instead.

There is some evidence that CBD can be boost the libido and it may reduce anxiety, but this needs more research.


He went out somewhere at about 23:00 and then spent all night in the sofa so can see he is spiralling. 😞


There can sometimes be nothing more fragile than the male psyche/ego when it comes to sex, sadly. :weep:

[Trixibelle]

There is some evidence that CBD can be boost the libido and it may reduce anxiety, but this needs more research.

Mmmm, the way things are going I don’t know that I have a choice but to stop sert and try CBD. I didn’t know about the CBD and libido thing, that’s interesting.

There can sometimes be nothing more fragile than the male psyche/ego when it comes to sex, sadly. :weep:

You’re right. 😞Just spoke to him he’s extremely low, ‘I’ve got nothing left to give, I’ve had enough of everything’

Thanks for all your help nomorepanicdownunder. Xxx

[panic_down_under]

Just spoke to him he’s extremely low, ‘I’ve got nothing left to give, I’ve had enough of everything’

It might be time for him to discuss how he's feeling with his GP as it could be more than just the intimacy issue. Does he have a history of depression in addition to the PTSD? Even if he doesn't he could be sliding into it now. Anxiety and depression are just differing expressions of the same underlying physical brain dysfunction. Some experience it as anxiety, others depression and many have to contend with both.

[Trixibelle]

Yes he does have anxiety and depression and is having therapy through work. Won’t take any meds.

I’ve come off the sert and have ordered some CBD.

Thanks for the suggestions nomorepanicdownunder.

[panic_down_under]

I’ve come off the sert and have ordered some CBD.

Please let me know how that works out for you. I don't get much feedback on CBD.

[Trixibelle]

I will do. I searched the forum and was surprised how few threads there were given its popularity. I’ll start a new thread soon about it in the alternate therapies bit