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

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

Escitalopram 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."

• 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."

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

Escitalopram 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

Escitalopram 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."

• Pan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 22, 2020

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Almost a year on Lexapro, and it worked to improve my OCD like 70% or more. But the side effects from Lexapro were weight gain and loss of sexual drive. My dose that I am taking is 20 mg. My psychiatrist said that at a year, he will lower the dosage. I hope the symptoms don't come back again! Overall, it is a great drug, the only downside is the side effects that I mentioned. By the way, medication must come hand in hand with therapy!"

• t-j...
• April 24, 2015

Escitalopram 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

Escitalopram 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

Escitalopram 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."

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

Escitalopram 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."

• Hon...
• September 2, 2018

For Anxiety "I've been taking this for more than 2 years now while taking lamotrigine as well. I went up from 10 mg, 15, 20, and finally 25 mg. The higher I went, the worse my sex drive got. If you find your perfect number, stay there! Never stop taking it without talking to your doctor. They really mean that when they say it on labels. This medication helped me a lot and changed my life for the better. My anxiety was so bad that my face would freeze up, and my heart would feel like it would jump out of my chest when I used to randomly have an attack. Caffeine and sugar made my anxiety worse, by the way. So avoid that no matter what. The only issue I have, to be honest, is just libido. Other than that, this medicine would be a 10/10 for me. Once again, everyone's brain chemicals are different and will react differently. When you first take it, be patient with it, and it will soon work its wonders. Don't be ashamed! Ever! Good luck, God bless, and remember you're not the only one going through this."

• Anonymous
• November 24, 2008

Escitalopram 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."

• Gib...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 4, 2024

For Anxiety "This was the first and only medication I have been prescribed for my anxiety. So far, the benefits have outweighed the risks. I did have some decreased ejaculation and lack of libido to start. Those symptoms lasted about a month or so and then faded. They have remained minimal despite being on the highest dose. This medication has really helped with my anxiety."

• lyd...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 13, 2025

For Anxiety "I am on escitalopram 7 months now, and I would say I am satisfied. First days were a bit rough since I had stomachache and sometimes diarrhea. The good thing is that my psychiatrist had informed me about everything, and after 5 days everything was normal. The drug needs around two months to settle in our body. I would say I started feeling the difference after 2 and a half months. My thoughts are clearer and I can be more focused on tasks. Anxiety is at normal levels. I would recommend it since my only problem with it is my libido drop. It's not that bad, but I can tell the difference. PS: It's important to visit a psychiatrist, don't try or start a treatment by yourself or because someone has tried it. The first step is the psychologist and then the psychiatrist."

• bob...
• March 14, 2015

Escitalopram 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

Escitalopram 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

Escitalopram 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

Escitalopram 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."

• Pre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2019

For Borderline Personality Disorder "Been taking 10 mg for 3 months now, after 5 yrs on St. John's Wort. Escitalopram has been incredibly effective - from the 3rd day, I felt calmer and mentally quieter. Side effects were rough for around 3 weeks but have all resolved. Included serious fatigue and daytime sleepiness, disrupted sleep, generally feeling fluey & spacey. Some night sweats (minor) and difficulty with orgasm. No nausea. The thing I've noticed most is an almost complete absence of irritability. Just gone. And as a bonus, the perimenopausal PMT has also gone (I'm 49). At this point, I sleep well nearly every night, and that's after 10 years of serious sleep maintenance insomnia. Slower start to the day, and in general, I do less - I've realized how much of my activity was driven by anxiety. Around 2 kg weight gain in the first weeks with no change since. I've been formally diagnosed with BPD but have had two psychologists since say they think it's a misdiagnosis, so might be anxiety disorder/depression being treated."

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

Escitalopram 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

Escitalopram 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."

• bac...
• August 21, 2018

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Lexapro saved my life. I started having OCD symptoms as a child, however, I never recognized them. Things got really bad just before I turned 30. I became so trapped in anxiety related to my OCD that I considered suicide might be my only way out of living in so much dread, fear, and panic all of the time. I went to a psychiatrist who immediately put me on Lexapro. I didn't see much improvement in the first two weeks, but slowly my symptoms started to have less of an edge. I did have some slight nausea and slept a lot during those first two weeks. I have now been on 20-30 mg Lexapro for the past year and a half. When I went up to 30 mg, my symptoms decreased even more, however, I felt slightly deflated all the time. I went back down to 20 mg with my psychiatrist's blessing and feel great. My symptoms are not entirely gone but are very manageable. I am back to living my life! My libido is pretty much gone, but I just started on Wellbutrin to alleviate that."

• Ano...
• December 7, 2011

Escitalopram 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

Escitalopram 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

Escitalopram 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

Escitalopram 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."