Lexapro and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Ast...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 11, 2015

For Depression "I started taking 20mg of Lexapro every day 3 months ago. I have experienced the sexual side effects and lethargy associated with it, but it has served as a good mood stabilizer. In fact, it actually helped me to quit drinking. I had developed a daily routine with alcohol and had trouble stopping cold turkey. I needed something. I let the Lexapro work and after two weeks I lost my craving. That isn't to say it cures alcoholism or depression, but it's been just the assist I needed. I combine my medication with some therapy and self-help audiobooks. I'm in a much better place now than ever before. I strongly encourage anyone to give the medicine a chance to work."

• Kha...
• October 6, 2015

For Depression "So far, so good! I started on 10mg daily, then after a week, my dosage was increased to 20mg daily. I have been on this stuff for just under a month now, and I am starting to feel a bit better already. Other people have also noticed and a few have commented that I seem perkier and more alive. I have taken several different types of SSRI/SNRI antidepressants in the past and for me, this one is the best in terms of effectiveness and for side effects. I do get the weird, psychedelic dreams every night and wake up really groggy, I get a bit constipated and I can't stop yawning all day. Also, it's difficult to orgasm. But, it's still better than constantly wanting to die. I almost feel like going back to work... almost!"

• Anonymous
• March 20, 2008

For Depression "I have taken Lexapro 10mg for 5 years now. I recently tried to come off of Lexapro due to sexual side effects and had really bad withdrawal symptoms. I am back on Lexapro 5mg and will not try to change for a long time. This medicine keeps me level and keeps me from crying all the time for no reason."

• Jam...
• May 3, 2015

For Depression "This review is based on my own experiences and my opinion doesn't reflect Lexapro (Escitalopram). I found Lexapro's starting side effects to be mild and tolerable - I experienced dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, and sexual dysfunction. However, like I said, they were mild and tolerable, and they subsided after a few days. I experienced no worsening of my depressive or anxiety symptoms. As I just mentioned, I suffer from depression and anxiety, and although I didn't find Lexapro to be a 'miracle pill' that fully cured me of my ailments, it did significantly alleviate them to mild and tolerable levels. Overall, for me, Lexapro was an easy antidepressant to start, and it has been effective in treating my depression and anxiety."

• Taw...
• December 12, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I’m 26, anxious and depressed for 12 years, started taking Lexapro a year and a half ago, and it has changed my life drastically, began at 5 mg and gradually increased to 20 mg. At the time I began taking it, I was unemployed, sleeping all day and all night, or not sleeping at all, crying regularly, unable to quit smoking, not eating, avoiding social situations, and engaging in destructive relationships. 1.5 years on Lexapro later, ALL of these behaviors have ceased - and I feel healthier by the day. I experience a full range of emotions and depressive thoughts from time to time - but the lows do not last for more than a day. When I first started taking Lexapro, I felt like I was on smack. Other side effects included diminished libido and nausea. These eventually passed - after about 6 months. That’s when I started to notice my mood really stabilize. I’d recommend Lexapro to anyone with longstanding anxiety and depression."

• JMa...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 26, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have had anxiety since childhood. I never knew what it felt like to be without it until the first time I took Lexapro. It was amazing to feel 'normal' for the first time. I had been on Zoloft and Prozac before, and neither made me feel normal. I've had to quit Lexapro due to insurance at times, and being without it is not something I ever want to do. I've tried Celexa and the generic forms as well, but they come with sexual side effects. With Lexapro, I have very little sexual effects. In fact, it seems to enhance orgasm for me. Initial side effects when starting it included very bad diarrhea for a week or two, but it goes away. I take 20mg, which seems to be perfect. 10mg didn't do the trick. If you haven't tried it, give it a shot."

• stl...
• September 6, 2013

For Anxiety "I was prescribed Lexapro about a month ago. Initially, I was sleepy all the time, but I took it at night and now the only side effect is difficulty reaching an orgasm. I love this medicine! I was having several panic attacks a day, and since being on 20mg/night, I'm back to myself! I'm going to continue. It's like my own 'Happy Pill'."

• hon...
• September 8, 2016

For Anxiety "I am on day 6 of taking Lexapro, and I must say that I am very pleased with the results so far. My husband is deploying, and I began experiencing panic attacks and anxiety back in May. I thought it was just me and I could brush it off or 'get over it.' As time went on, I noticed that my symptoms became worse. I was crying every day, worrying, panic attacks, anxiety attacks, and having intrusive thoughts, which began to make me extremely depressed. I had no energy, insomnia, was crying, mentally exhausted, and had no appetite. I finally broke down and went to my GP and told him what was going on. He recommended several different anti-depressants. I had been reading about the different anti-depressants and found that Lexapro got the best reviews. I was reluctant to begin taking meds but thought I had no choice. I know it might be premature, but I feel 100% better than I did a week ago. The only side effect that I experienced was insomnia for the first 3 nights, loss of appetite, and no libido. I didn't have much of a libido to begin with, so it doesn't bother me. I didn't experience nausea like I read in other reviews. I am slowly getting my appetite back and sleep so good at night. It makes me a little groggy first thing in the morning, but once I get up and get going, I'm good. I take 10 mg every morning. My doctor wants me to increase my dosage to 20 mg after 2 weeks, but I will wait and see how I feel. I highly recommend this medication. It has really helped me. I feel so much better!!!"

• Ccc...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 6, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I’ve been on Lexapro 20 mg for three years. I was always an anxiety-ridden person, but I did not realize just how “normal” I could feel until I started on Lexapro. It truly changed my life. I wasn’t this jealous, angry, bitter person I had been ever since I can remember. I’ve tried coming off of it to see if my anxiety is controlled while not on it, and I can tell the moment I miss a dose or cut down; I become that angry person again. However, I do have sexual side effects and intense dreams; that’s fine with me because I also have so much happiness!"

• Var...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 3, 2013

For Depression "I am a 43-year-old, otherwise healthy male, with reactive depression due to extreme financial stress over the last 2 years. Couldn't stop obsessive, negative thoughts, to the point I was nearly at the breaking point. Was placed on 10mg Lexapro for one week, and then increased to 20mg. Initial side effects were sweating and insomnia. The sweating passes quickly, and the insomnia has now all but disappeared. The first week, my anxiety and depression may actually have increased, but after that, had steady improvement, until after 6 weeks, felt completely back to my old self. The only ongoing side effect is difficulty achieving orgasm, but I am completely prepared to live with that, considering how I was feeling beforehand. Has been a lifesaver."

• mC1...
• March 22, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been taking Lexapro for about 2 months now, and I notice an immediate change. I suffered from bad anxiety attacks where I would have them two or three times a night. I was miserable by the time I got prescribed Lexapro. My doctor initially prescribed me Xanax to get me through until my antidepressants started working because they don't have that initial 'kick' like Xanax has. I was happy that I had the Lexapro to help me with my depression, and more so anxiety. The only side effects I have noticed are weight gain and lowered sex drive. I think those are nothing compared to feeling depressed. I would recommend this antidepressant."

• Mur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 20, 2021

For Anxiety "I suffered from DP/DR and depression because of it. It nearly was the last straw for me last year in 2020, but I read these reviews and it gave me hope. I took a gene test, learned that I needed to supplement with Deplin due to MTHFR gene. I paired 5 mg of Lexapro with 0.5 mg Rexulti, and my life changed. I had zero sexual side effects, which was a major concern for me, and most of all, I'm doing the things I love again."

• fee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2015

For Depression "I have always experienced small bouts of anxiety and depression before, but nothing that ever really stuck around. A few months ago, something caused me to become anxious, which led to a panic attack, which then led to depression, and no matter what I did, I just couldn't shake it. I couldn't eat, sleep, had no desire to do anything, and was always anxious. I went to my doctor who put me on Lexapro. It immediately helped with my anxiety, and within a few days, my depression lifted. I have now been on Lexapro for over 2 months and feel back to my normal self. Initial side effects: very sleepy for about 3 days, nausea for a couple of nights. I still experience: vivid dreams and low sex drive. I never experienced: weight gain or insomnia. Overall, I'm very happy."

• Z0R...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 14, 2014

For Depression "I'm 22 years old and have suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression since I was a youngster, stemming from childhood sexual abuse. This medicine has saved my life, it took about a month to a month and a half to kick in, but when it did, it really eased my symptoms. I did experience some mild side effects in the beginning, but they all went away except for some loss of libido and delayed ejaculation. Overall, I would recommend this medicine to someone who is in a similar situation as I found myself in."

• Cor...
• June 25, 2017

For Anxiety "Anxiety lifer here. My demon has gotten cruel in the past few years by manifesting itself in severe premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) every time I start to leave the house or get in a slightly stressful situation. After a massive panic attack on a flight home from London to DC, I decided I had enough. I told my GP I want to go back on Lexapro. Like every other time, Lexapro works almost immediately for me - my PVCs and agoraphobia have muted drastically on only 5 mg a day! Yes, there is slight weight gain and potential sexual side effects, but I'll take those over the other stuff any day. It's cliche, but I do feel like I have my life back. I even ventured out for a run around the city tonight with zero PVCs. Sucks being on a drug, but I'm ok with it today."

• Mad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 20, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "First antidepressant I ever took. Ruined my libido, caused suicidal thoughts. I had to go to the hospital because I wanted to commit suicide. I had nightmares every night about a trauma I experienced when I was 16. Horrible, and I always tell people to stop taking after they notice bad symptoms - I wish I did."

• mad...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 18, 2024

For Anxiety "Have been on 20 mg a day for about 9 months. Way too many horror stories out there. Calm down, everyone. I am switching to something else due to sexual side effects, but other than that, some GERD initially when taking on an empty stomach, but overall great medication. Worth a try and just start gradually and increase over time."

• Cam...
• July 2, 2009

For Depression "I have been on Lexapro for almost 2 weeks for mild depression. It has helped me so much. I feel like my old self again. I have had the opposite happen as far as the side effects go. I have lost a little weight, my libido has gone from non-existent to raging (which has made my husband happy after almost 3 years of no libido) and I have a lot more energy than I did. I did make the mistake of taking my 10mg dose in the morning, which left me feeling very fatigued all day. I switched to taking it at bedtime and feel much better now. Not as tired. I have only good things to say about Lexapro so far. Hope things don't change."

• cyn...
• December 30, 2019

For Anxiety "Was diagnosed with anxiety recently and prescribed Lexapro. The first few days felt weird, started getting headaches, brain fog, libido gone. These were common effects, so I kept it going. I noticed my anxiety was gone, but I couldn't cry either. I was emotionally numb and had no empathy for others. Eight days in, I started getting suicidal thoughts. Keep in mind I started this for anxiety and NOT depression/suicidal thoughts! I was very scared of myself as it felt like a second conscience was forming in my brain, one that would tell me I'm worthless and ugly, and I'd argue with it with my normal conscience. Three days into these new thoughts, the more I was on it, the more this depressive conscience took over, and I was forming ways on how to commit suicide. I was too scared to continue at this point, so I stopped, and my anxiety is back, but I have not gotten suicidal thoughts since. And this was all only on 5mg. As said by my doctor, please halt using this drug immediately if you get suicidal thoughts."

• yky...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 20, 2024

For Anxiety "I used to be severely socially anxious (part of the territory with autism) and struggled to even leave the house, going to a shop, talking at the bank, etc. I've been on Lexapro for almost a year, and the difference has been night and day. I still suffer with anxious thoughts, but the body manifestations are gone. No jitters, clammy hands, stomach upset, or muscle stiffness at socializing. Without my body acting against me, it gives me the chance to think and rationalize the anxious thoughts, and with that I've gotten much better at going outside and not relying on others to deal with errands and just... being a normal person. It does come with some side effects, my libido is effectively gone, lol, and a few hours after taking the medication I get overwhelmingly sleepy. Which is fine if taken at night. Even then, since I'm on this drug, I've had lower energy levels than before, even while having a healthy sleeping routine. But it's something I'm willing to live with."

• Sho...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 11, 2014

For Depression "Lexapro (Cipralex in Canada) is an effective antidepressant that worked well for generalized anxiety disorder. I took it because I had general anxiety (occasional panic attacks) and depression. It worked well in both areas. It helped a lot with mood, confidence, anxiety, and motivation. But it was not without side effects. It does cause weight gain, although the exact reason is confusing. I went from 180 pounds to 200 pounds in 6 months. There are also sexual side effects, prolonged ejaculation with very little feeling, and a strange feeling of being unable to urinate freely (taking longer than usual). It made me very sleepy. Weaning off is difficult. Those are the pros and cons. If the cons don't sound too bad to you, it will help, otherwise, it might not."

• kal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 7, 2014

For Depression "Was on Lexapro after the death of my mom. I didn't like the sexual side effects, so I was switched to Wellbutrin. It made me hungry all the time but did work for a few months, then suddenly stopped and I was worse than before. I went back on the Lexapro and am doing much better with the anxiety and depression. As for side effects, I would rather deal with those than anxiety and depression any day."

• t-j...
• April 24, 2015

For Anxiety "I am a 36-year-old female. I have been on Lexapro for 4 months now, and it has definitely helped to change my life for the better. I had crippling anxiety and depression and finally went to the doctor when it reached the point that I could not leave the house to go to work (some days) or even to the grocery store. The first two weeks I took 10 mg/day, and now I am on 20 mg/day. At first, it made me sort of loopy and had low sex drive, but those things evened out. I wish I would have started it sooner. Please give this medicine a try if you have depression or anxiety."

• Som...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 24, 2013

For Depression "I loved Lexapro. I had been on it for approximately 5 years. It worked wonders, made me feel close to 'normal.' Recently, in the past 6 months, I had gone through some life-altering events and had noticed my depression was coming back more and more. I finally broke down and told my doctor (I thought the problem would correct itself). So, he changed me to Pristiq. I had a slight yawn while on Lexapro and some sexual side effects, but they were less than any other medication I had ever taken. So, when Lexapro works, it works GREAT! When it's run its course, time to move on."

• Deb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 18, 2019

For Anxiety "My doctor insisted that I take Lexapro for my anxiety. After only 27 days of 5 mg doses, I felt like I was going insane. The disgusting side effects were numerous, including excessive sweating, stomach cramps, dark thoughts, diarrhea, sleeplessness, decreased sexual drive, confusion, and irregular heartbeat. The withdrawal process has left me having scary panic attacks and paranoia. I wish I’d never heard of the drug, and I will never go back to that doctor again. My life feels totally ruined from this drug, and I have slurred speech and increased anxiety. Please avoid this."