Are you struggling with libido issues from antidepressant medications?
Having a satisfying intimate relationship with your partner is important in the lives of most adults, however, low libido (meaning lack of interest or decreased function) is a potential side effect of all antidepressant medications (1). The good news is that is possible to keep things happy in the bedroom and the rest of your life while taking your antidepressant.
Three ways to reverse the low libido blues:
1) Libido Boost
There are three key players to help boost your libido.
L-Tyrosine: L-tyrosine is and amino acid used by your brain to make chemicals called neurotransmitters. Some of them made from tyrosine include epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are key players in your feelings of satisfaction, libido, and energy. Studies have shown that supplementation with L-tyrosine can work quickly to help with erectile dysfunction, achieving orgasm, and increasing interest. Order L-Tyrosine here!
Saffron: Saffron is a delicious spice that has been shown to be as effective as Prozac in treating depression (2), but that’s not all!. In addition to being a powerful antidepressant, Saffron blocks the libido squashing side effects of your antidepressant, and it can also help improve erectile function, arousal, lubrication and interest (3)(4)(5).
L-Citrulline: L-Citrulline is another amino acid that has been used to effectively treat low libido. It is a powerful antioxidant and can treat mild to moderate erectile dysfunction (6). It also helps major depression by increasing production of the chemical nitric oxide (NO), which is associated with blood circulation, energy, libido and more (7)(8).
2) Tapering Down
Often times the side effects of antidepressants are tied to their dosages. Clinical studies have shown that lowering the dose of your antidepressant may enable you to achieve the same mood-lifting benefits, while not experiencing the effect on your libido. Antidepressants work by increasing the amounts of mood stabilizing chemicals in your brain, primarily serotonin, and in some cases norepinephrine. Taking building blocks that help your brain more effectively and easily make these chemicals will prevent you from needing higher and higher doses in order to maintain stability. Instead, the health-promoting ingredients will get to the root of your symptoms and help you start to feel better again. I have an entire course on tapering medications with a workbook to go along, learn more about that here!
3) Mood support
It is well known that depression impacts your ability to connect with others, your self confidence, your ability to experience pleasure, and therefore your libido. While your antidepressant may be helpful in lifting some of the weight of depression, you may still experience symptoms sadness and anxiety.
Take nutrients that help boost mood and energy. Things like curcumin, polyphenols, and antioxidants decrease inflammation in the brain and body, which has been shown to help improve the symptoms of depression. Antioxidants also provides your brain with an abundance of antioxidant support, and gives your brain the needed building blocks for making mood-boosting neurotransmitters.
By Dr. Nicole Cain, ND MA
Dr. Nicole Cain is an advocate for empowering people around the world to help themselves via her educational free resources, online courses, and membership group. You can receive the tools you need to find the root cause of your symptoms and feel healthy again.
