What are the effects of paroxetine hydrochloride tablets on sexual function?
Nov 17, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Introduction
Paroxetine hydrochloride tablets, as a commonly used antidepressant, may have various effects on sexual function, including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, abnormal ejaculation, reduced sexual pleasure, and impaired sexual experience. These effects vary significantly among individuals; some patients experience only mild symptoms that may gradually subside over time with continued use, while others may have more pronounced reactions.
Paroxetine hydrochloride tablets, as a commonly used antidepressant, may affect sexual function in multiple aspects, including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorders, reduced sexual pleasure, and impaired sexual experience. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Decreased libido: Some patients may experience a significant decline in sexual interest after taking the medication, with diminished responsiveness to sexual stimuli and reduced willingness to initiate sexual activity. This change is related to the drug's modulation of neurotransmitters.
2. Erectile dysfunction: Male patients may encounter insufficient erection hardness or shortened duration of erection, making it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection adequate for satisfactory sexual intercourse, thereby affecting normal sexual activity.
3. Ejaculation disorders: This is a relatively common side effect, manifesting as delayed ejaculation—requiring prolonged sexual stimulation to reach the ejaculatory threshold. Some patients may even experience difficulty ejaculating, while a minority might develop retrograde ejaculation.
4. Reduced sexual pleasure: Both male and female patients may experience diminished or absent pleasure during sexual activity. Even when orgasm is achieved, the sense of enjoyment is significantly weaker than before treatment, negatively impacting sexual quality of life.
5. Impaired sexual experience: Female patients may suffer from reduced vaginal secretions, leading to dryness, pain, and discomfort during intercourse. This further reduces comfort and desire, potentially creating a vicious cycle.
These effects vary significantly among individuals. Some patients experience only mild symptoms that may gradually improve over time with continued use, while others may have more pronounced reactions. Patients should proactively communicate their condition with their physician and must not discontinue or adjust the dosage on their own. Maintaining a positive mindset and enhancing communication and understanding with one's partner can help alleviate these issues to some extent.
