PSSD stands for Post-SSRI/SNRI Sexual Dysfunction

PSSD is a condition associated with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) or Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant medications. At some point, either while on the medication or upon cessation, adverse reactions are experienced by the individual. These adverse reactions are distinct from typical side effects because they persist long past the last dose is taken. For some, their symptoms improve over the course of months or years. In many cases, they persist indefinitely.

PSSD is an acronym for Post-SSRI/SNRI Sexual Dysfunction, which is a misnomer, because symptoms often extend far beyond the realm of impaired sexuality. With that said, various forms of sexual dysfunction are some of the most commonly shared, and the most distressing, symptoms among sufferers.

 The following issues have been reported in people with PSSD as a result of SSRI or SNRI usage. Different combinations of symptoms and individual symptom severity are experienced depending on the person. Symptoms can be broken down into sexual and cognitive/other:

Sexual Dysfunction Symptoms may include:

Reduced genital sensation / genital anesthesia

Erectile dysfunction / decreased vaginal lubrication

Delayed or inability to orgasm (anorgasmia)

Pleasureless, weak or “muted” orgasms

Decreased libido

Reduced response to sexual stimuli

Decreased or lack of nocturnal erections

Premature ejaculation

Reduced nipple sensitivity

Soft glans

Loss of penile/clitoral size

Cognitive/other symptoms may include

Reduced intensity of emotions (particularly romantic love)

Anhedonia (inability to feel any form of pleasure in life)

Memory loss

Issues with sleep

Depersonalization

Loss of drive/motivation

Loss of creativity

Loss of focus

Read the current literature on PSSD in the Resources section of this website.

  If you are reading this as someone that believes they have PSSD, this place is meant to be somewhere you can find hope and support, something that many sufferers have gone without for far too long.

If you are reading this as a medical, media, or other professional that could bring attention to our cause, we cannot stress how much we would love to have you on board. By doing so, you would find yourself contributing to our end goal of research and developing treatment. Please reach out to us through our contact information.

Please join us as we pursue avenues to bring recognition to the condition among both the general public and medical community, push for research initiatives, and offer help to human beings who are too often finding themselves feeling helpless as a result of this debilitating condition.