HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Erectile Dysfunction Caused By Sertraline Intake

default
Posted on Mon, 16 Mar 2015
Question: I currently take Sertraline for depression, one of the side effects is the inability to get an erection during sex. This what my family doctor is telling me is most likely the cause. I'm trying to decrease the amount that I take but is there anything else I can do to help counter this side effect?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
decrease dose; change of drug; tadalafil.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.

Sertraline can cause sexual dysfunction in form of erection problems, early ejaculation and loss of libido.

I usually employ the following strategies (in that order) for my clients who get such side effects from sertraline: (Recommendations by standard treatment guidelines)

1. Decrease the dose to minimum possible (which your are already trying).

If this does not work or there is relapse of depressive symptoms with decrease in dose;

2. Change to another antidepressant which are safe in this regard, mirtazapine or bupropion (prescription drugs). These antidepressant drug have negligible sexual side effects.

If this does not work;

3. Tablet tadalafil (cialis- a prescription drug) can help in erection.

Kindly discuss this with your doctor.

Hope this helps.

Feel free to ask further.

Thanks.

Kindly close the discussion if you have no more queries and give your valuable feedback.

Dr. Shubham Mehta, MD (Psychiatry).
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shubham Mehta

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 2144 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Erectile Dysfunction Caused By Sertraline Intake

Brief Answer: decrease dose; change of drug; tadalafil. Detailed Answer: Hello Welcome to HCM. Sertraline can cause sexual dysfunction in form of erection problems, early ejaculation and loss of libido. I usually employ the following strategies (in that order) for my clients who get such side effects from sertraline: (Recommendations by standard treatment guidelines) 1. Decrease the dose to minimum possible (which your are already trying). If this does not work or there is relapse of depressive symptoms with decrease in dose; 2. Change to another antidepressant which are safe in this regard, mirtazapine or bupropion (prescription drugs). These antidepressant drug have negligible sexual side effects. If this does not work; 3. Tablet tadalafil (cialis- a prescription drug) can help in erection. Kindly discuss this with your doctor. Hope this helps. Feel free to ask further. Thanks. Kindly close the discussion if you have no more queries and give your valuable feedback. Dr. Shubham Mehta, MD (Psychiatry).