Does Sertraline affect your climaxing ability? (5+tips)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss why people can’t climax on Sertraline. We will also explore the causes and prevalence of climaxing problems on Sertraline and strategies for reducing the risks.
Does Sertraline affect your climaxing ability?
Yes, Sertraline (Zoloft) can affect climaxing ability in some individuals. It’s an antidepressant that belongs to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which works by increasing the serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin regulates functions of the body, including sleep, mood, and sexual activities (1, 2).
While increased levels of serotonin can be advantageous for individuals with depression, they can also lead to sexual dysfunction, such as delayed ejaculation (inability to achieve climax). This is mainly because serotonin may inhibit the release of other neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can affect sexual activity. Decreased libido and erectile difficulties are side effects associated with Sertraline. These side effects are reversible and dose-dependent (3).
A study published in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy found that men suffered from premature ejaculation on Sertraline. It was observed that sexual difficulties were correlated with dose.
Clinical trials showed patients experienced substantial improvement in sexual activity when the dose was reduced or withdrawn. Men showed a higher incidence of sexual difficulties than women (4).
How common are climaxing problems with Sertraline?
Studies have found that 30% to 50% of individuals taking Sertraline (SSRI) experience some form of sexual difficulty, including delayed ejaculation (5).
However, it is essential to consider that the exact prevalence of climaxing problems while taking Sertraline is difficult to evaluate, as many individuals do not report these side effects to their healthcare provider.
This may be due to several factors, such as embarrassment, stigma, or not being aware of sexual side effects while taking the medication (4).
If you are experiencing any sexual problems such as climaxing or an inability to achieve orgasm while taking Sertraline, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider.
They can help you manage your medication and sexual health. Several strategies can be used to reduce the risk of inability to achieve climax, such as dose adjustments or switching to an alternate option.
How to manage the inability to achieve climax on Sertraline?
You can manage to have climax on Sertraline by various strategies, such as
- Using stimulation techniques. Try different types of stimulation to find what is suitable for you.
- By taking longer breaks when you are close to climax. This can help build up arousal and make it much easier to achieve climax.
- Try to communicate with your partner. Let your partner know what you like or dislike. They can help you create a much better sexual experience that is more likely to lead to the climax.
- A proper dose regimen should be followed; if you have any concerns related to the medication, seek guidance from your healthcare provider. Switch to an alternate medication if Sertraline is not suitable for individuals (6).
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle and take a proper diet to avoid any side effects. Drinking alcohol can cause severe side effects while on Sertraline (7).
Additional sexual side effects associated with Sertraline
The additional side effects associated with Sertraline can vary between men and women.
Side effects in males
- Delayed ejaculation
- Difficulty in getting an erection
- Difficulty in maintaining erection
- Unable to reach orgasm.
Side effects for females
- Lack of desire for sex
- Delayed lubrication
- Delayed or blocked orgasm
- Discomfort during sex.
Some individuals experience multiple side effects, while others only experience one. Men and women can have similar side effects, which are not sexual but can affect a person’s sexual performance. Side effects may appear immediately or they may not start to appear for a couple of weeks after starting the drug.
What are alternatives to Sertraline if it causes sexual side effects?
There are several alternatives to Sertraline for achieving climax, including:
Other antidepressants
Several other antidepressants can have lesser side effects than Sertraline. These include Mirtazapine, Bupropion, and Trazodone. It is essential to seek guidance from your healthcare provider, they will help you in selecting the most suitable antidepressant having fewer risks of side effects (3).
Behavioural therapy
Behavioral techniques are helpful in delayed ejaculation. These techniques help to achieve climax which includes, the stop-start method and the squeeze method (5).
Healthy lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle including, a healthy diet, proper sleep, and regular exercise can help to improve the quality of sexual activity.
Several pelvic floor exercises can help to strengthen the muscles involved in sexual arousal, these exercises can improve climaxing. Drinking alcohol can also increase the risks of side effects.
It’s important to contact your healthcare provider about which alternative is suitable for you. They can help you select the most suitable option that is more likely to be successful.
Furthermore, your doctor may recommend some treatment strategies for managing sexual side effects, including:
Topical sprays
Several topical sprays are available to improve climaxing problems and help improve sexual functions. These topical sprays usually contain Lidocaine, which is a numbing agent.
Erectile dysfunction drugs
Medications used to treat erectile dysfunction such as Tadalafil and Sildenafil can certainly help to improve blood circulation to the male genital organs, which makes it easier to achieve and maintain an erection. These drugs are helpful in delayed ejaculation.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed Sertraline and climaxing problems, including how common they are, why they happen, and what you can do if you are experiencing them.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Nhs.Uk, “Common questions about Sertraline”, [update 2022 Feb 2; cited 2023 Oct 7], [Internet], Available online from
2.-
Highlights of prescribing information:(ZOLOFT) Sertraline hydrochloride, tablets for oral use, https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/019839s74s86s87_20990s35s44s45lbl.pdf
3.-
Montejo-González AL, Llorca G, Izquierdo JA, Ledesma A, Bousoño M, Calcedo A, Carrasco JL, Ciudad J, Daniel E, De la Gandara J, Derecho J, Franco M, Gomez MJ, Macias JA, Martin T, Perez V, Sanchez JM, Sanchez S, Vicens E. SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction: fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, and fluvoxamine in a prospective, multicenter, and descriptive clinical study of 344 patients. J Sex Marital Ther. 1997 Fall;23(3):176-94. doi: Waldinger MD. Psychiatric disorders and sexual dysfunction. Handb Clin Neurol. 2015;130:469-89. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-444-63247-0.00027-4. PMID: 26003261.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26003261/
4.-
10.1080/00926239708403923. PMID: 9292833.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9292833/
5.-
McMahon CG. Management of ejaculatory dysfunction. Intern Med J. 2014 Feb;44(2):124-31. doi: 10.1111/imj.12344. PMID: 24528812.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24528812/
6.-
Keltner NL, McAfee KM, Taylor CL. Mechanisms and treatments of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. Perspect Psychiatr Care. 2002 Jul-Sep;38(3):111-6. PMID: 12385082.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12385082/
7.-
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9934946/Rosen RC, Lane RM, Menza M. Effects of SSRIs on sexual function: a critical review. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 1999 Feb;19(1):67-85. doi: 10.1097/00004714-199902000-00013. PMID: 9934946.
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