Lexapro and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Cof...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 21, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been on and off Lexapro for 4 years. Every time I think I can stop and deal with life medication-free, I end up coming right back to Lexapro. I’ve tried other meds in the past, and I’ve determined that Lexapro is the one for me. I pair it with Bupropion and have such positive results. I have a bit more energy. I’ve been able to keep weight off. Mentally, wow. I feel so, so much better. I wake up feeling excited for the day. Things don’t bother me as much, and I can handle negative experiences in a calm way and even get over them quickly. My anxiety is way lower, which is my favorite thing about this medication. The only downside for me is a lower sex drive. It’s worth it to me to feel better and to enjoy life so much more. Unless you have adverse effects that you cannot function with, I recommend sticking with it. I felt better after just two weeks. But everyone is different. Hang in there. Things can and will turn around and get better. Love to you all."

• Anonymous
• November 24, 2008

For Anxiety "I was slowly suffering from anxiety (through high school) and never really knew it. About 3 years ago (age 29), I began to have anxiety and panic attacks after a vet visit with my cat. I seized from the anxiety of being in the vet office, and from then on for about a year, the anxiety turned into panic attacks at work, meetings, car, and home. It wasn't until I finally had a full-on panic attack (felt like a heart attack) and had to go to the hospital that I was prescribed Lexapro. I did not want to accept the fact that I needed to take medicine for something psychological. I always tried to fight things with my mind. Over the past 2 years, I am glad I was prescribed Lexapro. It has completely changed my anxiety. I still have occasional anxiety but no attacks. The main side effect was low sex drive."

• bob...
• March 14, 2015

For Depression "Lexapro has worked well for me. My anxiety and depression are about gone. The first 2 months were pretty bad, and I almost quit many times, but I am glad I didn't. Side effects included night sweats, tinnitus, headaches, insomnia, sexual issues, dizziness. Most of this has resolved now after 3 months. Adding a B complex with folate and omega-3 seems to have helped me. This is a very good drug for anxiety and depression, but you'll need to be very patient and struggle through the initial side effects."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 20, 2019

For Anxiety "I took Lexapro for a couple of years. It basically numbed me out emotionally, which was better than being distressed, but it made me tired, took away my sex drive, and made me very apathetic towards life. Overall, the negatives outweighed the positives. I call these the 'I don't give a damn pills.'"

• Joh...
• June 1, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "My anxiety got to the point where treatment wasn't an option, I had to try something. I gave Lexapro a chance. It's been good for me. The drug has slowed down my anxiety. I feel less anxious around people, and in general, I feel like my internal monologue has slowed down a bit. I've noticed when I'm around people, I'm less reactive, whereas before I was jumpy and unsettled. I am on 10 mg. About a decade ago, I tried Zoloft and Effexor, both with mixed results. Currently, I take Lexapro and Adderall. It seems to be a good combo for me. There have been some side effects. My sleep is disrupted at times, I have trouble reaching orgasm, and sometimes I feel a bit lethargic. This drug is working well for me, I hope it continues to be effective."

• mou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2023

For Depression "Have started Lexapro 10 mg after an episode of recurring moderate depression. I did not experience a worsening of mood symptoms while starting up, slight nausea in the first days but very tired and sleepy constantly for the first 4 weeks, at which point this started getting better. After 3 months, some somnolence still is a nuisance, but very manageable. Loss of libido is considerable (am male), in diminished desire as well as diminished satisfaction from climaxing. For me personally, this is the one reason I would want to discontinue the medication at some point. Notably, however, intimate relationships still feel very satisfying. No side effects besides these two. My mood cleared up considerably starting at 6 weeks and I feel more relaxed while at the same time more eager to initiate and cultivate relationships and activities. For me, this is a good trade-off in the current situation."

• mee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2023

For Depression "Zoloft and Prozac caused severe sexual dysfunction for me. While I could easily achieve an erection, having an orgasm was nearly impossible. However, with Lexapro, I find that I have a higher sex drive, and the experience is more intense. It does take longer to reach climax, but the pleasure is more intense. Unlike Zoloft, where sexual sensation was nonexistent. Previously, I used to ejaculate too quickly, so now I have the perfect timing for satisfying intimacy and no longer being a 'one-minute man.' Additionally, I feel happy, energized, and I don't have the constant urge to cry every day when I'm alone. My previous struggles with relationships, both personal and business, were due to my moody and terrible attitude. I used to ruin potential relationships with incredibly beautiful women because I couldn't maintain my composure. I believe I will continue using Lexapro until I'm ready to have children, as SSRIs can lower sperm count."

• dru...
• December 4, 2009

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I've been using Lexapro for about 12 months for GAD and depression. I wish I had started on it years ago. I walked away from a 10-year marriage 3 months after starting on it, then took off overseas and reunited with the woman I should have married. Side effects were loss of libido at first, but over time this improved. I tried to wean myself off it this year, but after about 1 month, my world started to darken once more. I think I will likely be on it for life, and it has been a lifesaver for me. It does desensitize me to many emotions, but these were damaging emotions to me and others around me. There is hope now."

• Ano...
• December 7, 2011

For Anxiety "46 YO Male 195 lbs with 10 weeks use: Suffered from anxiety and surely some depression due to prolonged anxiety. Started with 10 mg at bedtime. No show-stopping side effects. My side effects were: anorgasmia, tinnitus, constipation, yawning, muscle tension in my neck, lower spine, and stomach area, weak erection (initially), some lethargy, and having to urinate in the night. At 10 mg, anorgasmia was overcome after 14 days, and at 20 mg dose it took ANOTHER 35 days. I feel happier, more patient, less obsessive, and with reduced anxiety. Side effects now are: mild tinnitus, mild muscle tension in stomach and nightly bathroom run. My advice: Be VERY patient and get your brain chemicals stabilized before you worry about the sex. Your body will adapt again. I'll use it for life. Good luck!"

• mee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2023

For Depression "Going to have to stop taking Lexapro. My sex drive is good. But I can't orgasm, even after a week of no sexual stimulation. I normally have 2 orgasms a day. I haven't had an orgasm in 2 weeks now. And I've had sex twice. Couldn't finish inside her even without a condom. I don't even masturbate. My personality is amazing, though. Finally able to get along with people in business and personal life instead of getting angry all the time."

• NoM...
• May 16, 2016

For Depression "I am taking 20 mg, and it has completely taken away my anxiety. I do not like the sexual side effects, but it's much better than getting panic attacks. Highly recommend this drug for anyone who has GAD."

• Flu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 22, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This medication is like magic and has improved my life in so many ways (minus the sexual dysfunction). I used to have anxiety-inducing thoughts and ruminated, now all of those are gone. I feel calm for the first time in years, and I didn't experience terrible side effects except the inability to orgasm and a stomachache the first week. My mood is stable and peaceful. I also feel that I can finally concentrate on work."

• Flu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 22, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This medication is like magic and has improved my life in so many ways (minus the sexual dysfunction). I used to have anxiety-inducing thoughts and ruminated, now all of those are gone. I feel calm for the first time in years, and I didn't experience terrible side effects except the inability to orgasm and a stomachache the first week. My mood is stable and peaceful. I also feel that I can finally concentrate on work."

• Amm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2023

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Taking Cipralex (another brand of escitalopram) 10 mg for 8 days for health anxiety and OCD. So far, quite hard side effects, including increased anxiety, lack of appetite, no sex drive, too much air in the stomach, and going to the toilet to release gas, but no more panic attacks. Intrusive thoughts about health are still coming, but with low intensity. I hope side effects will pass soon and I will get normal days back."

• Spa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 11, 2016

For Anxiety "Lexapro has helped me so much. I am currently on week 6 of a 10 mg dose. 24-year-old male. I felt the effects almost immediately. The first 3 days it gave me extreme ADD. I could not focus on one thing for more than 1 minute. My brain was jumping from thought to thought like never before. After the first week, I suddenly had a moment of clarity and was able to focus better than I ever was before. My anxiety and depression in the morning completely went away. I was able to get out of bed. No more driving anxiety or thoughts of self-harm. All completely went away. The only negative thing that I have found is one side effect. It now takes a very, very long time for me to reach orgasm during sex. Sometimes not at all. No matter how pretty she is."

• chu...
• March 1, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have always been an anxious person with major bouts of anxiety and OCD. But I have always managed to keep it under control - except for a few months ago. I had tried healthy eating, CBT, exercise, yoga, positive affirmations, acupuncture, and more....nothing seemed to work for me. The doctor suggested Lexapro, and I was so, so reluctant as I HATE the idea of antidepressants! And I wasn't even depressed!!!! :( BUT - I started...2.5 mg at first. Then after one week, upped to 5 mg - which I am on now. PROS: Feel a lot better, sleep great, calm, no weight gain CONS: Not much energy, little lack of sex drive. I wanted to come off it first, but PLEASE hang in there!! It actually works! Good luck and wishing you all the happiness that I have on Lexapro xxxx"

• Dou...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 1, 2019

For Depression "I was on Lexapro for several years for depression, the entire time I was on it, I was unable to orgasm. No matter how much or how long I did it for, nothing would happen. I spoke several times to my doctor and her nurse practitioner about the issue, and they just gave me ED medication, which was not the issue at all. Eventually, I asked to be taken off it because that was worse than the depression. Eventually, everything went back to normal."

• Hap...
• October 13, 2022

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Female, 28, dose 20 mg daily for 5 months. I wouldn't say I liked the thought of medication. Before medication, I did therapy for about four years, and it did help me a lot, but I still would be so anxious. My chest would literally be sore for the sheer amount of anxiety I was feeling every day. I could function and do life, but I was suffering. My husband finally convinced me to try medication, and I'm so glad he did. The first several weeks, I felt worse, but slowly I started to feel better. A LOT better, things that used to send me spiraling didn't even phase me. I feel like a totally different person. I constantly run into things I know freaked me out in the past and think to myself, “this must be how other people feel every day.” It's fantastic. Now, for the negatives, it did get rid of my sex drive for the first four months, and I couldn't orgasm either. I also gained about 15 pounds. I'm feeling good enough, so I started going to the gym last week. Give it a shot."

• Hap...
• October 13, 2022

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Female, 28, dose 20 mg daily for 5 months. I wouldn't say I liked the thought of medication. Before medication, I did therapy for about four years, and it did help me a lot, but I still would be so anxious. My chest would literally be sore for the sheer amount of anxiety I was feeling every day. I could function and do life, but I was suffering. My husband finally convinced me to try medication, and I'm so glad he did. The first several weeks, I felt worse, but slowly I started to feel better. A LOT better, things that used to send me spiraling didn't even phase me. I feel like a totally different person. I constantly run into things I know freaked me out in the past and think to myself, “this must be how other people feel every day.” It's fantastic. Now, for the negatives, it did get rid of my sex drive for the first four months, and I couldn't orgasm either. I also gained about 15 pounds. I'm feeling good enough, so I started going to the gym last week. Give it a shot."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 5, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "The only drug that has been effective in treating my anxiety that isn't a benzo (Klonopin, Xanax, etc.) has been Paxil CR, which reaches full efficacy within a week. The problem with the benzos is that it only lasts for a few months before I start going even more nuts than before, and the withdrawal makes me borderline suicidal. I told my primary that I wanted to try something new, and she prescribed Lexapro. After one week on 5 mg, anxiety symptoms are reduced greatly, and I'm willing to try 10 mg to see if they are eliminated completely, but will wait out the full efficacy period before asking. No side effects (huge improvement over Paxil jitters) besides reduced libido (which I'm okay with)."

• Poo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 5, 2019

For Depression "I've been on Lexapro for about 4 months. It is good for my issue, but I have developed another issue, my sex drive has gone down a lot, and my lady sometimes feels like it's her, and it's not. I never used to be that way, but it is not fair to her, I have to get my sex drive back. I mean, the medicine works. I mean, I have become a completely different person for the better. That is, but I may have to change meds."

• Sar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 1, 2022

For Anxiety "For nearly a decade, I was terrified to try any kind of psychiatric medication. I was afraid it would change my personality, turn me into a zombie, make me go crazy, you name it. Three years ago, I finally tried Lexapro for my OCD and anxiety, and it has changed my life so drastically. I should start by saying I also went to therapy, and that helped tremendously, but I went from being someone who was afraid to drink tap water, had terrible agoraphobia, and weekly panic attacks, to being almost entirely anxiety-free. The only side effects I've experienced are slight decrease in sex drive and slight flattening of highs and lows in my mood. I slowly went from 2.5 mg to 5 to 7.5, and now I take 10 mg daily."

• SHM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 20, 2020

For Anxiety "Took this awful med for three months until I could stand it no more. I have regular bouts of anxiety, which I kept at bay for 15 years using Ativan carefully as needed. Unfortunately, after this time, I lost control and had the worst rebound anxiety of my life and had to back out, using Valium. I was put on Lexapro to take its place. After 3 months, I was battling to get out of bed. If I did, it was to the couch. Lost all sex drive and ability. Had no motivation for anything and just laid around all day. Have been off it for a week now, and despite some discomfort with head spins, I feel I have my life back."

• SMP...
• January 29, 2018

For Anxiety "I’ve been suffering from chronic anxiety and regular bouts of deep depression since my mid-teens. I’m 28. I’ve tried everything, including therapy for many years, and was starting to fear I was doomed to feel sad for the rest of my life. I was desperate to see if anything could make me feel better, so I set aside my stubborn anti-medication stance. I am so glad I did. I’ve been on Lexapro for 3 weeks now (still at a tiny 5mg dose) and saw an almost immediate improvement. My emotions have leveled out and my anxiety has toned down. Side effects were: weird kaleidoscopic closed-eye hallucinations when going to sleep, fluttery chest, and increased anxiety in the evening...but only for the first few nights. Still experiencing a bit of sleeplessness. I also found my ability to orgasm disappeared for the first 2.5 weeks (to my horror), and I was considering stopping because of that, but lo and behold, it came back-so if anyone else experiences that, I encourage you to hang in there a few weeks!"

• Jan...
• January 15, 2018

For Depression "For 8 years, I had depression, which I did not realize I had. Tired after waking up, low motivation, lazy, crying for nothing, stressed easily, gained weight, low libido, insomnia, no social contacts, etc. Until I asked for help from a doctor. I started with 10 mg for 1.5 months and, from today, 15 mg. I am very happy now as I see huge improvement - tiredness is gone, I cannot cry actually anymore (just cannot), I enjoy cleaning and organizing my home, playing with children, I am patient with children's mistakes and loudness now again, motivated to improve life, social contacts are a pleasure. The first 3 weeks were awful - felt sick, panic, depression, worthlessness, insomnia, but now after 1.5 months, I feel back in my skin! Happy. Libido is back again."