Medications That Can Kill Your Sex Drive

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When you’ve been in a relationship for a while and your partner suddenly loses interest in sex, your natural instinct is to believe that he’s just not into you anymore, or that he’s possibly…you don’t even want to think it yet alone say it…cheating. But if nothing outside of your sex life would indicate that—if your partner is still completely loving and committed, and doesn’t seem like a person guilty of anything—then don’t jump to conclusions. There could be something else at play behind that declining desire to do the deed. A lot of the medications both men and women take are effective because they alter certain chemicals and hormones in our body, but sometimes, they can have an adverse reaction, like killing our sex drive. Before thinking your relationship is falling apart, consider if you or your partner are taking these medications that can kill one’s sex drive.

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Enlarged prostate medication

To treat an enlarged prostate, many men take Proscar, but this medication interrupts testosterone’s regular function, hindering it from transitioning into its active form. When this occurs, you’re bound to see a dip in sex drive.

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Get a transurethral resection

This is a very common procedure that’s just around one hour. A transurethral resection removes part of the prostate, reducing and even eliminating the need for medication.

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Allergy medications

Nobody feels particularly sexy during allergy season, but if you’re taking antihistamines to treat your symptoms, you really won’t feel like getting in bed. These medications make you sleepy and dry you up—yes, down there.

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Take them in the morning

Take your allergy medication in the morning—that’s when pollen is the worst, anyways—rather than at nighttime. As for the dryness, well, invest in some good lube for that.

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Antidepressants

Certain antidepressants such as Prozac and Zoloft are in the category of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Essentially, they help you feel happier, but they can also simultaneously interfere with your sex drive.

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Switch to one that is not an SSRI

Speak to your doctor about switching to a non-SSRI antidepressant. There are options available. But don’t just go off of your medication to revive your sex drive—plan a new regiment with your physician.

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The pill

Ironically enough, even though you take the pill so you can enjoy sex without the worry of pregnancy, it can decrease the amount of testosterone circling through your bloodstream, which can reduce your libido.

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Switch to another form of birth control

Consider using a vaginal ring, as this won’t alter your hormones the same way the pill does.

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Anti-seizure meds

Anti-seizure medications such as Dilantin or Tegretol are important for those with epilepsy, but they increase a hormone called prolactin, which decreases sex drive.

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Talk to your doctor

There are anti-seizure medications known to have extremely low risks of sexual side effects, but it is important to speak to your doctor to see if you’re a candidate for these.

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Shingles medication

For patients suffering from the debilitating pain of shingles, some doctors prescribe Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil. These can be quite effective in reducing pain, but they can also affect one’s libido by interrupting the uptake of serotonin.

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Speak to your doctor

Fortunately, most cases of shingles only last three to five weeks. If yours are lasting much longer, speak to your doctor about switching to a medication that doesn’t interfere with your serotonin’s functioning.

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Seek alternative help

Opioids are usually only prescribed for short amounts of time after major operations. If you need pain medication, that strong, regularly, you should speak to your doctor about undergoing surgery to address the underlying issue, or trying physical therapy.

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Anti-hair loss medication

If your partner is taking Propecia to keep his lustrous locks and have sex appeal, there’s a catch: he won’t feel like having sex. This medication has been shown to affect male desire.

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Switch to Rogaine

There are options, such as Rogaine, that do not affect a man’s sex drive. Furthermore, if your partner already has you and you want to have sex with him, tell him you think he’d look great bald.