Never stop, pause, reduce, or change a prescribed medicine because of anything on this page. Some of the medicines listed here are dangerous to stop suddenly, and the condition being treated does not pause while you experiment. Everything here exists to make your next conversation with a prescriber more specific — not to replace it.
Frequently reportedAntidepressants
MAOI antidepressants and sexual side effects
MAOIs are effective for depression that has not responded to other treatments, and orgasm difficulty and reduced desire are well documented with them — phenelzine most of all. Moclobemide, a reversible variant, is reported to affect sexual function considerably less. These medicines carry dietary restrictions and interaction rules that make unsupervised changes genuinely dangerous.
What the rating means: Sexual effects are among the better-documented effects of this class. Frequent does not mean inevitable — plenty of people take these with no change at all.
What is reported
Editorial categories, not percentages. Published rates vary enormously depending on study design and on whether anyone thought to ask the question.
Arousal works but orgasm does not arrive. When this starts within weeks of a new medicine and had never happened before, the timing itself is information.
Reaching orgasm needs far more time or stimulation than before. Some people find this a welcome effect and some find it exhausting; both reactions are worth saying out loud.
Wanting sex less often, or losing the spontaneous interest that used to arrive on its own. This is the effect people most often assume is psychological and most often is not only psychological.
Erections that are slower, softer, or do not hold. Because this depends on blood vessels and nerves, it can also be an early signal of something cardiovascular — which is why it is worth a clinical conversation rather than only a product.
Timing and reversibility
Usually within the first weeks. Because of the interaction and dietary rules attached to this class, every question about it belongs with the specialist who prescribed it.
Each of these has its own sexual effects, separate from the medicine’s. Working out which half you are dealing with is usually the whole question.
DepressionThe condition and its treatment pull in the same direction, which makes attribution hard.
What to ask the person who prescribed it
Is what I am noticing expected with this particular MAOI?
Is there anything about how or when I take it that is worth reviewing?
Who should I contact if something changes — you or the specialist team?
Things that help without touching the prescription
Extra time and direct stimulation for orgasm delay.
A glycerin-free water-based lubricant for dryness.
Common questions
Can maoi antidepressants affect your sex life?
Frequently reported for this class. MAOIs are effective for depression that has not responded to other treatments, and orgasm difficulty and reduced desire are well documented with them — phenelzine most of all. Moclobemide, a reversible variant, is reported to affect sexual function considerably less. These medicines carry dietary restrictions and interaction rules that make unsupervised changes genuinely dangerous.
Which sexual side effects are most reported with maoi antidepressants?
The effects reported most often are orgasm does not happen at all, orgasm takes much longer than it used to, and lower sexual desire. Reported does not mean guaranteed — plenty of people take these medicines with no change at all, and published rates vary widely depending on whether anyone asked the question.
How soon would maoi antidepressants cause a change, and does it reverse?
Usually within the first weeks. Because of the interaction and dietary rules attached to this class, every question about it belongs with the specialist who prescribed it.
What should I do if I notice this while taking maoi antidepressants?
No. Never stop, pause, or reduce a prescribed medicine on your own because of a side effect — several medicines on this site are dangerous to stop suddenly, and the condition being treated does not pause while you experiment. Bring the observation to the person who prescribed it; a dose review, a different preparation, or a different approach may all be options, and only they can weigh them against what the medicine is doing for you.
What should I ask about maoi antidepressants at my appointment?
A specific question gets a better answer than a general one. For this class: Is what I am noticing expected with this particular MAOI? Is there anything about how or when I take it that is worth reviewing? Who should I contact if something changes — you or the specialist team?
Educational information about categories of medicine only — not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not a statement about your prescription. It does not cover doses, interactions between medicines, or alternatives, and it cannot know what else is going on with your health. Sexual symptoms often have more than one cause at once. Pain, bleeding, or a symptom that is new and unexplained always deserves assessment.