SSRIs: What They Are, How They Work, and What You Need to Know

When you hear SSRIs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are a class of antidepressants that increase serotonin levels in the brain to help regulate mood. Also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, they’re among the most prescribed medications for depression, anxiety, and OCD. But while they help many people feel better, they don’t come without trade-offs—especially for men concerned about sexual function.

SSRIs work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin, leaving more of it available in the brain. That’s why they’re effective for low mood, but it’s also why they often cause sexual side effects like reduced libido, trouble getting or keeping an erection, or delayed orgasm. These aren’t rare quirks—they’re well-documented. A 2021 study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that up to 70% of men on SSRIs reported some form of sexual dysfunction. That’s why so many men end up searching for alternatives, adjusting doses, or looking into supplements that might help balance mood and performance.

SSRIs don’t exist in a vacuum. They’re often discussed alongside other medications that affect sexual health—like PDE5 inhibitors, drugs like Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra used to treat erectile dysfunction. Some men take SSRIs for anxiety but then need ED meds to counteract the side effects. Others switch from one SSRI to another hoping for fewer sexual issues, since not all SSRIs affect libido the same way. For example, fluoxetine tends to hit harder than sertraline or vortioxetine. And then there’s the connection to dapoxetine, a short-acting SSRI approved specifically for premature ejaculation, which shows how the same drug class can be used to treat or fix sexual problems depending on how it’s dosed.

If you’re on an SSRI and noticing changes in your sex life, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken. Many men quietly struggle with this, afraid to bring it up with their doctor. But the good news? There are options. You can adjust your dose, switch meds, add a supplement, or try non-drug approaches like therapy or lifestyle changes. The posts below dig into real-world comparisons, side effect management, and how SSRIs interact with other treatments men commonly use—from ED pills to supplements for energy and mood. Whether you’re just starting out or trying to find a better balance, you’ll find practical advice here—not theory, not fluff, just what works.