An increasing number of young adults are reporting long-term sexual dysfunction after taking antidepressants, raising concerns about the widespread prescription of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Some individuals claim these medications have permanently altered their ability to experience pleasure, even after discontinuing use.
Nick, a 27-year-old truck driver, shared his story with the New York Post. He was prescribed an SSRI for moderate anxiety and depression and took the medication for six years. After stopping, he noticed a significant loss of sensation in his genitals. Over time, the numbness worsened, and his sex drive never returned to its previous level. He later discovered he suffered from Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD), a condition recognized by the National Institutes of Health’s SNOMED medical terminology database.
Antidepressants are known to cause sexual dysfunction, with side effects that can persist long after stopping the medication. Common SSRIs like Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil include warnings about potential sexual dysfunction. PSSD symptoms can include genital numbness, erectile dysfunction, and loss of libido, sometimes lasting for years or even permanently.
“I wasn’t at risk of taking my own life or anything like that,” Nick said. “I think I definitely should have [done] therapy first and foremost. Now there’s just no enjoyment in anything.”
A 2023 study published in the Annals of General Psychiatry by researchers at Howard University and Tel Aviv University analyzed men seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). The study found that those who had taken SSRIs had a significantly higher risk of developing ED compared to those who had never used the medication.
These findings are especially concerning given the rise in antidepressant prescriptions among young people. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, prescriptions for individuals aged 12 to 25 increased by two-thirds between 2016 and 2022. This sharp increase has led to calls for further investigation into the long-term effects of SSRIs, particularly among minors.
Newly appointed Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has expressed interest in reviewing the effects of SSRIs. He recently announced that the Make America Healthy Again Commission will compile a report assessing the prevalence and risks associated with these medications. The commission’s findings could influence future policy decisions regarding antidepressant prescriptions, particularly for minors.
