*An off-label use of a medication is a use that is not FDA-approved. Prescribers can decide to use a medication off-label because, in their professional judgment, they believe it may offer a benefit to someone.
Prozac (fluoxetine), an FDA-approved drug for treating depression and obsessive-compulsive behavior (OCD), can cause sexual side effects. These can include decreased sexual desire in both men and women, delayed or no orgasm in women, and delayed ejaculation in men. Your healthcare practitioner may advise on a change in time when you take medication, healthy ways to cope, or in some instances, a medication change.
If you are considering Prozac or want to discuss your current medication treatment with a provider, online psychiatry platforms, such as Talkiatry and Brightside Health are a good place to start. Their providers offer assessments and prescription consultation, and can answer any questions you have about Prozac sexual side effects.
What Is Prozac (Fluoxetine) & How Is it Used?
Prozac (fluoxetine) is an FDA-approved medication commonly prescribed to manage depression and obsessive-compulsive behavior in adults and is occasionally used in kids. It belongs to the drug’s class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which increase the level of serotonin in the body.
For people who have depression, Prozac may help reduce symptoms of sadness, loss of interest, and appetite and eases sleep difficulties.1 If a doctor diagnoses you with depression, they may prescribe Prozac (Fluoxetine) to help improve the symptoms. The medication is also used as a medication for OCD, panic disorder, and bulimia nervosa.
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What Causes Prozac Sexual Side Effects?
Prozac is commonly used to manage and treat mood disorders because it is relatively safe and easy to use. Although serious side effects upon using these medications are rare, their sexual side effects risks are well established. Prozac increases the level of serotonin in the body, which can inhibit sex drive.2
Prozac Sexual Side Effects
Prozac medication takes four to six weeks to take effect in the body. You may start experiencing symptoms early or within these periods depending on your body. These side effects are common in both men and women, although they are not as regular as the other side effects of Prozac.
It is helpful to speak to your medical provider and ask questions about the medication before taking it. Understanding these symptoms in both men and women will help you prepare and know what actions to take if they happen to you. Therefore, as soon as you start experiencing symptoms, let your healthcare provider know to advise on what to do.
Sexual Side Effects of Fluoxetine in Women
For depression and obsessive-compulsive behavior (OCD), your medical provider may prescribe Prozac, which may impact your sexual health. In women with depression, some symptoms may include a decreased desire for sex and vaginal dryness. If you experience these side effects; it is important to discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider before taking any action.
Common fluoxetine sexual side effects in women include:3
- Delayed or no orgasm
- Decreased desire for sex
- Vaginal dryness:
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse
Sexual Side Effects of Fluoxetine in Men
Sexual side effects can bring down one’s self-confidence. Decreased sexual drive, sexual arousal disorders and delayed ejaculation may affect relationships if not well handled or discussed. It is, therefore, advisable to inform your healthcare provider as soon as you start having these symptoms. The licensed medical provider will give recommendations aimed at improving your sexual health and preventing post-SSRI sexual dysfunction.
Common fluoxetine sexual side effects in men include:4
- Decreased sex drive
- Inability to get or keep an erection
- Delayed ejaculation
- Decrease sexual function
How to Cope With Sexual Side Effects of Prozac
Experiencing side effects whenever you start taking any medication is common, and not all side effects are permanent. Side effects may fade for some people. It is, however, not advisable to stop medication because you are experiencing Prozac sexual side effects. Speak to a medical provider who will advise you on any changes.
If you start experiencing sexual side effects, do not take any action by yourself but let your medical provider know. Stopping medication should not be the first option, as many options exist for treating or minimizing symptoms. Talking to your medical provider will also help avoid post-SSRI sexual dysfunction as they will help manage your prescription early.
Lower Your Dose
Depending on the severity of your depression or OCD, the medical provider may lower your dosage. Remember that lowering dosages can only be done under the guidance of your prescriber to avoid antidepressant withdrawal symptoms or other complications.
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Be Patient With Your Prescription
It is natural to get side effects once you start taking any new medication. Introducing something new in your body often triggers a side effects reaction. A healthcare provider may advise you to be patient and wait for a few weeks before making dose adjustments to see if the symptoms decrease. (F5) As time goes by, the Prozac sexual side effects may decrease.
Talk to Your Partner
Talking to your partner can go a long way in your recovery process. This will help them understand why you are having problems with your sexual drive, and they may decide to wait until the side effects go away if they understand fully why you are on medication. Talk to your partner and seek medical advice together.
Consider Switching Antidepressants
Sometimes the medication prescribed may affect your sexual health and cause other side effects. If the dosage reduction does not bring any changes, a qualified healthcare provider may advise a change in medication. Please remember a medical doctor can only do this to avoid complications.
Consider Therapy
Psychotherapy has minimal side effects and helps you identify the issue once you discuss it with someone. Depending on your schedule, you can choose either in-person visit therapy or online therapy. A licensed practitioner will take time to listen, which is a good combination for serious mental health issues. Getting to the root cause of your mental disorders may ease these symptoms for better living.
Questions to Ask Your Health Team
For any medication, it is crucial to understand the side effects and how the medicine will help your body. Before you leave any hospital, ask any questions that come to mind on your illness, diagnosis, and any medication the doctor might prescribe. Knowing the medication’s effects on your body eases the anxiety of what to expect, when to seek immediate care and which side effects or unrelated symptoms it might cause.7 If you experience adverse effects, call 911 or your medical provider’s hotline number.
Questions to ask your care team about the sexual side effects of Prozac include:
- What steps do I take if I forget a Prozac dose?
- Is there any relationship between Prozac and erectile dysfunction?
- After how long after starting Prozac do these symptoms start?
- How long will it take for me to adjust to taking Prozac?
- Am I at risk for more severe symptoms if I am already taking other anxiety /depression medications?
- What is the best dosage to get fewer side effects?
- When should I contact you if I am experiencing sexual side effects?
- Is there anything I should tell my therapist about this new medication?
- What should I know about the storage and disposal of Prozac?
- Which other side effects should I look out for once I start my Prozac dose?
- Does Prozac cause erectile dysfunction?
- Does Prozac lower libido?
- What are some of the Prozac orgasm effects?
In My Experience
In my experience, Prozac is a well-known, FDA-approved medication used for treating depression, obsessive-compulsive behavior (OCD), and in some instances, panic disorder and PMDD. Talk to your medical provider if you experience any side effects or unexpected changes in your body. The doctor will assist in tailoring the dosage to your individual needs.
Additional Resources
To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.
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For Further Reading
- Prozac for Anxiety Disorders: Effectiveness, Side Effects, & Interactions
- How to Get a Prozac Prescription: Everything You Need to Know
- Does Prozac (Fluoxetine) Cause Weight Gain? Everything You Need to Know
- Does Prozac Cause Weight Loss? Everything You Need to Know
- Prozac (fluoxetine) Withdrawal: Symptoms, Duration, & Treatment
- How Do Antidepressants Make You Feel? Possible Side Effects & Changes
- Prozac (Fluoxetine): Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, & More
- Paxil (Paroxetine) Sexual Side Effects: What They Are & How to Manage Them
Online Anxiety Test
A few questions from Talkiatry can help you understand your symptoms and give you a recommendation for what to do next.
Best Online Psychiatry Services
Online psychiatry, sometimes called telepsychiatry, platforms offer medication management by phone, video, or secure messaging for a variety of mental health conditions. In some cases, online psychiatry may be more affordable than seeing an in-person provider. Mental health treatment has expanded to include many online psychiatry and therapy services. With so many choices, it can feel overwhelming to find the one that is right for you.