Are you having hassles with a low libido?
If you are taking anti-depressants to keep the blues at bay, you may be impacting negatively on your sex drive, as well as areas of love and romance.
Testosterone is the main operator of the sexual part of the brain, and often when there are issues with low libido and lack of sexual desire, the blame is usually given to a low testosterone problem. Now in many cases this might be correct, but there could be another culprit lurking in the shadows which may be the cause of low-T – such as the side effects of certain anti-depressant drugs.
These drugs include Trazodone, Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, and Celexa, as well as some over-the- counter cold meds, and pain medications.
All of these drugs contain high levels of a chemical known as Serotonin, which is commonly regarded as a “feel good” substance, reputedly to help relieve symptoms of depression.
What is serotonin?
Today, millions of people all over the world suffer from depression and anxiety, and millions are taking serotonin-boosting anti-depressant drugs. Serotonin helps to lift the mood, makes you feel less anxious, keeps you calm, emotionally stable, more focussed, and at times even helps you to be more energetic.
Serotonin is one of the most important ingredients used in the manufacture of the anti-depressant medications which are most often prescribed for people suffering from anxiety and depression. Although people and situations may differ, the serotonin-enhancing drugs have proved to highly successful under many circumstances.
There is a school of thought that a deficiency of serotonin may add to depression symptoms, and there is evidence that the meds containing serotonin do actually help folk out of the depressive issues.
However, if the brain is bombarded with too much serotonin, there is a side effect which may be more devastating than the depression.
A serotonin overload
There is a definite link between testosterone and anti-depressant drugs which boost serotonin levels in the brain. Research has revealed that high serotonin levels lead to low testosterone in the brain.
The symptoms of low testosterone are very similar to symptoms of depression such as fatigue, irritability, anxiety, lack of focus, and mental instability etc. So while high serotonin is lifting your mood and easing anxiety, testosterone levels are falling, and is manifesting as a lack of sexual desire, low libido, orgasmic issues, and erectile dysfunction.
Note that women also need a small amount of testosterone, and those taking the serotonin increasing anti-depressant drugs, will experience similar sexual dysfunctional issues as men do. Studies have also shown that a serotonin overload may lead to what is known as the serotonin syndrome, causing anxiety, stress, and inflammation in the body.
A serious issue
Depression and anxiety problems must never be taken lightly – and nor should the meds doctors prescribe to help get folk back onto an even keel.
The medication of choice for many doctors appear to be the anti-depressants which increase serotonin in the brain. Science has conducted several surveys which showed that 75% of respondents have suffered emotional dulling in areas of love and romance, as well as distressing symptoms of sexual dysfunction, when using these pills.
Health experts have suggested that your doctor may be able to prescribe anti-depressants with a different formulary which do not have similar side effects.
Remember that serotonin in the right amounts is very important in the body. You can also obtain serotonin naturally from foods such as turkey, eggs, cheese, pineapple, salmon, tuna, nuts, and seeds.
Whatever you do, always consult your doctor before embarking on any action – and never just stop taking your meds, unless you are under the doctor’s care.
We can help
If your libido is taking strain from the side effects of certain medications – we can help.
Herbal Remedies International have taken some of the most potent natural herbs, and developed powerful formulas to help combat low libido, and enhance the sexual experience of both men and women. When used as directed, excellent results are achieved.
Our products are safe to take, and do not need a doctor’s prescription.
Visit us at www.herbalremedies.co.za to see the broad range of issues we cover, and find out how we can help you.