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24 years
Does zoloft cause permanent irreversible sexual dysfunction? please tell me ? And I should not drive if im on it ?
Aug 23, 2014

Dr. Rania Mousa General Medicine
Sexual dysfunction, including problems getting an erection, decreased libido, delayed ejaculation, and lack of orgasm, is a common side effect of the SSRIs, a class of antidepressant medications, which includes Zoloft (sertraline).

Sexual side effects are one of the main reasons that men being treated for depression stop taking their medications.

SSRI’s affect the sexual response system by raising levels of serotonin. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, appears to have a negative impact on the desire and arousal phases of the sexual response cycle

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can occur in up to 25 percent of men taking an SSRI.However still there are men who doesn't suffer this problem , If you are having problems, meet with your doctor to discuss the following:

>Lowering the dose of your Zoloft a lower dose may continue to help your depression, but relieve your ED.

>Switching to a different SSRI changing your depression medication may also change the sexual side effects. You may have to go through several months of trial and error.
Some options include Lexapro (escitalopram), Paxil (paroxetine), and Prozac (fluoxetine).

>Switching to a different antidepressant medication although most of the medications used to treat depression can cause sexual dysfunction you can ask the doctor for a medicine with lower risk of causing dysfunction .

>Taking a specific medication to treat your ED in some men with ED caused by an SSRI. Your doctor can advise you if this is safe for you to do.

Side effects from antidepressants are reversible and often respond to a reduction in dosage. Unfortunately, decreases in dosage can compromise the medication’s therapeutic efficacy. It is important to tell your psychiatrist what sexual side effects you are suffering from and explore treatment options.

Do not make any changes without consulting your psychiatrist as most antidepressants have unpleasant withdrawal effects when dosage is changed.

Remember that erectile dysfunction can also be caused by other drugs besides the SSRIs, including some medications used to treat high blood pressure, most medications used to treat psychological disorders (such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia), and some medications used to treat an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer.

SO ,if this is the issue consider talking with your doctor and if you are worried about if it is reversible or not yes it is reversible and the action is felt when on medication and everything return normal after the medicine gone from the system .

You souldn't drive until you know the effect of the medicine on you and if it causes imbalance or dizziness and until the medicine becomes familiar on your body .

Remember also that every person react towards any medicine differently .
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