Citalopram and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Mis...
• March 3, 2012

Citalopram for Depression "I've been taking Celexa for a few weeks now. I've gained a lot of weight, so much in fact we thought I was pregnant! AND I'M NOT! I've been feeling nauseous and having cramps. I don't want to have sex anymore, and when we do, I can't have an orgasm. My period is down to just barely anything (I have an IUD that I've had for 3 years). Celexa does make me a happier person. I'm playing with my kids now, which before I wouldn't. I just wanted to be left alone and wanted to play my computer. Now I do things with my family, I feel happier."

• 30y...
• July 18, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I've only been on 10 mg of citalopram for a week, but I already feel more calm on it. I take it at night, I haven't noticed a lack of sex drive, shakiness, or anything like that. My doctor did say that the first week on it can be the worst for anxiety, but that it would get better. I honestly haven't noticed that my anxiety has been worse, if anything, it has definitely taken the edge off. I've had PTSD for the past 15 years. Playing sports and eating healthy has always made me feel better, but I recently suffered a torn PCL while playing ice hockey, and not being able to do any physical activities has left me quite frustrated and depressed. I'm hoping the prescription will only be temporary until I can have surgery and get back to physical activities."

• Anonymous
• July 1, 2011

For Anxiety and Stress "Really, it's night and day for me. I wish I could have been prescribed this when I was just a teenager. I am 45 now and finally feel somewhat human. I've always felt embarrassed about everything, and I mean everything. Have tried Prozac, Wellbutrin, natural remedies, and more. I have been sober for 9 years now. Even when everything was going well at home, work, and relationships, I would still be suicidal. I also have had some major depression through life, but the last two years have been the worst. For the first time, I feel NORMAL! I went from saying I'm sorry 1,000,000 times a day to less than 10-20 times a day in one month. I don't feel the need to overeat like I have been, and I've already lost 11 lbs (I'm twice what my weight should be). The best part is not feeling embarrassed. The side effects are mild compared to what I've been through all these years. Yawning a lot the first month, which has gone away. Like someone else mentioned, the sexual side effects (making it harder to orgasm). I also seem to have nervous energy, like bouncing my legs up and down and rocking back and forth. I get a headache once in a while. I also slept a lot the first 2 weeks. All in all, nothing compared to the side effects from my anxiety and depression. I only hope it lasts."

• Boo...
• October 18, 2016

For Depression "I am currently taking 30 mg of this drug for depression and have found it to be very beneficial. The first few weeks are very difficult, and it can be tricky to find the correct dosage. As this is the second incidence of depression, I now need to take the drug for 1.5-2 years, and so far it has been 1.25 years, although after that I will probably remain on a maintenance dose. The negative aspects that I have experienced are difficulty with orgasm, slightly drier mouth and eyes, and gas, but compared to the effects of the illness of depression, these are minor issues, and I now lead a happy and fulfilling life thanks to this drug."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 30, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "I can't say a bad word about citalopram because it worked well for me. I quit smoking and was so happy, started going to yoga. After a couple of months, I had to stop taking it because I had a horrible rash and sexual dysfunction, obviously... I wasn't happy about it and my boyfriend thought that it was his fault."

• Los...
• June 21, 2022

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I’m in my 20s and a male. Started taking Celexa 2 years ago. It helped my anxiety a little but would get really severe headaches. But the worst thing was that I ruined my sex drive. And I mean for good. I stopped taking it because of the sexual side effects, and I never returned to normal even after months of stopping it. I was diagnosed with post-SSRI sexual dysfunction. Do NOT take it unless you want to ruin your sex life for good."

• The...
• April 14, 2021

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I developed postpartum anxiety after my second child and tried Zoloft when he was 8 months old. That did nothing, so I stopped. Then I started noticing PMDD symptoms. I was anxious, depressed, so filled with rage and anger that I would completely lose it at anyone over hardly a thing. Then my period would come, and I would be back to my normal self. Each month it started getting worse, and I couldn't put myself or my family through it again as I was really worried how bad my symptoms would get the next month and thought I might hurt myself or someone else. I started researching and classic PMDD I then thought and realized I've had it since I was a teenager. Saw my GP, started on citalopram 20 mg every day. Instant change! I have had zero symptoms of PMDD. It also stopped my postpartum/breastfeeding hot flashes that I had been having for 2 years! My side effects I think are only reduced libido, but also still breastfeeding, so I think a combination of factors. Amazing drug!!"

• BPH...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 30, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking it for three weeks now. Started 10 mg and went to 20 mg, but that gave me insomnia. Wake up every morning at 2 a.m. and can't sleep. Now back to 10. Feel like I have more energy, but it has done very little for my anxiety. Still get those same cold feelings/panic attacks. Doc says I'm healthy and my testosterone is normal, but it doesn't feel normal as my libido was low even before the drug, and I have a very hard time gaining muscle/losing fat. My plan is to use it for two months, but if things don't improve, I will find a doctor who specializes in men's issues."

• Sad...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 14, 2016

For Depression "Although citalopram initially seemed to help me over a bad patch (divorce), I lost my ability to enjoy sex, achieve orgasm. Previously enjoyed a happy, active, fulfilling, and pleasurable sex life. When I was ready to date again and have new boyfriends, this was frustrating and caused deeper unhappiness and sadness. I'm hoping my pleasure will return. Wish I'd never taken it!"

• Sad...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 14, 2016

For Depression "Although citalopram initially seemed to help me over a bad patch (divorce), I lost my ability to enjoy sex, achieve orgasm. Previously enjoyed a happy, active, fulfilling, and pleasurable sex life. When I was ready to date again and have new boyfriends, this was frustrating and caused deeper unhappiness and sadness. I'm hoping my pleasure will return. Wish I'd never taken it!"

• Lew...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 23, 2021

For Depression "After 6 weeks of taking 20 mg daily, I have had no positive effects but many negatives including: bruxism, difficulty reaching orgasm, loss of libido, increased appetite, hyper-realistic dreams and sleep talking, diarrhea, weight gain, thoughts of suicide, and self-harm."

• Lew...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 23, 2021

For Depression "After 6 weeks of taking 20 mg daily, I have had no positive effects but many negatives including: bruxism, difficulty reaching orgasm, loss of libido, increased appetite, hyper-realistic dreams and sleep talking, diarrhea, weight gain, thoughts of suicide, and self-harm."

• Gir...
• March 9, 2012

For Depression "I have been using this medicine for 5 weeks. I started on 20 mg at night. Physical side effects included excessive sleeping, dizziness on waking (lasting about 2 hours), substantially reduced libido, teeth grinding, and no appetite. Other side effects were a feeling of 'disconnection' from my emotions, forgetfulness, and repeating tasks. So, whilst the medicine alleviated the depression symptoms, it was impacting substantially on other aspects of my life. HOWEVER, I revisited my GP and requested a reduction. I am now on 10 mg per day. The difference is phenomenal - I feel hopeful and able to cope, still don't have an appetite or 'normal' libido but can work around those issues! I guess it's all about finding the CORRECT dosage for YOU."

• Joa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2018

For Depression "I was diagnosed with clinical depression at a young age and had been on and off different medications for a while, and nothing was working. I didn’t get out of bed for weeks and couldn’t work or go to college, so I was put on citalopram. After two weeks, it started lifting my energy levels, and I started leaving the house. I’m now on my fifth week and I’m catching up with college and functioning every day. I can feel my emotions come back to me because when I’m having an episode, I’m completely empty. I feel like myself again, and it’s great! Having all these emotions back makes me feel human instead of feeling like an empty shell for weeks to months on end. I deal with some side effects like a lot of sweating, decreased sex drive, and a bit of insomnia, which is something I can deal with because I feel better as a person. I’m going to start taking it in the morning, so can I beat this insomnia."

• Iri...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 8, 2016

For Depression "Citalopram is the only antidepressant that has ever worked for me. I'm in my 30s and have been dealing with depression since my teenage years. I have tried several meds, but this is the only one that consistently works with no sexual side effects. On other meds, I just wasn't interested in sex at all... not normal for a guy and really bums you and your girl out. It's mild, probably not for someone dealing with severe depression. But I'll say I tried to stop once and noticed a difference right away, got right back on it. It takes the edge off the depression and helps me think clearer."

• Tef...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 10, 2022

For Depression "Taken for around 6 years. Dosages were between 10-30 mg. In total, it helped a lot - nearly no side effects except sometimes a delayed orgasm. After 6 years, I was on a maintenance dose of 10 mg. My life got pretty stressful (end of relationship, a lot of job-related travel, moving into a new flat), and my old panic attacks + depression came back really hard. Tried upping the dose, but it did no longer seem to work. Had to change to sertraline - but let me tell you, the switch was not easy."

• Anonymous
• October 12, 2011

For Anxiety and Stress "I was on citalopram 40 mg for 3 months. It was great, made me love myself (which I had never done in the past). Only problem I had was, I was always tired and I had no sex drive whatsoever, and it was impossible to get an orgasm. Today will be my 5th day off the medication because it is causing problems in my relationship, and I feel terrible withdrawals from this medication. It is like death warming over, very dizzy, vomiting, diarrhea, can't sleep, major mood swings, unexplained crying. I feel like I'm a zombie. I can't think, can barely walk, body aches. I've been out of work for 2 days now, and tomorrow will make day 3. According to the doctor, there is nothing to make this any better but start the medicine back and slowly come off of it. Hope this helps."

• Nev...
• April 5, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed citalopram after my dad unexpectedly passed away. Within 48 hours of taking it, I started having significant side effects like loss of appetite, increased anxiety, and, for the worst part, a complete lack of sex drive and the inability to climax. I have always had a very healthy sex drive and am involved in a committed relationship. I was encouraged by my doctor to continue taking it for 30 days since these side effects were 'normal' for the drug. After 30 days, nothing had changed and I started really wishing I had my sex drive back - so did my girlfriend! At that point, I stopped taking it. After 2 months of being off of the drug, my sex drive still has not returned, which has honestly wrecked my life. I'm now learning that for some people, this drug can wreck your sex drive for life. I can't even express how frustrating this is. Unless you are prepared to not have sex for the rest of your life, I would strongly caution everyone to run away from this drug."

• Mel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 12, 2020

For Postpartum Depression "I have suffered with PMDD for most of my adult life, it really got its worst in my mid-20s. It steals two weeks of my life every month from me. I am 31 and just also recently gave birth. After seven weeks postpartum, upon returning to work, I would have several panic attacks a day along with one of the worst depressions I have experienced. I felt physically sick from the sadness of leaving my baby every day for work. I am on day four of 10 mg of citalopram and the panic attacks are GONE, my OCD repetitive thoughts are GONE, I still feel a bit sad, but I don't dwell on it. The first two days I had headaches, dry mouth, nausea, gastro upset, difficulty orgasming, and felt 'weird.' All have subsided but the orgasm difficulty. I am so thankful for the immediate relief from the nightmare I was experiencing. It's like somebody turned the light on in my dark mind! I can smile and mean it again."

• Pai...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 24, 2017

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I take Celexa 20 mg for anxiety and depression. The medicine helps greatly for alleviating daily anxiety and depression. Everyone I know, however, has side effects when taking it. For me, I only started getting PMS after I began Celexa. For men, it also very commonly causes sexual dysfunction."

• Pis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 15, 2012

For Depression "I was on Lexapro 20 mg while I was a caregiver for my mom and brother for 10 years. They both passed away, and I decided to go off the Lexapro, so I weaned off. WRONG thing to do! I hit a low and was so depressed I became suicidal. I missed them both terribly and felt so empty. My doctor put me on citalopram 10 mg, and within a few days, I could feel the difference again. I have been on it for over a month and am on 20 mg. Finally, I am able to go out and meet people again and handle my depression. The only bad thing from both meds is my lack of sexual desire. I am 67 but am not dead, so I would like to be able to make love with my hubby. But if that has to be given up to keep my sanity and our home peaceful again, then it is worth it to both of us."

• Thu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 18, 2016

Citalopram for Anxiety and Stress "I was originally on Buspar, but for some reason the anxiety started to come back. So I went to my PCP, and after talking options, it was decided 10 mg of Celexa would help. So this is the 17th day on Celexa, and things seem to be starting to even out. Had stomach issues on days 1-3, but they went away. Sexual effects also popped up, but after checking with the wife, things still work on request, but just take a bit longer. One thing that's certainly still there is the increased anxiety. It's not as bad as it was, but still there. If you decide to go with this, this really can make the anxiety worse. So between the 60 mg of Buspar, the occasional Propranolol for the days the anxiety is super bad because of Celexa (which is getting better), I think this drug will work."

• Ice...
• June 8, 2018

For Depression "I have been on citalopram for a month and have lost my ability to have an erection. I had no problems in the past, and as I took the medication, I noticed a decline. Now, 30 days in, I am completely limp. There are many blogs that blame this medication for lack of sex drive as a side effect. I still have the desire but lack the ability to get an erection. Is there anybody who has experienced this and rode it out? How long does it take?"

• not...
• February 24, 2009

For Depression "I have been taking citalopram for about 6 months. It has helped me with my depression, but I seem to have a reduced sex drive and am unable to orgasm and get a headache before I orgasm. My lover can't stand this and thinks it is her fault (not good enough). I have no problems getting an erection and keeping one. Just have a problem reaching orgasm. Plus, the head pain is bad, taking the pleasure away."

• not...
• February 24, 2009

For Depression "I have been taking citalopram for about 6 months. It has helped me with my depression, but I seem to have a reduced sex drive and am unable to orgasm and get a headache before I orgasm. My lover can't stand this and thinks it is her fault (not good enough). I have no problems getting an erection and keeping one. Just have a problem reaching orgasm. Plus, the head pain is bad, taking the pleasure away."