Many antidepressants, specifically SSRIs, can reduce libido and desire, and make it difficult or impossible to reach orgasm in women; and additionally erectile dysfunction in men.

For people with intractible depression that therapy and improvement of harmful circumstances cannot help, they may be the best option. My concern is, they are often handed out too readily, without addressing the underlying problems; thus treating the symptom instead of the cause and manufacturing new problems to boot. I've seen many people get into a vicious cycle of feeling down, getting on SSRIs, losing their sex life, REALLY feeling down, and having nowhere to turn.

I am reminded of a cartoon of a displeased woman on the exam table, whose doctor is telling her, "I'm not putting you on antidepressants, because you have perfectly legitimate reasons for feeling depressed!

If you are seeing a therapist who doesn't seem to connect with you or really get to the underlying issues, by all means switch to another until you find one who does. There are great therapists out there, and also those who are just punching a clock, and feel it's not in their interest for you to "go sane" and stop needing to pay for their services in perpetuity.

I've seen enough lives damaged to feel compelled to warn people about this serious side effect. Please be aware of this before starting these type of drugs. If there's any way to address problems without them, exhaust that avenue first. If you find out a woman you're dating is taking these, beware! SSRIs can be a dead bedroom in a bottle.