Lexapro and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 2)

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 29, 2018

For Anxiety "I was very hesitant to try any medicine for my persistent anxiety and low-grade depression (30+ years of drudgery). I finally 'called uncle' when it was clear that I would literally not make it through without additional help. I went to the doctor and bawled my eyes out as she listened patiently. She started me on 10mg, which made things worse for about 2 weeks and then kicked in nicely. I felt so much better. I asked the doctor to increase my dose to 20mg, which she agreed to do. There was an immediate change for the better, and now after about a month on 20mg, I am feeling almost no anxiety or depression. An amazing drug! Side effects are sleepiness and some loss of libido. The list of good effects is too long to list. Increased patience with the kids. Being a better husband in so many ways. I feel like I am more in control of my life instead of always trying to avoid things that were uncomfortable. I recommend Lexapro!"

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 30, 2018

For Anxiety "Like you, you're reaching out for hope because you're going through one of the most horrible experiences in your life. But anxiety always passes, and Lexapro helps your mind heal and recover. I had bad anxiety before that turned into anxiety disorder (afraid of anxiety itself). Just know that this is your mind tricking you and you have to learn not to be afraid of it. Lexapro will help you break the cycle and get you out of the hole quicker. Side effects were at their peak for the first two weeks, with sometimes worse anxiety, but each day gets better. Sexual side effects subsided as well after the first 2-3 weeks as most are psychosomatic. Just try to remember your mind wants to calm down and it's only temporary. I have been through hell and made it out the other end to see the light - just give it time and patience, it will pass and Lexapro helps."

• Luk...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2025

For Depression "I have struggled with anxiety and depression my entire life. When I first tried this drug in 2021, I felt a lot better, but I was tired all the time and had sexual side effects. I was in desperate need of a solution a month ago, and my GP prescribed 150 mg Wellbutrin XL and 10 mg Lexapro daily. I have so much more energy now, I can sleep, I can do my job normally, I feel like I have finally gotten my life back together. The Wellbutrin helped 90% with the sexual side effects, and it gave me energy. This drug has helped my life immensely, highly recommend."

• KSa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2019

For Depression "Lexapro has changed my life for the better. I first started Lexapro in September of 2018 after consulting with my MD about severe PMS symptoms, including short temper and feelings of disgust towards my significant other. I never expected it to improve my day-to-day life. Since I've been on Lexapro, my PMS issue has been completely resolved, and I'm a generally happier person. My co-workers, who don't know I've started taking Lexapro, have told me that I'm more approachable, and I even got employee of the quarter! That's NEVER happened before! The only noticeable side effect I had was a decreased libido, but it was short-lived. With less anger and no more 'divorce or death' PMS feelings, my sex life is as good if not better than ever! Medications work differently from individual to individual, but for me, Lexapro is a lifesaver!"

• Sun...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 4, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was prescribed Lexapro/Escitalopram for anxiety and depression. I began at 10 mg and over the course of a few weeks increased to 20 mg. At first, I noticed some jaw tightness/clenching, but nothing miserable or extreme. A few nights of insomnia. The only negative side effect now is sexual dysfunction. It's not a lack of desire, it is simply not being able to get from point A to point B, if you know what I mean. The upside to all of this is that it makes me feel better than I ever have in my life. It's like the clouds have parted, and I feel joy and peace. If someone cuts me off in traffic, instead of having to stop myself from feeling road rage, it just rolls off me. I don't feel an ounce of irritability or anger. My stress level is WAY down. I believe because my cortisol level went back down to normal, I actually have lost weight with Lexapro. It feels like a miracle. I feel much more emotionally stable now, and I'm so grateful."

• Tha...
• August 28, 2016

For Depression "This pill cleared up so many of my mental and physical symptoms that it's difficult to list them all. Gone are the black-and-white thinking, the ceaseless pain of existing, the social anxiety, irrational and confused thoughts, inability to truly engage with the world, hopelessness, blank future, exhaustion no matter how much I sleep, procrastination, and psychic agony that only self-harm could alleviate. Not only can I hold an extended conversation with someone, I'm also able to appreciate this improvement in my life instead of feeling like it doesn't matter. Unfortunately, my libido is also gone. Since it was low to begin with, I don't miss it too much, but one day I'd like to know what having a libido is like. Wellbutrin, perhaps?"

• Son...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 13, 2025

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This was the only SSRI that worked for me. I took it for about 2.5 years (with Clonazepam). It worked very well but took about 2-3 months at the 20 mg dose to see the full effects. Then I felt I was no longer getting the most out of this medication after a few years and probably needed a higher dose, but I was already taking 20 mg/day, so I asked to change it and was given gabapentin and a benzo for anxiety. I am considering starting again. I did have sexual problems and also terrible withdrawals, the worst of which lasted about a week (sweating and some irritation). I knew that would happen but was not told about that until I asked if it was ok to stop abruptly, after which my doctor told me it was my choice to decide if I needed to taper or not."

• Jay...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 8, 2020

For Depression "I was on Lexapro for the last 3 years due to depression. I felt much better at first, but absolutely hate the side effects. It cut my sex drive way down and made me lose muscle/weight, no matter how hard I worked out. The withdrawal symptoms are not fun, but after weaning myself off it, I feel so much better with my normal energy and libido back."

• Sco...
• November 2, 2015

For Anxiety "I've had serious anxiety since I was a teen. In the last 4 years (thanks to some random health issues) it has skyrocketed and life has become unbearable. Everyday I thought I was having a heart attack - despite stellar cardio results. Anxiety took full control of my life - mentally and physically. Xanax and booze (not together) work like a charm but I fear the addiction potential. My doc put me on a low dose of Lexapro (5 mg) and within 48 hours all my crazy anxiety ended. Gone. I feel normal again - it's been YEARS since I've felt this way. Small sexual side effect (long time to ejaculate) and slight weight gain but I'm okay with that. Another side effect: my co-workers & friends like me again."

• Ck2...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 2, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have suffered from clinical depression and anxiety for many years now and have always been terrified about trying medication to help it. I wasn’t sleeping due to my anxiety, and my mood was always extremely low, and I had little motivation to do anything. I was always extremely tired because I would wake up constantly with racing thoughts but thought I may have a vitamin deficiency, so I used to take multivitamins that didn’t help. Since taking Lexapro, I feel 100% better, literally after the first few days, I felt calmer and more able to sleep. There were side effects at first, like sweating and inability to orgasm, but these have thankfully subsided. Taking Lexapro has really made me realize that people with depression and anxiety have chemical imbalances that sometimes medication can only solve. I’m not saying I am completely cured and still have my low days, but this drug has helped me immensely with managing my anxiety and depression."

• Jts...
• March 28, 2011

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I'm 39, male, 6'3, 230 lbs. Suffered from anxiety disorder for years. Worrying, palpitations, shortness of breath, basically all the popular anxiety symptoms. Seemed to come on more when I pushed myself exercising. Back on Lexapro because it does work. Side effects like lower sex drive, difficulty reaching orgasm, insomnia all go away. I find myself fearless, my life is active, no more 'what ifs' and no anxiety attacks. I admit I hate taking medicines, but without it is far worse."

• Jts...
• March 28, 2011

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I'm 39, male, 6'3, 230 lbs. Suffered from anxiety disorder for years. Worrying, palpitations, shortness of breath, basically all the popular anxiety symptoms. Seemed to come on more when I pushed myself exercising. Back on Lexapro because it does work. Side effects like lower sex drive, difficulty reaching orgasm, insomnia all go away. I find myself fearless, my life is active, no more 'what ifs' and no anxiety attacks. I admit I hate taking medicines, but without it is far worse."

• Roa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 6, 2015

For Anxiety "On Lexapro 14 months now. I almost never want Xanax anymore, and I am sleeping better than I have since I was a teenager (I am 46). Two negative results: sex drive has decreased markedly, and I've had a 10% weight gain. But even with these two factors, I would never consider going back to the person I was before Lexapro."

• Jam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 2, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Randomly began suffering panic attacks. 33, male, healthy. Tried every non-prescription/natural medication on the market - nothing worked. After 3 months of suffering, went and spoke to GP. Prescribed Lexapro 10mg and Diazepam 2mg for the side effects. Four days on Lexapro 5mg and my mindset did a complete 180. No more panic attacks. No more anxiety. I stayed on 5mg for two weeks with great results. Now on 7.5mg but think I might drop back to 5. Some libido side effects, but other than that, Lexapro has been a miracle. Didn't even need the Diazepam after all. Been on Lexapro for three weeks now and haven't felt better in years."

• Nic...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 3, 2021

For Anxiety "Was on 10 mg Lexapro for about 6 months. Was very effective at reducing anxiety but found it was making me slightly reclusive and reduced my libido. Reduced dose to 5 mg, found it to be just as effective and with fewer side effects."

• Sad...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 1, 2022

For Major Depressive Disorder "Okay, so I know everyone has different experiences, but mine was terrible. I started on 5 mg and moved up to 10 mg. At 5 mg, I had almost every side effect (dizziness, anxiety, nausea, headaches, severe exhaustion). The worst was the sexual side effects (which never went away) and initial insomnia. After one week, I went up to 10 mg and started to see some decent results. The insomnia went away after a few weeks. The depression was still there, but the anxiety was nonexistent. Sure, I was completely numb and couldn't feel anything at all, but that meant my anxiety was gone. But the feeling of being numb got worse and worse over time. After a couple of months, it got to the point where I lost all motivation and was tired all the time. I could barely stay awake and was sleeping 12 hours a night most nights. Eventually, the exhaustion and lack of motivation made my depression even worse until I started having passive suicidal ideation. That's when I got off Lexapro and switched to Prozac."

• Zen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "After suffering for several years due to anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and some OCD, I decided to try an SSRI. First, I tried another older drug (amitriptyline), which helped a lot, but the side effects were too intense, so my doctor switched me to Lexapro. I did not have severe side effects when I switched, but there were several that were annoying: eyes don't adjust to light as well (reading in a dark room is harder and looking at fluorescent light is a bit painful), lower libido, weight gain, drowsy for a few hours after taking the pill. After using this drug for about 5 months, light sensitivity has improved (but not gone away), and I don't get drowsy anymore. But I still have somewhat lower libido and I put on about 10 kg (23 lb) in that time. My dose is 10 mg every morning."

• Mol...
• January 25, 2021

For Anxiety "I have OCD intrusive thoughts. I have so much anxiety that I can’t sleep. Sometimes I’ll be up for hours and only sleep 1-3 hours a night. My anxiety will feel like death, I literally feel like someone is going to hurt me and death is near. My chest will hurt, I can’t think, and my hands tingle. I can barely function, and I have a family and work full time. Pros: After taking Lexapro, I have not had any anxiety, I am able to sleep at night. And I don’t even have a lot of intrusive thoughts. If I do, I’m able to think clearly. And I don’t perform compulsions either. I went from a high 20 level of anxiety to about a 1-2. It works for me! Cons: The downside is that it will mess with your sexual drive or inability to orgasm. I’m happily married, so this is awful. I’m hoping this is temporary, and I wished there were other side effects. But I’m not sure how long I’ll be on this medication due to this side effect."

• wil...
• January 1, 2015

For Depression "Have taken for two years. It's the only SSRI I could take. All the other SSRIs had terrible side effects. It really helped with depression and anxiety. It has really helped me to sleep. There are some side effects, however. It has really decreased my libido and does make you gain weight. Because of these effects, I have decreased my dosage. It is a very good medicine, and I would highly recommend it."

• Anonymous
• June 16, 2008

For Depression "I have been taking this drug for 6 months. I started after a very sad time in our family, and some months after this, I had days where I would just break down and cry for no reason. I found out that depression is in our family and has made me more aware of this disease. I feel generally better and don't have the days of sadness that I used to but have side effects of insomnia, low sex drive, dizziness, and sometimes fatigue. Overall, I feel this drug has been helpful and would recommend it to others."

• PM1...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 27, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Like many others have written, this drug has dramatically improved my quality of life. I have been taking it for about 1 year and have been too busy feeling good to write a review. Before, I was plagued with extreme panic, afraid to be alone, afraid to take a shower, constantly worrying about 'what if' scenarios, thought I would have to quit my job, lost weight because of NO appetite. Now, all I can say is pretty much living like a normal person! I do feel anxious at times, but I didn't want to turn into a robot with no feelings. I am thriving at work, socially have made new friends, can concentrate so well (this might be my favorite part), no sexual side effects whatsoever, weight maintained at a healthy level. 5mg I am so thankful for this drug."

• Mar...
• November 20, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "When I first started taking this medication, I was determined to end it all. Four years later, I'm the happiest person I know. I still have a high sex drive, although I've known people to say that Lexapro takes it away for them. I didn't gain any weight, and I've learned through meditation and breathing techniques to handle what small anxiety attacks I may get in my hectic life (two jobs, an apartment, school, long-distance boyfriend) and at 20 years old, I'm better off than most of my friends and feel like I can accomplish anything. Lexapro saved my life."

• Kar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 15, 2016

For Anxiety "Have been on Lexapro for two years now. First weeks were truly horrible and took 6-8 weeks for full effect. But hang in there! My life is finally anxiety-free and I enjoy the smallest things. I see now how much place and energy the anxiety took before. Not anymore. No side effects. Take it at night to avoid sexual side effects. (Had them when I took Lex in the morning.)"

• Mag...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 30, 2014

For Depression "If you want to be happy, this is your miracle magic pill. I was prescribed it for depression and generalized anxiety disorder along with an eating disorder. I would get so frustrated over everything, procrastinated, and had a lot of crying spells and nervous word vomit. While on Lexapro, I could handle the things that normally stressed me out in a great way. I was so happy! It was impossible for me to have negative thoughts. I forgot to refill my pills so I didn't take them for about a week. I became really frustrated and upset and just randomly decided I hated Lexapro and being happy. It decreased my sex drive majorly. I couldn't get off at all. It's been two years and I'm going to start taking it again. Lexapro is a miracle."

• T4a...
• December 5, 2016

For Depression "I have taken Lexapro on and off for about 20 years. My advice is to give it a go. The first 3 weeks, the side effects made life pretty miserable: insomnia, nausea, no appetite, or sex drive. After week 4, I started feeling really good (normal) and enjoying life again."