While antidepressants can lead to many gains in overall well-being, they can present some hardships in romantic relationships.
Also, communicate with your partner so you might navigate these challenges with understanding and empathy.
Is My Antidepressant Ruining My Relationship?
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The short answer is that, yes, antidepressants can impact relationships.
However, that doesn’t mean your depression treatment needs to undermine your connection with your partner.
The most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants is SSRIs.
They work by increasing the amount ofserotoninproduced in our brains.
Serotonin is aneurotransmitterthat regulates our behavior, mood, and memory.
And while SSRIs are the most common culprit.
Other antidepressants can cause very similar side effects.
What may seem cold is actually a physical response to the medication they are taking.
Emotional blunting is sparked by the dysfunction of thefrontal lobedue to changes in serotonin levels.
Emotional blunting isnt the same as feeling depressed and doesnt necessarily mean someone lacks care for others.
Instead, it is a decreased emotional expression.
Over time, emotional blunting can create a lack ofemotional intimacyin relationships.
When serotonin is increased by an SSRI or other means, other essentialhormonesand neurotransmitters can be impacted.
Specifically, testosterone anddopamine.
Testosterone is responsible for our sex drive and sexual satisfaction, while dopamine is in charge of orgasms.
With both this hormone and neurotransmitter impacted, sexual dysfunction follows.
Sexual dysfunction can lead the partner who isn’t on medication to feel rejected or undesirable.
Additionally, it can frustrate the partner who is on medication.
They may feel challenged by their sex life changing or even guilty for how it is impacting the relationship.
It’s important to remember that low libido can also be associated with depression.
Sinceweight changesare a common side effect, the partner on medication may begin to feelself-consciousor uncomfortable in their body.
Recurring issues with sleep,headaches, and stomach problems can also lead to general discomfort.
These physical changes might lead the partner on medication towithdrawor be unable to connect emotionally and physically.
Don’t let fear of side effects influence your decision to get help for your depression.
A decrease in depressive symptoms may lead to less strain on the relationship.
As a result, each partner may feel more satisfied with their daily dynamic.
Even emotional blunting can be helpful in some cases.
The benefits ofantidepressantsmay outweigh the risks for many.
Ensuring youre nonjudgmental and never pressure your partner into activities they arent up for is key.
you could be of great support to the person who isnt taking medication.
Take Care of Yourself
Self-careis important for both partners.
Asupport groupmay also prove helpful for both of you.
Having a community of others navigating similar paths can be a source of support and comfort.
Takeaways
Exploring medication options to manage depressive symptoms can feel scary for both partners.
If you’re in the midst of a crisis, reach out to ahotlinefor help.
National Institute of Mental Health.Major depression.
Harmer CJ, Duman RS, Cowen PJ.How do antidepressants work?
New perspectives for refining future treatment approaches.Lancet Psychiatry.
2020;99(33).
