Relationships/SSRI medication

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Hi,

Just letting you know that I can certainly experience emotional attraction I do find sexual attraction difficult to feel (if you think of sexual attraction in terms of libido) this has been the case for a long time but I am asking if this anything to do with the SSRI medication I am on (Escitralopram) I have been on this for a long time over a decade but I do know all SSRI meds are associated with sexual side effects but most anecdotal reports are of a condition known as post SSRI sexual dysfunction which describes sexual dysfunction after stopping the medication which may not directly apply to me because I am on the medication currently but I do worry that something has caused my libdio to decrease substantially since I was in my later teens/20s just wondering if this is my age or the medication (in my early 40s now) I have been to my doctor/GP in the past and had my test levels checked all came back normal so no problem there I sometimes think about changing my meds in consultation with my GP but after discussing this with my mum she thinks it is too risky due to my severe anxiety issues being off the meds but whatever it is it would be nice to feel some form of sexual attraction towards women and some libido have tried supplements but they never work as mentioned I have discussed this with my GP in the past and it is strange that you cannot seem to have anti anxiety medication and libido at the same time! (if that what it is) they should be able to have antidepressants that don't cause these issues as could potentially see a lot of patients on ADs putting themselves at risk from taking thinks they shouldn't!

Onto the topic of relationships although I do have some limited sexual attraction still it is emotional attraction which is the strongest for me being spiritually connected to a person do you think that is enough to pursue and enjoy a romantic connection without by libido being as good? After all they emotional attraction is the most important and long lasting and is more important for long term relationships - this is often what is meant by a true soulmate rather than sexual attraction that can often only be fleeting not saying its not important but I have often thought as any relationship platonic or romantic being based on emotional/romantic attraction more than sexual lust?

I do have quite a few platonic female friends as well as one lady who I do have quite a nice attraction with and would see going further with as a possibility she does have a lot of common interests with me and really likes me at least platonically and I am getting quite close only issue is that it is a bit long distance (she lives 200 miles from me) but I do really like her she is lovely do you think she is worth trying to be more than friends with I have known her in the past only platonically but it is only recently we have got back in contact and become good friends again - just asking for some advice especially when we plan to meet up in person like we are planning to do so btw she has had passed relationships but it currently single and like me she has told me she has more freedom when single

you are right about SSRIs tamping down sexual response, you may wish to take a brief break [a day] from the drugs whenever you wish to be sexual. or, switch to an antidepressant without that particular effect. and yes, libido is important as sex is glue that initially binds a relationship. i would first consult with your PDOC about alternatives. and if you're gonna have a long-distance [mostly] relationship you should drop in now and then, and when you're apart do a lot of communicating.