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

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

Escitalopram 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."

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

Escitalopram 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."

• Anonymous
• March 20, 2008

Escitalopram 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."

• Kha...
• October 6, 2015

Escitalopram 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!"

• T4a...
• December 5, 2016

Escitalopram 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."

• Jam...
• May 3, 2015

Escitalopram 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

Escitalopram 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

Escitalopram 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

Escitalopram 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'."

• Ann...
• September 20, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Lexapro changed my life. I have had IBS since I was a teenager. It caused me great anxiety and fear of going anywhere because I just knew I was going to need a bathroom urgently. When I turned 40, it got so bad I could not make it to work without having a horrible stomachache, which would cause me to panic and have an anxiety attack. Within a week of taking 5mg Lexapro a day, I was a new person. I feel more like myself on it than off it. I have been on it for 4 years. I tried to go off it once, and the diarrhea returned. The side effects for me were low libido, a little weight gain, less irritable but anger more severe, tired after taking, which coffee cures. The side effects decreased over time. Overall, the benefits far outweigh the side effects."

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

Escitalopram 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."

• hon...
• September 8, 2016

Escitalopram 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

Escitalopram 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!"

• mC1...
• March 22, 2015

Escitalopram 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."

• Nan...
• September 25, 2019

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I developed a chemical imbalance 6 years ago, producing anxiety, depression, and OCD. I experienced horrible intrusive thoughts, insomnia, and fear. I was prescribed Lexapro. After 2 weeks, I noticed significant relief. However, I began to gain weight, experience sexual side effects, and hair loss. Yet, the intrusive thoughts faded along with the anxiety and depression, making it a worthwhile trade-off. Due to weight gain, I switched to Zoloft. Gradually, I tapered off the Zoloft, but my symptoms returned. I tried using vitamins and amino acids (result of Y-tube and online research...beware) to no avail. I began taking Zoloft again, but experienced terrible side effects, increased anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, and panic. I kept reading, 'it gets worse before it gets better.' But after weeks of pure torture, I switched back to Lexapro. After one week, my anxiety level decreased. I have now been on Lexapro for 4 weeks and noticed increased improvement each week."

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

Escitalopram 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."

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

Escitalopram 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."

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

Escitalopram 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."

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

Escitalopram 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."

• Nic...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 10, 2024

For Depression "It was very slow to act, 3-4 weeks, and equally subtle. However, the overall effect was very positive. It allows one time to deal with issues rationally instead of being overwhelmed by problems. It was especially effective at dealing with panic attacks. The only side effect was a reduced sex drive, which, however, at 64 is less of an issue."

• Cor...
• June 25, 2017

Escitalopram 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."

• Cam...
• July 2, 2009

Escitalopram 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."

• lov...
• September 17, 2015

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I was prescribed 10 mg of Escitalopram for anxiety/depression and took half a pill for a week to get started. I have had IBS my whole life (diarrhea right after eating or several times a night/day), which morphed into severe gas and bloating with the onset of my depression and anxiety due to work-related stress. I felt great after 2 weeks, very zen and not irritable or unhappy, and unexpectedly, my IBS symptoms also improved significantly (though bloating never fully went away). I was told it could make your stomach upset, which worried me, but I had no symptoms except very low libido. Due to the low libido, I decided to stop taking it, but within 1-2 weeks of stopping, the IBS bloating is back."

• cyn...
• December 30, 2019

Escitalopram 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."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 1, 2020

For Depression "I am a 28-year-old woman. I have suffered depression with suicidal tendencies since I was 15 years old. I tried multiple medications, and some worked okay, but it wasn’t until I was 26 that I began to experience a panic disorder. I would have debilitating panic attacks that were making me think I was losing my mind. I went to the doctors, and they put me on Lexapro, it has been the best medication by far! Depression is nonexistent, I have not had one single panic attack in nearly 2 years. This is just my experience, but I hope that for someone potentially going through something similar to what I have, might read this and really give it a go. The only side effect that I get is a really low libido. But compared to suicidal depression and debilitating anxiety, a low sex drive is worth it."