Exploring Medications That May Reduce Sexual Desire with Minimal Side Effects
In this session, we discuss various medications that have the potential to reduce sexual desire, focusing on options such as SSRIs and alternative antidepressants, along with their possible side effects. The importance of consulting a healthcare professional is also emphasized.
Is there a medicine that can curb sexual desire?
I know there could be an array of options since sexual interest is typically one of the first things to go when things go awry biologically. Ideally, there would be something that doesn't mess with your hormone profile (and has minimal, temporary side effects), yet deletes sex + sexuality from your mind. Let my know what you know!
Several medications may help reduce sexual desire, though they usually come with potential side effects and varying degrees of impact on hormone profiles. Here are a few options:
Antidepressants (SSRIs)
Certain antidepressants, notably Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), are known to lower sex drive as a side effect:
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
However, these medications do influence the overall hormone profile and can have other side effects.
Alternative Antidepressants
Some antidepressants are suggested as alternatives due to their fewer sexual side effects:
- Mirtazapine (Remeron)
- Vilazodone (Viibryd)
- Bupropion (Forfivo XL, Wellbutrin XL, etc.)
- Vortioxetine (Trintellix)
Medications Specifically for Sexual Desire Issues
For women, there are specific medications aimed at boosting libido, which might present some insights into managing sexual desire:
- Flibanserin (Addyi): Taken once a day at bedtime, it can cause low blood pressure, drowsiness, dizziness, upset stomach, and fatigue.
- Bremelanotide (Vyleesi): This is an injection given before sexual activity and may cause upset stomach, vomiting, flushing, headache, and skin reactions at the injection site.
These medications, while intended to boost libido, illustrate the varying effects medications can have on sexual desire1.
If you are seeking to use a medication for reducing sexual desire, it is vital to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper assessment and to consider all potential side effects and overall health impacts.
Footnotes