---
title: "When Antidepressants Leave Lasting Damage: Living with Post-SSRI/SNRI Sexual Dysfunction"
date: 2021-01-23T23:43:00-05:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/when-antidepressants-leave-lasting-damage-living-with-post-ssri-snri-sexual-dysfunction"
section: "Stories & Conversations"
---
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[Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# When Antidepressants Leave Lasting Damage: Living with Post-SSRI/SNRI Sexual Dysfunction

Sexuality is an integral part of our lives, central to our identity, our quality of life, and the ways we connect with other human beings. So what happens to those of us whose sexuality is removed or severely diminished by a medication? What about when that eliminated or compromised sexuality does not recover, even after the medication is stopped? For people with long-term Post-SSRI/SNRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD), the impact on our lives can be substantial.

In this article, originally posted at Our Bodies, Our Blog, author Emily Grey talks about the pervasiveness of the problem. In the comments to the post, several hundred people share their own experiences.

[Read the stories ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/when-antidepressants-leave-lasting-damage-living-with-post-ssri-snri-sexual-dysfunction)

![A white background with pills to the left](data:image/png;base64,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) 

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ mental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/mental-health)
- [ sexualities, gender, and relationships](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/sexualities-gender-relationships)
- [ taking care of our mental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/taking-care-of-our-mental-health)
- [ sexuality & disability](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/sexuality-disability)
- [depression](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/depression)
- [sexual activity](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/sexual-activity)
- [stories & conversations](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/stories-conversations)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
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- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## Depression in Women: Four Things You Should Know

A fact sheet in English about depression in women, including common symptoms, types of depression, available treatments, and picking the right therapist.

![Fact Sheet- Depression in Women- 5 Things You Should Know](data:image/png;base64,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)

A fact sheet in English about depression in women, including common symptoms, types of depression, available treatments, and picking the right therapist.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/depression-in-women-five-things-you-should-know)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Coping with Depression and Anxiety

LL discusses her experience with depression and anxiety, which both run in her family. She notes that medication and acupuncture are her chosen treatments.

![Lauren](data:image/png;base64,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)

LL discusses her experience with depression and anxiety, which both run in her family. She notes that medication and acupuncture are her chosen treatments.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-coping-with-depression-and-anxiety)

[ResourcesRead

## All About Orgasms

An orgasm is usually an intensely pleasurable sexual release. They can feel intensely physical, intensely emotional, or both.

![Bryan lopez z4knu WP5 M Mk 768x1250 1 e1675296447859 jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

An orgasm is usually an intensely pleasurable sexual release. They can feel intensely physical, intensely emotional, or both.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/all-about-orgasms)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Mental Health Issues

MB describes her struggle coming to terms with mental health issues. She shares how her parents hindered her from getting help, but her friends supported her.

![Marisa](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAD2UlEQVRIiWWWyXYjVwxDAao8fG62WeWnY9nt6OFmQb5SuVunpFODigMIgvQ/f//lquO4vb68vL+/vb+9vb+/vr2+vr2+vBzHcSvbVrLWejz++/7+9evr6/Pz836/f3zcPz7u/37c7/f7/evr6/v7ez2ixQ0fqpvqpqqSrfPD5fd5Csw54vr0/Fiynl/5ef84H++bYwwECCQLQKKtzzNL5mndVgfrjtjuq2Nb3y5OuwAQsCRICH2MJ5A4rVu2VTYSbteydJTdPi153tSYDogYzWVONyICqw+VdbNudsrCsekMvDOoE6JtOgnLQeVOIFntIEoUDIYSZZVV5Vs5NEjGRpY8GUwWSEiBBUWEibYD1j4SERGDpRI3+2alHeDokkGd1iWjM/ysRHIKyyRZeaw8FmuxdhKixK3xKacENhVtH/JRkhqi4QkkrEQJkilLhHawMtZXTK4QHeOgxFSgUTo2PhuizmARrQVqPvSttZgMFonTDlQTvo/qqpcpq5CZGgzPdoVXUELzWBYG8shaWY9GSVkiVsoDUToDWfHC7koMRO3jrLAIcTVt20EntfLoJKJEpOiAJ4PcRPMxE3NDdPb2LoC8v0YymMCD9WCtrM6gKTQQnRwFo0IWfanDu+VaBoA0NcWAREzE6iTaemcgYZ81qBuCgb6TSEtFE9S60KjvdcI065eyfWSxO7lMlSuqcqHChcvu7Es+ToFDUpASqrrIEuDRi8ckQTcaVjeTbXmsbwcTnCMd0uilmo6Uug5NY5AaopglViuJlNHdse6aV/axiXMM9KdOEHBTTEyFTaRllhSdcjpa0CpahsLOpa2QrYM9AE4hGgX66cD94Pm/zY0T71a5spHT8i2kY6LfKi0sMAI5AqxxYEUeZEamsWPZLhkZK+dwkCyhI0TzBvtXIDPF0Yn4DLCfM7Pc/3oOtuuANMceuG3Xksx0xQDiDcsEuV/G2MSyqYZXKind/cIIHyF71k8SiOcecLHepueZdyMX3ULsRzNIhWTMke4qjfWWH54bQo/YSUebfpLbx2Tg0aw56blg2DVwbyQtT4PoqVEWZ9F6XWiwVAKptp7/4UNCOjIEaus6rW+cdUasTUi54TC59tZeAi6cxxqIrIbe2L0DcAFjWz9HRM9KVIbd8t7l8qxNXdMjZKyf7bIDx3b94aP3m7MAtSusS/hXiKD73hPfWDeWi72w+elD3mTq8vopQh34Nt0nx6xumkrbTXieg/Rcm7riU4BmrjUk+5mBZumUrlrUhBkXl4b80aJnG88C+puPU9U059SP3fnp6mLH15Nd5GdDX+n7/JxR/w+jHgzUQG3fKQAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==)

MB describes her struggle coming to terms with mental health issues. She shares how her parents hindered her from getting help, but her friends supported her.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-dealing-with-mental-health-issues)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Doctors and My Heart Health

TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.

![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,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)

TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health1)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## Living with Congestive Heart Failure

TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

![Alexandru-Acea-unsplash](data:image/png;base64,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)

TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-living-with-congestive-heart-failure)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Difficult Menstrual Cycles

CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager.

![Menstruation](data:image/png;base64,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)

CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-menstruation-cb)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## It Was Like Somebody Turned on a Faucet

CB discusses the process of finding a treatment for her painful periods and heavy bleeding, until discovering that they were caused by fibroids and cysts.

![Period Blood](data:image/png;base64,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)

CB discusses the process of finding a treatment for her painful periods and heavy bleeding, until discovering that they were caused by fibroids and cysts.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/living-with-irregular-menstrual-cycles)