Is Your Antidepressant Silently Crushing Your Drive? Here's What No One's Telling You

Let’s get real for a minute.

If you’ve been feeling drained, disconnected, foggy, or like your inner fire just… fizzled out—this isn’t just about motivation. And it’s probably not just in your head.

For a lot of high performers—especially men—there’s something deeper going on. And one of the most overlooked factors?

Testosterone.

Now before you roll your eyes or assume this is just another “low T” rant, hear me out—because this might be the missing piece of your puzzle.

The Question That Needs to Be Asked

I had a potential client recently ask me, “Tony, could my antidepressant be killing my testosterone?”

And that question right there? That’s a damn good one.

Because the truth is, some antidepressants absolutely can mess with your hormones. And most people never connect the dots between their mental health meds and their lack of energy, sex drive, or motivation.

Let’s break it down in plain language.

What they Won’t Say,

A lot of commonly prescribed antidepressants can throw a wrench in your system.

And when testosterone tanks, here’s what shows up:

• No desire

• No drive

• No passion

• No follow-through

You feel numb. You start going through the motions. You lose your edge.

Sound familiar?

Here’s the Twist Most People Miss

The medication might be part of the problem—but so is the depression itself.

Let me say that again: depression alone can destroy your testosterone.
Why? Because it wrecks your sleep, kills your desire to move, and floods your system with cortisol. That’s a fast track to hormonal chaos.

So if you were already feeling off before the meds, that’s not a coincidence. It’s a compound effect.

Not All Meds Are Created Equal

Here’s where things get interesting.

SSRIs increase serotonin but can inhibit dopamine and raise prolactin, both of which can suppress testosterone over time.

 SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)

Examples: Effexor (venlafaxine), Cymbalta (duloxetine)
These also carry a risk of sexual side effects and may slightly impact testosterone, although less frequently than SSRIs.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

Examples: Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline
Older class of meds that may suppress testosterone by interfering with the brain’s hormonal regulation.

 

There’s one antidepressant that often gets overlooked—Wellbutrin (bupropion). And it’s a game-changer for some people.

Unlike SSRIs, it doesn’t crush your dopamine. In fact, it tends to boost motivation and even increase libido for many users. I’m not saying it’s for everyone, but if you’re on something that’s flattening you emotionally or physically, It might be time to have a conversation with your provider.

Because you shouldn’t have to trade mental clarity for physical vitality. You deserve both.

Do You Feel Off? Don’t Ignore These Signs

If you’re on antidepressants (or even if you’re not) and any of this sounds familiar:

• You’re tired all the time.

• Your sex drive is gone.

• You’re moody, irritable, or emotionally flat.

• You’re losing muscle or gaining fat for no clear reason.

• You just don’t feel like yourself anymore…

That’s not just getting older. That’s a sign something’s off hormonally. And it's worth investigating.

Here's What You Can Do About It

Let’s stop waiting for someone to come rescue you. You’re in the driver’s seat.

If you’re serious about getting back to your full, optimized self, here’s where you start:

1. Get your labs done.
Ask your doctor for a full hormone panel—total testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG, prolactin, cortisol, DHEA, estradiol. If they won't run it? Find someone who will.

2. Move heavy things.
Lifting weights isn’t just about looking good—it’s about restoring your primal power. Resistance training boosts testosterone naturally.

3. Fix your sleep.
Your testosterone is produced at night. If you’re staying up late, scrolling your phone, or tossing and turning, your levels are suffering.

4. Eat to fuel your hormones.
Whole foods. Quality fats. Plenty of protein. Cut the junk. Simple isn’t always easy, but it works.

5. Master your stress.
Chronic stress equals chronically low testosterone. You can’t eliminate stress, but you can outsmart it. Breathwork, coaching, meditation—whatever works for you, build it into your day.

6. Consider smart supplementation.
Zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, ashwagandha—these aren’t magic pills, but they can support your system. Do it right and do it informed.

You Don’t Have to Settle

Listen—if you’re using antidepressants right now, that doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means you’re human. And if they’ve helped you manage the darkness? That’s something to be proud of.

But don’t let them rob you of your strength, your spark, or your identity in the process.

You have the right to feel energized. You have the right to perform at your peak. You have the right to be fully alive.

Let’s Get You Back to That Place

If you’re done spinning your wheels, feeling like you’ve lost your edge, and you’re ready to reclaim it—physically, mentally, and emotionally—I’d love to help.

I’m not here to replace your doctor. I’m here to help you create a strategy that makes you whole again—in the best way possible.

Ready to take back control?
Let’s talk. Book your strategy call today.

You weren’t made to live life at half-power.
Let’s get you optimized.

—
Tony Cammarata
Optimization and Nutrition Coach | Helping men reclaim their mindset, energy, and fire—for life and leadership.