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Amitriptyline and Sex Drive
Amitriptyline hydrochloride (Elavil®) is a prescription medicine approved for treating depression in adults.
Several sexual side effects have been reported with amitriptyline, and a decreased sex drive is one of the more common problems (besides impotence). Because sexual problems are common in people with depression, however, it can be difficult to tell whether a decrease in sex drive is actually caused by amitriptyline or due to the depression itself.
If sexual side effects become a problem for you, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider. He or she may recommend certain medications (such as erectile dysfunction medications) or may try adjusting your amitriptyline dosage.
(For more information about how sex drive can be affected by this antidepressant, click Amitriptyline Sexual Side Effects. This article also explains what other sexual problems have been reported and covers possible treatment options for these side effects.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD