Today, we’re diving into one of the most overlooked and unexpected causes of premature ejaculation (PE) - antidepressants.
Yep, you read that right - SSRIs and anxiety meds like Zoloft can actually trigger PE. Let’s unpack how this happens, why it’s an issue, and what you can do about it.
How Can Antidepressants Cause Premature Ejaculation?
You’ve probably heard SSRIs—like Zoloft (sertraline), Paxil (paroxetine), Prozac (fluoxetine), or anxiety meds—can help with PE. They boost serotonin or GABA, which can make you last longer. Some guys even struggle to finish while on them. But here’s the catch: they can cause PE after you stop taking them.
Most men don’t use antidepressants for PE — they’re on them for depression or anxiety.
The problem hits when they quit. Suddenly, guys who never had PE start dealing with it, or those who did find it’s worse than ever. Let’s check out some real user reports from Reddit to see this firsthand:
Real Stories: Reddit Reports on PE After Stopping SSRIs
Here are 3 reports from guys who faced PE after quitting SSRIs.
Reddit Report #1: Acquired premature ejaculation after stopping ssri
I was wondering if anyone had any experiences with acquiring the issue after stopping taking SSRIs. I've been taking varying levels of Zoloft (sertraline) for a few years. However, I found most recently, having gone from 100mg to 50mg, that I've acquired PE, which isn't much fun, of course.
Reddit Report #2: Premature Ejaculation After Cessation of SSRIs (Lexapro)
A few months ago, I ceased using Lexapro (escitalopram), and since doing so, I have embarrassingly suffered from PE. I have tried looking it up online; however, most references discuss the use of SSRIs to combat PE, with very few details on withdrawal side effects, which include premature ejaculation for many guys.
Reddit Report #3: PE Worse Than Before After Stopping SSRI
I developed PE after stopping my SSRI, Zoloft (sertraline). Will it ever be normal again? I took an SSRI for anxiety, and a positive potential side effect for me was a solution for my PE. It seemed like it helped a little bit when I was on it for the past year, but I recently started tapering it off and quit, and the PE is now terrible—less than 10 seconds.
These aren’t one-offs—tons of guys report the same thing. So, what’s behind it?
Why Does Stopping Antidepressants Cause PE?
It’s pretty straightforward but brutal: long-term antidepressant use can fuck up your serotonin system in the brain. When you stop, your serotonin levels — or how your receptors handle them — can get out of whack. Simply put, you might end up with less serotonin available, which can leave you with PE.
Here’s the breakdown:
- For guys who never had PE in their life: Picture this—you take antidepressants for years, maybe for depression or anxiety, then quit. Suddenly, out of nowhere, you start dealing with PE. Why? Because your serotonin system is FRIED. Too little for good stamina.
- For guys who already struggled with PE: Say you’ve battled PE forever. Then you start antidepressants — be it for depression or any other reason — and boom, you notice you’re lasting longer in bed. Awesome side effect, right? But when you stop the meds, your PE doesn’t just come back — it’s worse than ever, like the drugs were masking it, and now you’re paying the price.
So, what’s the deal—can you fix it?
Is the Damage Permanent? What Can You Do?
For some, PE fades after a few months as their serotonin system bounces back—Reddit comments back this up. But for others, it sticks around longer, almost like Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD), which can drag on for years. Here are your options:
- Option A: Keep Taking SSRIs
Stay on antidepressants to control PE, but that can tank your sex drive or cause erection issues. It’s a Band-Aid, not a fix. - Option B: Ditch SSRIs and Try Alternatives
Quit meds and test other solutions—like GABAergic drugs or numbing sprays to dial down sensitivity. - Option C: Wait It Out and Use Proven Techniques
If your system isn’t too fucked up, stay off meds, give it a few months, and use my coaching methods to last longer. Book a free call with me—we’ll sort it out together.
Take Control: Don’t Let PE Run Your Life
Antidepressants can sneakily cause PE, but you don’t have to just deal with it. Whether it’s waiting for recovery, trying new options, or getting expert help, there’s a path forward. Ready to tackle this? Schedule a free call with me, and we’ll figure out what’s best for you.
