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Condition

Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction (AISD)

Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction is a common side effect of SSRIs and SNRIs, where extra serotonin dampens dopamine and norepinephrine pathways, lowering libido and arousal or delaying orgasm. Maca and saffron are the supplements studied most directly for it, though little research on them has been reviewed here so far. Ginkgo, L-arginine and ashwagandha have drawn interest too, but their evidence is limited, so it is early to say how well any work.

Sources: PMID 18801111; PMID 23280545

Supplements studied
2
Graded outcomes
0
Trials
2
People studied
82

Evidence by supplement

  • Strong
  • Moderate
  • Limited
  • Very limited

2 supplements

Ginkgo Biloba: outcomes studied for Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction (AISD)
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
LibidoImproves (the measure goes up)4 studies37 people
Maca: outcomes studied for Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction (AISD)
GradeOutcomeEffectSizeStudiesPeopleStudies list
Sexual FunctionImproves (the measure goes up)2 studies45 people

The Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction Support protocol

2 primary supplements · 5 supporting supplements

See the full protocol

Shop the evidence-backed picks

Support alongside medical care. These supplements are not a treatment for Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction (AISD). If you are being treated for it, talk to your clinician before adding one: supplements can interact with medicines.

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Studies cited

6 studies from PubMed

  1. A double-blind, randomized, pilot dose-finding study of maca root (L. meyenii) for the management of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunctionCNS Neurosci Ther · PMID 18801111
  2. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of maca root as treatment for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in womenEvid Based Complement Alternat Med · PMID 25954318
  3. A placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of Ginkgo biloba for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunctionHum Psychopharmacol · PMID 12404672
  4. Short- and long-term effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on sexual dysfunction in womenArch Sex Behav · PMID 18274887
  5. Triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Ginkgo biloba in sexual dysfunction due to antidepressant drugsHum Psychopharmacol · PMID 15378664
  6. Ginkgo biloba for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunctionJ Sex Marital Ther · PMID 9611693