Dear Dr. Richards,
I am 54 and I have a BSc in Biochemistry and so I am able to ingest most of what is written within these explanations of various sexual problems.

I am on SSRIs and have been for years now and of course, I suffer somewhat from a depressed libido as expected but what I have read here about this process and the indicated permanent damage to the brain’s pathways which can result, I now find myself somewhat concerned. I have over the years tried to wean off of SSRIs but found I simply cannot, which is depressing in itself. Is there any reassurance for someone in my condition..??? Also, I might add that I have always been very sexually active from an early age and wonder now if this conduct has by itself, caused additional problems, as in possibly being linked to the depression and anxiety issues I now suffer from in these later years..???

Your thoughts on these matters would be most appreciated.

Sincerely,
Ron Hicks.

ANSWER
Ron,
It is unfortunate that the “healing” properties of the SSRIs and high remission rates are frequently a result of a newly developed neuroplasticity for abnormal neurostransmitter neuronal interconnections and functioning. Numerous symptoms and issues may occur through and after the usage of SSRIs and SNRIs.

“Is there any reassurance for someone in my condition..???”

Yes, however, you would have to eventually discontinue SSRIs usage. The unfortunate fact is that many patients who developed forms of erectile dysfunction as a result of a chronic SSRIs or SNRIs usage do not fully recover(about 20 to 25%). However, even so, satisfactory results are more than achievable.

“Also, I might add that I have always been very sexually active from an early age and wonder now if this conduct has by itself, caused additional problems, as in possibly being linked to the depression and anxiety issues I now suffer from in these later years”

It’s a possibility.

Glad if I could help!