A GP says the side effect is littkle known among people taking the drugs and is even less talked about with doctorsNeil Shaw Assistant Editor (Money and Lifestyle)
13:23, 28 Nov 2025
Millions of people take the pills every day
More than half of people taking antidepressants say the medication has had the same side effect you will see in the bedroom. The drugs have lowered sex drive and caused more than half the people who take them to struggle to enjoy sex, according to new research from sexual wellness brand, Lovehoney. 40% are having less sex as the experts say it is not well known that the medications can cause sexual problems, and users often don’t feel comfortable talking about the subject with their friends, family or their GP.
Roughly one in six adults in England, 8.89million, are currently taking prescribed antidepressants, that equates to over 4.6 million people experiencing reduced sexual desire as part of their treatment. The symptoms faced are common across different groups of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications.
The symptom impacts men and women
Lovehoney’s new findings come amid a seasonal rise in antidepressant prescriptions during November and December , a time when cases of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and winter-related low mood are more frequently observed.
Research has also found 22% report an increase in libido.
GP and men’s health expert Dr Anand Patel said: “Antidepressants work by boosting serotonin levels, which can help lift mood and ease anxiety. But serotonin can also slow down the brain’s arousal and reward systems, meaning reduced desire, dulled pleasure and delayed orgasm. The good news is that for most people, these effects are temporary and manageable. With the right medical support – such as dose adjustments, medication changes or therapy – sexual wellbeing can absolutely be restored. No one should feel embarrassed bringing this up with their doctor. A simple conversation can make a big difference.”
The common side effect comes with many antidepressants
F or those unsure about how to approach a conversation about reduced sexual desire while on antidepressants, Dr Anand Patel shares tips:
- Don’t be afraid to have a conversation with your doctor. Remember that this is common. You can simply say, “I’ve noticed some changes in my sex drive since starting this medication, is that something we can talk about?”
- Know what questions to ask your healthcare provider if you are being prescribed anti-depressants. Questions like “How likely is this medication to affect my sex drive?”, “Are there alternatives?”, and “If I notice changes, what should I do?” are completely valid to ask.
- Regular exercise, good sleep, stress management, mindfulness and relationship therapy can all help improve libido while continuing antidepressant treatment for those looking at lifestyle changes first.
People are being urged to talk to their GPs
Dr Anand said: “It is possible for any antidepressant to impact sexual function, but some medications have far less sexual impact, consider mirtazapine for example, which only affects sexual function in 1-2% of people, or escitalopram which is only 5-10%.
Those seeking more guidance can visit the NHS website for resources or consult with your healthcare provider.