Paxil Sexual Side Effects

In clinical trials of Paxil, sexual side effects of the drug included such things as impotence, ejaculation problems, and a decrease in sex drive, among others. However, it's not always clear whether the problems are caused by Paxil; many of the conditions that Paxil is licensed to treat (such as depression) can also cause sexual problems. If you develop Paxil sexual side effects, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider.

 

Paxil Sexual Side Effects: An Overview

 Paxil® (paroxetine hydrochloride), like all selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), is known to cause certain sexual side effects. Sexual side effects of this drug may include:
 
  • Decreased sex drive or orgasm problems
  • Ejaculation problems
  • Impotence (also known as erectile dysfunction or ED)
  • Priapism, a painful erection that does not go away.
     
Sex Drive or Orgasm Problems
Paxil is known to cause a decrease in sex drive (known as libido). In clinical studies where side effects of Paxil were documented, a decreased sex drive occurred in up to 15 percent of men taking Paxil. This side effect was also seen in women; up to 9 percent of women in these studies reported a decrease in sex drive with Paxil. Also, up to 9 percent of women taking Paxil reported problems achieving orgasm.
 
Ejaculation Problems
Paxil is also known to cause ejaculatory problems. Generally, these problems are usually delayed ejaculation or inability to ejaculate. In fact, Paxil can be used to treat men that have problems ejaculating too early (see Paxil and Premature Ejaculation).
 
In clinical studies where side effects of Paxil were documented, ejaculation problems occurred in up to 28 percent of men taking Paxil. The highest incidence occurred in those men with social anxiety, while those with depression or post-traumatic stress disorder experienced the lowest incidence of this Paxil sexual side effect (13 percent).
(Paxil Sexual Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;