Can’t Orgasm on Antidepressants? Here’s What You Can Do
- UJALA FAWAD
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 3
If you’ve started antidepressants and noticed a frustrating change in your sex life—especially difficulty reaching orgasm—you’re not alone. Many women experience sexual side effects from psychiatric medications, including anorgasmia, or the inability to climax.
At Suburban Psychiatric Specialists in Norwood, MA, we help women navigate these challenges with compassion, clinical insight, and real treatment options that work.
What Is Anorgasmia?
Anorgasmia is the persistent inability to achieve orgasm despite adequate arousal and stimulation. It can be deeply frustrating, impact relationships, and affect your sense of wellbeing. It’s one of the most common sexual side effects of psychiatric medications—particularly antidepressants.
Why Antidepressants Cause Orgasm Problems
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) are widely prescribed for depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, they can blunt sexual desire and make orgasm much harder—or even impossible—for some women. Other medications, like antipsychotics or mood stabilizers, can also interfere with sexual function by affecting dopamine and hormonal pathways.
Treatment Options for Female Orgasm Issues Caused by Antidepressants
You do not need to choose between your mental health and your sexual health. Here are treatment strategies we often explore with our patients:
1. Medication Adjustments
Lowering the dose of your current antidepressant (if appropriate)
Switching to a more sex-friendly medication, such as:
Bupropion (Wellbutrin) – boosts dopamine and often improves libido and orgasm
Mirtazapine (Remeron) – may have fewer sexual side effects
Vortioxetine (Trintellix) – a newer antidepressant with a potentially lower risk of sexual dysfunction
2. Add-On Medications
Some medications can counteract sexual side effects when used alongside your antidepressant:
Bupropion (Wellbutrin) – even if not used alone, it’s a helpful add-on
Buspirone (Buspar) – can reverse SSRI sexual side effects in some patients
Aripiprazole (Abilify) – may restore orgasmic function by boosting dopamine
Tadalafil (Cialis) or Sildenafil (Viagra) – off-label use in women to support arousal and orgasm
3. Psychotherapy and Sex Therapy
If emotional blocks, anxiety, or relationship dynamics are at play, therapy can be an essential part of your recovery. Our team collaborates with local therapists who specialize in sexual health and can help address:
Performance anxiety
Trauma history
Self-esteem and body image concerns
Communication with partners
4. Lifestyle Approaches & Mind-Body Tools
Mindfulness and relaxation exercises to reconnect with bodily sensations
Scheduling intimacy when medication levels are lowest in your system
Sensate focus therapy to rebuild arousal without pressure to perform
5. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Tight or unresponsive pelvic floor muscles can contribute to orgasm difficulties. If physical discomfort or numbness is part of your experience, we may recommend a specialist in pelvic floor therapy.
You Deserve Sexual Wellness—Not Just Symptom Relief
At Suburban Psychiatric Specialists, we believe that women deserve to thrive in every aspect of their lives. If you’re experiencing orgasm problems due to antidepressants or other psychiatric medications, we’re here to help.
Whether you need a medication review, a new treatment plan, or simply someone who believes you—we’ve got your back.
📍Located in Norwood, MA🩺 Serving patients across the Greater Boston area📞 Call us today at 508-206-8578 or visit www.sps.healthcare to schedule a consultation.
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