Daily Mail: “I’ve been chemically castrated”

A man named Hamish, aged 33, is sharing his experience of post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD), a condition he believes has left him feeling like he's been "chemically castrated." Hamish took an anti-anxiety medication in May and soon noticed his sex drive had disappeared. He also began experiencing suicidal thoughts and mental fog. Despite his personal struggles, he's speaking out to prevent others from going through similar experiences.

Hamish's libido and sexual desire vanished after taking the medication, causing him distress and mental health issues. He likens his situation to being a "heterosexual living in an asexual body." His distress has led to depression and suicidal thoughts, impacting not only his sex life but also his overall well-being due to brain fog and insomnia. He emphasizes that PSSD lacks a cure and can persist for years, causing ongoing emotional turmoil.

The article highlights that many people experience sexual side effects from antidepressants, including SSRIs, SNRIs, and tricyclics. The lack of informed consent is a significant concern, as patients often wouldn't have taken these medications if they knew about the potential risks, even if the risks were low. Medication labels don't adequately address side effects like PSSD, and key symptoms such as genital numbness are often not mentioned. Alternatives like atypical antidepressants exist but might still come with sexual side effects.