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

• Jac...
• August 26, 2015

For Anxiety "So basically, since I was around 20 (I'm 36 now), I've suffered from general anxiety and horrible panic attacks, really bad hypochondria. I've gone to the hospital thinking I was dying of everything. I graduated from an Ivy League college and suffered the entire time. Finally, I decided to bite the bullet and try Lexapro (brand name, not generic). I started at 10 mg and had a week of terrible side effects including: depression, couldn't cry, weird feelings hard to describe, insomnia, increased anxiety, fatigue, and an all-around shaky feeling. I couldn't deal with it, so I started to cut the pills in half to 5 mg, side effects went away, except I have increased libido (it gets annoying). No panic attacks. Still have anxiety a little tiny bit."

• Ueh...
• December 15, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was having a terrible time with anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia. It took 3-4 months to fully kick in, but I'm back to my normal self. I tried tapering off once I felt better, which went well for a couple of months, then my issues started to return. I went back on 10 mg, and I'll stay here for another year to try to slowly taper off. I don't mind being on this drug. The only downside is that my sex drive is noticeably decreased."

• sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 14, 2019

For Anxiety "I am a 62-year-old male and have been taking 10 mg of Lexapro for 7 weeks and have been experiencing a myriad of side effects. I have had mild headaches, teeth aches, gas that could launch a small rocket, heartburn, loss of libido, inability to ejaculate, and extremely sleepy shortly after taking it. I have gained about 10 lbs in 7 weeks due to eating everything in sight. While my family says my mood has improved, I personally do not see or feel enough of an improvement to put up with all these side effects."

• 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."

• Pam...
• November 16, 2015

For Depression "I've tried almost every antidepressant. I read the reviews on Lexapro and was prepared for a rough introductory period. I was pleasantly surprised that I felt better than ever... not suicidal, no general anxiety issues, I even felt like I could stand up for myself and not be a doormat. But after the first 6 weeks, I started feeling numb in my heart (you know, no true emotions) and became a cold, mean person. Not to mention the sexual side effects, making it even harder on my marriage. I've backed off of it now to try yet another pill, so I'm suicidal and severely anxious and depressed again, but I haven't felt any other emotions yet."

• Bs1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 23, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Horrible drug in my experience. I started this Lexapro for GAD. Dr. started me on 10 mg, I took it for 2 weeks and had shivers, sweating, no sex drive, insomnia, dry mouth, headaches, blurry vision, night terrors, dysphoria, 12-hour panic attacks, and suicidal thoughts. Returned to the doctor, and they said because it had only been 2 weeks at 10 mg, I could stop cold turkey and should be okay because the drug needs longer than that to really build up in the system. I’m on day 2 without taking it, and although I don’t feel great yet, I do feel much better. I can live with my anxiety, but I absolutely cannot live with those side effects! I urge anyone thinking of starting this drug to think long and hard about it before starting!!"

• Anonymous
• January 4, 2012

For Anxiety "I was prescribed 10 mg a day for anxiety/panic attacks. I'd never taken any sort of SSRI before. I took one pill and it scared me, I threw up several hours later and had the worst panic attack of my life. But I don't know if that was me or the pill. So, two weeks later, I chopped it in half and have taken 5 mg every day for the past 6 months. It has completely turned down the volume of anxiety and paranoia. I may never be able to go off of it. I have not had weight gain, anorgasmia, or decreased sex drive. I love it. I can live my life, it has taken that fog surrounding everything away. If you are super sensitive to medications like me, I encourage you to start with the lowest dose possible."

• Anonymous
• January 4, 2012

For Anxiety "I was prescribed 10 mg a day for anxiety/panic attacks. I'd never taken any sort of SSRI before. I took one pill and it scared me, I threw up several hours later and had the worst panic attack of my life. But I don't know if that was me or the pill. So, two weeks later, I chopped it in half and have taken 5 mg every day for the past 6 months. It has completely turned down the volume of anxiety and paranoia. I may never be able to go off of it. I have not had weight gain, anorgasmia, or decreased sex drive. I love it. I can live my life, it has taken that fog surrounding everything away. If you are super sensitive to medications like me, I encourage you to start with the lowest dose possible."

• Fac...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 4, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been taking this medication for nine years. When I began taking it, I was suffering from severe generalized anxiety disorder. Once the medication kicked in and I got the full benefits, I found myself able to travel, I actually learned to fly an airplane. I found my anger and stress levels dropped dramatically. I did also note that I gained weight and my libido dropped a bit, and my ejaculation was delayed. However, none of the side effects was as troubling to me as the original generalized anxiety disorder. Now, nine years later, I find that the effects of the medication are somewhat reduced with regard to my ability to tolerate other people's behavior, etc. My patience is somewhat shorter, however, my anxiety levels remain mostly reduced, and I am continuing to travel, to fly, and to live my life. I have noticed that among the generics, the Mylan brand was the most effective. Unfortunately, Mylan discontinued distributing this drug on December 28, 2018."

• Car...
• February 20, 2016

For Depression "I paid $250 for the brand name after having tried the generic 3 months ago with horrible results. Started at 5 mg; immediate increase in anxiety. Bad dreams, insomnia, diarrhea. Doctor said to go up to 10 mg after one week; could not focus, could not eat, intense agitation, uncontrollable crying, crazy thoughts. Anxiety hit the roof - couldn't leave the house. Saw a psychologist; next a psychiatrist - immediately stopped the Lexapro and within 24 hours felt 90% better. This drug is not for all. Sexual side effects and weight gain are high for most. Do your homework."

• Bet...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 22, 2014

For Major Depressive Disorder "Was on Lexapro for over 5 years for depression. I could definitely notice a difference for the better. Was no longer suicidal and could work and function on a daily basis again. But still think I could have been happier than I was. The only side effect was loss of libido."

• Lit...
• February 1, 2010

For Depression "I have been taking Lexapro for more than four years at 10 mg-20 mg. It has been great at reducing mood swings, anxiety, and sadness. I have not noticed reduced effectiveness, however, my doc did move me up to 20 mg because I was still experiencing PMS mood swings and irritability. I also have mild to severe depression. There are only three side effects I have experienced, and that is reduced libido, yawning, and anorgasmia, which I feel I can handle as long as I'm happy and positive. I had tried Zoloft before, and it didn't make me happier, it just made me jittery and jumpy all the time, and I couldn't relax. So, Lexapro has definitely been the answer for me."

• Lit...
• February 1, 2010

For Depression "I have been taking Lexapro for more than four years at 10 mg-20 mg. It has been great at reducing mood swings, anxiety, and sadness. I have not noticed reduced effectiveness, however, my doc did move me up to 20 mg because I was still experiencing PMS mood swings and irritability. I also have mild to severe depression. There are only three side effects I have experienced, and that is reduced libido, yawning, and anorgasmia, which I feel I can handle as long as I'm happy and positive. I had tried Zoloft before, and it didn't make me happier, it just made me jittery and jumpy all the time, and I couldn't relax. So, Lexapro has definitely been the answer for me."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2023

For Depression "Helped my skin picking and compulsive anxious thoughts, but I just feel numb. Hard to feel depressed when you can't really feel anything. I am currently taking 5 mg. Even on 2.5 mg, I couldn't orgasm or enjoy music or creative things that used to bring me joy, even when I was depressed. My mood does feel more 'stable,' but at what cost? I feel like a robot. I do have some cool dreams, though."

• Anonymous
• January 9, 2013

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I am 28 years old, 6'2", 225-pound male, and in the past, I never had anxiety issues. I'd say in the past 5 years, I noticed that I started to dislike any social situations. I talked to my doctor about it, and he first prescribed me Celexa 10 mg, and I noticed it helped a little the first month. Then I asked to have the medication upped to 20 mg. After 3 months, I noticed I had NO sex drive at all, and it was difficult to achieve an orgasm. I immediately made another doctor's appointment and informed him of this, and he switched me to Lexapro 10 mg, and I felt amazing off it! My sex drive was back, and no problem achieving the big 'O'!"

• Cf1...
• October 14, 2015

For Anxiety "This medicine absolutely almost ruined my life, to the point I was going to lose everything. It made me nauseous, tired, loss of sex drive, made me want to drink 24/7, all because I didn't care anymore! I lost 2 jobs because I had no desire to function basically. I have been off it for 2 weeks now, and the side effects from coming off this medication are not bad at all. I feel happy again, a little anxiety, but omg I'll deal with it the natural way... exercise or just enjoy my family again."

• los...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 23, 2016

For Anxiety "23/F. I was diagnosed with GAD a few months ago and started on generic Lexapro, first 5 mg/day, then up to 10 mg/day. It took a few weeks to take effect, but it was incredible at counteracting the anxiety. My self-confidence increased and panic attacks went away completely. The reason I give it a 6/10 and the reason I came off it, however, is because of the sexual side effects. It took away my ability to orgasm, which was extremely frustrating for me. I'm working with my doctor to find a different med to treat my anxiety without the sexual side effects of SSRIs."

• 3...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 11, 2022

For Anxiety "I feel like I finally started living when I started on this drug. Before, I was in agony every day from anxiety and from my late teens to my late 40s. I tried the drug when I knew I could not go on any longer. It literally saved my life. I feel like I have been reset back to my late teens - weird feeling. I rarely have any significant anxiety now. I have no desire to ever go off this drug. My side effects are sleepiness and some minimal sexual issues, ED (Cialis helps)."

• KHM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 11, 2019

For Anxiety "Saw GP because of now and again mild anxiety and mild depression. Started with 10 mg for week 1, then upped to 20 mg (appears dose is far too high far too quick for an extremely mild case of anxiety and depression). GP stated only side effect to worry about was decreased libido. 6 weeks later, my partner of 6 years kicked me out of our home and terminated our relationship - I had become increasingly aggressive and volatile. I am also a diabetic with glaucoma problems in my eyes, and I am pedantic about my eye health and keeping both eye pressures stable - they have been for the last 5 years. Once I read about the bad side effects, I immediately had my pressures checked - both eyes had skyrocketed to dangerous levels. Have slowly weaned off these pills over a period of 8 weeks, with my eye pressures slowly returning back to acceptable levels and have been free of this horrendous chemical for 3 weeks now."

• j0r...
• October 25, 2017

For Anxiety "Lexapro pretty much saved my life at one point. I’ve had anxiety/depression all my life, but a few years ago, I was at a low point. I wasn’t getting out of bed and felt like I had no reason to even get up in the morning. One day, I decided it was time to live again, and I saw a psychiatrist. He prescribed me 10 mg of Lexapro, which I was advised to take half of for the first two weeks. As most people have mentioned, the first few weeks are for sure not a good time. If you were already dealing with bad depression, I would advise that you stay close to good people for the first couple of weeks. I promise you, though, it gets better if you wait it out. Major sexual side effects (as in no sex drive whatsoever), but if you have bad anxiety, it’s worth it."

• j0r...
• October 25, 2017

For Anxiety "Lexapro pretty much saved my life at one point. I’ve had anxiety/depression all my life, but a few years ago, I was at a low point. I wasn’t getting out of bed and felt like I had no reason to even get up in the morning. One day, I decided it was time to live again, and I saw a psychiatrist. He prescribed me 10 mg of Lexapro, which I was advised to take half of for the first two weeks. As most people have mentioned, the first few weeks are for sure not a good time. If you were already dealing with bad depression, I would advise that you stay close to good people for the first couple of weeks. I promise you, though, it gets better if you wait it out. Major sexual side effects (as in no sex drive whatsoever), but if you have bad anxiety, it’s worth it."

• Anonymous
• November 5, 2009

For Depression "I recently stopped taking Lexapro. It was giving me what they call 'stinking thinking.' At first, it worked well for my anxiety and depression, then I started having these symptoms that felt like a panic attack, as well as severe negativity in my thought process, not to mention zero sex drive. I feel much better since stopping the medicine. I'm a nurse, and it would make me so slow in my thought process. I was constantly wondering if I was actually helping or hurting my patients."

• hjj...
• September 25, 2013

For Depression "I was prescribed 10 mg once a day for depression and anxiety. After 3 months, I did notice a change in my mood. I would say it took about 3 weeks for me to notice a difference. I wasn't as anxious, fewer panic attacks, and I wasn't as 'down in the dumps.' However, for me, the side effects nullified the good. My sex drive decreased a good bit, which caused problems in my relationship. I also experienced increased headaches, brain 'zaps,' and I was ALWAYS tired. I would yawn all day long, LITERALLY. Being a full-time college student, this was not good. I was too tired to enjoy life. All I wanted to do was sleep. I am now on Prozac."

• Amo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 14, 2021

For Anxiety "I’ve been on Lexapro for 6 weeks, and it has helped me so much. I have suffered with anxiety and depression since I was 9 years old - I just turned 24 two weeks ago. Through college, I struggled so much with my anxiety and depression. After watching family members and friends take antidepressants over the years, I was afraid to start medication. When COVID started in 2020, I began having chronic nightmares of being chased or murdered. I finally decided to seek help from my doctor. Lexapro has completely calmed my anxiety during the daytime and nightmares. I no longer feel depressive or suicidal thoughts. The negative side effects I’ve experienced so far are loss of libido. However, after a porn addiction for a decade, the loss of libido isn’t bad. I no longer rely on porn to orgasm and focus on my boyfriend instead."

• chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2015

For Depression "I felt better during the day after about a week, but the side effects have been unpleasant. Mainly, the lack of sleep. Since the first day I started, I couldn't get a good quality night's sleep. Only 2 weeks in, and I'm already feeling how I did before. Did the depression and anxiety go away? Yeah, for a short time. But it just gives me this fake happiness that I can't really describe. It's like a lot of the sadness goes away, but so do many other good feelings. I may be because of the lack of sleep/appetite/sex drive, but all in all, it hasn't really helped me."