1 in 10 Americans is on some form of antidepressant medication today. The decision to start this treatment is never an easy one, though. You know it’ll lead to frustrating side effects.
Some of the common complaints are weight gain, drowsiness, nausea, headaches, and of course, dampened sexual function - perhaps the most difficult to deal with of all.
So why do antidepressants lower libido? Are there any antidepressants that don’t lower libido? We’ll answer both these questions and many others you may have, whether you’re still on the fence about starting treatment or you’re currently struggling with this issue.
More importantly, though, we’ll walk you through how to increase libido while on antidepressants. From lifestyle changes to open communication to supplements to increase libido on antidepressants, you can overcome depression without letting it impact your sex drive.
Our libido chocolate here at Tabs has helped more than 200,000 people improve sexual function for more satisfying sex for both partners. It’s loaded with science-backed libido-boosting herbs. See what a difference it can make on your sex drive today!
Why Do Antidepressants Lower Libido?
Let’s talk about what’s causing this issue in the first place before getting into how to increase libido while on antidepressants. Why do antidepressants lower libido? You need to understand what these treatments are doing to make the connection between mental health and sex drive.
Antidepressants seek to balance out the brain chemicals that affect mood, but this often impacts other important functions - like your sex drive.
There are many different types of antidepressants, one of the most common being SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). These are among the most detrimental to your libido, unfortunately.
They work by increasing serotonin levels to stabilize mood and reduce anxiety, but this can throw off the delicate balance of other neurotransmitters. While serotonin calms you down and creates a sense of happiness, it gets in the way of dopamine and norepinephrine, both of which are linked to pleasure, desire, and sexual response.
Dopamine is like the brain's “reward chemical,” and impacts how you experience excitement and motivation - that extends to sexual arousal.
Dopamine drops as serotonin increases, and sex drive plummets in response. You’re left feeling disinterested in sex even if the emotional or physical connection with your partner is unchanged.
Meanwhile, some antidepressants slow down the signals between your brain and body, making it harder to get physically aroused or reach orgasm. This is the most common cause of erectile dysfunction (ED) on antidepressants.
SSRIs aren’t the only form of treatment that can take a toll on libido, though. SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) and tricyclic antidepressants lead to similar effects.
That being said, are there any antidepressants that don’t lower libido and still do their job?
Are There Antidepressants That Don’t Lower Libido?
Yes - you may be able to solve this problem with something as simple as a conversation with your doctor. It may take some trial and error to find the right one, but there are antidepressants that don’t weigh down your libido. One of these is bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Unlike SSRIs, it doesn't work on serotonin. It increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels instead which you now know are closely tied to libido. This actually has the reverse effect where some people experience an increase in sex drive after switching to Wellbutrin from an SSRI.
Mirtazapine (Remeron) is another antidepressant that's often prescribed to individuals who are particularly sensitive to the sexual side effects of other antidepressants.
It balances serotonin and norepinephrine similar to SSRIs, but it’s known to have a lesser impact on libido. Just be aware that it does come with other side effects like increased appetite and drowsiness, so it's not a perfect solution for everyone.
Vilazodone (Viibryd) is a newer antidepressant that combines SSRI-like action with additional effects on serotonin receptors, making it less likely to affect libido. Users report fewer sexual side effects, though it's relatively new so the jury is still out.
Finally, vortioxetine (Trintellix) is a more targeted antidepressant. It influences multiple serotonin receptors but is less likely to disrupt dopamine and norepinephrine. Many people who make the switch to this treatment report a big turnaround in sexual function.
The key takeaway here is that the way your body responds to an antidepressant is unique, and while there are some less prone to impacting sex drive, you may not have the same experience. Your unique body chemistry, mental health condition, and overall lifestyle all play a role.
So, talk to your doctor and get the conversation started on how your treatment is impacting you - or, your concerns before starting a treatment if you haven’t begun just yet. In the meantime, let’s get into the top supplements to increase libido on antidepressants.
The Top Supplements to Increase Libido on Antidepressants
While you may want to try antidepressants that don’t lower libido, it’s best to follow your doctor’s guidance on what treatment makes the most sense for you. So, you may need to learn how to increase libido while on antidepressants instead.
Fortunately, there are tons of proven supplements to increase libido while on antidepressants. We’ll share some of the most well-regarded below.
Maca Root
This Peruvian herb is a natural aphrodisiac that has shown an ability to improve sexual desire in both men and women, particularly those experiencing low libido from SSRIs. It’s one of the top herbs for libido female and men have at their disposal.
Maca works by balancing hormones and improving overall energy levels, which can help restore your sex drive. It’s easy to find in powder form, making it a simple addition to smoothies or teas. It’s also a key component in the best aphrodisiac chocolate - more on that in a moment.
L-Arginine
L-Arginine is an amino acid that supports nitric oxide production, which helps improve blood flow to all the right places - in both men and women. Improved circulation can lead to stronger erections for guys and enhanced sexual response for the ladies. Everyone wins!
Since antidepressants can sometimes interfere with your body's ability to respond to arousal, L-Arginine may help counteract that issue and get your body back working how it used to.
Ginkgo Biloba
This plant extract is often used to improve cognitive function, but it is far more versatile than people give it credit for. It may also enhance libido.
Ginkgo works by increasing blood flow and stimulating the nervous system, making it easier for your body to respond to sexual stimuli. Research shows it’s especially powerful for women who experience sexual dysfunction as a result of antidepressant use.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is another herb that’s popular for its hormone-balancing properties. Women can use it to increase estrogen levels, which can naturally boost sexual desire.
Fenugreek has potential for men as well, though. It’s been shown to support healthy testosterone levels and in turn, boost libido.
You can find these supplements to increase libido on antidepressants in capsule and powder form. Or, men specifically can opt for a more comprehensive natural testosterone booster that contains fenugreek - these are really common.
Epimedium (Horny Goat Weed)
As the name suggests, this is one of the best supplements to increase libido on antidepressants. It can be traced back to ancient Chinese medicine as a means of addressing sexual health issues.
Its active compound is icariin, which inhibits the enzyme responsible for restricting blood flow to the penis. This means it can help improve erectile function in men.
It’s not just the best libido booster for men, though. It may also increase nitric oxide levels, promoting better blood flow to the genitals for both men and women.
Zinc
Zinc is one of the top supplements to increase libido on antidepressants, particularly in men. It supports testosterone production, and a deficiency in zinc can lead to a drop in libido.
So if your antidepressant is lowering your sex drive, consider adding a zinc supplement and see if it restores balance. It’s also beneficial for overall immune health, so it’s a great addition to your daily routine even if you aren’t experiencing a drop in libido.
Magnesium
Another important mineral for supporting a healthy sex drive, magnesium influences hormone production and nervous system function. It can help calm stress and anxiety while on antidepressants, improving sexual dysfunction.
A magnesium supplement can also help relax muscles and improve overall mood, helping you get “in the mood” for intimacy. Similar to zinc, this is a great addition to any health and wellness regimen considering magnesium regulates more than 300 unique bodily processes.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is sometimes referred to as the “love hormone” because it plays a key role in emotional bonding and sexual arousal.
It’s naturally produced by the body, but supplements or oxytocin sprays help boost levels in those experiencing low libido. Increasing oxytocin can bring you closer to your partner and build your desire for physical intimacy.
Testosterone Treatments
Men experiencing lower testosterone levels on antidepressants may consider TRT - or testosterone replacement therapy. This is typically only recommended for men who have reached an age where natural test levels drop, which can start as early as 30 years old.
TRT can be administered through gels, patches, or injections. Whatever the case, it can dramatically boost your sex drive, and it’s most commonly prescribed when issues like erectile dysfunction have formed.
Of course, TRT is less of a supplement and more of a treatment, which is why you’ll need to connect with a medical professional to figure out if it’s really right for you or not.
Estrogen Therapies
On the other hand, women who are struggling with really low libido on antidepressants can try their form of TRT - estrogen therapy. This hormone regulates the female sexual response, which is why antidepressants lowering estrogen can in turn degrade your sex drive.
These treatments can come in the form of patches, creams, or pills. Like TRT, you can’t try to embark on estrogen therapy on your own. You’ll need to be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider for safety and effectiveness.
How to Increase Libido While on Antidepressants Beyond Supplements
There you have it, all the top supplements to increase libido while on antidepressants. But there are so many more ways you can regain control of your sex drive.
Just like in our guide on how to increase libido while on birth control, we want to talk about how to increase libido while on antidepressants in a more holistic manner. Here are some tips on overcoming the limitations this treatment has placed on your sex life.
Communicate Openly With Your Partner
Addressing libido issues can feel awkward, whether it’s you who’s struggling or your partner. But honesty is your greatest asset, and the sooner you bring the issue up, the faster you can come up with a solution together.
Your partner (hopefully) only wants what’s best for you. While your low libido may be impacting their livelihood as well, they need to know what you’re going through so they know it’s not something that’s wrong with them.
Explain that you need to be on this medication, and discuss the toll it’s taking on your sex drive. From there, you can start building up emotional intimacy through more conversations - a key stepping stone toward reigniting physical connection.
We talk about this in our comparison of emotional intimacy vs physical intimacy. We also have a guide on how to talk to your partner about lack of intimacy if you’re struggling to find the right time or words to communicate how you feel.
Tabs Sex Chocolate
Whether you’re struggling with a low sex drive on antidepressants or simply want to rekindle the flame in a relationship that has gone stale, the most powerful aphrodisiac is just a click away at Tabs ready to boost your libido to a level you’ve never experienced before.
So how does Tabs chocolate work? The Tabs chocolate ingredients harness the dark chocolate sex benefits along with other powerful aphrodisiacs - like maca root, kanna, and epimedium.
Each of these has its place in improving sexual function, a few of which we discussed above as some of the best supplements to increase libido on antidepressants. They prime both your body and mind for a more enjoyable, fulfilling, intimate encounter.
The best part? You’re going to love trying sex chocolate! It tastes amazing and it’s really easy to incorporate into your sex life naturally. Each square splits perfectly in half so you and your partner can each enjoy.
Within 30 minutes you’ll start to feel the effects creeping in, and it can last up to 4 hours. There are no concerning side effects of sex chocolate from Tabs, either. Plus, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee - what do you have to lose?
Try it today and see what keeps our customers coming back for more.
Consistent Exercise
The answer for so many different physical and mental ailments is to just get your body moving. So how does exercise increase libido?
It starts with the release of endorphins every time you work out, which can improve your mood and help you feel better about yourself from a self-esteem standpoint. But regular exercise also improves circulation, which you know is a key aspect of sexual function in both guys and girls.
We’re not talking about transforming into a gym rat overnight, either. Start with small steps, like 20-minute walks, or try strength training a couple of times a week. It can even be something as simple as yoga.
Whatever you do, stick with it for the long haul. It’ll take time, but the impact exercise can have on your sex drive is powerful. It’s just good for you in general, too!
Stress Management Techniques
The worse your libido gets, the more you stress - it’s a vicious cycle. You probably already know stress is a libido killer, but how do you fix it?
It seems as if stress is everywhere and inescapable. So really it’s not a matter of eliminating stress, but coming up with healthy coping techniques to manage it.
Start with mindfulness or deep breathing exercises to help you stay grounded. Take regular breaks during your day to unwind. Meditation, journaling, or even hobbies like reading or painting can also help you stay centered.
Explore Sensual Connection Beyond Sex
If you’re having a hard time engaging in sex with your partner, try reframing intimacy. After all, there is so much more to intimacy than sex. Something as simple as holding hands more often, giving each other massages, or taking long, intimate baths together can open the door for sex.
Remove the pressure and just enjoy being close with your partner - sometimes that’s all it takes to spark a little fire. We have more tips on how to increase physical intimacy in a relationship in our blog, like how to bring back intimacy in a marriage.
Adjusting Your Sleep Schedule
It’s impossible to feel in the mood if you’re constantly exhausted. This can be compounded when on antidepressants, as libido is closely tied to energy levels.
You’re setting yourself up for failure if you’re only getting 5-6 hours of sleep a night. Testosterone is regulated during sleep, after all.
So make it a priority to get between 7-9 hours each night. Set a consistent sleep schedule, improve your sleep environment, and see what a difference it makes in your life as a whole!
Dietary Adjustments
Supplements to increase libido on antidepressants are a great start, but diet is just as important if not more so. The foods you eat (and those you avoid) are closely connected to your sex drive.
There are plenty of natural aphrodisiacs you can incorporate into your diet as a starting point - we already touched on dark chocolate, but others include avocados and nuts.
More importantly, though, you should avoid processed foods and excess sugar. These can zap your energy and mess with hormone levels. Eating clean will make you more energized and ready for action when the time comes.
When to Have a Conversation With Your Doctor
If things still aren’t improving after you incorporate these tips on how to increase libido while on antidepressants - and you add these supplements to increase libido while on antidepressants to no avail - it may be time to talk with your healthcare provider.
Like we said earlier, there are other antidepressants that don’t lower libido. You may be a good candidate for trying one of those instead.
Don’t be embarrassed by the idea of bringing this up. Your doctor has plenty of patients who have dealt with the exact same thing you’re going through.
Plus, libido is an important aspect of overall health and wellness. If it’s being impacted by your medication, that’s an issue worth exploring deeper so you can live life to the fullest!
Closing Thoughts on How to Increase Libido While on Antidepressants
Low libido while on antidepressants is a common issue, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent one. This guide on how to increase libido while on antidepressants can help you get back to feeling like your old self - without the crippling depression, of course!
Try out these lifestyle changes paired with these supplements to increase libido on antidepressants, have a conversation with your partner, and be patient. Hopefully you’ll see improvements quickly.
Our blog has more tips on how to deal with a partner with low libido, how to make aphrodisiac chocolate, the effects of lack of physical intimacy in a relationship, how to overcome fear of physical intimacy, the importance of physical intimacy in a relationship, how much is sex chocolate, and more.
But with our sex chocolate for women and men just a click away, why not see for yourself how it can impact your libido? Chances are, you’ll be back for more once you discover the power of Tabs in your sex life. Try it today risk-free!